I don’t consider lounge access to be a luxury, I believe it is a critical part of my being able to work effectively throughout the year.

I take 2-6 flights per week, I use the lounge on a significant majority of those flights, sometimes both before and after the flights. The main advantages it gives me are:

1. Power for my computer. Most airport seating areas either have no power, or at best only a couple of powerpoints, which are usually taken. (I can then use my full battery power on the plane.) I can also charge my phone if required.

2. Free wireless access. A T-mobile card, or a Boingo account, would probably cost at least as much as the lounge membership over a year (see below)

3. Somewhere to sit, somewhere to work. This is good anyway, as seating areas are often overcrowded. However US flights are often delayed, especially in winter, so this becomes critical.

4. Free food and drinks.

5. Flight assistance. Dedicated staffers to help with flight rearrangements. This is useful, especially at busy times or when the flight schedules get screwed up due to weather.

6. Free shower facility. I make occasional of use of this at the Houston lounge, it allows me to freshen up after an early morning / overnight flight back to Houston so I can go straight to the office. I sometimes use it to clean off the Houston heat before flying on to a job.

7. I get a 25% discount because I am a (very) frequent flier. The cost is now only 300USD per year.