Whether you’re on a layover or you might be just waiting for your flight, there aren’t enough places in airports where you can chill or have a tasty snack. If you’re a business traveler, you barely get a chance to relax. Things get even worse if your company doesn’t offer to pay for business-class flight tickets. That’s where the premium lounges at the airport come into play – they are perfect for relaxing, drinking, or having a little snack. However, some of the Lounges at the airport are premium and are accessible only through premium memberships offered by various international big-name airlines. Let’s take a look at the best Indian airport lounges that can be easily accessed with a small fee paid with your credit card.

Best Indian Airport Lounges: Domestic Departure

American Express Lounge, Delhi Terminal-3

If you’re flying within India from Delhi’s Terminal 3, the American Express Lounge is hands down the best spot to relax. It’s cozy, premium, and perfect for winding down before your flight. Just keep in mind that international travelers can’t access it, since it’s reserved only for domestic flyers. The lounge is known for its tasty satays and the wide view of the Delhi Airport runway. The lounge is accessible through American Express’ various credit cards including the Centurion Card, Platinum Card, Platinum Reserve Credit Card, and the Jet Airways Platinum Credit Card. The food is delicious and complimentary. There is also a full-paid bar with a wide collection of beers, spirits, and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Travel Club Lounge by TFS, Mumbai

Known for its elegant design, Travel Club Lounge is one of the best airport lounges in India. It is located in the domestic departure Terminal-1 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Owned by Travel Food Services, this spacious lounge has a live kitchen, a business center and even a spa for travelers to relax and hang out. The seating here is comfortable with ample personal lighting and conveniently has device charging points. It is accessible freely with a Priority Pass but is also available for everyone for a fee which you can pay on arrival with a credit card.

Best Indian Airport Lounges: International Departures

Plaza Premium Lounge, Hyderabad

Situated right next to each other in the Level E of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the twin Plaza Premium Lounges offer two different lounges for domestic and international fliers separately. The lounge in the picture above is located at the International Departures and is intended for international travellers. Among the best Indian airport lounges, Plaza Premium Lounge is spacious, elegantly furnished, and peaceful with calm and relaxing ambience. The amazing features at this lounge includes high-speed Wi-Fi, charging points, VIP rooms, a full bar, a spa, and even shower facilities. You must try the Hyderabadi Biryani here! Several Jet Airways/Jet Privilege co-branded cards give complimentary access but you can gain entry by paying a small fee with your credit card.

FYI, there many easy ways to gain lounge access at airports.

Plaza Premium Lounge B, Delhi

Located in the fourth level of the Delhi Airport Terminal-3 near the International Departures, Plaza Premium Lounge B is one of the best airport lounges in India as it offers everything one need for travellers on international flights to relax and wait in luxury. A wide range of facilities including showers, a spa, computers, free high-speed Wi-Fi, buffet counters, charging points, bar with all kinds of drinks, and even TVs and magazines. It is perfect for business travellers as it offers everything one need to unwind during a work trip.

Vistara Lounge, Delhi

With its aviation hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Vistara offers one of the most spacious and cozy airport lounges in India. The comfortable seating plus the excellent service sprinkled with a ton of facilities, cuisines and drinks make this lounge ideal for passengers travelling from all over the world flights to Delhi. The lavish facilities at this premium lounge include a full bar, computers, a reading room, and a VIP room. As one of the best Indian airport lounges, it can easily entertain 75 passengers at once. However, the access to this lounge is exclusive for Business class travellers and Club Vistara Gold members. It is also accessible with a Vistara Day Pass which you can buy with any credit card.

Nexus Lounge, Bengaluru

Whether you hold a premium credit card or prefer to pay at the gate, entry into the Nexus Lounge is never complicated. Inside, travelers find not just plush seating, but also Wi-Fi strong enough for work calls, charging points at every turn, and a steady supply of food and drinks, both hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Nestled in the Domestic Departure terminal of Kempegowda International Airport, it has become the preferred touchdown before takeoff.

Save on flight tickets by booking through IndianEagle and spend it instead on lounge access for comfortable travel. If you’re a business traveler or someone on a layover in any Indian airport, the lounges can help you rewind and get you ready for the journey ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access Indian airport lounges with any credit card?
Not all credit cards provide access. Premium cards like American Express Platinum, Centurion, HDFC Infinia, Citibank Prestige, and select co-branded airline cards often offer complimentary or discounted lounge entry. Some lounges also allow entry for a small fee paid with most major credit cards. 

Can I pay at the gate to enter the lounge without a credit card?
Many lounges allow entry by paying a nominal fee at the entrance, but credit card holders may get discounts or complimentary access. It’s best to confirm with the lounge beforehand.

How early can I access the lounge before my flight?
Lounge access policies vary, but generally you can enter 3–4 hours before departure. Check the lounge website or ask at the desk for exact timings, especially for international flights.

Can children enter the lounges?
Yes, most lounges allow children, but some premium lounges may have age restrictions for certain facilities like bars or spas. It’s advisable to check lounge-specific rules.

Are these lounges for domestic or international travelers?
The American Express Lounge in Delhi and Nexus Lounge in Bengaluru are only for domestic flyers. Travel Club Lounge in Mumbai serves domestic departures, while Plaza Premium Lounge in Hyderabad caters to international travelers. 

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