The busiest airport in the country, Encalm lounge Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport) plays a significant role in international connectivity in India. The airport handles approximately 37.4 million passengers annually. Voted as the best airport in Asia-pacific by the Airports Council International, lounge access at airport Delhi airport has a lot to offer to make your boring layovers relaxing and enjoyable. If you have some spare hours to spend before catching a flight at Delhi Airport, credit card for lounge access airport lounges would be perfect places for relaxing, snacking, or maybe getting a spa! plaza premium lounge Delhi Airport has more than 5 premium lounges inside the terminals offering food, complimentary Wi-Fi, a place to relax, and far more amazing services.
Airport Lounges
See attached below the airport lounges available at Delhi Airport Terminal 3:
- Air India Lounge “Maharaja Lounge”: Location: Domestic Departures, International Departures.
- Always VIP Guest Service: Location: Domestic Arrivals, International Arrivals.
- ITC Green Lounge: Location: International Departures, Airside. Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Plaza Nap & Shower: Location: Domestic Arrivals and International Arrivals.
- Plaza Premium: Location: Domestic Departures
- The Amex Platinum Lounge: Location: Domestic Departures.
- Shower & Massage Lounge: Location: Domestic Arrivals level.
- Silver Kris Lounge: This is Singapore Airlines lounge.
Objective: Access to Airport Lounges
In almost all airports there are VIP lounge. They are real havens of peace for the most part, in which you will be able to relax:
- Focus if you have to work.
- Relax before taking your flight.
- Eat at the buffets.
- Celebrate your departure on a trip with an alcoholic beverage.
- Take a shower, incredibly convenient after a red eye flight.
Airport lounges seem like a life-saver on occasions when you reach the facility a little early. The best choice when you have an early morning check-in, cancelled flight, or connected flight, these facilities ensure that your journey begins on the right note. The lounges ensure your peace of mind by providing a relaxing environment while you are at the airport. So, to ensure a pleasurable and pleasing airport experience for flyers, Delhi Airport has recently inaugurated a new lounge at terminal 3, International departures. Here is all you need to know about the facility!
What is an Airport Lounge?
Airport lounges are designated spaces at airports where travellers can enjoy some ‘me-time’ when flying off to their destination. Equipped with premium facilities, these spaces offer a peaceful and stress-free environment for relaxing. Enjoying the lounge perks enhances the entire holiday experience and helps reduce travel anxiety.
Most airport lounges provide comfy seats, an assorted selection of alcoholic drinks, showers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and free snacks to promise a premium experience to customers. Some even have playrooms and electronic devices like computers and television sets to ensure flyers enjoy the time spent at the facility. Besides offering a perfect getaway from a jam-packed airport environment, these spaces also feature workstations Encalm lounge where you can sit and work from your laptop. This especially comes in handy when you have to send a last-minute email.
Accessing airport lounges is possible with specific premium flight tickets (like business or first class), status level, or particular credit cards in your wallet. Some airport lounges also offer entry for a year or a day with certain conditions. By showing your qualifying pass to the attendant, you can gain access to the facility.
How to get Free Access to Airport Lounges in India
- If you are at any airport lounge within India, then just show your credit card at the reception. They would swipe and check if they have an agreement with your bank for complimentary access.
- You may see Rs. 2 transaction charge on your credit card statement if they accept your credit card.
- After that. just relax and have your food in the lounge. Some lounges also provide liquor free of cost.
- For International Lounges Access – you need Priority Pass. Some credit card banks ask you to fill up an additional application form to issue you priority pass free of cost.
- Make sure you keep the record of your complimentary access numbers through priority pass. You would be charged $27+tax if you exceed the allowed number of free access.
- Here is the latest list of airport lounges access with each credit card.
Save this article for your reference.
A Glance at Delhi Airport
| Name | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
| Owner | Delhi International Airport Limited |
| Airport type | Public |
| IATA Code | DEL |
| ICAO Code | VIDP |
| Operator | Delhi International Airport Limited |
| Terminal | 3 |
| Airport Lounges | More than 5 |
| Airline operated lounge | Air India Lounge |
| Country | India |
| Location | Palam, Delhi, 110037, India |
| Website | Delhi Airport |
Encalm Lounge commences at Terminal 3
At Delhi Airport, Mezzanine Level, Terminal 3, the Encalm Lounge commenced recently. Currently operational, it is located where ITC Green Lounge was situated previously. The Encalm lounge space is a premium facility equipped with gourmet food and wellness & spa services. It is designed to help flyers relax and reduce their travel anxiety.
