I thought I needed a credit card to get airport lounge access. I was wrong

Some people grow up dreaming of buying a house with a porch, I grew up dreaming of getting Delta Sky Club access — which I always assumed would come with the purchase of an airline credit card.

But lo and behold, there’s another way to access some of the world’s fanciest airport loungeswith no costly credit card or endless annual fees, necessary. Meet: airport lounge day passesthat yes, are exactly how they sound.

As premium travel credit cards have become more mainstream — and airport lounges have become more overcrowded — many airlines are now offering an alternative route to gaining airport lounge access, with single-day passes for travelers looking to kill time during a long layover in a more comfortable atmosphere beyond their flight gate.

Before you get too excited, there are some caveats; below, I break down the best airport lounge day passes that are actually worth your money, plus how you can qualify for one and the most common restrictions travelers should be aware of:

Best airport lounge day passes to buy

Can you really get into an airport lounge without a credit card? Yes and no; airport lounge day passes have become more mainstream in recent years, offering a different way for travelers to enjoy an airport lounge, without the need (or cost! or commitment!) of an airline credit card.

Not all major airlines offer day passes though; the below do, and they’re among the best:

United Airlines’ United Club day pass

Price: $59-$60 | Who can buy: Anyone with a same-day boarding pass for United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner-operated flight | What you get: Access to United Club up to three hours before your flight’s departure | Best for: Solo travelers, as no guests are allowed on one-time passes

United Airlines sells day passes to its United Club for as little as $59; access is subject to space availability.

American Airlines’ Admirals Club day pass

Price: $79 or 79,000 miles | Who can buy: Anyone with a same-day boarding pass for American, a oneworld airline, or a qualifying partner flight | What you get: Limited access to the Admirals Club | Best for: Families or those traveling with children

American Airlines sells a day pass to its Admirals Club for $79. Passengers must have a same-day ticket on an American Airlines flight, and the company notes that “clubs that are currently closed, under construction or where space is limited,” can be excluded.

Lounge day pass restrictions to know before you go

There are some caveats with purchasing an airport lounge day pass. Among them:

Same-day boarding pass: Most airport lounge day passes require that you have a same-day boarding pass for whatever day you choose to purchase a pass; some airport lounge passes are only valid within a three hour window prior to your flight’s departure.

Availability: Just because you have a day pass, doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed access into an airport lounge. In fact, many lounges reserve the right to deny or suspend your entry if a lounge has already met its capacity constraints.

Are airport lounge day passes worth it?

If you want a taste of luxury travel, without the cost or commitment of purchasing an airline credit card with pesky annual fees, airport lounge day passes are a worthwhile investment — especially for those with outrageously long layovers or travel days.