Reasons to Lounge

1.) Lounges Aren't Just for the Rich and Famous Anymore

These days you don't need to be flying first class to be granted entry to a posh lounge. You can purchase an annual membership starting from an affordable $150 to a spendier $500. Or, if commitment isn't your thing, a day pass is a great way to gain access to a lounge at a reasonable price. We like the Delta Sky Club—$50 buys you entrance to any of their trendy lounges, regardless of what airline you're flying. Also, it's worth knowing that you don't always have to pay for access to a lounge. For example, if you're flying Jet Blue into JFK, you can check out their super chic lounge in Terminal 5. You can also get yourself a one-year membership with Priority Pass, which gives you access to more than 600 lounges in 300 cities.

2.) You Can Keep Working (If You Want To)

According to See Jane Fly CEO, Erica Dublin, checking into a first class lounge is the absolute best way to keep plugging away while on the road. A good lounge will grant you access to meeting rooms, office stations and Wi-Fi—everything you need to create a working environment. It's also worthwhile to get lounge access for your employees when they're traveling—it will keep their productivity up with the added bonus of making them feel like rock stars. Totally worth the fifty bucks.

3.) You'll Arrive Feeling Fresh as a Daisy

There's nothing like 5 hours on a cramped plane to make you feel sweaty, sticky and oh-so-gross. But bank time in a lounge before or after, and you'll leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. Showers and luxurious bathrooms are commonplace, meaning you don't have to fight for mirror time in cramped restrooms out in the terminal. Gyms and private areas to squeeze in some yoga time can also be found in many lounges, allowing you to stay on your fitness track while on the go. Of course, if your idea of an instant refresher is found at the bar instead of the gym, that's available too!

4.) Lounges Take the Stress Out of Travel

Fancy amenities like spas, gyms and platters of fresh fruit certainly provide you with an "ahhh" moment while traveling. But our favorite thing about lounges may very well be the human element — aka the concierge. These wise souls help you sort out flight delays, cancellations and generally make your travels smooth and carefree — no small feat in this day and age of reduced flights, bankrupt airlines and over the top TSA regulations.

5.) A Layover Saver for The Family

There’s nothing like juice out of a dispenser at the ready and coloring books to entertain the tikes. Whether it’s the simple pleasure of having an entire area for the brood or a beer from the bar for dad (and you!) you’ll be thanking the lounge gods when you’re faced with a four-hour layover or delayed flight.

For a fabulous breakdown on some of the lounge day pass programs available check out this helpful article by TravelMuse: Private Airport Lounge Passes.