If you’re not familiar, airport lounges are special places where travellers can relax and enjoy nice amenities before their flights. They’re like little oases in the busy airport environment.
Airports are not becoming grounds for a luxurious lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that they have some incredible lounges too. These lounges offer comfortable seating, tasty food and drinks, showers, and spa treatments. They make your time at the airport much more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing the top 5 best airport lounge access credit cards in the UAE. These credit cards let you into the lounges and come with other cool perks to improve your travel experience. Let’s dive in!
What are Airport Lounges?
Before we proceed with the card details, let us learn more about Airport Lounges and discover why it is one of the considerations you should take when applying for a credit card.
Airport lounges are exclusive areas within an airport that provide a more comfortable and luxurious experience for travellers. These lounges are designed to offer a peaceful and relaxing environment away from the busy terminals. They are typically reserved for passengers who have access through certain means, such as premium airline tickets, frequent flyer status, or specific credit cards.
It offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. Some common features in airport lounges include comfortable seating areas, complimentary food and beverages, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi access, charging stations for electronic devices, newspapers and magazines, and sometimes even shower facilities. Some lounges go above and beyond by offering spas, nap pods, business centres, and dedicated concierge services.
The goal of airport lounges is to provide a haven for travellers to relax, unwind, and prepare for their flights.
Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
Some people may not be aware of it, but ADCB credit cards are loaded with features and benefits, especially when it comes to airport lounges.
Experience the VIP treatment when you travel with ADCB airport lounge access credit cards. Gain exclusive access to premium airport lounges in your favourite cities, completely free of charge. The level of access you receive depends on the category of your card. Let’s explore some of them below:
Betaqti Credit Card Lounge Access & Traveller Credit Card
With your Betaqti Credit Card, you can enjoy unlimited complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. This benefit extends to both you and your supplementary cardholders, allowing each of you to bring along one free guest.
To take advantage of this perk, follow these steps
- Simply download the “Mastercard Travel Pass” app from the Google Play or App Store and register your card before your trip.
- Use the app to locate participating lounges near you and confirm your eligibility for complimentary visits.
- When visiting a lounge, present the app’s QR code to the receptionist for access.
Remember that supplementary cardholders need to register their cards separately on the app and present their QR code. Additionally, any guests accompanying you beyond the complimentary entitlement will incur a charge of USD 32 per visit, billed directly to your card.
Visa Infinite Credit Card Lounge
The following ADCB cards are eligible for this airport lounge access:
- TouchPoints Infinite Credit Card
- Etihad Guest Above Infinite Card
- ALL – ADCB Infinite Credit Card
Here are the details of the lounge access benefit:
- Unlimited access is available at over 1000 airport lounges worldwide.
- Both primary and supplementary cardholders can enjoy this benefit.
- Each cardholder can bring along one guest per visit*.
- For an up-to-date list of lounges, please visit www.loungekey.com/visainfinite
- Any accompanying guests beyond the entitlement will incur a charge of USD 32 per visit, which will be directly billed to your payment card.
Visa Signature Global Lounge
The following ADCB cards are eligible for this airport lounge access:
- Etihad Guest Above Signature Credit Card
- ALL – ADCB Signature Credit Card
Here are the details of the lounge access benefit:
- Unlimited access to over 1000 airport lounges worldwide for cardholders.
- Access is available to both primary and supplementary cardholders.
- For the latest updated list of lounges, please visit https://www.loungekey.com/en/visamena
- For accompanying guests over and above the entitlement, USD 32 per visit will be charged directly to your payment card.
Visa Platinum Credit Card Lounge
Eligible Cards:
- Etihad Guest Above Platinum Card
- Touchpoints Platinum Card
Lounge Access Details:
- Enjoy access to over 1000 airport lounges worldwide.
- Cardholders are entitled to three complimentary visits annually*.
- Prior online card registration is not required for lounge access.
- However, if cardholders wish to keep track of their visits, they can register themselves by creating an account on the microsites provided.
- For card registration and more information about available lounges, please visit https://www.loungekey.com/adcb
Please note the following:
- When presenting your eligible card at the lounge, a pre-authorization of USD 3.25 will be required to validate the card.
- Any accompanying guests beyond the complimentary entitlement will incur a charge of USD 32 per visit, which will be directly billed to your payment card.
Touchpoints Platinum Credit Card Lounge
You can enjoy unlimited complimentary access at over 20 airport lounges worldwide for both you and your supplementary cardholders. To access this benefit with your TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card, please follow these steps:
- Simply download the “Mastercard Travel Pass” app from the Google Play or App Store and register your card before your trip.
- Use the app to locate participating lounges near you and confirm your eligibility for complimentary visits.
