US Airports Need More Pay Lounges for Regular People and 'Airspace' is Working on It
We've popped a squat in many, many airport lounges (see photo galleries of alot of them here), but it's simply impossible to be a frequent flyer with elite status on every airline and alliance so that you've never left outside the lounge. Thus, we're not above paying our way into airline lounges; want to use a Delta SkyClub or American Airlines Admirals Club? That'll be $50.
International airports have long known the value of allowing regular (economy—shhh) passengers pay to gain access to lounge benefits; Hong Kong has an excellent pay lounge within a stone's throw of the swish Air France and Virgin Atlantic lounges. Tokyo-Haneda just opened a pay lounge so fine that we'd definitely rate it higher than any Delta or American lounge, and it costs only $12.25 for access. Just look at it! It's beautiful
Anyways, what we're getting around to saying is that US airports are finally realizing the potential for such lounges, and a promising concept called Airspace is due to open at Baltimore-Washington Airport as soon as this May.
Airspace, which is pegged to cost only $17.50 per person per day, will be in Concourse D at BWI. That means if you're flying AirTran, Cape Air, Continental, United or US Airways, that you've got another option besides sitting on uncomfortable seats amongst crying babies and teenagers in Juicy Couture sweatpants and Uggs while hugging your Sbarro sandwich. You can head to the Airspace lounge.
We bet it'll quickly become the indulgent little secret of many travelers, and the plan is to expand to other US airports of course.
Now for the important stuff: will the WiFi be free? YES. Will the booze be free-flowing? No, but they've got stuff to make up for that:
Each day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Airspace Lounge customers will be offered complimentary food and beverages, including breakfast items in the morning, a hearty sandwich during the afternoon and evening, snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks. In addition, travelers will enjoy complimentary wireless internet, power outlets at every seat, the use of MacBooks and Windows PCs, comfortable seating, workspace areas and in-lounge restrooms. A full-service bar is also available for an extra fee.
We love love love it. Do you know that some airline clubs—ones that cater to elite status frequent flyers—don't even offer complimentary internet or food? It's true, and it hurts our heart. We need more Airspaces to come along and give us hope, please. Luckily we shouldn't have to wait much longer.
[Photo: Airspace rendering at BWI]
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