Visa, a leading electronic payments network, will launch a new and improved airport lounge access programme for the Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders in the Mena region.

The new programme, LoungeKey, will offer unlimited, complimentary access to over 500 airport lounges worldwide, compared to the previous Lounge Access programme of 40 lounges, and will cover all key travel destinations, Visa said.

The new programme will also provide Visa Infinite cardholders the additional benefit of free lounge access for one guest per visit. Customers will also have access to a mobile application, website and 24/7 contact centre for any enquiries.

P J Hill, Visa’s head of infrastructure and platforms for Cemea region, said: “We are delighted to announce an upgrade to the existing airport lounge access programme for our Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders. Visa believes in delivering a seamless travel experience to its premium cardholders while they enjoy the safe and secure transaction experience that all Visa products offer. We are confident this upgrade will be well received by the discerning traveller.”

LoungeKey will offer easy lounge access using the Visa card. Customers will have to simply register once on the dedicated website and then present their cards at the lounge, referencing LoungeKey to gain access. Customers will also be able to pay for accompanying guests, over and above the free entitlement, directly at the lounge instead of making an advance purchase.

Customers who have previously registered for Lounge Access – which officially ceases on December 31, 2014 - will need to register again on the LoungeKey programme in a swift and simple process, Visa said. - TradeArabia News Service