Weighing the benefits of an airline club

American Airlines' former chairman C.R. Smith launched the first VIP airline lounge in 1936 to reward his best customers and supporters, upon whom he bestowed the honorific "Admirals."

Back then, membership was at the discretion of the sales force. Today, however, anyone with enough money can join an airline club. They're expensive, but considering the chaos of the typical airline terminal, especially when flights are delayed or canceled, they can be well worth it. Airline club lounges are a definite step up from sitting on the floor next to a gate, fighting over the last available power outlet.

In addition to comfortable work stations and cushy chairs, they offer perks such as free beverages and civil reservation agents. Today we'll detail the difference between a day pass and an annual membership, and amenities offered.

If you're an infrequent flier, but still want to wait comfortably and work productively, the best solution is a day pass. Prices, per person, vary: $25 for Delta's Crown Room Club; $45 for Northwest's WorldClub and Continental's President's Club; and $50 for American's Admiral's Club and United's Red Carpet Club. Northwest also offers a 60-day trial membership for $85.

But if there are delays due to weather, admission might be limited and passes won't necessarily be available on-site, so you'll be stuck looking for a table at the Fox Sports nachos 'n' beer fun zone with everybody else.

You can also buy annual club memberships using money or frequent-flier miles. Memberships run from $400 with Delta and Continental, to $450 with American, Northwest and Continental, all the way to $500 with United. "Initiation fees" may also apply, but there are discounts if you're an upper-tier member of the airline's frequent-flier program.

If you're young and fly a lot, consider a lifetime membership and pray that your airline doesn't go kaput before you do.

As a bonus, Delta, Northwest and Continental offer reciprocal admission to each other's facilities, as well as to a few Alaska Airlines clubs, although there are a few fine-point restrictions.

For that outlay, you get an open bar in some clubs, snacks, wireless Internet, comfy chairs and two guests. Wi-Fi isn't always free -- Admiral's Clubs in the U.S. and Red Carpet Clubs merely offer T-Mobile Hot Spots, although American does have free Internet-capable computers. You'll have to pay for your gin and tonics in the American (domestic), Delta, United and US Airways clubs.

Northwest and Continental offer both free Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages, making them a good value if you like to surf while you sip.

But another huge perk reveals itself when you need to be rebooked on another flight because yours was canceled or delayed. Would you rather stand in line with scores of the bumped and grumped, or go to the club where the lines will be shorter? (Club receptionists are also able to rebook flights and assign seats.) And for some, just having enough power outlets to charge computers and phones is reason enough to join.

It's important to note that airline clubs vary greatly in quality, even within a single airline. One location might be new and spacious, while another might have seen its last refurbishment when the Boeing 707 ruled the skies, with nary a free seat to be found.

Another option to consider is non-airline airport club programs, such as Priority Pass or American Express Platinum Card's airport club program, which we'll discuss next week.

Travel with your grandchildren

For the last 22 years, Grandtravel has been helping grandparents and grandchildren get to know and understand each other better by combining the experience of travel and education through a variety of packages.

Three new deluxe itineraries are planned for 2008: Trains of the Wild West, Land of Legend & Adventure -- New Zealand and Safari in South Africa. In addition, four of its popular offerings are returning: London & Paris, Alaskan Wilderness, the Galapagos Islands and Italy's Splendor, all detailed in its 2008 brochure.

Packages start from $3,995 per person, triple occupancy, and this is for the Trains of the Wild West package from July 11-18. Highlights of this package are riding the Silverton/Durango and Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroads; meeting a Navajo matriarch and visiting her home; a lesson in traditional Aztec dance; a floating trip down the Rio Grande; and exploring the streets of Albuquerque, Taos and Santa Fe.

The most expensive package is the July 11-18 London and Paris package that starts from $7,690 per person, double occupancy. This package's highlights are two top London theater performances; a ride on the London Eye; a high-speed train ride through the Chunnel; a stroll through the gardens at Monet's Giverny; and a behind-the-scenes visit to a Parisian bakery. All the other packages are in the high $6,000 range.

All prices are land only and include accommodations with private bath, most meals, local transportation, admission to all scheduled attractions and events, en route activities for children, pre-departure guidance, the services of a professional tour manager, a Grandtravel activity director (always an experienced educator or youth counselor) and service charges and hotel taxes.

Grandtravel caters exclusively to these two generations and its programs are developed by a team of teachers, psychologists, leisure counselors and educators. It gives special attention to creative activities, access to experiences not available to individual travelers or families, historical sites and natural attractions.

Further information, brochures and reservations can be obtained by visiting www.grandtrvl.com or calling (800) 247-7651.

Reach George Hobica athobica@gmail.com, Kim LiangTan at KimLiangTan@aol.comor log on to www.airfarewatchdog.com.