Premium travel credit cards and first-class tickets are the most reliable ways to get into an airport lounge. Lounge overcrowding has made it harder for travelers without premium access to get in.

Premium travel cards keep getting more expensive. Enough is enough. Airport lounges aren't that exciting.

Major U.S. airlines have sharply increased baggage and seat selection fees this spring while tightening in-flight perks, citing higher fuel costs and operational limits. Delta, United, JetBlue, ...