I Was Stuck at a Crowded Airport Bar… Then I Found This Travel Secret
- jdpeterson611467
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
By Jetsetter Jake
Travel Creator | Aviation Enthusiast | Exploring 26 Airports in 2026
The forgotten airport lounge perk that turned my stressful Dulles layover into a relaxing travel experience
There I was at Washington Dulles International Airport, sitting at the airport bar, surrounded by everything that makes people dislike flying.
A businessman next to me was taking a loud phone call. A family nearby was trying to get the bartender’s attention. Travelers were packed into every available seat, searching for outlets and doing what so many of us do at airports — staring at our phones while refreshing our flight status.
I reached underneath the bar hoping to charge my phone.
Nothing.
The outlet didn’t work.
I tried to get the bartender’s attention to order some food and a drink, but they were overwhelmed by the crowd. As I sat there wondering if the meal I was about to order would be another forgettable airport experience, I checked my flight information.
Ninety minutes until boarding.
Then I remembered something.
I had two United Club one-time passes sitting in my account from my Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Card.
I originally got the card because of the practical travel benefits: a free checked bag, priority boarding, and other perks that make flying a little easier.
But I had completely forgotten about one of the best benefits.
United Club access.
So I grabbed my bag and left the crowded airport bar behind.
Within minutes, my entire airport experience changed.
The first thing I noticed when I walked into the United Club was a small detail: water pitchers infused with strawberries.
It sounds simple, but after sitting in a crowded airport bar fighting for space and attention, those little touches immediately stood out.
Instead of searching for a seat, I found a comfortable place to relax.
Instead of fighting for an outlet, I was able to charge both my phone and my computer.
Instead of paying airport prices for an average meal, I had access to a buffet prepared for travelers.
I grabbed some chicken salad, sat near the windows overlooking the runway, and enjoyed a glass of champagne while watching airplanes taxi across the airport.
And that’s when it hit me.
This is why people enjoy traveling.
It’s not just about arriving at your destination. Sometimes it’s about the moments in between — having a quiet place to recharge, watching planes take off, and escaping the chaos of the terminal for a little while.
The brownies and cookies were a nice bonus, too.
The United Club didn’t change my flight. It didn’t eliminate delays or make airports less crowded.
But it completely changed how I experienced that 90-minute wait.
Many travelers don’t realize they may already have access to airport lounges. They assume lounges are only for first-class passengers or elite frequent flyers.
That’s not always true.
The Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Card is one way travelers can get United Club one-time passes, along with benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding.
Travelers can also sometimes purchase a one-time United Club pass for around $59, depending on availability.
The best travel upgrades are sometimes the ones you already have and simply forgot about.
So before your next flight, take a look at your credit card benefits.
You might discover your next airport escape is already waiting for you.
Want to Earn More Travel Rewards?
If you’re interested in the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Card, I’ve included my referral link below.
This is the card I use for travel because I find the benefits valuable — especially the free checked bag, priority boarding, and United Club one-time passes that can make airport days much more enjoyable.
If you decide it’s a good fit for your travel style, you can use my link to apply and earn bonus miles:
Disclosure: I may earn bonus miles if you apply through my referral link. I only share travel products that I personally use and believe can provide value to travelers.