New Delhi :
Complimentary airport lounge access, once a luxury reserved for corporate executives and elite travelers, is undergoing transformation as banks and credit card companies revise their offerings.
The latest changes from HDFC Bank’s Regalia Credit Card are set to take effect from December 1,
requiring cardholders to meet specific spending criteria.
How Banks Offer Free Airport Lounge Access?
Banks offer free airport lounge access through two primary methods: partnered card networks and aggregator companies. These partnerships allow banks to provide this benefit to their customers, although there are associated costs involved.
Cost of Free Airport Lounge Access
While customers enjoy the privilege of free lounge access, banks must pay a fee for each visit.
The fee varies depending on the bank’s negotiating power and the location of the lounge
This fee is significantly lower than what an average traveler would pay if not for the complimentary access.
Evolution of Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access was initially offered to premium credit card customers.
However, banks expanded this privilege to entry-level and mid-level cardholders during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using it as a competitive tool in the credit card market.
This expansion has led to a growing number of travelers utilizing airport lounges, resulting in increased queues and a bustling atmosphere at these facilities.
Future of Airport Lounge Access
The changes in credit card lounge access rules signal a shift in how banks offer benefits to their customers.
With evolving strategies and cost considerations, these privileges may continue to adapt in the future.
