Air travel for Indian passengers is set to change slightly. SBI Card has announced an important update to its Domestic Airport Lounge Access Program, which will come into effect from January 10, 2026. This change will mainly affect frequent flyers who regularly use airport lounges.
Lounge Access Now Divided into Two Sets
SBI Card has divided lounge access into two categories: Set A and Set B.
Set A includes premium credit cards such as:
Apollo SBI Card SELECT
BPCL SBI Card OCTANE
Club Vistara SBI Card
Landmark Rewards SBI Card SELECT
Paytm SBI Card SELECT
PhonePe SBI Card SELECT
Set B includes popular and co-branded cards, such as:
SBI Card PRIME
PRIME Pro
Titan SBI Card
KrisFlyer SBI Card
Other PRIME and Platinum variants
Along with this change, the list of airports offering lounge access has been updated. In addition to major cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi,
and Pune, lounges at airports in Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Cochin, Goa, Indore, Jaipur, Vadodara, Srinagar, and Visakhapatnam are now included.
New Charges and Terms for Lounge Use
Under the revised rules, certain fees will apply:
₹2 authorization charge on VISA and RuPay cards
₹25 temporary charge for Mastercard users, which will be reversed later
Extra charges will apply for food, beverages, and additional services during each visit
What This Means for Travelers
Airport lounges are more than just a luxury; they offer comfort, quiet space, and a break from crowded terminals. This update is especially important for business travelers and frequent flyers.
According to SBI Card, the new system aims to expand its lounge network and improve facilities, giving customers more choices.
While some travelers may face additional costs, access to lounges in more cities can improve the overall travel experience.
Final Takeaway
SBI Card’s decision tries to balance convenience and cost for travelers. Customers will now need to understand their card benefits and travel habits to make the most of the updated lounge access program.
