Kristen
On a recent trip with my daughter, I found myself scrambling to remember which card would get a guest into the airport lounge with me at no extra charge. It was a quick layover — just enough time for a quick snack before heading to the gate — and paying a guest fee wasn’t even on the table.
That moment inspired this guide. Whether you’re traveling with family, a friend, or a colleague, knowing your guest policy before you get to the airport lounge door can save you an awkward moment (and a few dollars).
Use the quick reference table below to see exactly what each card allows before you get to the lounge door. Bookmark this page for easy reference the next time you want to bring someone along. This table is accurate as of April 2026.
| Issuer | Card Name | Lounge Type | Guests Included | Additional Guest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express | Amex Platinum Card (Personal and Business) | Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass Select, Plaza Premium | Varies by lounge | Varies by lounge |
| American Express | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex | Priority Pass Select | 2 guests | Varies by lounge |
| American Express | Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex | Delta Sky Club (15 visits/year until $75k spend, unlimited after), Centurion Lounge same-day Delta flight | 4 guest passes per year | $50 per additional guest (max 2) |
| American Express | Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex | Delta Sky Club (15 visits/year until $75k spend, unlimited after), Centurion Lounge same-day Delta flight | 4 guest passes per year | $50 per additional guest (max 2) |
| Bank of America | Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite | 8 Alaska Lounge passes per year (2 per quarter) | Immediate family or 2 guests | $65 per additional guest |
| BILT | BILT Palladium | Priority Pass Select | Authorized Users + 2 guests | $35 per additional guest |
| Capital One | Capital One Venture X (Personal and Business) | Capital One Lounge, Capital One Landing, Priority Pass | No guests without fee. $75k+ spend: 2 guests to Lounges or 1 to Landings | Auth users (18+): $125/year. $45/guest (18+) or |
| Chase | Chase Sapphire Reserve (Personal and Business) | Chase Sapphire Lounge Network, Priority Pass Select, Air Canada Lounges (Star Alliance) | Sapphire Lounge: 2 guests, Priority Pass: 2 guests, Air Canada: 1 guest | Sapphire: $27/guest, |
| Chase | The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card | Priority Pass Select, Sapphire Reserve Lounges | 2 guests | $37 per additional guest |
| Chase | United Club Business Card | United Club, Star Alliance Lounges, United Club Fly | Individual: no guests, Club Member: 1 guest + dependents under 18, All Access: 2 adults or 1 adult + dependents under 18 | $59 per additional guest |
| Chase | United MileagePlus Club Card | United Club, Star Alliance Lounges, United Club Fly | Individual: no guests, Club Member: 1 guest + dependents under 18, All Access: 2 adults or 1 adult + dependents under 18 | $59 per additional guest |
| Citi | Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard | Admirals Club Lounges | Immediate family or 2 guests or Authorized Users (w/ Primary Cardholder) | $79 or 7900 AAdvantage miles |
| Citi | Citi Strata Premier | Priority Pass Select | 2 guests | $35 per additional guest |
My Favorite Cards for Lounge Access
My two favorite cards for lounge access right now are the Bilt Palladium and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business — both allow me to bring in two guests per visit, which is essential for my family of five. As a bit of a nervous flier, I genuinely appreciate having a quieter, less hectic space to start the trip. The complimentary glass of wine doesn’t hurt either! My teens love being able to grab snacks or even a full meal before boarding, just in case the in-flight options don’t appeal to them.
A Few Things to Know About Priority Pass
One important thing to keep in mind: Priority Pass lounges are not always accessible to cardholders. Airline-branded lounges — like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Dulles — are typically reserved for Business and First Class passengers, regardless of your card. We have never been able to access that one unless we were actually flying in Business Class. While you can reserve a spot in advance through the app, blackout periods still apply. Managing expectations here is key.
The good news is that at larger airports you will almost always have multiple lounge options to choose from. At Dulles we once waited about 20 minutes to enter the Chase Sapphire Lounge — but it was absolutely worth it. We all enjoyed a fantastic burger before boarding, and the tabletop portable chargers were a game changer for making sure everyone boarded at 100% battery.
Is Lounge Access Worth It?
Absolutely — and I believe every traveler should have at least one card in their wallet that provides lounge access. If you typically travel solo, the Capital One Venture X is a fantastic option. But if you frequently travel with friends or family, prioritize cards that offer free guest access. That single feature can make a significant difference in both cost and experience.