- When visiting a lounge, present the app’s QR code to the receptionist for access.
For TouchPoints Visa Platinum Credit Card holders:
As a TouchPoints Visa Platinum Credit Card holder, you are entitled to 3 complimentary visits, which apply to both you and your supplementary cardholders, at over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through LoungeKey. To avail yourself of this benefit, please follow these steps:
- Present your eligible card to the lounge reception staff.
- Prior card registration is not required, but you can download and register on the LoungeKey mobile app to find lounges near you and keep track of your visits.
- For more information and registration, please visit https://www.loungekey.com/adcb
- Please note that supplementary cardholders need to register their card separately on the LoungeKey app by following the same steps.
If you have any accompanying guests beyond the complimentary entitlement, an amount of USD 32 per visit will be charged directly to your card. For the most up-to-date list of lounges, please click here.
The terms and conditions, fees as wells and process of using these benefits are the same for the following cards. The only difference is the number of airport lounges that can be accessed.
- Touchpoints Titanium Credit Card- Unlimited complimentary access at 10+ airport lounges worldwide.
- LuLu Platinum Credit Card- Unlimited complimentary access at over 20+ airport lounges worldwide.
- LuLu Titanium Credit Card Lounge- Unlimited complimentary access at 10+ airport lounges worldwide.
CitiBank Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
One significant advantage of Citi Bank’s lounge access credit cards is the availability of diverse cuisines and refreshing drinks. Lounges also provide a calm and relaxed environment with comfortable seating, quiet corners, and dedicated kids’ areas. Furthermore, for business travellers, lounges offer conducive workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it easier to stay productive between flights.
Obtaining airport lounge access usually involves costly annual subscriptions or day pass fees. However, Citi credit cardholders can enjoy unlimited access to over 1,100 airport lounges worldwide, including benefits for supplementary cardholders and the ability to bring a guest
- Eligible Cards:
- EMIRATES-CITIBANK CARDS
- REWARDS CARDS
- CITI PREMIERMILES
- CITI CASHBACK
To make the most of this benefit and avoid unnecessary lounge charges, please follow these steps when you travel:
- Download the “MasterCard Travel Pass” app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Register your Citibank MasterCard credit card within the app.
- Use the app to locate lounges near you and check your eligibility for complimentary access.
- Generate and present the app’s QR code or membership number to the lounge receptionist for lounge entry. Both primary and supplementary cardholders should register their cards separately using their email IDs to obtain their respective QR codes.
- You and your supplementary cardholders can each bring one guest using the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
Please note the following:
- Any additional guests beyond your allowance will incur a charge of $32 per person, which will be billed directly to your card.
- Children over 1 year old are considered paying guests.
- Failure to follow the above instructions may result in non-refundable charges.
CITI SIMPLICITY
You have unlimited access to 25 regional and international lounges, providing you and your Supplementary Card members free access. To enjoy this benefit and avoid unnecessary lounge charges, please follow these steps when you travel:
- Utilise the MasterCard Travel Pass app to access lounges. Both primary and supplementary cardholders are entitled to use the app for lounge access.
- Ensure that the primary and supplementary cards are swiped at the lounge reception for entry.
- Please note that a charge of $32 will apply to all guests accompanying you into the lounge, and this charge will be billed directly to your card.
- Remember that children over 1 year old are considered paying guests.
Enjoy your unlimited access to these lounges, and have a pleasant journey!
Emirates NBD Lounge Access Credit Cards
Gain free access to some of the world’s top airport lounges when you travel by presenting your eligible Emirates NBD credit or debit card at the lounge reception. The specific benefits depend on the type of card you hold. Let’s look at some of them below.
Visa Signature Card
- Eligible Cards
- Skywards Signature Credit Card
- U By Emaar Signature Credit Card
- Visa Signature Debit Card
- Manchester United Signature Debit Card
- Emirati Visa Signature Debit Card
- Signature Business Debit Card.
The Visa Signature card provides access to over 1,000 premium airport lounges in more than 300 cities worldwide. As a cardholder, you can enjoy unlimited visits for yourself throughout the year. The charge for additional guests will increase to US$35 per guest per visit. To see the airport lounges you can access and review the terms and conditions, please visit the provided link.
Visa Infinite
- Eligible Cards
- Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- U By Emaar Infinite Credit Card
These cards offer access to over 1,000 premium airport lounges in more than 300 cities worldwide. As a cardholder, you can enjoy unlimited complimentary visits for yourself and one guest per visit. Please note that the charge for additional guests will increase to US$35 per guest per visit. To see the airport lounges you can access and review the terms and conditions, please click here.