Spread across an area of 12,238 sq. ft of floor space, Encalm lounge new lounge is spacious and much bigger than the facility it replaced. It has the capacity to seat 245 people and is an apt choice for travellers seeking the best hospitality services. The Encalm lounge offers uninterrupted Wi-Fi and gourmet and international cuisines to please flyers. Moreover, it has beautiful aesthetics and offers premium comfort. The Encalm lounge stays open 24*7 and provides constant access to flight information, newspapers, magazines, a live cooking station, a bar, and a lounge bay.
Encalm Lounge, Delhi Terminal 3 Location
The Encalm Lounge is on the mezzanine floor of the Delhi T3 Terminal. You cross Passport Control and Security, head into the duty-free, and as you come out on the other side, you head to the elevator/escalator to go to Lounges A. The Air India Lounge is here, and right across is the Encalm Lounge. Encalm took over the space earlier occupied by the ITC Green Lounge and created their Lounge, adding to some other vacant space next door.
Encalm Lounge, Terminal 3 Get Lounge Access at Rs. 2
The Encalm Lounge at Terminal 3 is built specifically for credit card and lounge pass access and will primarily not cater to airline-invited passengers. At the moment, the Encalm lounge is signing up for contracts with various banks, but the following are some of the ones confirmed to be working:
- American Express Platinum Charge Card
- MasterCard (eligible cards issued in India)
- Visa (eligible cards issued in India)
- HDFC Bank Diners Club Cards
- Priority Pass
Encalm Lounge, Terminal 3, Facilities
- The Encalm lounge was built for 246 seats and divided into a lounge area, a restaurant, and a bar area. As you enter, you will first walk into the Lounge Area. As is common nowadays, the Lounging area has lots of couches, with tables interspersed along with the sofas. That way, you could be a solo traveller, seated adjacent to someone you don’t know, and not feel awkward about it.
- Each seat here comes with its plug points, in case you want to plug in your laptop, and its USB A ports as well, in case you want to plug in your phone for some juice before taking off.
- in Encalm lounge Behind the couches, at the other end of the lounge, there is an oversized couch.
- Next to the lounging area, as you proceed, there is a restaurant area. The restaurant is large, perhaps fifty per cent of the lounge’s capacity. There are all sorts of seat combinations, with tables, for twos, fours and even sixes. There is also a community table.
- Apart from the restaurant area, there was also a bar. However, the bar still needs to receive its alcohol service permit, so you will be greeted with this message on the outside. And the bar is only serving colas at the moment.
- Also, there is a tea bar, which can serve tea through the night (masala chai) across from the bar, and coffee machines sprinkled across the lounge. There is also a meeting room. However, it was under lock and key, and no public information yet about how to book it.
Bottomline
The Encalm Lounge at Delhi Terminal 3 International is the only lounge, apart from the Air India Lounge, operational at the Delhi Airport for the moment. Access is granted purely via bank credit and debit cards here, also via Priority Pass. The Lounge is built for 246 seats and is divided into a lounging area, bar and restaurant. The food served here is primarily Indian, and if you are flying out in the middle of the night, which is peak season, Encalm lounge you should expect to see a crowd and even a waitlist at the lounge.
Encalm Lounge:
| Location | Terminal 1D, Domestic Departures, Delhi Airport. |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours 7 days a week |
| Maximum hours stay | 2 hours. |
| Facilities | Comfortable sitting space, Food, and beverages Alcohol (additional charge) Reading materials Wi-Fi Air Conditioning Charging stations Flight information screens TV Bar Disabled Access |
| Prices for an access if your card not accepted. | 19 USD |
Besides these large lounges, Delhi Airport has some other delicate lounges like Fresco bar and lounge, ITC Hotels GREEN LOUNGE, The Orb, Vistara lounge for Vistara passengers,Encalm lounge, GMR Lounge, etc.
Plaza Premium Lounges in Delhi Airport:
Plaza premium lounge group is of the world’s largest airport lounge networks. Also, plaza premium lounge Group serves airport hospitality services to over 20 million Travellers annually in 180 locations within 49 airports. Plaza Premium lounge has different lounges for domestic and international Travellers at Delhi Airport.
