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Joining the clubsBy STEVE HUETTEL
© St. Petersburg Times, Even if you're not a big-mileage road warrior, you can sample the comforts of airline clubs without paying the $375 to $475 for a one-year membership. Few airlines promote it, but they sell one-day passes. US Airways, Delta and Northwest charge $35 to use one club or $50 for clubs in more than one airport. Most airlines will apply the fee to the cost of an annual membership if you like the experience. American Express Platinum Card members receive free admission to clubs operated by Continental and Northwest when they're flying those airlines. Diners Club cardholders can get into 50 clubs worldwide, although the only domestic clubs are in Miami and Newark. A little-known bargain recommended by some travel Web sites is Priority Pass, a private program with a network of 300 clubs worldwide. They include all clubs operated by Northwest, US Airways and America West and certain Delta Crown Rooms, including the one in Tampa. For $295 a year, you get unlimited use of the clubs. Or you can pay $99 annually and $24 a visit. Priority Pass president Terry Evans said most of its 200,000-plus members are Europeans who fly economy class and want to use airline lounges otherwise open only to international travelers in first class and business class. Anyone can join, but the company keeps its U.S. marketing low-key because it doesn't want to sell so many passes that cooperating clubs are overwhelmed. "We drive just enough traffic to keep the clubs busy," Evans said, "but not cause significant overcrowding problems for them."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the Times Business report
From the AP
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