The Strange Truth Behind Airport Lounge Sanitation Fees: Is It Just Me?

Strange Happenings at BWI Airport

I have a friend named George who recently shared his experience at Minute Suites in BWI Airport. This is an option for airport lounges where you can rent a private room complete with a sofa for resting and a desk for working. George used his Priority Pass to enter for free for one hour.

However, upon entry, he was unexpectedly asked to pay an additional $5.30 for a "sanitation fee." This wasn't optional, nor was it due to any mess he made; it was simply an entry fee.

Response from Priority Pass

George was quite upset about this and received a response from Priority Pass stating that lounges and airport services can impose any fees they wish. This answer left George questioning, "How can a lounge charge a 'cutlery usage fee' at this point?"

Typically, a lounge wouldn't want to do this as they aim to maximize revenue by inviting as many customers as possible. Adding entry fees would require more staff and could deter customers.

Revenue from Additional Fees

Standard lounges are only limited by fire code capacity, meaning the more guests that enter, the more money they can make. Minute Suites, however, is different; each room accommodates only a few guests, so they can't increase revenue simply by increasing guest numbers.

In reality, customers using Priority Pass have to share space with those who pay higher fees. While Priority Pass brings in the crowd, it doesn't help them expand revenue beyond a certain point.

Surprise Fees and Lack of Transparency

I don't think Priority Pass's response is satisfactory. I've never seen any mention of a $5.30 sanitation fee. According to their website, the Priority Pass only mentions one hour of free access and additional time at a discounted rate.

The terms also state that sanitation fees may apply for smoking, damage, or unusual cleaning needs, and additional fees are typically disclosed on their website.

Other Additional Fees at Lounges

I saw a user on FlyerTalk report a 3% fee for credit card payments at Minute Suites DFW. At JFK Airport in New York, I also noticed a mention of a 3% "staff fee." While these aren't the $5.30 fee, they also aren't found online.

Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about Minute Suites in Atlanta charging an extra $150 for sanitation without prior notice. Sounds bizarre, doesn't it?

Fees & Customer Perception

Despite the doubts, additional fees for lounge access are on the rise. There is one thing I find comfortable—when fees are clearly disclosed upfront and set to address overcrowding.

For instance, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge at LAX requires Priority Pass holders to pay an additional $35 per person for entry. Everything is clearly laid out, and while some may find it too expensive, at least you know the price before you go in.

Options Within the Lounge

The Virgin Atlantic lounge at JFK and Washington Dulles offers hot food, wine, and espresso drinks. Aspire San Diego has an a la carte menu with additional fees. Plaza Premium lounge also charges extra for standard drinks.

Theoretically, these extra fees might be beneficial since the lines at lounges can be quite long. However, the mandatory sanitation fee right at the entrance is a fee that isn't publicly disclosed and not listed on the website. This leaves users feeling frustrated!

Conclusion: A Call for More Transparency

In the end, something needs to change. It’s not about having "no fees" but rather that "fees should be openly listed." This should become a rarity for services outside the basic package, not an expectation from customers. Otherwise, Priority Pass will lose its value, and consumers won't hold onto this card for long, which will undoubtedly affect revenue for banks.