Originally Posted by QueenOfCoach

Yep.

My father was transferred, four times in six years with his job. We moved Kansas-Georgia, Georgia-Kansas, Kansas-California, California - Kansas from 1966 to 1970. Typically, our family move did not coincide exactly with my father's job, thus, for a few months during each transition the company paid for him to fly from home to the work place and back every two weeks.

With that kind of travel today, my dad would have easily qualified for Ex Plat and would probably have AC membership included in his corporate travel arrangements.

Perks? 1966-70?: Nada. No elite status. No airline club. Everyone was Kettle Class. Everyone waited at the gate, or a nearby restaurant. No airport bars in Kansas, then, no liquor by the drink.

Back to the topic. I believe that the lounges are overrated, especially for someone (like me or the 16-yo OP) who cannot drink alcohol. I do like going into the AC, but I don't die of disappointment if it's not feasible. My advice to the current OP is the same as to the guy in the above referenced thread.

Forget the lounge. Make use of your young 16-year old back, knees and legs to explore the airport. Check out the shops. Look for observation terraces. Strike up a conversation with other young people while you are a kid, not an old perv.

There's plenty of time, later, to be and act old.

And now, back to my comfy chair and Sudoku puzzles.