If you’re one of those UAE travellers who proudly flash their credit card at airport lounges like it’s a VIP concert pass – brace yourself. From June 1, 2025, Mastercard and Visa have switched up the rules, and yes, you’re going to have to work a bit harder for your free cappuccino and turkey sandwiches. Here’s what’s changing with regards to free lounge access, and how not to be caught off guard during your airport routine.
For Mastercard Users Who’ve Been Availing Free Lounge Acess
Mastercard cardholders, the era of “I have a fancy card so I deserve free things” is taking a turn.
- Download the App – You must register on the Mastercard Travel Pass app before they let you in the lounge. No app, no entry. No exceptions. Even if you swear you’ve been here before.
- Visits Now Come with Limits – Your card tier decides how many times you can swan into a lounge per year: Platinum: 4 visits, World: 8 visits, World Elite: 14 visits. So no, you can’t just live at the lounge anymore unless you’re in the top tier (in which case, please adopt me).
- Spend Abroad or Stay Outside – You’ll need to spend at least USD 1 internationally in the three months before your visit to unlock access. That’s right – even a coffee in Rome counts. But no, an iced latte from the petrol station down the road doesn’t.
- New Calendar for 2025 – Lounge visits will be counted from May 1 to December 31 this year. Think of it like a trial run. But with less room for error and more potential for heartbreak at the boarding gate.
Also read: Everything’s Under AED 10 At This Summer Only Menu In Dubai
For Visa Card Users Who’ve Been Availing Free Lounge Acess
Visa cardholders, don’t get smug thinking that your free lounge access isn’t going anywhere. You’re also getting a digital slap on the wrist (and a new app to download).
- Bye-Bye, Flash-the-Card Flex – You’ll need to register on the Visa Airport Companion app to get in.
- Spend or Risk A ‘No Pass‘ – Lounge access now comes with spending requirements. You’ll need to hit your issuer’s specified spending target within 35 days before your lounge visit.
- Visits Based on Tier + Spend – Your freebie count depends on your card tier and spending:
- Platinum: Up to 6 visits
- Signature: Up to 10 visits
- Infinite: Unlimited
Exact limits may vary by region and issuer, so check the fine print before you start bragging.
Also read: UAE Residents, Your Schengen Visa Now Unlocks These 14 Non-Schengen Countries!
What You Need to Do Now (Other Than Crib)
To avoid standing outside the lounge sobbing over your scrapped free lounge access with an equally sad sandwich while others sip sparkling water inside, here’s your plan:
- Download your required app – Mastercard: Mastercard Travel Pass, Visa: Visa Airport Companion
- Register your card ASAP – It’s a five-minute job. Do it now so you don’t panic at the airport in the future.
- Track your international spending – Meeting the international spending requirements within the specified timeframes is mandatory. No spend = no lounge.
- Know your cap – You now have a quota. Use it wisely, preferably on long layovers and not just because you wanted one more mini muffin.
So, it’s fewer freebies and more digital hoops. But hey, guess it still beats circling the departure gate hoping someone vacates the only seat near a charging port.
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