You can still avoid spending hours among the traveling masses, but you may pay more for the privilege. But cost, of course, is a factor. Meanwhile, American, Northwest, United and US Airways have held the line on membership fees. The Price of Sanity Still, if you travel relatively often, you may be very willing to pay the going rate for membership in the club that best suits your needs. Membership is usually higher for the initial year and drops somewhat for each subsequent year.
Couples can join at less than the cost of two individual memberships.
Some clubs charge for beverages and some do not. Many airport clubs offer short-term memberships. The one-day fee includes your immediate family or two unrelated guests. American Express Platinum card members are entitled to complimentary visits to Northwest WorldClubs and Continental Presidents Clubs when they are flying the affiliate airline. The Priority Pass network is another option worth exploring.