airport lounge barclays travel pack

Simple Flying

5 ways to access airport lounges for free.

Enjoy all the perks without breaking the bank

Airport lounges offer a haven of comfort, convenience, and relaxation amid the bustling terminals of airports around the world. Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that the terms 'airline lounges' and 'airport lounges' may sound similar, but they refer to distinct concepts.

Airline lounges are private lounges operated and exclusively accessible to passengers flying with a specific airline. These lounges often carry the airline's branding and reflect its service standards. For example, the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai International Airport is exclusively available to passengers traveling on Emirates.

On the other hand, airport lounges, sometimes referred to as independent or third-party lounges, are not affiliated with any specific airline. These lounges are open to a broader range of travelers, including passengers from multiple airlines. For instance, the American Express Centurion Lounge at various airports around the world is accessible to American Express cardholders, regardless of their airline choice.

We take a look at some of the easiest ways to get into these luxurious and comfortable waiting areas when on your next trip.

1 Hold the credit card that unlocks doors

Complementary lounge access is just part of the perks.

Several credit cards come with complimentary lounge access as part of the perks. Cardholders and often a limited number of guests can enjoy these lounges, making it a valuable benefit for those seeking some rest and relaxation at the airport.

For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* provides cardholders with complimentary Admirals Club membership , with an estimated annual value of up to $650. Similarly, premium credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer access to various lounge networks like Priority Pass, which allows access to over 1,300 airline lounges and airport restaurants worldwide.

Read more: Which lounges does the AMEX Platinum get you into?

2 Bank on your bank account getting you in

Some packaged accounts will open doors.

Packaged bank accounts typically involve a monthly charge, but they offer a range of advantages that can be highly cost-effective. These accounts commonly include benefits like travel insurance, mobile device coverage, and roadside assistance. However, certain bank accounts go a step further by including additional perks, such as access to airport lounges.

In the UK, £18 ($21.84) a month will get you the Barclays Travel Plus Pack, which provides access to airport lounges six times per year. Similarly, the NatWest Reward Black account offers access to over 1,100 different airport lounges. In the USA, this type of offer is normally linked with Private Banking and some of the more exclusive accounts, but is much more readily available via credit cards.

3 Leverage your loyalty to open the door

Frequent flyers can earn their way in.

If you are a loyal traveler with an airline and have achieved elite status, you may be entitled to free lounge access. Many airlines extend this privilege to their top-tier frequent flyers, providing a serene space to relax and unwind before your flight.

Delta Air Lines, through its SkyMiles program , offers complimentary Sky Club access to Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members. Most of the US majors offer similar benefits, and many international airlines do the same. Check with your airline to see if your status qualifies you for lounge access. Otherwise, you could also redeem miles for either day passes or lounge memberships, depending on whether your airline offers this service.

4 Get in faster with airline alliances

Earning with partners in the 'big three' can see status achieved rapidly.

If you are not just any frequent flyer, but a frequent flyer with a member airline of an alliance, you’re in for a treat! Being a part of a global airline alliance can open the doors to lounges across the world. Here are the lounge access requirements of the big three:

• Star Alliance: First, business class and Star Alliance Gold
• oneworld: First, business class and oneworld Emerald or Sapphire
• SkyTeam : International first, international business and SkyTeam Elite Plus

If you're embedded with an airline alliance and have high status, the doors of some lounges are open to you. But if you're flying a route that is not served by one of the airlines allied with your usual points partners, all is not lost. In the US particularly, airlines frequently offer 'status challenges,' where they'll offer you a limited period of time to access their status benefits to get the taste of something different. This is a great way to get lounge access for a one-off trip, and if you clock up enough miles during your temporary status period, you could secure it for a full year.

5 If all else fails, phone a friend

There's no shame in being the plus-one.

Ever heard the saying “Your network is your net worth”? This is true when it comes to lounge access. Some credit cards and lounge memberships offer complimentary access to not only the entitled person, but also a limited number of guests. This means that if you're traveling with someone who has the necessary access, you may be able to enter the lounge for free as their guest. This can be a cost-effective way for both you and your companion to enjoy lounge benefits.

