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The battle of the VIP lounges

Why are credit card issuers spending millions of dollars building lavish customer lounges in airports and cities?

For most people travelling abroad by plane, the airport experience can feel fairly nondescript - something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But for those with certain credit cards, a luxury experience awaits.

Around the world, card issuers are spending large amounts of money building high-end lounges in airports and prime city centre locations, in a bid to attract and keep customers. And their attempts are getting more and more extravagant.

But who’s paying for all of this?

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Presented and produced by Rowan Bridge

(Picture: Dining area at the American Express Centurion New York restaurant in New York, US, occupying the 55th floor of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper. Credit: Getty Images/Bloomberg)

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17 minutes

Last on

Tue 4 Mar 2025 08:32GMT

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