John Wayne Airport (SNA) was originally known as Orange County Airport and is ideal for those who don’t want to drive to Los Angeles or San Diego to catch a flight. We review which airport lounge is best when flying in First or Business Class or have a Priority Pass or relevant credit card.
There are only two airport lounges open to your average traveler at John Wayne Airport. The American Airlines Admirals Club near gate 8, and the United Club located near gate 9. There is also a third USO lounge for the military.
Free Airport Lounge Access
If you have not paid for Business Class or First Class, you can access airport lounges for free if you have an unlimited Priority Pass or an Amex Platinum card. To get extra bonus referral points and advice on the Platinum American Express and other free lounge access credit cards, have a read of our best credit cards for luxury travel.
1. American Airlines Admirals Club Terminal A
You can access the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounges if you’re a member of American Airlines Admirals Club and have a same-day boarding pass for American, Alaska, or other Oneworld partners. The American Airlines Admirals Club lounge in Terminal A is a light, bright lounge with a fun curved ceiling. This lounge could be superb, but it lacks style, with fairly average lounge seats and a bar area. That said, it’s a pleasant place to wait before your flight, and it has great views of the planes.
There’s a small business center for working with computers and printers. The bar offers complimentary house drinks, beers, and soft drinks but no bottled water. The buffet includes snacks rather than a full meal with hot soup, crisps, a mix of nibbles, whole fruit, and cookies. Premium spirits and bottled water are available for purchase.
2. United Club, Terminal B
This United Club is for United Airlines passengers and club members, some Priority Pass members, and some Star Alliance members. It can be found on the Mezzanine level across from gate 9. This lounge is rather average and includes free alcohol and drinks and a buffet containing veggies, dip, cheese, and cookies.
There are soft drinks and house alcohol, with premium liquors available for purchase. If you get access to this lounge for free with your Priority Pass, it is worth using, but it is not worth paying approx. $50 USD at the door to use it as the lounge is small and doesn’t offer substantial food, only snacks.
3. USO Lounge
Only members of the U.S. military on active duty and in the reserves can take advantage of the USO Lounge on the Arrivals level of Terminal B. There are food and drinks, but non-military citizens cannot use these lounges.
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