Best Debit Cards with Complimentary Airport Lounge Access in India
Many people these days are chasing credit cards for lounge access and what most of them forget is that even debit cards can give them access to most domestic lounges in India. Mastercard in India is known for its generous lounge access program. Visa & Rupay also has affiliated lounges but not that popular as Mastercard for time being.
Most of the Mastercard debit cards issued by Private Banks like Axis bank, HDFC bank comes with minimum of 2 Lounge access per quarter. Plaza premium lounge While debit cards are easy to get, it can also serve as a backup card for lounge access when your primary credit card doesn’t work, recently in Plaza Premium Lounge at Delhi Domestic Airport where there was a technical problem with Diners network.
Here are some of the popular Debit cards with complimentary lounge Access in India. There might be few that i have missed. Feel free to add them to the list by mentioning the card type/Bank in comments below.
A Glance at Delhi Airport
| Name | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
| Owner | Delhi International Airport Limited |
| Airport type | Public |
| IATA Code | DEL |
| ICAO Code | VIDP |
| Operator | Delhi International Airport Limited |
| Terminal | 3 |
| Airport Lounges | More than 5 |
| Airline operated lounge | Air India Lounge |
| Country | India |
| Location | Palam, Delhi, 110037, India |
| Website | Delhi Airport |
Plaza Premium Lounges in Delhi Airport:
Plaza premium group is of the world’s largest airport lounge networks. And Plaza Premium Group serves airport hospitality services to over 20 million Travellers annually in 180 locations within 49 airports. Plaza Premium has different lounges for domestic and international Travellers at Delhi Airport.
International Departures Plaza Premium Lounge:
Plaza premium has two lounges for international Travellers in terminal 3 at Delhi airport: Lounge A at level 3 and Lounge B at level 4. Every international Traveller at Delhi Airport can get a pass for lounge A, but Lounge B is reserved for airlines.
Plaza Premium lounge A (International Departures)
| Location | Terminal 3, level 3 (Mezzanine Level), International Departures, Delhi Airport. |
| Access | All international travellers at Delhi Airport can purchase the Plaza Premium lounge A pass. |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours 7 days a week |
| Maximum hours stay | 5 hours. |
| Facilities | Wide range of food including Indian foods, Chinese and continental foods. Vegetarian options food Wi-Fi Charging station The computer at the business station Alcoholic beverage Shower facilities Private place for resting. Television Payphone |
| Prices for an access if your card not accepted. | for 2 hours 2655 INR (35 USD)
For 5 hours 4779 INR (62 USD) |
Plaza Premium lounge B (International Departures)
| Location | Terminal 3, level 4(in security hold area), International Departures, Delhi Airport. |
| Access | Reserved for specific airline travellers and staff. |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours 7 days a week |
| Maximum hours stay | 10 hours. |
| Facilities | Wide range of food including Indian foods, Chinese and continental foods. Vegetarian options food Wi-Fi Charging station. Computer at business station Alcoholic beverage Shower facilities Private place for resting. Television Payphone Bar (Temporarily unavailable) Massage, spa, and beauty service (Temporarily unavailable) |
| Prices for an access if your card not accepted. | for 2 hours 2655 INR (35 USD) For 5 hours 4779 INR (62 USD) For 10 hours 7434 INR (96 USD) |
Domestic Departures Plaza Premium Lounge:
Domestic travellers at Delhi airport can spend their spare time in the relaxing ambience of the Plaza Premium lounge. Plaza Premium has two lounges for domestic arrivals, one in terminal 2 and other in the terminal 3. All domestic passengers at Delhi Airport can purchase passes for both of the domestic departures lounges of Plaza Premium.
