Tired of dreading going to the airport? For those looking for a quiet place to sit with free food and drinks, good service, easy access to outlets, and comfortable surroundings, airport lounges are a great addition to a travel day. See below for tips and tricks from our resident airport lounge expert and CTG Advisor, Antony Merkel.

• Be sure to check your credit card and airline ticket to see if you can get access to a lounge. If yes, take advantage! If not, consider a paid membership if you fly enough and value the quiet space. Some people will even choose their airline based on the lounge.
• Craft your airport visit around what lounge(s) you have access to, how far from the gate it may be, and allow yourself enough time to enjoy the space.
• Download the designated app and keep digital membership cards in your wallet for easy access.
• Don't forget that airline lounges have their own airline reps! If you find yourself dealing with a delay or missed connection, skip the lines and get direct access to an airline representative.

This is an exciting time for airport lounges as they continue to up their game with enhanced focus on design and decor, food, wellness and beyond. Antony listed the below as must-see lounges if it you find yourself in the destinations.

• Delta One Lounge at JFK
• Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX
• Cathay Pacific Lounges at HKG
• Turkish Airlines Lounge at IST