Does business class include lounge access?

Use of an airline's lounge before a flight and between connections. Most international business class tickets include it, the airline's or a partner's.

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Lounge access, explained

Business class passengers on international flights can usually use the airline's lounge before departure and between connections, with food, drinks, Wi-Fi and, at many hubs, showers.

On partner flights within an alliance, business class usually opens the partner's lounges too. Rules on domestic flights and guests vary by airline.

Access usually follows the cabin of the flight you are about to take: on a mixed-cabin trip, an economy connecting flight may not open the business lounge. At hubs where an airline has several lounges, business class passengers use the business lounge, and first class passengers or top-tier frequent flyers may have their own.

On a business class trip

A three-hour connection in Doha or Frankfurt is spent in the business class lounge, with a meal and a shower before the next flight.

Related terms

Layover
The time between two flights in a connecting city, usually a few hours. On international tickets it lasts under 24 hours; anything longer is a stopover.
Airline alliance
A group of airlines that share networks, lounges and loyalty benefits: Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam.
First class
The cabin above business class on some long-haul flights: fewer seats, more space and more service. Many airlines no longer offer it.
Priority boarding
Boarding the plane in one of the first groups, before most passengers. Business class tickets include it.
Chauffeur service
A car to or from the airport that a few airlines include with some business or first class tickets, in some cities; most airlines do not offer it.