Terminal 2 Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departure):
| Location | Terminal 2, near gate 32, Domestic Departures, Delhi Airport. |
| Access | All domestic travellers at Delhi Airport can purchase the Terminal 2 Plaza Premium pass. |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours 7 days a week |
| Maximum hours stay | 5 hours. |
| Facilities | Snacks and beverage Wi-Fi Newspapers and magazines Charging station Computer at business station Private place for resting Television Payphone |
| Prices for an access if your card not accepted. | for 2 hours 1593 INR (21 USD) For 5 hours 3186 INR (42 USD) |
Terminal 3 Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departure):
| Location | Terminal 3, level 3 (Mezzanine Level), International Departures, Delhi Airport. |
| Access | All international travellers at Delhi Airport can purchase the Plaza Premium lounge A pass. |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours 7 days a week |
| Maximum hours stay | 10 hours. |
| Facilities | Buffet coffee Vegetarian options food Wi-Fi Charging station Computer at business station Alcoholic beverage (additional charge) Shower facilities A private place for resting Television Payphone |
| Prices for an access if your card not accepted. | for 2 hours 1593 INR (21 USD) For 5 hours 3186 INR (42 USD) For 10 hours 4779 INR (62 USD) |
Air India Lounge in Delhi Airport:
Air India offers complimentary lounge facilities to its First and Business class passengers flying on both domestic and international flights from Delhi Airport. Economy Class and other airline passengers can also have access to the Air India Lounge at a cost of 10 USD (500 INR). Air India Lounge has a separate wing for domestic and international departures at Delhi Airport.
Best Credit Card for Free Airport Lounge Access in India
- When you enter an airport lounge, you will feel like you have walked into the dining area of a 5-star hotel. Your nose will be filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and you will notice beautifully decorated coffee tables with options of cappuccino, latte, mocha, tea alongside jars filled with cookies and nuts.
- You can fill your coffee mug and walk to the nearest table and recharge your mobile phone and laptop. The lounge will give you free access to Wi-Fi so you may download Netflix movies just before boarding the flight.
- After finishing your coffee, you can walk to the dining counter where there will be a buffet with different types of cuisines – Indian, Italian, Continental and Chinese. You can fill your plate or order food from the live counters. In some super premium lounges, you can also get liquor, which may be complimentary or chargeable.
- These two hours before boarding the flight will be pure bliss and you will never want to miss it the next time you travel, especially if it comes free with your credit card.
- The number of free airport lounge access varies from card to card. Mostly credit cards limit the number of visits from 4 to 8 per year and a few super-premium credit cards offer unlimited access to airport lounges.
- In the first half of the article, you will know the annual fee and features of the top credit cards for airport lounge access. In the second half of the article, I have provided the list of airport lounges in India.
1. HDFC Bank Diners Black Credit Card
- Diners Black credit card is my favorite credit card by HDFC bank because the credit card offers unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.
- Diners black is a super-premium credit card, so you would require a monthly salary of Rs. 1.75 Lacs or an income of 21 Lacs per annum to get this credit card.
- You would also get 5 reward points worth Rs. 5 on spending Rs. 150. Which is equal to a direct saving of 3.3% on all your spends.
- You will also get complimentary membership for Club Marriott, Forbes Digital subscription, Zomato Gold, Amazon Prime, MakeMyTrip Double Black, and Times Prime with HDFC Dinners Black credit card.
HDFC Bank Diners Black Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
You can freely access 700+ lounges in India and worldwide without the need for a separate priority pass.
Annual Fees
- First year– Rs.5000 (spend Rs. 5 Lacs and get next year fee waiver)
- Second year onwards- Rs. 5,000
Welcome Gift
- First year – 10000 points
- On renewal – 5000 points
The welcome gifts are equal to the annual fee of the credit card. So, you can enjoy all the benefit without spending a single penny.
Other benefits
- Rs. 2 Crores of Air accident cover
- Rs. 50 Lacs cover for Emergency medical expenses.
- Rs. 9 Lacs cover for Credit card liability.
- Rs. 55,000 Travel insurance cover on baggage delay
- 2x points on weekend dining spends.
- 2 vouchers worth Rs 1000 from Ola Select membership or BookMyShow or TataCLiQ on spending of Rs. 80,000 in a calendar month
You can pick a suitable credit card for your needs from this list of best credit cards in India.
2. HDFC Infinia Credit Card
- HDFC Infinia credit card offers maximum benefit, starting from lounge access to golf courses and even credit limit.
- You can get unlimited access to 1000+ airport lounges across the globe (both domestic & international) with the Infinia credit card. Even the supplementary card member gets unlimited lounge access.
Note: you would need priority pass to show at the lounge to get the free access.
