Why Paying for Airport Lounge Access for Kids Was Worth It

Traveling with kids can often be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to navigating airports. Recently, I found myself in a situation that made me rethink my approach to airport lounges. Instead of skipping the lounge access, I decided to pay for my children’s entry, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip.

In the past, having an airport lounge membership often meant that family members traveling with you could enjoy the same privileges. However, as demand for lounge access has grown, many programs have tightened their policies. Nowadays, children under 18 may not have automatic access, and if you want to bring them in, you might need to either hit a higher membership tier or pay guest fees.

On a recent trip back to Texas after a short cruise from Miami, I faced a long layover at Miami International Airport (MIA). With a flight delay that stretched our wait time to over nine hours, I knew I had to find a way to keep my kids comfortable and entertained. After weighing our options, I made the decision to purchase lounge access for my two children at $30 each—a total of $60 that I would have previously deemed unnecessary.

The American Express Centurion Lounge offered a much-needed respite from the chaos of the airport. While MIA isn’t known for its comfort, the lounge provided a calm environment with ample seating, charging stations, and complimentary food and beverages. The math quickly added up; our earlier airport lunch alone had cost us about $55, and I could only imagine how much dinner would have set us back.

Once we entered the lounge, I was pleasantly surprised by the amenities available. There were comfortable couches, a variety of food options, and even a quieter atmosphere, allowing us to recharge before our flight. I also discovered a hidden area within the lounge that provided additional seating, which was a welcome relief when the main area became crowded.

In hindsight, spending that $60 for lounge access was not just about comfort; it was about making the travel experience more enjoyable for my kids and me. While I had initially dismissed the idea of paying for guest access as an unnecessary luxury, the long wait and the chaotic airport environment made me realize how valuable that decision was.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, especially during long delays, consider the option of purchasing lounge access for your family. It can transform a stressful airport experience into a more pleasant one, allowing you to enjoy your travel journey rather than merely endure it.

Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, and while I typically wouldn’t spend extra for lounge access, this experience taught me that sometimes it’s worth rethinking your priorities. The comfort and convenience of a lounge can make a significant difference, especially when faced with unexpected delays. So, the next time you’re at the airport, don’t overlook the possibility of lounge access—it might just be the best money you spend on your trip.