Airline Club Memberships

Airlines in North America differ from their European and Global counterparts (with notable exceptions such as Qantas) when it comes to their philosophies on lounge access. Rather than having a lounge that is accessed based on the cabin flown, or elite status held, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and United offer their passengers the ability to purchase a Club membership. These annual plans generally allow access to all the lounges if you’re willing to pay, and don’t have a qualifying ticket, so let’s have a look at the options.

Air Canada – Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada is perhaps the most “generous” in giving lounge access to its fliers. The Maple Leaf Lounge can be accessed by anyone with an Air Canada or Star Alliance Business Class ticket, including domestic travel. Elite 35K and higher members of the Altitude programme.
If your travel patterns aren’t enough to get you this status, or if your travel is primarily in Economy Class, Air Canada gives you three options for membership: Canada, North America Plus and World Wide. Starting at CA$375, the Canada membership gives you access to the 16 lounges in Canada if you’re flying on any same-day Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. North America Plus adds all United Club locations in the US, plus Air Canada’s own lounges in Europe. The World Wide membership gives access to any Star Alliance lounge. An added benefit to membership is Business Class check-in for members.

Certain American Express Cardholders also receive lounge access. It’s worth checking your credit card benefits for details.

American Airlines – Admirals Club

Starting at US$99 for 30 days, an Admirals Club membership gives you access to all the American Airlines lounges plus 30 Partner Lounges by Qantas and Alaskan Airlines. To access the Admirals Club locations, you don’t need to be flying American Airlines or a oneworld airline. If you’d like to try the Admirals Club on your next trip, a one-day pass can be purchased at any club location for US$50.
American Airlines Citi Aadvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders receive complimentary membership.

Delta – SkyClub

Delta don’t offer any short-term or trial memberships to their clubs, however you can expect to pay US$59 for a single-visit pass. Unlike American Airlines’ One-Day pass, this (more expensive) option only allows you entry to the club in which you purchased the pass, not all clubs on your day of travel. Starting at US$450 for a one-year membership, travellers can access any Delta SkyClub regardless of the alirline they are flying. This Individual membership allows the opportunity to pay US$29 each for up to two guests accompanying the member. Top Tier Skymiles Diamond Medallion members receive complimentary individual membership.

United – United Club

Also offering a one-time option for US$59, United Clubs follow Delta in their rules for admittance. With memberships starting at $550 for one year, members gain access to any united Club when flying on any airline and additionally access to any Star Alliance lounge when flying United or any Star Alliance carrier. Arguably the most bang for your buck if you fly star alliance often.