By Danny R. Johnson – Travel and Entertainment News Editor
During my recent journeys through Spain, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, I frequently enjoyed the comfort of premium airport lounges. However, a few observations have prompted the need for some clarifications. Etiquette discussions can be delicate and awkward, but they need not be. In today’s travel landscape, airport lounge access is gaining popularity and is highly coveted by frequent flyers worldwide. An unspoken consensus exists among fellow travelers regarding the expected behavior in these exclusive and refined spaces.
Here is how to make the best of an airport lounge experience while being the best fellow patron—with commentary from travel experts, lounge managers, and frequent lounge-goers.
Wait Your Turn in Line!
Regrettably, waiting in line is an inevitable part of life—even when it comes to the buffet at an airport lounge. Instead of pushing or reaching over others, patiently wait your turn. And remember to maintain good hygiene.
Liz Galloway, a seasoned traveler, Creative Director, and Agency Founder of Brand Sanity Media, advises, “Always use the serving utensils provided.”
Fellow travelers concur—avoid grabbing anything with your bare hands, even if they are clean. I recently witnessed someone snatch a sandwich without utensils at a lounge, and the disapproving glances from those nearby were quite evident.
Now, about those lines: Accessing airport lounges sometimes involves long queues. Katy Spratte Joyce, a Delta superfan and travel journalist who logged eighty-four commercial flights in 2023 alone, highlights another issue related to queuing. “Cutting in line is even more annoying than it was during childhood. So, let us all be considerate, patient travelers—get in line and show compassion.”
Start Light at the Buffet
My grandma always said, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach,” which is true. At a buffet, you can always return for more food. But it is better to start slow and be respectful of those around you on that first round.
It seems there are always folks who try to fit the entire buffet onto their plates, and it does not usually end well (think: plates crashing to the ground or exasperated looks from those stuck in line behind you).
Should You Tip in the Lounge? Tipping culture is often a hot topic in the U.S. and beyond. Tipping in an airport lounge is not required or expected, but it is certainly appreciated.
“Most food, beverages, and services in lounges are free,” points out travel public relations executive and President of JMCPR, Jennifer Maguire. “And not only are flights nonstop, but the lounge staff also works nonstop in busy lounges from morning until night. It is great etiquette to tip at the bar. The staff will be grateful, and it is the right thing to do!”
Spreading Out (or not)
Respecting each other’s personal space is highly valued. Avoid monopolizing the lounge’s left-corner couch section with your bags if you are alone.
Katy Spratte Joyce, a seasoned traveler, expresses her disapproval of individuals who occupy a chair or seat between two tables, effectively using both. She finds it impolite to claim extra space in a public area, especially considering how crowded lounges can be.
Anastasia Jenkins, the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge Manager at Los Angeles International Airport, brings her 23 years of experience to the conversation. She reveals that 40,000 travelers pass through the lounge each month, and guests typically spend around three hours there, contributing to the bustling atmosphere.
In busy lounges, Anastasia kindly requests that “guests avoid placing their luggage on chairs, ensuring that others can occupy those seats.”
Volume Control
When I find myself in a lounge, it often feels like someone is bellowing into their work phone, boasting about ‘closing a BIG one-million-dollar deal.’ This can be both loud and unpleasant. A practical guideline is to treat the lounge space as an open desk in a co-working area. Imagine multiple individuals striving to focus and concentrate on their tasks without being distracted by another person’s blaring conference call.
Jenkins, the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge Manager at Los Angeles International Airport, confirms that their team’s most frequent complaint concerns patrons being inconsiderate during phone calls. The fundamental rule here is to use headphones and absolutely no speakerphone.
Jenkins emphasizes, “Our primary request to guests is to be mindful of their fellow travelers.” “The lounge serves as a space where people seek to work or enjoy some quiet moments before embarking on their journeys. Let us all keep this in mind.”
Drinking Alcohol
While it may seem like common sense, some travelers inadvertently miss their flights because they have indulged in one too many complimentary beers during their two-hour layovers. Unfortunately, they remain blissfully unaware that their flight has already departed.
To stay alert and ensure timely boarding (while keeping track of your belongings), I recommend adhering to a simple rule: limit yourself to one drink per hour between flights.
Maximizing the Experience
When using an airport lounge, knowing its location relative to your terminal and the closest gate is essential. Please take a moment to research the time it will take to move from the gate where you deplane to the lounge and then from the lounge to your departing gate. This way, you can maximize your time in the lounge. Plan to arrive early enough before your flight to fully enjoy the space and allow sufficient time to walk to your destination.
When arriving at the lounge, consider doing a quick lap around the area, especially if traveling solo. Identify where you can grab a drink or a snack or find a convenient spot to charge your phone without rearranging your heavy luggage or repositioning your plug-ins. If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to approach the knowledgeable staff—they are experts in the lounge.
Jenkins, the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge Manager at Los Angeles International Airport, emphasizes, “Our team is always delighted to assist. Engage with them; they can provide insights and details about everything the lounge offers—from seating arrangements to food and beverages. And if you’re fortunate, you might discover an outdoor terrace with a stunning waterfall and cozy firepits to enhance your experience.”
Clean Up
Properly dispose of your trash and uneaten food and drinks, then return used dishes to the designated areas within the lounge. These spots are often very clearly labeled.
“Leaving your area tidy is a sign of respect for the next guest and shows your manners,” says Galloway. “Treat the clean-up like you would in your home.”
Even though there are staff cleaning the space throughout the day, make it easier and tidier for everyone by not making a massive mess in the first place.
Feet and Seat Manners
“Treating the lounge like a yoga room with barefoot bandit behavior, shoe removal, and even smelly feet–please remember airport lounges are not your living room,” says Galloway.
Pretend you are having a romantic dinner in a restaurant or theater—you would not take off your shoes in a fine Italian restaurant and put your feet up on the seat, right? Likewise, no one wants to experience this at an airport lounge.
Respect Personal Space and Boundaries
Do not hover over someone who looks like they might be getting ready to leave. One of my pet peeves (whether in a parking lot or an airport lounge) is feeling like someone is “stalking me for my spot.” It makes me feel like my space is being violated and I am about to get pounced on. Be patient.
Respect others’ personal space from a hygienic and safety standpoint. Masking is still ordinary amongst frequent fliers, and they deserve the right to feel safe in deciding to wear a mask in the lounge. Be aware of others’ health conditions.
Use the Concierge
Many premium lounges offer booking services, travel assistance, and more. Use the concierge service to streamline travel plans, saving yourself time and effort. It is typically attached to certain airline credit cards.
Do Not Hog Power Outlets
Indeed, charging our phones is a universal need, and many of us continue working while on the move. However, let us be considerate of fellow travelers when plugging multiple devices into the same outlet space within a shared lounge.
Regardless of your destination—whether amid a layover, grabbing a pre-flight snack, or enjoying a relaxing happy hour drink—an airport lounge provides a more pleasant environment to pass the time. These insider tips, gleaned from seasoned travelers and lounge staff, offer valuable insights into being an exemplary fellow lounge-goer in this communal space.
Jenkins also reminds us that amidst travel challenges, there are moments of beauty—even within a bustling lounge. She shares, “We frequently witness acts of kindness from our guests. Whether sharing phone chargers, relinquishing a seat to accommodate families, or assisting elderly travelers, our guests often go out of their way to extend kindness to their fellow journeyers.”