For Star Alliance Gold customers in any class of travel or international and domestic first class customers, you are entitled to bring one guest traveling on the same flight. Some airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, also offer complimentary lounge access to members’ guests:

“Available in all tiers, the Lounge Pass is a mid-tier benefit that enables members, or their family members and friends, to enjoy our world-class lounges when they reach a certain number of club points.”

If you’re unable to get free access, you can still enjoy an airport lounge without breaking the bank. Occasionally, airlines and lounge networks run promotions that allow passengers to purchase discounted day passes or access them at a reduced fee. Keep an eye on your airline's website, third-party booking platforms, or social media channels for special offers, as this can be a budget-friendly way to enjoy all the lounge amenities.

Sources: Forbes , Money.co.uk , Oneworld , Star Allliance , Cathay Pacific

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Barclays Travel Pack: Travel Insurance for the Frequent Explorer

Don’t you hate dealing with travel insurance?

*Sigh, adulting sucks*

There’s nothing more frustrating than coming away none of the wiser with a fuzzy head and inbox full of spam from comparison sites.

And then we found Barclays Travel Pack!

A comprehensive worldwide, multi-trip travel insurance plan for the admin haters that doesn’t act as your second mother.

“You can’t do this”, and you can’t do that.”

Jeez, Louise!

Barclays Travel Pack: 5 Key Features

1. Worldwide Travel Insurance for you/partner & dependants up to 23 2. Covers winter sports & equipment 3. Breakdown cover & free airport lounges  (plus) 4.  Unlimited multi-trip insurance covering trips up to 31 days. 5. Covid Cover

Good to Know:  Going away longer than 31 days? Getting an extension is possible, but you’ll have to call them.

What is Barclays Travel Pack & Is It Suitable for me?

Barclays Travel Pack does exactly what it says on the tin.

Designed with the frequent traveller  in mind, this travel insurance plan covers trips of up to 31 days. This is an excellent option for anyone going on three or 4+ trips a year.

For the adventurous types, this comes straight from the horse’s mouth:

“Whether you’re skiing on the slopes at Chamonix or exploring the Great Barrier Reef,  you and your family are covered .“

What’s Included with the Barclays Travel Pack?

• Worldwide multi-trip travel insurance, including UK Trips
• Emergency medical treatment for up to £10,000,00
• Unexpected travel costs up to £5,000
• Winter sports & equipment
• Personal belongings up to £1,500
• Volunteering & conversation trips included
• Covid Cover

There’s no need to notify where you’re going and what you’re doing. Just set and forget.

Check out the full list of what’s included and what isn’t  here

Barclays Travel Pack vs Travel Pack Plus

So, the only thing that sets the two travel packs apart is that the “plus” version gives you up to  six free airport lounge  visits per year. If you’re travelling with your partner, remember that each visit counts as two, so plan accordingly.

If you fly often and like to take advantage of airport lounges, then the “plus” pack is worth considering.

However, there are no guarantees that you’ll bag an airport lounge, as this will depend on availability on the day. You can book in advance to guarantee £5 each, but we’d rather wing it.

The Barclays Travel Pack comes in at £12.50 per month, with a minimum subscription of six months. Meanwhile, Barclays Travel Plus costs £18.00 per month, also with a minimum subscription of six months.

More About Free Airport Lounges with Barclays Travel Pack Plus

It seems like you’re keen on getting free airport lounge access, huh?

Once you’ve bought your insurance, download the DragonPass app to see which lounges you can use and where they’re located.

These lounges usually have great perks, like free food and drinks.

Trust me, with airport prices being what they are, this is where you’ll get the most value out of your money.

But wait, there’s more!

Some lounges even let you swap out your visit for spa treatments or restaurant vouchers (although this varies depending on the airport).

One thing to remember, though – before you use up any of your lounge visits, double-check whether you already have access through your holiday package or other subscriptions/credit cards.

