Get into airline clubs on the cheap

By SmartMoney

If you're traveling by plane this summer, get ready to spend a few hours overlooking the scenic vista of Terminal B.

Increased consumer demand, overbooking and fewer flights have created a perfect storm for travelers, warns airline expert Terry Trippler, the owner of TripplerTravel.com. "The system is wound so tightly that any delay or problem sparks a domino effect," he says.

With more quality time to spend amid summer crowds at the airport, it's time to reconsider that haven of business travelers: the (usually) members-only airline-club lounge where you can await your boarding call reclined in a cushy armchair while sipping (sometimes) free martinis and watching cable TV.

"It's so worth it," raves Stephanie Abrams, the host of "Travel with Stephanie Abrams" on the Business Talk Radio Network. "You'll get some peace and sanctuary."

But with the cost of an annual membership ranging from $125 to $610, depending on your frequent-flier status, escaping the riffraff can come at a steep price. Here are some ways to get in for less:

Go with day passes

For most travelers, the annual fee just isn't worth it, Trippler says. You'd have to visit United Airlines' United Red Carpet Club more than 10 times a year to get a better per-visit rate on the $500 fee than you would buying individual $50 day passes.

A day pass should set you back $25 to $50.

Annual memberships make sense only for business travelers and globe-trotters, Trippler says. Ironically, those are the travelers who are probably getting complimentary access anyway. American Airlines, United and US Airways all offer free access to travelers in the higher tiers of their frequent-flier programs, while Continental and Delta airlines offer bulk discounts to employers.

Check your wallet -- and your ticket

Your wallet's contents -- and not just what's in the cash compartment -- may be the key to getting you in for free, Abrams says. Lounge access is a common benefit for platinum-card holders.

The $395 annual fee for an American Express Platinum card, for example, includes access for cardholders to the clubs of Continental, Delta and Northwest. Visa Signature Platinum cardholders get a subscription to Priority Pass, a network of more than 500 lounges from varying airlines. All airlines offer free club access to passengers traveling in first class or business class on international flights.

Negotiate

If you're getting bumped or volunteering to give up your seat, ask for access to the airline club as part of your compensation, Trippler says.

"Sure, I'll take the airline voucher, but if the next flight doesn't leave for a few hours, I'll need a day pass to your club," he suggests saying.

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