Mastercard Travel Pass
- Eligible Cards
- Marriott Bonvoy World Credit Card
- dnata World Credit Card
- dnata Platinum Credit Card
- Lulu Platinum Credit Card
- Lulu Titanium Credit Card
- Mastercard Platinum Credit Card
- Mastercard Business Credit Card
These cards offer a convenient contactless digital experience for accessing airport lounges:
- Download the ‘Mastercard Travel Pass’ app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Register your eligible Mastercard on the app.
- Explore the lounges near you and check your eligibility for complimentary access.
- Generate and present the app QR code or membership number to the lounge receptionist for lounge entry.
- To enjoy the benefits of this program, you need to register your eligible Mastercard on the Mastercard Travel Pass App.
For Mastercard World cardholders, including dnata World Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy World Mastercard Credit Card:
- Access to over 900 lounges in more than 450 cities and over 135 countries.
- Unlimited complimentary visits for the cardholder.
- Additional guests will be charged US$27 per guest per visit.
For Mastercard Platinum cardholders, including dnata Platinum Credit Card, Lulu Mastercard Platinum Credit Card, and Mastercard Platinum Credit Card:
- Unlimited complimentary visits for the cardholder.
- Additional guests may be charged according to the lounge’s policy.
- For Mastercard Titanium cardholders, including Mastercard Titanium Credit Card, Lulu
For Mastercard Titanium Credit Card and Manchester United Credit Card:
- Unlimited complimentary visits for the cardholder.
- Additional guests may be charged according to the lounge’s policy.
Additionally, Diner’s Club and Duo Credit Cardholders enjoy unlimited airport lounge access worldwide if they maintain a 3-month average spend of AED 2,500 per month. If the spending criteria are unmet, a flat lounge usage fee of AED 125 per visit will be charged to the card account in the subsequent month. Guests will be charged the applicable lounge access rates.
How to View Access to Available Lounges
To access the lounges and enjoy the benefits of the program, you need to complete a one-time registration. The process differs based on your card type:
- If you are a Visa Infinite cardholder, please visit www.loungekey.com/visamena
- If you are a Visa Signature cardholder, please visit www.loungekey.com/visamena
- You can download the app for registration if you are an Emirates NBD Mastercard cardholder.
After completing the registration, you will have access to the lounge finder, where you can discover more about the lounges available.
Commercial Bank of Dubai Lounge Access Credit Cards
While CBD does not directly offer Airport Lounge benefits, lounge access is provided through service providers like LoungeKey for CBD Visa Credit Cards and DragonPass for CBD Mastercard Credit and Debit Cards.
Visa and Mastercard cardholders can access lounges globally, with specific details for each card type. Access details are available through the “LoungeKey Mobile App” for Visa cards and the ‘Mastercard Travel Pass’ app for Mastercard cards.
Mastercard and Visa cards Eligibility and Benefits
Note: There is a specific provision regarding lounge access for Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders. If you visit a lounge within 15 days of making a minimum international spend of USD 1, your card may be charged USD 32 per visit.
However, you will be eligible for a complimentary visit if you access the lounge after 15 days and have yet to utilise your full calendar year limit. The benefit becomes valid upon activation of the card and will stay valid until the card is cancelled or expires.
How to Access Airport Lounges with Credit Cards
For CBD Visa Signature and Visa Infinite Credit Cardholders, it is not mandatory to register with LoungeKey. However, it is recommended that cardholders register their cards (both primary and supplementary) with LoungeKey via the LoungeKey Mobile App.
This registration provides several benefits, including viewing eligible airport lounges worldwide, seeing the available free and chargeable facilities in each lounge, and tracking the number of complimentary visits remaining for the calendar year.
The process is slightly different for CBD Mastercard Titanium, World, and World Elite Cardholders. They must download the ‘Mastercard Travel Pass’ app from Google Play or the App Store. After downloading the app, they should register their CBD Mastercard Card to check their eligibility and view the applicable lounges.
The app can also be used to locate lounges nearby, confirm eligibility for complimentary visits, and present the app’s QR code or share the app membership number with the lounge receptionist for lounge access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UAE offers a range of excellent airport lounge access credit cards that cater to the needs of frequent travellers. These cards provide a host of exclusive benefits, making travel more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. From access to luxurious airport lounges worldwide to complimentary services such as priority check-in, fast-track security clearance, and even complimentary guest access, these credit cards elevate the travel experience for cardholders.
Additionally, these lounge access credit cards often come with other perks like travel insurance, airport transfer services, and discounts on dining and shopping. When choosing the best airport lounge access credit card in the UAE, it’s essential to consider factors such as annual fees, eligibility criteria, rewards programs, and additional benefits to find the card that aligns with your travel preferences and needs.
