As seasoned travelers know, long airport layovers can be grueling tests of patience amid crowded terminals and overpriced eateries. But having airport lounge access is a game-changing amenity that elevates the entire travel experience. Our recent layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport en route to a wedding at the luxurious Nobu Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was vastly improved by the top-notch amenities at The Club CLT lounge, made accessible through the Priority Pass benefit from the premium Capital One Venture X card.
The Club CLT: A First-Class Oasis at CLT Airport
Located just past Gate A7 in Concourse A’s main terminal, The Club CLT lounge warmly greets guests with its bright green entrance and ultra-modern, spacious interior decor. Stepping inside transports you from the cacophony of the airport into a relaxing, peaceful sanctuary designed for luxurious comfort.
The centerpiece is the stylish main seating area offering plush leather armchairs and couches arranged in sleek, cozy groupings perfect for lounging. With its ample workspace, charging stations and TVs, it’s a tranquil spot to stay productive or entertained during even the longest of layovers.
Those looking for utmost quiet will appreciate the semi-private business workstation cubicles with desk space and power outlets for distraction-free focus. There are also dimly-lit relaxation rooms when you need a moment of Zen.
While the amenities like private shower suites, blazing-fast Wi-Fi and ubiquitous charging stations impress, the real standout is The Club CLT’s elevated food and beverage offerings included with entry. The beautifully displayed help-yourself spread featured gourmet soups, sandwiches, salads, snacks and desserts along with a full bar’s selection of beer, wine and spirits to craft cocktails.
Even better – the ability to scan QR codes at your seat and order freshly made dishes from an a la carte menu! We took advantage by treating ourselves to tasty chicken tinga tacos, fresh guacamole and local Carolina craft brews to kick off our Mexico beach vacation.
The Unbeatable Capital One Venture X Priority Pass Perk
The reason we could access The Club CLT lounge hassle-free? The premium Capital One Venture X credit card which loads you up with a complimentary Priority Pass membership as one of its many amazing travel perks.
For its $395 annual fee, the Venture X card provides an exceptional value. You get 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via their travel portal, an annual $300 travel credit, excellent travel insurance protection and more. But the included Priority Pass membership alone makes it worth the cost with access to over 1,300 airport lounges across 148 countries.
Each Priority Pass allows the member plus two guests complimentary entry to any participating lounge location. During our layover before the Cabo beach wedding, the pass saved us $120+ in entry fees for myself, spouse and two children to experience The Club CLT’s luxury amenities – likely more than offsetting the card’s annual fee.
After breezing through security, we located the lounge entrance and checked in with our Priority Pass credentials from Venture X. The welcoming staff greeted us and our kids as our guests, getting us setup in the ultra-comfortable main seating area.
The chic, modern atmosphere was a world away from the chaos of the crowded CLT terminal outside. We snacked on poke bowls and gourmet salads from the help-yourself food gallery as our kids recharged with treats, gaming stations and endless cartoons on the TV. We even ordered some delicious fish tacos to our table via QR code for the full restaurant experience!
The plentiful power outlets let us all charge up devices for the next leg to Cabo’s beaches. It was so pleasant being able to fully relax, indulge and even get work done before continuing our travels to the wedding festivities.
By the time our flight was ready to board for the Nobu resort oasis, our stress levels had been absolutely melted away by the peaceful, luxe lounge amenities, putting us in the perfect relaxed mindset to join friends and family.
The Club CLT: A Top Priority Pass Lounge Excelling in Comfort
Between the posh yet relaxing design, plethora of amenities, delicious and high-quality food/drink selection and attentive service, The Club CLT delivers a truly premium airport lounge experience that exceeds expectations. While not quite as sumptuous as ultra-elite lounges like Amex Centurion, it still offers top amenities that compare favorably at an extremely reasonable price point – which is free if you leverage a lounge access membership like Priority Pass!
With locations at 26 major U.S. airports, The Club lounge network provides excellent coverage and consistently high quality so you can always find respite from the travel grind. And when you combine it with a premium travel rewards card like the Capital One Venture X that includes the invaluable Priority Pass benefit, long layovers and delays suddenly become far more palatable and even pleasurable.
Whether you’re passing through Charlotte Douglas International before jetting off to a luxurious destination wedding at a beach resort like Nobu Cabo, work trip or family vacation, make sure to build in time to experience The Club CLT lounge. Just use those fantastic Priority Pass perks from cards like the Venture X and escape the airport crowds into pure relaxation. Elevated airport experiences like this are what make all the travel stresses worth it.