For comparison – airport lounges generally start at around £25+ per person. 

What About RAC Breakdown Cover with Barclays Travel Pack?

Both Travel Packs include full breakdown cover by the RAC, including:

• Roadside assistance in the UK & Europe
• At home assistance
• Onward travel assistance

This comprehensive breakdown covers everything from being stuck outside your home to anywhere in Europe.  We’ve all locked our keys in the car or flattened the battery, haven’t we?

There are a few more cool perks, including onward travel assistance where you can get a car replacement, hotel accommodation or other transport arrangements.

Please note this does not include commercial vehicles.

How Does Barclays Travel Pack Compare with other UK Travel Insurance?

I grew bored browsing through comparison sites for a half hour.  I hate admin, and scouring to save a tenner for insurance that acts like a second mother isn’t worth my time!

It was frustrating to discover that the cheapest option I could find for our trip to Mexico was approximately £55 – which was only for a single trip!

Even the next level of coverage, which cost around £77, offered minimal protection.

Annual Travel Insurance Comparison

Due to taking numerous trips per year, we have also looked into annual travel insurance.

To compare, the cheapest insurance we found covers worldwide, and our minimum cover amount was £148.

£2 cheaper but no perks and less cover. Plus, there is a lot more excess. The maximum trip length was also 31 days.

This is where the Barclays travel packs sells it to me. There are no stipulations, winter sports are covered, and I can just pay monthly (6 months minimum).

That also includes any UK trips over two days.

Don’t Be That Person Who Skips Out on Travel Insurance

We’re the most happy-go-lucky people going, but – travel insurance is crucial! It covers unexpected events before or during your trip.

Most ignore the before part!

These events include trip cancellations or delays due to medical emergencies, lost luggage, breakages to your gadgets and even accidents.

Without travel insurance, you could face significant financial losses or medical expenses that could ruin your trip and affect your future. In short, travel insurance gives you peace of mind and helps protect you from the unexpected.

And if you think it won’t happen to you?

Join some of the many holiday and tour operator Facebook groups and read the weekly horror stories posted.

Final Thoughts on Barclays Travel Pack Travel Insurance

For someone who hates admin – Barclays Travel Pack has been a little bit of a gem for us. This travel insurance has been used for over 12 months for multiple trips.

And if you’ve got a problem, they’ll be on hand to help you.

All you need is a Barclays Account (I have a standard current account), and you can subscribe via the app.

For the sake of £12.50 a month and no dealing with renewals. It’s worth it, especially for a couple/family.

There’s a reason it’s rated highly, guys!

You May Also Like:

• Sofitel Gatwick Review: Luxury Room with Runway View
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• Gatwick Airport Lounges | North Terminal

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2 thoughts on “barclays travel pack: travel insurance for the frequent explorer”.

I got my pack in November and have already used my lounge access all 6 seats when will it refresh?

You only get six visits every 12 months. At least you got your money’s worth this year, ha!

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FinanceBuzz

10 Tricks to Easily Get Airport Lounge Access, According to an Airline Miles Expert

Posted: September 9, 2023 | Last updated: September 9, 2023

You can completely upgrade your airport experience by passing the time in an amazing airport lounge.

We’re talking about opportunities to sit and relax away from busy waiting areas while enjoying free food and beverages. Even better, getting in doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

For over a decade, I’ve been using credit card benefits as one of my travel planning secrets to get to some destinations nearly free of charge. Here are some simple ways you can boost your airport experience, too.

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Use a credit card with lounge access

One of the easiest ways to get lounge access is having a credit card that provides an airport lounge benefit.

In many cases, that’s your key to gaining access to a network of over a thousand airport lounges worldwide. And you often don’t have to do much more than qualify for a specific credit card and enroll in the lounge benefit.

Many top travel credit cards  also provide airport lounge access as a benefit.

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Become an authorized user

If you don’t currently qualify for a credit card with airport lounge access, that doesn’t have to be the end of your airport lounge story.

