Things You Should Never Do in an Airport Lounge, From a Frequent Flyer

I travel often — at least once a month — and I like having access to Delta Sky Clubs through my co-branded Delta credit card and Priority Pass, a membership that gets me into more than 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.

These two programs usually allow me to find a lounge I can use regardless of the airport I’m at or the airline I’m flying.

I enjoy using airport lounges because they’re usually quieter and less crowded than waiting at the gate. I also like having access to a nicer, less-crowded restroom, and of course, the complimentary food and beverages are pretty sweet, too.

As a frequent traveler, here are five things I never do in an airport lounge.

Plop in the first seat I see

Most airport lounges have a variety of seating, from desk-like workspaces with electrical outlets to comfortable upholstered couches you might find in a living room.

I don’t pick the first open seat I see unless the lounge is super crowded and I feel as if it’s my only option. Fortunately, I can usually gauge how crowded a lounge is by the presence of a line at the entry.

A lot of lounges I’ve visited don’t allow new visitors when they’re close to capacity, so finding a seat is usually not an issue.

If I’m not familiar with a lounge’s layout, I’ll take a lap to see all the available seating. I love a comfortable chair with built-in USB ports so I can charge my phone, so I’ll look for that type of seating first.

I also like to sit away from the buffet, bar, and restrooms so I can have as quiet an atmosphere as possible.

Stuff my face like food is going out of style

Food varies widely from lounge to lounge, from chef-curated menus to bowls of trail mix and grab-and-go snacks, but there are typically plenty of hot food offerings.

They can be tempting, but I don’t have that “it’s free, and it’s there” mentality, so I won’t load up my plate unless I’m starving or know I won’t be eating for a while. I don’t want to feel too full or bloated before a long flight.

The bar is always a happening spot for travelers, but I take it easy on the alcohol some lounges give out for free.

I might have a drink once in a while, but I don’t want to get dehydrated before a long flight or lose my inhibitions to the point where I’m not watching my belongings or the time.

Snooze

Even if I’m tired and a lounge has comfy, reclining chairs, I don’t sleep in airport lounges. I’m always too nervous I’ll miss my flight.

I’ve never had a lengthy layover during which I was that exhausted, plus most lounges have time limits on how long people can be inside them.

Getting off my feet and relaxing is usually enough of a break if I’m tired.

Be inconsiderate of other lounge guests

Unless a lounge is virtually empty, I don’t take up more than one seat or put my backpack on its own chair. I get frustrated when I’m looking for a seat, but many are unavailable because people are using them as storage.

Using headphones is also a cardinal rule in airport lounges, although I often see people being inconsiderate by streaming or using FaceTime without them.

I also wouldn’t engage in some behaviors I see in lounges that I find gross, such as removing shoes to put bare feet on airport furniture or taking care of personal grooming — like clipping nails — outside a restroom.

Lounges provide a comfortable, home-like environment, but I try to remember that they are public spaces. I wish other people would, too.

Go to another terminal in the airport to use a lounge

I love having lounge access, but I won’t leave my flight’s terminal to seek one out unless my layover is at least two hours long.

Even then, I hesitate to go unless I’m familiar with the airport. I never want to miss a flight just because I wanted some extra comfort before it.

This story was originally published on July 25, 2024, and most recently updated on December 18, 2025.