- You would get a minimum credit limit of Rs 10 Lacs on Infinia credit card, but you need 45 Lacs ITR to get HDFC Infinia credit card.
HDFC Bank Infinia VISA Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 10,000 (waived off on spending 8 Lacs)
Other benefits
- 10 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on hdfcbankinfinia.com, dining and flight bookings on airvistara.com.
- 5 reward points on all other spends.
- 2% foreign currency markup fee
- 15% across 3000+ restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- No cash withdrawal fee
- Accidental death insurance of Rs. 3 Crore
- Medical emergencies cover up to Rs. 50 Lacs during travel abroad
- Accidental death and permanent disability cover of Rs. 9 Lacs
- Card liability cover up to Rs. 9 Lacs
You would also get complimentary Vistara gold membership having benefits.
- 10 Vistara points for every Rs. 100 spent on all Vistara flights.
- Additional 10 Kg Baggage allowance
- Guaranteed reservations in Economy Class
- Priority airport check-in, waitlist clearance, baggage handling and boarding
Note: Vistara gold membership comes with a validity of 1 year. After 1 year, you have to contact HDFC customer care if you wish to keep the membership.
3. Citi Prestige Credit Card
Prestige credit card is super-premium credit card by CitiBank, best for the frequent traveler who needs unlimited lounge access across the world due to their regular travel.
You will get complimentary unlimited priority pass lounge access at over 800 airports for primary as well as supplementary cardmembers.
CitiBank Prestige Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 20,000
Welcome Gift (every year)
- 10,000 bonus air miles
- Taj Group or ITC Hotel sand vouchers worth Rs 10,000
The welcome gifts are worth equal to the annual fee.
Expert tip to get quick approval.
You can get Citi Prestige credit card if you open Citi gold Saving Account. You need to maintain Rs. 75L in your portfolio to be member of Citi gold.
Other benefits
- 2 reward points overseas per Rs. 100
- 1 reward point per Rs. 100 in India
- Up to 30% bonus points above regular points for an existing Citi gold or Citi gold private client
- 4 complimentary golf rounds & golf lessons
- 2 complimentary luxury airport services and meet & assist services.
- One complimentary night on a minimum stay of 4 nights at any hotel across the world
- Overseas medical insurance of USD 50,000 while traveling.
- Air Accident Insurance of Rs. 5 Crores
- Lost Card Protection of Rs. 10,00,000
4. Yes Bank Preferred Exclusive Credit Card
Yes Preferred exclusive credit card offers unlimited free domestic and international lounges access across the world.
The biggest advantage is that not only the primary cardholder but also the add-on cardmembers would get free unlimited lounge visits.
Note: You must have a monthly income of 4 Lacs or ITR of 50 Lacs (self-employed) to get the approval.
Yes Bank Preferred Exclusive Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – Unlimited
- Domestic – Unlimited
Annual Fee – Rs. 10,000
Welcome Gift
- 50,000 reward points on the first transaction within the first 90 days
- 40,000 reward points on each renewal
The welcome gift is worth more than the annual fee of Yes Preferred exclusive credit card.
Milestone Bonus
25,000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 6250 on hitting milestone of INR 20 Lacs in one year.
Other benefits
- 10 reward points on every INR 100 spent
- 1000 reward points on each YES Pay Now registration.
- Complimentary TAJ Inner Circle epicure membership
- Foreign currency markup of 1.75%
- 25% discount on movie bookings at BookMyShow, max Rs. 250 per month
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- One complimentary golf lesson every month
- Life insurance cover of INR 3 Crores for death due to flight accidents
- Medical insurance cover of INR 50 Lacs for when traveling overseas.
Best Credit Card for Lounge Access in India (Limited Access)
5. SBI Elite Credit Card
SBI Elite credit card is a premium credit card that offers 8 domestic and 6 international lounge access every year. You can visit a maximum of 2 domestic and 2 international lounges every quarter.
You would also get 10 points per Rs. 100 on international spends, dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends.
You would earn up to 50,000 bonus reward points with SBI Elite credit card if your annual spends are more than 8 Lacs. You can use reward points for travel booking.
SBI Elite Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – 6
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fee: Rs. 4999
You will get a welcome gift worth Rs. 4999
Milestone Benefits
- 10,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spends of Rs. 3 Lacs and 4 Lacs
- 15,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spends of Rs. 5 Lacs and 8 Lacs
The only bonus reward points are equal to a direct saving of up to 1.5%.