It’s possible to have a friend or family member add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards that provides lounge access. Depending on the card, this might cost you a fee each year.

But you typically receive your own physical credit card and don’t have to be with the primary cardholder to access applicable airport lounges. So you can travel on your own and still enjoy lounge access benefits.

Enter as a guest

If you typically travel with a friend or family member with a premium travel card, you can enter airport lounges with them as a guest.

Access depends on the card, but many premium travel credit cards provide free access for a certain number of guests. Sometimes, you might have to pay a discounted rate to enter as a guest.

6 ways to build a life where you can travel any time you want

Consider a third-party lounge membership

You can join a third-party lounge program like Priority Pass or DragonPass that will give you access to its worldwide network.

These types of memberships could cost upwards of a few hundred dollars annually, but you typically have multiple plan options depending on how often you travel. 

For example, you might consider a cheaper plan if you only think you’ll visit lounges a few times per year.

Buy an airline lounge membership

Apart from third-party lounge memberships, you can also purchase lounge memberships directly from airline loyalty programs.

For example, you can purchase a Delta Sky Club membership if you’re a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member. The membership would give you access to over 50 Delta Sky Club locations.

You can typically use cash or miles to purchase an airline lounge membership. Using miles for a membership might not give you the best redemption rate (redeeming miles for travel is often better), but it could help if you're flush with airline miles and don’t want to spend extra.

13 legit ways to make extra cash

Buy a day pass

Many airport lounges offer the option to pay for a one-time pass to enter, allowing you to enjoy a lounge without having a particular credit card, membership, or other access.

Note that you have to research individual lounges to see if they allow one-time entries and how much they might cost. Whether paying for a day pass is worth it depends on how much you’re willing to spend if you have a long layover and what amenities the lounge offers.

For instance, if you’re about to spend $30 on airport food anyway, it might be worth spending $35 to get into a lounge that offers unlimited food and beverages.

Fly premium class

Business and first-class travelers enjoy excellent in-flight amenities, often including more legroom and better service. These premium fares can also grant them complimentary access to specific airport lounges.

If you plan on booking a premium ticket, consider whether you receive airport lounge access at your departure airport. You can check with the airline operating your flight to see if your ticket provides any lounge benefits.

Search for lounge access with LoungeBuddy

You can book one-time lounge passes to specific lounges using the LoungeBuddy mobile app.

The app is an easy way to see how much it might cost to access specific lounges and take care of your lounge access before you even get to the airport.

LoungeBuddy can be a great way to research what lounges and amenities are available at airports worldwide, especially if you already have access to specific lounge networks with credit cards or memberships.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

Earn elite status

Earning a high elite status tier with specific airline loyalty programs could provide you with a certain level of airport lounge access.

For example, qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, and AAdvantage Platinum members can access Admirals Clubs on flights between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and many other regions of the world.

If you fly a lot with a particular airline, it is worth looking into what airport lounge benefits are available if you earn a certain elite status.

Take advantage of your military status

Many airport lounge networks offer complimentary access to active duty, uniformed military members.

Of course, the rules can vary by lounge, and your actual experience with entering specific lounges can vary depending on the employee(s) there that day.

But, in any case, active duty members can often access both Admirals Clubs and United Clubs. Military members and their spouses can often get annual fees waived on several travel credit cards. 

For military personnel, accessing different lounge networks through credit card benefits is possible if you’re an eligible military service member or spouse.

Bottom line

Getting into airport lounges is easy if you plan ahead and follow tips to secure your lounge access.

And with the right credit card benefits, you don’t have to worry about paying to enter incredible lounges.

If you’re just starting with rewards cards, check out the top credit cards to find the right fit.

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Travel Pack and Travel Plus Pack: frequently asked questions

How can I manage my travel insurance?

If you have a Travel Pack or Travel Plus Pack, you can manage your travel insurance online by visiting the Aviva website . You can also view frequently asked questions, make a claim, request a call back from Aviva or get proof of travel insurance.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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