I've been to dozens of airport lounges worldwide. Here are the 5 things I never do in them.

24.07.2024 - 19:43 / insider.com

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 over 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.

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 like it's my only option. Fortunately, I can usually gauge how crowded a lounge is by the presence of a line at the entry.

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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.

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.

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.

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, and many are unavailable because people are using them as storage.

Using headphones is also a cardinal rule of airport lounges, although I see people streaming or FaceTime without them all the time. It's rude.

I would also never engage in some of the gross behaviors I see in lounges, such as removing my shoes, putting my feet on furniture, or taking care of personal grooming outside of a restroom.

Lounges provide a comfortable, home-like environment, but I