Surprise – Each kid spent $30 to visit the airport lounge, which was the best money I could spend
Once upon a time, it was very common that if you had an airport lounge membership that would allow you to enter, it would expand to immediate family when you travel with you. Unfortunately, time has changed.
Over the past few years, this is largely due to increased demand and limited lounge space, we have seen plans to limit lounge access.
Now, friends, partners and even kids under the age of 18 must stay outside the lounge door unless you spend enough time a year reaching a higher level in the lounge ecosystem or paying guest admission fees.
This is the first time I have paid the guest entrance fee. Buying a lounge for the kids is $60 I can spend throughout my trip.
That’s why it’s worth it – just in case you’re in a similar situation and you’ll usually choose to skip the lounge while your family is with you.
Unexpected airport delay
The lounge access was nice, but it wasn’t so important to us that I usually spend more time taking me on a trip if they can’t access it.
I would never guess I would spend more money to hang out in the domestic airport lounge.
We have just been on a short cruise from Miami, which means early awakening and defense to begin the Trek Home in Texas. The flight schedule is not really so even if everything is OK we will stay at the airport for a few hours, even if everything is OK. But perfection wasn’t on the agenda that day.
Instead, there were a few hours at the airport that morning that turned into nine hours when our flight was delayed…delayed…and again.
Reward your inbox with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
Miami International Airport (MIA) is not known for being the best airport in the country. At least, in the terminal we entered, there aren’t many sockets on the gate to power your equipment, the door’s seat is far from comfortable enough, there is an uninterrupted sound, and other passengers are also facing delays lying on the floor of the entire gate.
In the first few hours of the day, we joined them in their ideal situation.
But once we were within three hours of our scheduled flight, which was the first you could enter, we went to the American Express Centurion Lounge and did something I never really thought about: I spent $30 on every kid to go to the lounge with me.
If you are not familiar with those American Express Platinum Card® and American Express Business Platinum Card® During the calendar year, $75,000 or more is spent on eligible purchases on the card, and up to two free guests can be obtained.
Otherwise, the fee is USD 50 per guest aged 18 and older, while the rate is USD 30 for guests under 18 (free access for guests under 2 years old).
Related: Cheapest Cards for Access to Airport Lounge
From chaos to comfort
My two kids spent $60 to relax in the lounge, which sounded like something I wouldn’t do until I did. This is what we get:
- There was a comfortable place to sit on the sofa with our own sockets for five hours (this was all worth it to me given the duration)
- Nice bathroom
- Get unlimited snacks and drinks
- Lounge buffet dinner
Considering that we spent about $55 on airport lunch within a few hours before entering the lounge, we saved math in the math over the five hours we spent there. Given the price of lunch, airport dinner alone might cost us more than $60.
As we left the lounge and headed to the gate, we again faced with having to work hard to find some space on the ground to sit together as the entire area of the chairs and floor space was filled with equally exhausted and unpleasant people who also spent the whole day of flight.
Related: How to choose an airport lounge to access credit card
Mia’s Secret Location
If you happen to be in a similar situation at the American Express Centurion Lounge at Miami Airport, especially if you can check if you find seats in the rest of the lounge.
As you enter the lounge (check in), turn left immediately and walk down the corridor, even if the rest of the lounge is very full, you may find empty sofas and tables.
Bottom line
If you think like me, that’s the guest fees for your kids, you can choose to go to the lounge at the airport with you because of things you don’t actually need to think about, I’ve heard.
But remember it as an option, especially during long delays, when things that are usually not worth it suddenly turn into the best money you spend on your holiday.
For rates and fees for Amex Platinum cards, click here.
For rates and fees for Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
