Airport Lounges Get More Exclusive in 2026

Airport lounge access has become more complicated in 2026, with some programs introducing new restrictions and limits. For example, Delta Sky Club continues to limit annual visits for American Express cardholders, while Priority Pass members lost access to Chase Sapphire Lounges in August.

The changes are not uniform, with some benefits becoming harder to use while others are easier to access. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders can still get complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass lounges, but bringing other people along became more expensive in 2026.

Effective February 1, authorized users no longer receive lounge access automatically, and primary cardholders must pay $125 annually for each additional cardholder. Guest access also changed, with guests now costing $45 per adult or $25 for children ages 2 to 17 at Capital One Lounges, unless the cardholder meets the $75,000 annual spending requirement.

American Express tightened Centurion Lounge access on July 8, 2026, with new rules for guests and travelers making connections. Guests must now be traveling on the same flight as the eligible cardholder, which means a colleague or family member on a different flight can no longer enter as the cardholder's guest.

Delta Sky Club access remains more restricted in 2026 than it was before the airline introduced its current limits. U.S. American Express Platinum cardholders receive 10 Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year, while Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders receive 15. Each Visit covers entries to one or more Sky Clubs within 24 hours.