Other Benefits
- 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends.
- 2 points per on all other spends.
- 9 Vistara points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flight bookings.
- Free 2 movie tickets worth Rs. 500 every month
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 1.99% foreign currency mark-up
6. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
HDFC Regalia credit card gives 12 domestic lounges access every year. You would also get 6 complimentary visits to over 1000+ airport lounges around the world through complimentary priority pass membership.
You would be charged $27 per visit beyond the specified limit.
You will also earn 4 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent. Every reward point is worth Rs 0.50, which means a saving of 1.33% (4*0.50/150*100).
HDFC Bank Regalia Crédit Card Lounge Access
- International – 6
- Domestic – 12
Annual Fee – Rs. 2500 (spend 3 Lacs and get next year fee waiver)
You would get a welcome gift of 2500 reward points worth Rs. 1250 every year. Also get one-year Zomato Gold membership on spending Rs 75000 in a year.
Milestone Benefits
- You will get 2500 reward points as a welcome gift.
- Every year you will get 2500 reward points as renewal benefits.
- Earn 10,000 reward points on annual spends of Rs. 5,00,000
- Earn 15,000 reward points if your total spends is Rs. 8,00,000
Key benefits
- 4 reward points on Rs. 150 spent, each point worth 50 paise.
- 2% Foreign currency mark-up
- 15% discount on dining at premium restaurants
- Medical emergency protection up to Rs. 15 Lacs
- Air accident cover of Rs. 1 Crore
- Credit liability cover up to Rs. 9 Lacs
- Travel insurance cover up to Rs. 55,000 on baggage delay
7. Yes Bank Preferred Credit Card
Yes Preferred card offers 3 domestic airport lounge access every quarter. You would also get 4 complimentary international lounge visits in a calendar year with priority pass membership.
Beyond 4 visits you would be charged $27 per visit.
Yes Bank Preferred Credit Card Lounge Access Annual
- International – 4
- Domestic – 12
You can also earn up to 36000 bonus points in the very first year. 15000 points as a welcome gift, 20000 milestone points on spending Rs. 7.5 Lacs, 1000 points on YES Pay Now registration.
These reward points can be redeemed for flight and hotel bookings.
Annual Fees & Renewal Fees: Rs. 2500
Welcome Gift
- 15000 points in the first year
- 10000 points on each renewal
Other benefits
- 8 reward points on travel agency & tour operator, domestic airlines and dining
- 4 reward points on all other spends.
- Foreign currency markup of 1.75%
- Rs. 1 crore life insurance cover for flight accident
- Rs. 25 Lacs of medical insurance cover while traveling overseas
You can get Yes Preferred card on having a monthly income of Rs. 2 Lacs. Otherwise, you can get the card by making a fixed deposit of Rs. 3 Lacs.
8. ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro Credit Card
ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro offers 8 complementary domestic and 2 international lounge access every year. You can visit a maximum of 2 domestic lounges per quarter.
You will also get 2 spa sessions at Indian airports through complimentary Dragon pass membership every year.
ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro card is the best for you if you travel on Jet Airways. You would save 5% discount on the base fare for all international and domestic air tickets booking on jetairways.com.
You will also get 10 JP Miles per Rs. 100 by spending on Jet Airways.
- International – 2
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fees: Rs. 5000
Welcome Gift
- 12,500 bonus JP Miles and an air ticket voucher
- 5,000 JP Miles and an air ticket voucher on every renewal
The welcome gifts are worth more than the annual fee.
Other Benefits
- 5 JP Miles on domestic spends.
- 7 JP Miles on international spends.
- 1 JP Mile on Insurance and utilities
- 2 international lounge visits and 2 spa sessions via DragonPass membership
- Dedicated check-in for the select domestic flight.
- Complimentary excess baggage allowance of 10 Kgs (Premier) and 5 Kgs (Economy)
- 4 complimentary rounds/ lessons of golf every month
- Up to Rs. 500 off on the second movie ticket on BookMyShow twice every month
9. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
- ICICI Sapphiro credit card comes in two variants, Sapphiro Platinum American Express® Card and Sapphiro Mastercard.
