I have been a Priority Pass member for a number of years, owing to a couple of credit cards. In that time, I have visited countless airport lounges — and a few restaurants — around the world, mostly through Priority Pass membership.
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It’s fair to say that many of those latter choices haven’t been a pretty sight (on that note, Japan, why do you even bother?). Never mind issues of crowding (i.e. the one aspect for which we can blame ourselves), but what exactly should an airport lounge provide? Let’s take the dining area as an example– how about one long trough for everyone?
The lede has been buried, so here on in we will get to the crux of things
For a brief moment, forget about those traditional lounges (and restaurants/other services, depending on the type of membership that you have). What I have for you today is a few other options through which the alliterative company can help you whittle down your layover time.
A place to sleep?
Unfortunately for me, unless I’m seated in a lie-flat, I’m unable to sleep on a plane. I think there has been one absurd exception this– a few years ago on a Chicago ORD – Dallas DFW – Vancouver YVR – Tokyo NRT/HND – Bangkok BKK sanity-be-damned routing, I passed out while on the Bangkok leg. Other than that, it’s bad news.
Enter: the nap room. In U.S. airports, there’s a chain called Minute Suites. In Doha DOH and Dubai DXB, it’s sleep ‘n fly.
Swipe your card, and you might get anywhere from 1-3 hours to get a little shut-eye, and/or a shower.
Cynical me wonders if these chambers are cleaned as often as one’s plane seat. Yeesh.
At the end of the day, they’re just a place to flop.
Work on your putts
I haven’t been to this one, but if you’re into golf, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport MSP has a PGA Lounge.
I am decidedly not into golf, but driving ranges are neat. At this place, you can try out both a putting green, a golf course simulator, have a drink or a quick bite, or impulse buy at the Pro Shop.
Hours are 08:00 – 19:00 for the golf stuff, and 13:00 – 20:00 for the lounge.
As for renting one of those golf carts around the terminal…no dice.
Beat a 5.51 in Dragster
I discovered Gameway on a whim while awaiting a Delta flight at Los Angeles LAX. If you’re into video games, then this is arguably better than a standard issue airport lounge. Plus, you get a drink/snack (but no caffeinated ramen … yet).
The one time I visited the Delta LAX outlet, no one else was playing. I ended up inviting someone in so that I could have competition in Street Fighter.
Gameway also has branches in Dallas – Fort Worth DFW, Houston Hobby HOU, Charlotte CLT, and soon, New York JFK T8; all have different hours of operation.
As I discover more uses of Priority Pass — no, I don’t mean using the card to keep your hotel room’s electricity on — I hope to update this page to keep you informed.
Meanwhile, if you have any other germane suggestions, why not leave a comment?
Finnair VIA Lounge Helsinki has saunas and one had a view of the taxiway outside.
JetBlue Mint Lounge at JFK had or at least had an outdoor garden roof top area with a designated pet-relief station, which they call a “wooftop,” but I doubt smoking is allowed there as it should be (no I’m not a smoker btw).