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 Escape the hubbub of airport hubs in clubsExperts give an inside look at airport loungesBy Kristi Keck  YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS(CNN) -- Crying children, cranky passengers and crowded concourses make hanging out at an airport chaotic. Seats by gates fill up quickly, and lines for food wind every which way. But just a few steps away from all the activity -- an oasis. A large door decorated with an airline logo leads to an airport lounge. What lies behind these closed doors? And what does it take to get inside? CNN.com spoke with several travel experts to get the low-down on the lounges. Behind closed doorsNo matter which airline lounge or club you visit, you'll see the same basic set up -- work stations, phones, fax machines and televisions. Lounges also provide complimentary newspapers, light refreshments and personnel to help you make flight changes. "From the business traveler's perspective, they offer similar services that are comparable," said Janet Libert, editor of Executive Travel magazine. Tim Winship, contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com, said lounges are designed with business travel in mind. "A lounge is not just a function of quiet and comfort. It translates into the ability to get work done," he said. Getting insideThe most hassle-free way to get inside an airline lounge is by purchasing an annual membership. "You just show your membership card for entry. Membership is also most likely less expensive if you fly frequently and consequently make more use of the clubs," said Libert. Memberships are even more affordable if you and your spouse or partner both do a lot of traveling. You can save money by getting a joint membership. Common carriersSome of the most common airlines with lounge networks are American Airline's Admirals Club, Continental's Presidents Club, Delta's Crown Room Club, Northwest's WorldClubs, United Airline's Red Carpet Club and the US Airways Club. A basic membership ranges from $375 for US Airways to $500 for United Airlines. Most airlines offer discounted rates for frequent fliers. The basic services inside the lounges are similar, but some lounges offer unique perks. Some of Delta's lounges, for example, have putting greens. A more widespread perk is reciprocal membership at other lounges. Members of American Airline's Admirals Club get access to more than 30 international lounges run by airline partners Qantas and Aer Lingus. Delta Crown Room Club members also have access to the Continental and Northwest lounges. Northwest airlines WorldClubs network grants access to more than 150 WorldClubs and affiliate locations. United Airlines offers reciprocal club privileges for members traveling on US Airways and Star Alliance member airlines. Star Alliance is a network of 18 airlines, and frequent fliers within the network get access to member airport lounges. US Airways also offers access to Star Alliance lounges, but it costs an additional $220. For $120, US Airways members can add on access to United's Red Carpet Club. To join or not to joinWhen choosing a membership, people tend to get caught up in the details and forget to consider if the lounge network fits with their travel pattern, Winship said. "Even if you're a frequent flier, if you are flying on multiple airlines, it may not make sense to think about lounge memberships," Winship said. Libert agreed that being a frequent flier is the most important consideration when choosing to join a club. "Airline clubs are located within their own terminals. For example, American's Admirals Clubs are located close to American Airlines departure and arrival gates. It is very, very, very inconvenient to access one airline's clubs from another airline's terminal," Libert said. Other optionsIf you tend to fly on multiple airlines, you can get inside a lounge without a membership. Lounges offer day passes for about $50. Winship said the price is steep, but it has to be. "I understand it becomes a traffic management issue. They don't want it to be too accessible because it gets too crowded," he said. A day pass is simply a one-day membership. It's useful if you have an especially long layover. Some lounges have shower facilities. When you have an overnight flight before an important meeting, a shower alone can be worth the cost of entry. Another option is Priority Pass, a universal lounge membership that grants access to more than 500 lounges, including 100 in the United States. You can choose from various membership levels. A standard annual membership is $99, plus $24 per lounge visit. An all-inclusive membership costs $399. "An example of someone who would benefit from Priority Pass is the international traveler who travels in coach since access to the lounges internationally is only available to business and first class passengers in most cases," said Terry Evans, president of Priority Pass, Inc. Priority Pass also offers corporate memberships at deeply discounted rates. If you use an American Express Platinum card, you can get in the Continental's Presidents Club, Delta's Crown Room Club and Northwest's WorldClubs. The Diners Club card also grants access to lounges around the world. Some airlines will let you in if you are flying first class or business class, however, as Evans noted, many limit entry to passengers on international flights. Decision timeIf you're thinking about visiting a lounge or purchasing a membership, ask yourself a few questions. How frequently do you fly? How often do you use the same airline? Consider which airports you will be going to regularly. Check out airlines and their lounge networks to make sure they are available in the airports you'll be visiting. Winship said to think of a lounge as a business investment. "The great majority of people you see in lounges are indeed business travelers. They can justify expenses on the basis that there will be a sufficient return investment through enhanced productivity," he said. Libert puts it another way. "Assess the way you like to travel," said Libert. If you enjoy people-watching and don't need to get work done between flights, a lounge might not be for you. But if you long for a little peace and need productivity, a lounge is a good place to get that environment. "People just want to make the most of their time, and with passengers spending more time in airports, the lounge is an excellent atmosphere that gives travelers the option to spend those hours their way," said Evans. 
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