How much does an airport VIP lounge cost?

The so-called VIP lounge is a waiting area in the boarding zone with comfortable seating, a cold or hot buffet, drinks, newspapers, wifi, power outlets and, in larger facilities, showers and work or rest areas. Single-visit access is sold on the airport's website, on the lounge operator's website or at the entrance desk itself, and the usual range in Europe runs from about 25 to 60 euros per person per visit. The walk-up price at the desk tends to be the highest, and on busy days the lounge may be closed due to capacity limits.

Many users don't buy a standalone ticket. A business or first class fare almost always includes lounge access; loyalty program tiers grant access from a certain status level upward; and subscription-based access clubs, often tied to premium credit cards, cover an international network of lounges for an annual fee. For anyone flying several times a year, the fee pays for itself compared with buying single entries.

It's worth not confusing the lounge with the personalized assistance service, known as meet and greet or premium fast track. That product includes an escort from curbside, separate check-in, priority access through security and passport control and, at some airports, a vehicle transfer to the aircraft. Its price runs into hundreds of euros per passenger and is designed for business travelers with tight connections or those seeking discretion, not simply somewhere to wait.