The entrances are chameleons, unobtrusive and merging into the metal background of the steel and noise of the airport. You've heard there's a quiet sanctuary with room to work and unlimited food and drink beyond those doors. From time to time, the doors slide open, like the Starship Enterprise, allowing people to walk in or out. You might even try to sneak a peek inside. But for most of us, the view from the outside is all we see of the members-only airport lounge.

Thousands of people belong to one or more airport lounge network in the United States alone, and the numbers increase outside the borders. Some airport lounges offer great food and drinks, with shower facilities, work stations, perhaps even a massage service, or computer games to help you pass the time. Some though are tucked into a small room with fewer perks, like maybe a comfortable chair and complimentary drinks.

Choosing which lounge to use can be yet another complicated step in your quest for the perfect trip. Yet, for those that ante up their annual membership fee (which can totter well over $400), access to an airport lounge is well worth the price.

What about the thousands that don't belong? Are they really missing out? Is it worth patiently waiting for your flights with the "ordinary" people versus reaping the benefits of an airport VIP lounge?

It's up to you to decide whether the lounge membership is worth the price, but you do need to gather enough information before considering forking over the bucks. Whether it's for you depends on the person.

First, let's start with general information on what an airport lounge (also known as club) is and what services it offers.

What Is It?

Airport lounges are typically hosted by their airlines, such as American, United, Delta, U.S. Airways, Northwest, Alaska Air, and Continental. Major overseas airlines also have their own lounges, and there are several networks of affiliate lounges belonging to the airport. Generally, the domestic low-cost airlines, such as Jet-Blue and Southwest, do not operate their own.

Benefits

Inside a lounge, you'll find a quiet business atmosphere with comfortable chairs, tables, and desk space for laptops, faxes, printers, and often, the windows are wide and open with views of the runway or city. Wireless Internet access is almost always available, sometimes complimentary and other times a nominal fee. Snacks, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks are always complimentary. Although bar service is usually available, the price can range from complimentary to the same price you'd pay in the terminal. Some even have showers, a welcome pleasure after a long international flight.

Ever experience a weather delay or a cancelled flight? The lounge is the place to be. Private ticketing agents offer members these services: ability to process requests for upgrades, seat assignments, make or change reservations, and handle other services.

How do you pass through the sacred doors?

To get into an airport lounge, you need to meet one of several criteria that make you eligible:

• Purchase an annual membership.
• Purchase a day pass.
• Partner agreements, such as Star Alliance, may allow members of their partners' lounges to use theirs as well.
• International passengers traveling in Business or First Class generally also receive complimentary lounge access, although domestic First Class usually does not.
• Cardholders, such as American Express Platinum, are given complimentary access to some airlines' lounges when traveling with those airlines.
• Frequent flyers that have earned top-level status often are granted complimentary access.

Is the price worth it?

Those benefits are all great, but membership in an airport lounge system may cost as much as $400 or more per year. So, when is it worth it?

If you are a frequently travel, particular overseas, or experience multiple layovers, an airport lounge membership is a great place to unwind and recharge while taking advantage of the benefits of membership.

Frequent flyers with a particular airline are often given incentives to join their favorite airline's lounge. Elite members often get discounts on membership, and some are allowed to pay for it with miles rather than dollars.

If you are a frequent flyer but not with a particular airline, you might consider purchasing an airport-based network, such as Priority Pass.

Membership Options

• Priority Pass
• Airline-owned lounge memberships. MyBusinessTravel has done all the work comparing the prices.
• Credit cards (Diners Club, American Express Platinum and Centurion, Morgan Stanley i24 card.)

Whether you're trading cash or miles for the experience, at the end of the day, remember that joining an airport lounge is a personal decision.

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