Best Boarding Pass Perks: Free Lounge Access, Ski Passes, and City Tours In 2023

After a couple of years locked away thanks to everyone’s favourite talking point – the COVID-19 pandemic – travellers keener than ever to get away have been met by sky-high flight costs, accommodation, and food prices that could make your dream getaway harder than ever. Enter the boarding pass, which can do a lot more than just get you on the plane: unbeknownst to many, it’s also your ticket to holiday savings…

---

A plethora of recent consumer surveys have found that families in Australia and around the world may have to pay hundreds more dollars for their holidays this year compared to last. Package holidays have increased by 30% and flights are spiking by up to 70% with some airlines.

Why? All thanks to our good friend rapid global inflation which, though said to be slowing by some, shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. That’s why here at DMARGE we wanted to let you in on a little-known travel tip that every flyer already has at their disposal, but might not be aware…

What is it? Your trusty boarding pass. Though many travellers might already know about the range of discounts offered by certain online booking sites or the cumulative perks that air miles in their myriad forms can open up, every single customer has access to a range of secret bonuses simply by dint of having bought their ticket.

From boutiques to amusement parks, there’s a lot to be enjoyed. Naturally, these vary by airline, with some being significantly more generous than others. Some may also be more relevant for domestic Aussie travel than the internationally-based airlines, but hey – the more you know, right?

So, next time you’re looking to book some time away, be sure to double-check our Boarding Pass Value hacks.

Alaska Airlines: free ski passes

Are you an adventure seeker looking to hit the slopes? Sick of the beautiful, endless Aussie sun? Alaska Airlines has got you covered. When you fly with Alaska, you don’t need to worry about purchasing lift tickets: your boarding pass doubles as a free pass to eight ski resorts!

This means that you can enjoy a day full of snow activities without breaking the bank. Simply show your boarding pass on the same day as your flight arrives and hit the slopes.

Asiana Airlines: sightseeing discounts in South Korea and beyond

Travelling on a budget can be challenging, but maybe not so much when you fly with Asiana Airlines. Flash your boarding pass and enjoy reduced entry costs at tourist sites across South Korea and beyond.

You can save up to 30% off admission at Seoul’s Coex Aquarium or 10% off tickets to Jeongdong Theater, allowing you to indulge your inner culture-vulture without sweating the cost. See the airline’s dedicated discount page for details.

British Airways: savings at exclusive boutiques in London

If you’re a fashion enthusiast, flying with British Airways can give you access to exclusive discounts at some of London’s most luxurious boutiques.

With your boarding pass, you can unlock up to 15% off at Bentley & Skinner’s Jewelers or 10% off at Floris British Perfumers as well as 15% off at Hackett British Menswear, you can feel like royalty while indulging in some much-needed retail therapy.

You can also enjoy a rejuvenating afternoon tea experience at Hotel Café Royal or Ham Yard Hotel, where you can indulge in a complimentary glass of Champagne or a free cocktail with the presentation of your airline ticket, respectively.

Emirates: discounts at 500 luxury locations in the UAE

Flying with Emirates not only ensures a comfortable journey but also comes with a range of perks that can save you some hard-earned dollars:

Your boarding pass gives you access to discounts at over 500 locations across Dubai and the UAE. You can enjoy 20% off spa treatments at local hotels – including but not limited to St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Le Méridien Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Center – or 20% off your bill at some of the best restaurants in town.

Korean Air: specialty dining perks

If you’re a foodie, Korean Air has got you covered with its specialty dining perks. Enjoy complimentary beverages and free seasonal entrées at popular restaurants.

Plus, when you’re ready to explore, you can enjoy half-off admission to the Jeju Folk Village or 45% off your car rental with Lotte-Rent-a-Car.

Singapore Airlines: VIP discounts on dining and tours

Singapore Airlines offers a range of discounts that will make you feel like a VIP. You can enjoy free desserts at numerous restaurants or 20% off tours with Singapore Sidecars.

Plus, when you need a break, you can indulge in spa treatments with 20% off at Ikeda Spa. For the full details, visit the airline’s promotion page.

Etihad Airways: deals and discounts in Abu Dhabi

If you’re flying with Etihad Airways and planning a stopover in Abu Dhabi, your boarding pass is the key to unlock the Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass.

This pass will give you access to exclusive deals and discounts on activities, experiences, days out, and dining in the city, granting up to 25% off food and drink or 30% off selected theme parks.

Plus, when you need some relaxation, you can indulge in spa treatments with up to 20% off. Your boarding pass has never been more valuable!

Alitalia: savings on attractions and art galleries

When you fly with Alitalia, the Italian flag carrier, you’re in for a treat. Not only will you experience a great flight, but you’ll also be eligible for a range of discounts on major attractions in Italy.

Alitalia boarding passes can give you a significant saving on the Roma Pass Tourist card, which provides access to most major attractions and public transit in Rome.

Additionally, museums and art galleries in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice all offer special discounts to visitors with Alitalia boarding passes. That’s the Italian way of saying, “Grazie mille, Alitalia!”

Turkish Airlines: free city tours during layovers

Who says layovers have to be boring? With a Turkish Airlines boarding pass, you may be eligible for the “Touristanbul” service, which offers complimentary city tours to travellers.

Perfect for a layover anywhere between six and twenty-four hours, visitors can experience the beautiful city of Istanbul without spending a penny. Simply visit the hotel counter in the international arrivals section of the airport to book in the experience.

And if you’re eligible for the Turkey e-visa, you can get it in advance to save waiting time at Istanbul Airport.

WestJet: save on lounge entry and more

Looking for perks when flying with a Canadian airline? Look no further than WestJet. When you travel with WestJet, you can save up to 20% on entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge.

That’s not all… WestJet’s rewards program has partnerships with major airlines such as Delta, Air France, KLM, and Qantas. So when you fly any of those airlines, you earn WestJet ‘dollars’ that can be spent on hotels, car hires, and more.