Airport lounges have recently opened at two airports: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) and Raleigh-Durham International (RDU).
At BWI, Airspace Lounge opened May 7 in Concourse D and is available for customers flying any airline. The company says consumer and business American Express Platinum® Card members will have complimentary access. Those who aren’t cardholders can purchase a day pass starting at $17.50; cost for this pass may fluctuate throughout the day depending on how busy the lounge is. The company says membership packages are in development.
Guests have access to complimentary food and beverages, wireless Internet access, power outlets, computer use, workspace areas and in-lounge restrooms. A full-service bar is also available for a fee.
“Airspace Lounge looks forward to introducing American Express Platinum Card members and their guests to our first U.S. lounge located at Baltimore Washington International Airport,” says Anthony Tangorra, CEO of Airspace Lounge.
Steve Selwood, vice president of Premium Products and Experiences for American Express, adds, “At American Express, we know our Platinum Card members are passionate about travel, and we are focused on providing them value, service and access for every step of the journey, from booking to boarding and beyond. With the addition of access to this new Airspace Lounge, we are continuing to enhance the value of the Platinum Card as a passport to a premium travel experience.”
According to the company’s website, the lounge opens at least 45 minutes before the first departure in the concourse.
At RDU, The Club at RDU is also open to customers traveling on any airline.
No memberships are required, but passengers pay for a day pass for access to the facility. It is offering a special offer of $24.95 per day; it is normally $29.95. The Club also offers special programs for frequent fliers, corporations and group travel and it accepts members of Priority Pass.
The Club at RDU is operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Terminal 1 across from gate 21. Once inside, guests have their choice of complimentary snacks, juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; premium food and beverages are also available. Visitors have access to flight information, satellite television, magazines and newspapers, as well as a business services center with PC workstations and printers, telephones, fax machines, a meeting room and free Wi-Fi.
“We believe that every passenger traveling through RDU deserves the option of being able to enjoy a club” says Teresa Damiano, the airport authority’s director of marketing.
“With the opening of The Club at RDU, customers have a reason to come to the airport early, make good use of their time for business or simply enjoy the amenities offered in the lounge. Instead of waiting at the gate for their flight to depart, travelers can use The Club’s business services center, relax in a quiet environment, or treat themselves to a travel perk and enjoy their trip before it starts.” Contributing to the lounge environment is a collection of art featuring local artists. ”One of the most exciting features of The Club at RDU is the display of works of art by local artists, which we are able to bring to our customers thanks to our partnership with Mahler Fine Art Gallery of Raleigh,” says Graham Richards, operations director for Airport Lounge Development Inc., operator of the club. “It is very rewarding to be in a position to support artists in the local community, and we hope that visitors to the lounge will enjoy seeing the great variety of paintings, photographs, ceramic pieces and art on display.”
