Airport lounges are designed as calm escapes from busy terminals. These spaces offer comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, private restrooms, and sometimes even swankier amenities. But as the popularity of airport lounges has skyrocketed in recent years, they’ve become more crowded and less relaxing — nowadays they’re not always the oases they set out to be. If you’re looking to maintain a peaceful environment, a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a pleasant experience. Here are seven things you should always do when you visit an airport lounge.

Know the Entry Rules

Start by ensuring you know the access requirements before you arrive at the lounge. Some lounges are tied to specific credit cards or airlines, while others are available only to first- or business-class ticketholders. American Express’ Centurion Lounges, for example, require you to hold an eligible premium credit card, such as the Platinum Card or certain co-branded airline cards. This can be confusing, as not all American Express cards grant access. Knowing these conditions ensures a smooth experience and avoids frustration for everyone at the check-in counter.

Other lounges are more flexible — for a price. Those who pay for a membership to the Priority Pass program can access a network of over 1,800 lounges worldwide, but before you sign up, confirm that you don’t already have one of the premium credit cards that offer this as a perk for cardholders. 

Some airline-operated lounges, such as the United Club, offer onetime entry passes for travelers with a same-day United Airlines departure ticket from that airport. Available in more than 45 locations, these passes currently cost $59 per person but are often not available when lounges are busy.

Lounges have various allowances for guests, too — some may allow you to bring a guest traveling with you on the same reservation, others may allow you to bring guests for an additional fee, and some may not allow guests at all. Lastly, as crowding has become more of a concern, many lounges have implemented time restrictions. For example, access to Delta Sky Clubs is not permitted until three hours prior to your departure time. All together, access rules can be quite confusing, so it’s a good idea to do a little research before you get to the airport.

Park Your Luggage

While lounges are typically more comfortable than terminal seating areas, keep in mind that the space is still shared. Try to keep belongings — carry-ons, backpacks, electronics, and chargers — tidy and within your immediate area to avoid inconveniencing others.

Etiquette expert Lisa Grotts advises travelers to keep larger luggage in a corner, under the table, or between your legs so it doesn’t obstruct walkways. If the lounge is busy, do not place luggage on an empty seat near you — someone else may need it. These guidelines become especially important during peak travel times, such as early mornings, evenings, and major holidays, when lounges are often at capacity.

Dress To Impress

Comfort is key when traveling, but a neat, presentable appearance is appreciated — and sometimes even required — in lounge settings. Most lounges follow a “smart casual” guideline, but wording can be vague.

For example, the “house rules” for the Delta Sky Club state: “Attire while in a Delta Sky Club must be in keeping with good taste and a dignified atmosphere.” Qantas Airways lounges, meanwhile, prohibit specific clothing items: head-to-toe gymwear, rubber flip-flops, Ugg boots, and board shorts. Even some independent lounges, such as Escape Lounges, prohibit shorts above the knee and require men to wear shirts that cover their shoulders.

An important tip from business etiquette expert Rachel Wagner: Keep your shoes and socks on at all times. This applies to your entire travel day, including on airplanes, at gates, and in other public spaces.

Keep the Noise Down

Recently, United Airlines announced a new rule banning passengers who do not use headphones with their entertainment devices during flights. The same courtesy is expected at airport lounges. Centurion Lounges, for example, ask guests to wear headphones when using personal devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Noise disturbances can lead to removal from the lounge.

Many lounges have designated areas for phone calls, such as soundproof booths or small rooms. These areas are designed specifically for business travelers to make calls or hold virtual meetings without disruption, but it’s courteous to take all phone calls (including personal calls) there.

Mind Your Manners at the Buffet

Most lounges offer complimentary meals (typically buffet-style), snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. But just because it’s free doesn’t mean you should pile your plate as high as you can. “Don’t confuse the word ‘Buffet’ with ‘All You Can Eat,’” Gottsman says. 

Similarly, don’t assume you can pack your pockets with buffet items to take on your flight. Some lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs, have rules against removing food or beverages from the lounge and taking them with you. (However, other lounges, such as American Airlines’ Provisions by Admirals Club, are specifically designed for this purpose, which will be clear upon entering.) Some lounges also prohibit outside food, so check the policy before bringing your favorite restaurant meal into the lounge with you. And always be mindful of your alcohol intake: Overconsumption is one way to get kicked out of a lounge quickly.

Nap Responsibly

Despite the airport lounge’s promise of a peaceful respite from the terminal’s hustle and bustle, remember that the lounge is not your bedroom. Centurion Lounges, for example, discourage travelers from sleeping, lying on the floor, or reclining on furniture. 

If you’re looking for a little shut-eye, however, some lounges are equipped with relaxation pods or private rooms designed for sleep. Certain Capital One lounges offer zero-gravity nap pods in relaxation rooms, perfect for long layovers.

Avoid Pet Policy Blunders

Just because an airline accepts your furry friend in the cabin doesn’t mean that an airport lounge will. While all lounge brands allow service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (or equivalent laws), not all allow the general public to bring pets. The Centurion Lounges, for example, permit only service animals, while Capital One Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs have pet policies that mirror in-cabin policies.

If your pet is permitted inside, be mindful of disruptions, as owners will be asked to leave if the pet is not well behaved. Lastly, always check the pet policy before entering the lounge and never try to sneak a pet in — you may be banned from using the lounge again.