The Decline of Airport Lounges: From Exclusive Perks to Overcrowded Commodities
By
walterbell
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
The article critiques the decline of airport lounges from exclusive perks for business travelers to overcrowded, uninspired spaces that have lost their special status despite increased demand driven by social media and credit card perks. It argues that the democratization of access through various membership programs has eliminated the exclusivity while maintaining the hype, creating a paradox where lounges are both more coveted and less satisfying.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledLounges used to feel special, a perk reserved for business travelers. Now they're overcrowded, uninspired, yet somehow more coveted than ever
Access has become so common that no one feels special anymore, even as airlines and banks keep building ever-fancier spaces
The only thing still alive is the endless, humiliating upsell and self-service
Thanks to social media flexes and pricey credit card perks, lounges have lost their exclusivity while maintaining their hype
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