Would you ever use a premium arrival-side grab-and-go lounge after landing?
Nov 3, 2025 | 3:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2025
Posts: 2
Would you ever use a premium arrival-side grab-and-go lounge after landing?
Frequent Business Flyers: Would you ever use a grab-and-go lounge after landing—premium coffee, fresh food, quick reset near baggage claim—or are you always straight out the door? Airports have tons of lounges, dining, and services for departing passengers—but almost nothing for arrivals. Once you’re off the plane and waiting for bags or your ride, your choices are basically Starbucks or nothing.
Hypothetically, imagine a small space just outside security near baggage claim (or related)—not a full lounge, but a clean, minimalist spot with really good grab-and-go food, coffee, and a few seats/chargers. More “reset station” than “hangout.” Access would be by low-cost membership or QR code, so it stays quiet and premium.
Curious what this community thinks:
Hypothetically, imagine a small space just outside security near baggage claim (or related)—not a full lounge, but a clean, minimalist spot with really good grab-and-go food, coffee, and a few seats/chargers. More “reset station” than “hangout.” Access would be by low-cost membership or QR code, so it stays quiet and premium.
Curious what this community thinks:
- Would you actually stop for a quick coffee or snack after landing?
- Or do you prefer to leave the airport immediately?
- What features (lockers, showers, pre-orders, etc.) would make it worth using?
- Which airports feel most painful for arrivals right now?
Nov 3, 2025 | 4:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SBA
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,012
I'm not sure on the "no dining, services" for arriving passengers, only departing. Most times I'll arrive at a gate in the middle of the terminal with all of the same services that a departing passenger would have.
To your question, would I pay for a lounge to get a cup of coffee when leaving? Probably not, I would just stop in the terminal and grab something. That's me at least.
As a business traveler, I typically don't check bags, so I would stay in the airport and browse a bit if I really wanted to eat before hitting the road.
To your question, would I pay for a lounge to get a cup of coffee when leaving? Probably not, I would just stop in the terminal and grab something. That's me at least.
As a business traveler, I typically don't check bags, so I would stay in the airport and browse a bit if I really wanted to eat before hitting the road.
Last edited by tstauck; Nov 3, 2025 at 4:31 pm
Nov 3, 2025 | 4:54 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TYO / WAS / NYC
Programs: American Express got a hit man lookin' for me
Posts: 5,251
There are already a lot of lounges that cater specifically to international arrival passengers... just not in the US.
A good roundup below:
https://princeoftravel.com/guides/arrivals-lounges/
A good roundup below:
https://princeoftravel.com/guides/arrivals-lounges/
Nov 3, 2025 | 5:13 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .60 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 17,835
Many airline lounges were formerly landside. For instance, the CO Presidents Club at SFO. Yes, I used to like relaxing there before leaving the airport.
Nov 3, 2025 | 7:50 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Southern Ontario
Programs: Aeroplan, NEXUS
Posts: 1,026
I've used arrival lounges on business trips when coming off an overnight flight and heading directly into a meeting. A quick shower, shave if required and I'm more presentable for a morning meeting.
Nov 3, 2025 | 8:57 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,986
By the amount of requests for information on arrival lounges here on FT I think it's safe to say there's definitely a demand for them.
Personally a beer and sandwich or snack might be appreciated, maybe even a shower, but it depends a lot on plans for the next few hours. Having to use up time before hotel check-in opens would be a great reason to use one and on the other side if heading home there's less reason.
Personally a beer and sandwich or snack might be appreciated, maybe even a shower, but it depends a lot on plans for the next few hours. Having to use up time before hotel check-in opens would be a great reason to use one and on the other side if heading home there's less reason.
Nov 3, 2025 | 9:56 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 6,121
In the US at least, this is already available for airline club members when arriving airside (e.g. US domestic/precleared arrivals). I use them to grab a cup of coffee or in some cases to kill some time before hotel check-in on a red-eye arrival. And for some late evening arrivals, to get a quick bite before a lot of places close by the time I get to the hotel or back home.
Nov 6, 2025 | 11:26 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: AA Plat Pro, ex DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,443
I really don't see a use case for an arrivals lounge outside of arriving on a transcon or inter continental red eye and wanting to shower and change clothes before starting my day. Would I use a grab and go if it was provided complimentary due to a credit card or a class of ticket or status or wahtever? Maybe, I'd pop in and grab a bottle of water or coffee or whatever on my way out the door. But would I pay money for a membership or a per visit fee? No, I really doubt it.