Fly, You Fools! (But Bring Your Gold): Airport Lounges Raise the Barricades!

A Shadow Lengthens Over the Shire (of Airport Lounges)

Hoom! Gandalf Greyhame here reporting from the increasingly labyrinthine world of modern travel. It seems the very havens where weary travelers once sought respite – those blessed airport lounges – are now besieged by crowds! Like the Mines of Moria after Balin’s ill fated expedition they have become choked and overcrowded. Capital One in its wisdom (or perhaps its concern for maintaining a semblance of order) has declared that the path to comfort shall no longer be free for all who possess a Venture X or Venture X Business card. One might say 'A wizard is never late nor is he early he arrives precisely when he means to'... but lately finding a seat in these lounges has felt like a quest spanning the ages!

Speak Friend and Enter… (If You Pay the Toll)

Gone are the days when one could simply stroll in bringing along a small fellowship of family and friends all basking in the complimentary glory of pre flight tranquility. Now starting February 1st each additional cardholder or guest shall require a toll: $125 annually for additional cardholders $45 per adult guest and even the younger hobbits (under 17) will cost a princely $25 per visit! It appears 'all that is gold does not glitter not all those who wander are lost'...but all those who lounge will certainly pay.

One Does Not Simply Walk Into a Complimentary Upgrade

But fear not for there is still hope for the generous at heart (and those with deep pockets). If one is prepared to channel their inner Smaug and hoard a staggering $75,000 per year on their card they may yet bring up to two guests to Capital One lounges gratis. This mirrors a similar restriction imposed by American Express some time ago. One begins to suspect that 'it is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing'... or perhaps not so small considering the price of airplane tickets these days!

Not All Who Wander Are Lost But Some Are Crowded

Capital One in its official statement laments that their lounges have become victims of their own success plagued by long wait times. 'It is important to us that we maintain a great airport lounge experience,' they declare. This of course begs the question of whether restricting access to all but the wealthiest is truly the best way to achieve this. I suspect even Elrond might raise an eyebrow at such a policy. Perhaps a riddle is in order... What has become so popular that it's no longer enjoyable? A: Airport Lounges it seems.

The Eagles Are Not Coming... To Pick Up the Tab

Henry Harteveldt a learned scholar in the field of travel (not unlike myself in the field of well everything) observes that Capital One is something of an underdog in the airport lounge game. But even the underdogs it seems cannot escape the clutches of popularity. 'Like Amex like Chase these lounges have become victims of their own success,' he notes. It seems even the most luxurious of sanctuaries can be overrun by the relentless tide of humanity. Perhaps we should all take up bird watching as a hobby instead it is much cheaper.

A New Hope… Or Just More Expensive Hope?

Other airlines such as Delta American and United are also adjusting their policies raising prices and building even larger lounges to accommodate the masses. It appears the age of free and easy lounge access is drawing to a close like the Third Age of Middle earth itself. But do not despair for as I always say 'Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.' Perhaps we should all start writing letters to our credit card companies... or maybe just pack a really good book and some Lembas bread.