Luxury Airport Lounges Open to More Than Just Business Class

Airport lounges are not just for high-end travelers. Even those flying economy on low-cost airlines can access luxury lounges if they have the right membership or credit card.

Qantas Platinum members, for example, can enter Qantas' exclusive first-class lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, and Los Angeles, as well as its domestic business lounges. Certain credit cards also offer lounge access, but usually to mid-tier lounges.

The American Express Platinum charge card grants unlimited entry to over 1550 lounges globally, including Virgin Australia's domestic lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass locations. The Amex Velocity Platinum Card offers unlimited Virgin Australia domestic lounge entry when flying with Virgin, but ditches international access and Priority Pass.

Travelers can also pay for lounge access, with Emirates charging $376 to enter its Dubai first-class lounges for non-members, and $157.50 for Qantas Platinum members to upgrade to the Al Safwa first-class lounge in Doha.