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Have you encountered an airport lounge desert? I strategically arrange all layovers around access to a lounge. Why are airport lounges important when you travel? According to Wikipedia, an airport lounge provides comforts not available in the terminal. Even though the St. Louis airport has a lounge, it’s closed on Saturdays. My flight to Little Rock on Southwest Airlines had a three-hour layover in St. Louis on a Saturday. As a frequent traveler, I look forward to relaxing in a lounge and enjoying complimentary refreshments and cocktails. Did I mention this was the least expensive flight available?
I took a walk. The airport is clean, bright, and airy. It was close to 7:00AM, and restaurants were preparing to open. Lines at both Starbucks were long. However, the mobile app station did not have orders waiting. If you want to relax in a quiet part of the airport, walk past gate E29. You will find several unoccupied gates, three sections of rocking chairs, and an area with small tables and chairs. In addition, I discovered a Stella Artois bar with a few high-top tables. I am sure one of these spaces will provide a great place to relax while waiting on an early morning flight. There is also a lactation suite near the water refill station.
Because I did not eat before I headed to the airport at 4:15AM, I was hungry by the time the plane landed in St. Louis. When I visited Parris in September, I remembered walking past Vino Volo. Of course, I read the reviews before heading to St. Louis because I knew the airport lounge was closed. Most of the reviewers awarded Vino four stars. However, there was a 2-star review commenting about the quality, amount of food, and cost of the meal. I never let one bad review affect my decision to patronize a business.
Seat yourself. I ordered a Bloody Mary and purchased water. Although I briefly considered the chorizo tacos, I ordered the salted caramel French toast with a side of crispy prosciutto. Even though the description states it is soft French bread, I had difficulty cutting the edges. It was easier to hold the toast with my hand. The thinly sliced fried prosciutto matched the description on the menu. The Bloody Mary was tasty. Breakfast was good, and the serving size was perfect for me. The cost of the meal with a tip was $44. Was this expensive for breakfast at an airport? Yes. I spent $12 on breakfast at the San Antonio airport without a cocktail at Smoke Shack. However, if I fly into an airport that is a lounge desert but has a Vino Volo as an option, I will probably stop by for a cocktail.
There are over 20 Vino Volvo locations in airports throughout the United States. If you have read any of my posts, I try to offset the cost of my trips by using travel rewards. Are you aware Vino has a loyalty program? I signed up and earned 36 points on my breakfast. There are three reward levels, and the first level offers $2 off a wine tasting. As I read about Vino on their website, I noticed locations in Dallas and Detroit. Those airports are lounge deserts meaning no Centurion, Escape, or Priority Pass access. However, travelers may have lounge access through airlines other than Southwest.
Airport lounge access is a perk of the American Express Platinum Card. Do you spend money on food when you arrive at the airport? If you spend $44 every time you travel, you may as well invest in a travel card with lounge access. I took 50 flights last year. Just think about it, meals would have cost over $2,000. Even though the annual fee for the American Express Platinum Card is $695, I have access to a lounge as part of my benefits. I used Priority Pass to enter Wingtips at the St. Louis airport on the return flight to Chicago. I dined on sandwiches, chips, and cookies and enjoyed a tequila sunrise leaving $5 for the tip. Do you want to spend $5 or $44 on a meal and cocktails? Check your credit card benefits before you sit down at a restaurant in an airport.