Continental Presidents Club
A Look Inside an Exclusive Airport Lounge
Airport lounges provide many benefits at a considerable annual cost. This article reviews the positives and negatives of joining.
Air travel is a combination of smooth journeys and painful hassles. Airport lounges, like Continental’s Presidents Club, can provide a place for comfort and relaxation before and between flights, and also have trained representatives that can help with travel headaches.
Membership is required to enter the club. Annual memberships are available, and cost between $300 and $400 depending on frequent flyer status. Daily passes can be purchased for the infrequent flyer. An initiation fee is added to the annual membership in the first year. Members can bring a limited number of guests into the club.
Other major airlines operate similar clubs, including American Airlines' Admirals Club, Delta Airlines Crown Room Club, United Airlines' Red Carpet Club and Northwest Airlines' WorldClub. Some of the airlines offer reciprocal access on overseas flights.
Presidents Club Services
Entering the club, you are greeted by a smiling agent, who can assist you with gate information, re-ticketing or other details. In the event of delays or cancellations, the lines are generally shorter than at the gate or other service centers.
The club offers a comfortable environment to relax away from the crowded gate area. There are enclosed work stations with electrical outlets to power laptops and cellphones.
The size of the lounge depends on the size of the airport and number of Continental flights servicing the airport. Hours of operation vary based on departure times, but the clubs are generally open around 6 a.m. and close near 8 p.m. or later.
Presidents Club Amenities
Probably the most famous and popular amenity in the airport lounge is the open bar. The alcohol and other drinks are free, and tips are graciously accepted. The club offers snacks, including chips, granola bars and fruit.
Food cannot be taken into the club, but breakfast items like breads and muffins are free in the morning. A toaster is also provided. Free newspapers and a limited selection of magazines can help fill the time during a delay.
The Presidents Club offers free wireless high-speed Internet service, phone calls and fax machines. There are meeting rooms that can be rented
Who Should Join an Airline Club?
Frequent flyers may well want to consider joining a club. For those who like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage before a flight, one drink a week at an airport would cost more than the cost of the membership.
If a flyer takes advantage of the other services provided, it can make financial sense as well. Breakfast at an airport costs over $5 and Internet service at the airport is charged at hourly fees.
The ability to speak quickly with a representative is important during delays, cancellations and for flyers who need to change reservations often.
Reasons Not to Join an Airline Club
Clubs are operated at numerous locations, but many smaller airports do not have them, and except for international travel, there are no reciprocal privileges with other airline clubs. There may not be enough opportunities to justify the cost.
Airline club dues are not deductible as a business expense per the U. S. Internal Revenue Service.
Joining a club is an individual decision that should be made based on how often a person flies and from where. Airline clubs provide enough amenities and services to justify the cost for a frequent flyer.