- You would get complimentary 2 international and 16 domestic airport lounge visits every year with both variants. The domestic lounge access is limited to 4 visits per quarter.
- The difference in both variants is in the terms of payback points. Sapphiro Mastercard offers 2 payback points per Rs 100 on domestic and 4 payback points on international spends.
- Whereas, Sapphiro Platinum American Express® Card gives 3 payback points per Rs. 100 on domestic and 6 payback points on international spends.
Note: American Express card offers more benefits than MasterCard, but the American Express card is not accepted everywhere in India.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro credit card Lounge Access
- International – 2
- Domestic – 16
Annual Fees
- First Year – Rs. 6500
- Renewal Fees: Rs. 3500 (waived off for a spend of more than Rs. 6 Lacs)
ICICI Sapphiro credit card offers welcome gift voucher worth Rs 10,000
Welcome Gift Details
- Shoppers Stop Voucher worth ₹ 3000.
- 4 EaseMyTrip Vouchers worth ₹ 1000 each.
- 4 Ola vouchers worth ₹ 250 each
- 2 Zomato vouchers worth Rs. 500 each
- Croma Voucher worth ₹ 1000.
You would also Get 4,000 payback points on spending Rs. 4 Lacs and additional 2000 payback points each time you cross Rs. 1 Lac spend thereafter in one year.
Other Benefits
- Get 1 payback points on Rs. 100 spent on fuel, utilities and insurance.
- Buy one movie ticket and get up to Rs. 500 off on the second ticket
- 4 complimentary rounds of golf every month at the golf course
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 2 complimentary domestic airport spa visits per calendar year
10. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Kotak Royale credit card gives 8 complimentary domestic lounge access every year. You wouldn’t get any free international lounge access with the card.
Royal signature credit card is best for you if you are looking for a credit card for only domestic lounges and don’t want to pay much as an annual fee.
Annual Fees: Rs. 999 (spend Rs. 1 Lakh and get a waiver)
You will get 2 BookMyShow vouchers on your 1st swipe, worth 200 each as a welcome gift.
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – 0
- Domestic – 8
Milstone Benefit
- 10,000 bonus reward points on spend Rs. 4,00,000
- earn 30,000 points on spending Rs. 8,00,000 (not extra of 10,000 bonus).
Other Benefits
- 4X reward points on Airlines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies & tour operators and package
- 2X rewards on all other spends.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Rs. 500 of railway surcharge waiver on www.irctc.co.in
- Rs. 2.5 Lacs of Credit Card stolen cover
11. HDFC Regalia First Credit Card
HDFC Regalia first credit card gives 8 domestic lounges every year. You would also get 3 complimentary visits to over 1000+ airport lounges around the world through complimentary priority pass membership.
You would be charged $27 per visit beyond the specified limit.
Regalia first credit card is best for you if you occasionally visit both domestic and international lounges and don’t want to pay high on credit card annual fee.
HDFC Regalia First Credit Card Lounge Access
- International – 3
- Domestic – 8
Annual Fee – Rs. 1000 (spend 1 lakh and get next year fee waiver)
You will get welcome gift of 1000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 300 every year.
Milestone Benefit
- 5,000 reward points on spending Rs. 3,00,000 in one year
- 7,500 Reward Points on spending Rs. 6,00,000 in one year
Other Benefits
- Earn 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent.
- 1% fuel surcharge waived.
- 2% foreign currency mark-up fee
- 15% discount on dining
- Protection worth up to Rs. 10 Lacs against any medical emergency when travelling outside home country
Best International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
| Credit Card | International Lounges |
| HDFC Diners Black | Unlimited |
| HDFC Infinia | Unlimited |
| Citi Prestige | Unlimited |
| Yes Preferred exclusive | Unlimited |
| HDFC Regalia | 6 |
| Yes Preferred | 4 |
| ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro | 2 |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 2 |
| SBI Elite | 6 |
| HDFC Regalia First | 3 |
Best Credit Card for Domestic Airport lounge Access India
| Credit Card | Domestic Lounges |
| HDFC Diners Black | Unlimited |
| HDFC Infinia | Unlimited |
| Citi Prestige | Unlimited |
| Yes Preferred exclusive | Unlimited |
| HDFC Regalia | 12 |
| Yes Preferred | 12 |
| ICICI Jet Privilege Sapphiro | 08 |
| Kotak Royale | 08 |
| ICICI Sapphiro | 16 |
| SBI Elite | 08 |
| HDFC Regalia First | 08 |
List of Airport Lounges in India
We have prepared the list for MasterCard lounge access India, VISA lounge access India, American Express lounge access India and Dinner lounge access India.
