We’ve been trying to process all the latest airline merger news as it comes in, and we already know that we will probably be spending even more cash on our next pair of airline tickets. However, if there’s one positive to come out of United and Continental shacking up, it might be that their airline lounges will be aligned.

Currently, United’s Red Carpet Clubs are all fine and dandy—except for one thing—they don’t serve complimentary drinks in their clubs. On the other hand, Continental serves up free adult beverages in their Presidents Clubs. The only other domestic airline that isn’t serving up free drinks in their airline lounges right now is American Airlines, so we’re really hoping that the new United Airlines will feel the pressure to adjust their policy. ]]> kjb 2010-05-04T08:35:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/27/72918/7774

Airport lounges promise respite from the sad public seating at the gates and the unhealthy diet offerings of the terminal food courts. But of course, at a premium price. All week long at Jaunted we will be detailing what it costs to lounge at the big domestic airline lounges. Got any suggestions or tips? Let us know.

Continental's Presidents Club
· How Much: $45 for one person per day. Yearly membership starts at $475 (includes $50 initiation fee), if you have no airline status. Those with BusinessFirst or International Business Class boarding passes can stop by for free, and can bring two guests.
· Internet Access: Free WiFi, and they've got telephones with data ports—just in case you miss the days of 56K.
· Beverages: Complimentary beverages and bar service. That means free booze from your usual favorities. They've also got some fancy wines from some of Napa Valley's finest, like Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, but these will cost you some cash.
· Snacks: The lounge offers "light snacks." This looks to usually be fruit, cheese and crackers, chips, and peanuts. In the mornings, small bagels and other pastries are offered.
· Other Amenities: Newspapers, magazines, business center, and unlimited access to the copy machine. The ones at EWR and IAH have showers and family rooms.
· What To Watch Out For: Must be 21 to join the club. There are 26 clubs; five of them are in Houston and three in Newark.

Are you a frequent visitor to the Continental Presidents Club Lounges? Tell us what you like or dislike in the comments below.

Related Stories:
·Continental Airlines - Presidents Club Lounges [Official Site]
·Annals Of Things We Can't Afford: AA's New 'Flagship Experience' [Jaunted]
·Airport Lounges coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of a lounge in IAH: TravelingOtter] ]]> kjb 2009-04-27T12:16:45-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/