Here's What You Need to Use Credit Card Lounge Access

Getting access to airport lounges is one of my favorite credit card perks. But I often see confused cardholders on social media -- or, worse, in line at the lounge -- who weren't granted access because they failed to provide the necessary items.

Part of this confusion stems from the fact many lounges have different rules and requirements. Some require a specific membership card, while others require your credit card. Because of these diverse rules, it's a good idea to do a little research ahead of time so you know what to bring. Here are some general tips.

You always need a same-day boarding pass

No matter which lounge you enter, you need a same-day boarding pass. Some lounges require it to be for a specific airline or airline group, while others don't care. But either way, you need a boarding pass -- and so do all of your guests.

This goes double for lounges that are past security -- and the vast majority of airline lounges are, as you can't get through the TSA checkpoint without a boarding pass.

And yes, the same day part is important. People have been turned away from lounges for having tickets for flights after midnight, as it isn't the "same" day they're trying to get access. So keep this in mind.

If you have Priority Pass

Many travel rewards cards come with Priority Pass membership. However, this membership isn't automatic. You typically need to enroll in the membership after you activate your new credit card. 

Soon after you enroll, you'll be sent a Priority Pass membership card. Keep this card safe, and make sure you pack it when you travel. It's this membership card -- not your credit card -- that you need to present at the desk to get admitted into an eligible airport lounge.

If you have a Platinum card

Folks who have The Platinum Card® from American Express get Priority Pass membership, and for those lounges, the above rules apply. (Terms apply.) But if you're accessing a non-Priority Pass lounge through the Amex Global Lounge program, the rules change.

In particular, any lounges you access via your Amex card will require you to actually have that card with you when you check into the lounge. On the plus side, if you designate an authorized user (there is an extra fee of $175 for the first three AUs), those users can also use their cards to gain access to the lounges. (Terms apply; see rates and fees.)

Some of the lounges you can access with your card will also require you to be flying that specific airline. Delta lounges, in particular, are strict about requiring that you have a same-day boarding pass for a Delta or Delta-operated flight if you want to visit a Delta lounge with your Amex card.

For Capital One lounges

For a long time, American Express was the only card company with its own lounges. Not so long ago, however, Capital One decided to join in. While it only has a single open lounge, there are several more in the works. 

Similar to getting access to lounges with an Amex card, you'll need your eligible Capital One credit card to gain access to its branded lounges. That means having one of these cards:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders get unlimited access, plus two guests per visit.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Cardholders get two complimentary lounge passes per year.
• Capital One Spark 2X Miles: Cardholders get two complimentary lounge passes per year.

It's worth mentioning that Chase is also opening its own branded lounges, but those lounges currently fall under the Priority Pass umbrella, so those rules apply.

A few hoops, but well worth it

Although the confusing rules and extra hoops can make lounge access seem like a hassle, it's often well worth the bit of bother to gain access. If nothing else, the food is usually as good -- though often much better -- than the overpriced fare you'll find in the rest of the airport.

Plus, there's a lot to be said for the creature comforts a lounge can provide. Most modern lounges have ample charging plugs, tons of comfortable seating, and can have a quieter, less crowded atmosphere than the area in front of your gate. (Alright, to be honest, that last bit isn't guaranteed, but even a crowded lounge can be better than a crowded gate.)

Even if you just pop in for a bite then head out to explore the airport, lounge access is still a great perk for any cardholder. So make sure you can use that perk by being prepared with the right cards.