Delhi Airport Lounge Access
List of Delhi airports lounges those can be access free through credit cards
| Terminal | Lounge | Location |
| Domestic T1D | Plaza Premium | Level 02, Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departure |
| Domestic T1D | Plaza Premium | Domestic Arrivals |
| Domestic T3 | Plaza Premium | Mezzanine Level, Domestic Departures, |
| Domestic T3 | Plaza Premium | Domestic Arrivals, opp gate 1 |
| Domestic T2 | Plaza Premium | Airside – Domestic Departures, near Gate 24 |
| International T3 | Plaza premium(A) | Level INL 03, International Departures |
| International T3 | Plaza Premium(B) | Level 4, International Departures |
| International T3 | Plaza Premium | International Arrivals Opp Gate 6 |
| Domestic T3 | Grid Bar | Terminal 3, Domestic Departure |
| International T3 | Connexions & Daredevils |
International Departure |
| International T3 | Encalm lounge | International Departure, Level 3 |
AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS – HOW TO AVAIL IT FREE, WITHOUT CREDIT CARD
1. HDFC Jet Airways Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Rs.750+ST
- Limits: 2/Quarter
Do you travel domestic often? This is the hidden gem for Unlimited (changed to 2/Qtr) lounge access.
2. HDFC Easy Shop Platinum Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Free (for Preferred/Imperia Accounts)
- Limits: 2/Quarter
I’ve this card on Mastercard Platform with HDFC Preferred Banking and it works fairly well. Note that the regular Visa variant may-not get you the access.
3. HDFC Times Points Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Free
- Limits: 1/Quarter
A very much hyped debit card. It has no big value than just name and shining looks.
4. Axis bank Prime Titanium Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Rs.500+ST
- Limits: 2/Quarter
I’ve this card and it passes well. I prefer to use this whenever available because they’re charging me a Debit card fee and I want them to pay for something on my behalf.
5. Axis Priority Platinum Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Free for Priority Customers
- Limits: 2/Quarter
The card is free for Priority Customers. Axis cards all look almost similar, Pinkish.
6. ICICI Bank Coral Debit Card
- Variant: Mastercard (Visa variant may have issues)
- Joining Fee: Rs.599+Tax
- Limits: 2/Quarter
My friend used this coral debit card couple of times, and it works pretty well.
7. SBI Platinum Debit Card
- Variant: Visa/Mastercard
- Joining Fee: Rs.300+Tax
- Limits: 2/Quarter
SBI Usually issues the Classic debit card by default, so if you want this variant, you need to place a request for the same.
8. Paytm Rupay Debit Card
- Variant: Rupay
- Joining Fee: ~Rs.120
- Limits: 2/Quarter
One of the cheapest ways to access airport lounges. But may not be accepted everywhere.
9. IndusInd Signature Exclusive Debit Card
- Variant: Visa Signature
- Joining Fee: Rs.299+ST
- Limits: 2/Quarter
I’ve used this card personally and it works fine. Though Visa lounges are limited in India. Remember, this comes only with IndusInd Exclusive account.
10. HDFC RuPay Premium Debit Card
- Variant: Rupay
- Joining Fee: Rs.150+ST
- Limits: 2/Quarter
A decent one. If you’ve HDFC A/c, you may ask the bank to issue Rupay card instead of their regular debit card.
Here are few more cards: ICICI Wealth Management Debit card, Citi Gold Debit card, Yes First Debit card, SBI Wealth Card.
Pro Tips:
- Always prefer Mastercard over Visa as the number of affiliated lounges in Mastercard is higher than Visa.
- You can know the free access available on your Mastercard by calling ‘MasterCard for You’ toll free helpline: 1800-102-6263 (Visa don’t have such toll-free no.)
Conclusion
Premium and super-premium credit card offers free airport lounge access. You would need to have a good CIBIL score to get a premium or super-premium credit card.
Go ahead and apply for one of these credit cards if you have the required CIBIL score.
So that the next time you travel, you travel in style!
