Lounge access rules change often — confirm in the lounge's app or the card's benefits page before you fly.
Reno-Tahoe is a ski-and-casino airport served mostly by domestic airlines, and RNO lounge access means exactly one place: the Escape Lounge between Concourses B and C. The best credit card for Reno flyers is Amex Platinum, which gets you in free. Priority Pass RNO isn't an option, because this Escape Lounge isn't in the network, and there's no Centurion Lounge at RNO.
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Quick answer
- Best overall for RNO lounge access: Amex Platinum — free entry to the Escape Lounge on any airline. There's no Centurion Lounge at RNO.
- Best for frequent Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles Reserve — free Escape Lounge entry on a Delta-marketed flight that day. RNO has no Sky Club.
- Priority Pass cards (Sapphire Reserve, Venture X, Strata Elite): don't work at RNO. Buy a pass ($45 pre-booked) if you want in.
- Best value if you rarely fly from Reno: skip the card and pre-book a $45 pass.
Airport snapshot
RNO has one terminal with two concourses, B and C, behind a central security area. The Escape Lounge sits in the central corridor between them, so it works for every airline. There's no airline club at RNO (no Sky Club, United Club, Admirals Club or Alaska Lounge) and no Priority Pass lounge or restaurant.
Where to go by terminal
- Concourse B and Concourse C: both reach the Escape Lounge, which is in the corridor between them after security.
- Every airline: the Escape Lounge is open to all travelers regardless of airline or cabin.
- Arriving or connecting: there's nothing else airside, so the Escape Lounge is the only lounge option at RNO.
Lounges at RNO
Escape Lounge RNO
- Location: After security, in the central corridor between Concourses B and C.
- Access: Amex Platinum and Business Platinum (card, same-day boarding pass on any airline, ID), Delta SkyMiles Reserve on a Delta-marketed flight that day, or a paid pass: from $45 booked at least 24 hours ahead, $60 at the door. Not Priority Pass.
- Guest policy: Amex lists no time limit for cardholders. Children under 3 enter free on paid passes. Confirm the cardholder guest allowance at the desk or in the Amex app.
- Best for: Anyone with an Amex Platinum, and skiers heading home from Tahoe with time to kill. Reviewers have called it a surprisingly good lounge for a small airport.
Priority Pass at RNO
- None. RNO has no Priority Pass lounge, restaurant or experience. The Escape Lounge here is one of the few Escape locations left out of Priority Pass, unlike the Escape Lounges in Sacramento.
- Access: If your only lounge card is Sapphire Reserve, Venture X or Strata Elite, buy a pass or use the lounge at your connecting airport.
Best credit cards for RNO
| Card | Annual fee | Lounges you get at RNO | Guests | Best if you… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum | $895 | Escape Lounge, any airline | Check at desk | Fly any airline from Reno |
| Amex Business Platinum | $895 | Escape Lounge, any airline | Check at desk | Travel for work |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve | $650 | Escape Lounge on Delta | Pay per guest | Fly Delta |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | None (no PP here) | — | Connect via PP airports |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | None (no PP here) | — | Connect via PP airports |
Recommended strategy
- If you fly Southwest or another low-cost airline from RNO: No airline club exists for you here. Amex Platinum is the only card that gets you in; otherwise pre-book a $45 pass.
- If you fly Delta often from RNO: Delta SkyMiles Reserve covers the Escape Lounge here and the Sky Club at Salt Lake City, Seattle or Los Angeles.
- If you want one card that covers the best lounges: Amex Platinum. RNO is one of the few airports where it beats Sapphire Reserve and Venture X outright.
- If you want strong lounges at a lower cost: Venture X is still great on the road, but plan to pay for the Reno lounge. Sacramento (SMF), two hours away, does take Priority Pass.
No card? Day passes & other options
Anyone can buy an Escape Lounge pass regardless of airline or ticket class: from $45 when pre-booked at least 24 hours ahead (free cancellation up to 24 hours before), or $60 walk-up. Payment is card only, and the lounge serves complimentary food plus beer, wine and spirits, with premium drinks extra.
FAQ
Is there a Centurion Lounge at RNO? No. There's no Centurion Lounge at RNO. Amex Platinum holders use the Escape Lounge, which is part of Amex's lounge network.
Does Priority Pass work at Reno airport? No. Priority Pass RNO isn't available: the Escape Lounge isn't in Priority Pass, and there are no Priority Pass restaurants. Priority Pass works at the Escape Lounges in Sacramento, but not here.
Amex Platinum vs Sapphire Reserve vs Venture X: which is best at RNO? Amex Platinum, clearly. It's the only one of the three that gets you into the Escape Lounge. Sapphire Reserve and Venture X rely on Priority Pass, which has no lounge at RNO.
Can I use the Escape Lounge if I fly Southwest? Yes. It's open to travelers on any airline, either free with Amex Platinum or with a paid pass.
Related guides
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
- Centurion Lounge locations
- Sacramento (SMF) airport lounges
- Las Vegas (LAS) airport lounges
- Amex Platinum guide
Lounge access rules, guest policies and locations change. Always confirm current details with the airline, lounge operator or card issuer before you travel.
