MasterCard’s Lounge Access programme has been perhaps one of the most visited posts on my site. I first wrote about it in 2012 and then in 2014. A reader alerted me to the massive upgrade this program received this past week. And it has become really really good now, with a total of 31 lounges being offered across various airports in India.
As per the new MasterCard Lounge Access Program, which went live on September 10, 2015 and will remain in effect till December 2016, the following lounges are now available for access at major Indian airports, with an Indian credit/debit card issued on MasterCard.
- Ahmedabad: BICA (Domestic), Port Lounge (International)
- Bangalore (Bengaluru): Above Ground Level (Domestic/International), Plaza Premium (Domestic/International)
- Baroda (Vadodara): Port Lounge (Domestic)
- Bhubaneshwar: Mayfair (Domestic)
- Chennai (Madras): TFS (Domestic/International)
- Cochin (Kochi): Earth (Domestic/International)
- Dehradun: Port (Domestic)
- Delhi: Plaza Premium (Terminal 1D), Plaza Premium (Terminal 3 Domestic/International), ITC Green (International)
- Goa: Port (Domestic/International)
- Hyderabad: Plaza Premium (Domestic/International)
- Kolkata: TFS (Domestic/International)
- Mumbai: Carnations (Terminal 1C), Good Times Bar(Terminal 1B), Loyalty Lounge (International)
- Pune: Port Lounge (Domestic/International)
I think there are quite a few new additions on the cities for the lounge access program, which is a welcome move because it just allows more reasons for the company to have people to subscribe to a MasterCard credit card.
As a reminder, you do need to present a valid MasterCard (issued in India), to be able to access these lounges. It could be a debit/credit card or on the Maestro network. Usually, your card would be charged for INR 25 to check if it is valid and access should be granted. The money gets credited to your bank account/credit card immediately. Each bank places different limits on who can access the lounge and how many times a month, so it is best to refer to your card issuer for details on the program.
(H.T.: Prateek Agarwal)
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Can I used my dad Hdfc platinum master debit/credit card for airport lounge access ?
I have a hdfc classic platinum master card. And a solitaire credit card which is linked to the above card. Will i have access to Airport lounge at Shamshabad Airport Hyderabad.
i have domestic departure so visa card holder is eligible to access loyalty lounge or travel club lounge at mumbai?
How many times can we use yes bank world first debit card for lounge access in a year?
I have got complimentary access to Carnations lounge at Mumbai Domestic terminal. You need to swipe your MC for Rs. 25/- & you get the access. I was not knowing that the amount is reversed.
Can you imagine you getting a free unlimited food!! There were boiled eggs, Puri Bhaji, Idli Sambar kind of breakfast, tea & coffee and juice. The lounge also had an availability of alcoholic beverages which one can purchase. I am not sure how many times in a year I can access it. I will have to check it with the issuing bank.
Hi. One of my family members has a HDFC All Miles Credit Card ( World Master Card variant ) . Is she eligible to access the lounges under this programme ?? Secondly , what is the limit of complimentary visits for this type of “World Master Card” ??
@delhi_traveller yes she is eligible under the program. Limits are usually placed by the banks so she needs to check with her bank about the number of times she can get in for free.
Thanks a lot Ajay. Will do so !!
Hi,
I have a Visa infinite card – but this one is not issued in India. Is the lounge access at Mumbai International terminal only valid for visa signature cards issued in India?
Also, I can take my dad’s credit card. Will I be allowed lounge access on my dad’s credit card?
Cheers,
J
You need to punch in the pin for verification.
Lounge access are subject to your local issuing bank, so you’d check with mastercard helpline of your country if you have access. Most of the premium mastercards have access to Plaza Premium.
Hi!
Any idea if there is a limit on the number of lounge visits one can make in a month/year? Because in the terms and conditions on MasterCard website ( http://www1.mastercard.co.in/content/mc/campaign-exchange/moments/india/en/local-campaigns/exclusive-airport-lounge-access.html ), sl no 7, it says “Only one entry per cardholder will be permitted.”
So, if I have visited a lounge last month, can I visit one/two more this month on different dates?
Thanks!
@Ashwin it means only one person can enter against one swipe
Absolutely. It means only a single individual can avail of the lounge service on one card. How many complimentary visits you are entitled to depends on your respective card variant. I am having a TimesPoint Platinum Debit Card which gives me one complimentary access per quarter(3 Months) whereas for some cards its 2 complimentary visits per quarter. Many cards are not eligible for any complimentary visit. So its not enough that the card is issued by MasterCard but the Rewards Program which it offers must include the complimentary airport lounge visits.
i have a wealth mngmnt ICICI debit master card , eligible to use 6 times a quater
Have used services at clipper kolkata and premium at delhi free in last 2 months
Happy to get such good services for free
If someone is a freqent flyer u must ask yr bank to upgrade yr card even if u have to pay 1000-2000 rupees as joibing fee
Its worth
I have HDFC jetprivilege platinum Mastercard Credit Card. I was recently informed at the desk at the Clippers Lounge (Good Times Bar) at T 1C, Mumbai that they don’t accept any cards. Is this true or did I confuse the lounges. It’s only allowed for Gold and Platinum members and not Silver either, but in the list provided for MasterCard lounge access for the JetPrivilege Card says otherwise.
@ishani the good times bar is in terminal 1B and there is a carnations lounge in terminal 1C. The clipper lounge in 1B is exclusive to jet platinum and golds.
Dear Ajay,
Thanks for giving credit in the post. Your blog is one of the most interesting ones among all. Keep posting.
Regards,
Pratik Agarwal
hi Aj
Will citi pm maStercard version get these benefits?
@Ankit yes
Excellent. till recently master card was not having a lounge at domestic terminal.
Getting HDFC Debit Cards (Titanium Royale, Jet Privilege) would be the easiest way to access these lounges