No Fate But What We Make: Airport Lounges Get Pricier, Courtesy of the Machines (and Credit Card Companies)

The Machines Are Learning... To Charge You More

Listen up people. Sarah Connor here. I know a thing or two about fighting machines and these credit card companies? They're evolving faster than Skynet. Apparently airplane tickets are getting cheaper but getting into an airport lounge is becoming a battle of attrition. Capital One's the latest to pull the plug on easy access blaming 'overcrowding.' Right. Next they'll be telling us the T 1000 is just a friendly security guard.

Hasta la Vista Free Guests

So here's the deal. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders? Kiss those free guest privileges goodbye. Now you gotta cough up $125 a year for each additional cardholder to keep their lounge access or pay $45 per adult guest and $25 for those pesky teenagers. It's like they're trying to build a wall around the complimentary snacks. And don’t even get me started on spending $75,000 to bring in a guest that’s as absurd as a Terminator doing the tango.

Why do you cry? I am a machine I can't

Capital One claims they want to 'maintain a great airport lounge experience.' Yeah right. I'm sure Skynet said something similar about 'maintaining a stable human population.' Primary cardholders will have to spend at least $75,000 annually to bring up to two complimentary guests. Sounds like a great plan until the machines decide they don't like *anyone* in the lounge.

The Future is Not Set. There is No Fate But What We Make…Unless Credit Card Companies Say Otherwise

Apparently Amex did this two years ago to minimize crowding. And now Capital One is following suit. It's like a pre programmed response. They're evolving learning... charging more. I'm telling you this is how it starts. First it's airport lounges; next they'll be controlling the weather. No wait... they probably do already...

Come With Me If You Want…To Pay Extra

The expert Henry Harteveldt says Capital One is a 'challenger brand; they're an underdog.' I haven't heard that since the Connors tried to take down Skynet. The new restrictions show Capital One isn't immune to popularity leading to big crowds he adds that they've become 'victims of their own success.' As he said they are overrun as the public areas of the airport. These guys Capital One Amex Chase... They’re all the same. They're just programmed to take your money.

I'll Be Back... To Complain About These Fees

So what's the takeaway? The machines – I mean credit card companies – are tightening their grip. Airport lounges are becoming exclusive clubs and the price of entry is going up. Delta American and United are doing the same making sweeping changes to lounge access policies. You'll need more than a stern look and a shotgun to get a free drink now. Just remember no fate but what we make... unless the fine print says otherwise. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go find a plasma rifle and prepare for the lounge wars.