ESH, you wouldn’t have been an AH but the comebacks at the end weren’t necessary if they were tired and stressed. You kind of rubbed it in when they were already down. Yes they made the wrong choice but read the room. It’s going to be awkward traveling possibly.

Sure they could have and should have done the research and are AH for being mad about not going but sometimes if you don’t know what info your looking for it can be hard to find. Also if they have only used smaller airports, they might have thought it was just a special seating area and not known about all the perks. These are also supposed to be your friends you don’t have to rub it in and the should be moody because they made the wrong choice.

ESH

You suck because not everyone travels or knows all that information, a good friend would at least inform their travel king companions of the benefits so they could all enjoy together

Your friends suck because you are not responsible for their choices and they could have asked you what all the lounge fee includes.

I’ve traveled with friends before and had the same dilemma of them not wanting to spend the money, but I took the 5 minutes to explain what all was included and then we all enjoyed the lunge together.

not necessarily an asshole, but I think it would’ve been nice to maybe go into more detail about what the VIP lounge included or how much it really cost. Most people hear VIP and assume its gonna be insanely expensive for no reason. It definitely would’ve been considerate to let them know how much it was and what all they could potentially get because many people don’t even know about this or what it entails…yes they could’ve googled it, but you’re their friend and you were right there.

YTA. It would have taken you all of 45 seconds to say “but they have snacks, cocktails, comfy chairs, and showers. We can drink, eat, nap, and shower all for $xxx.” Then you wouldn’t have been an AH. Keeping that info to yourself and then gloating about it to people you call your friends is an AH move. Sure, the internet has that info. So did you, right then, during the conversation.

NTA.

with a long layover, lounges are an amazing hack. Especially if you want cocktails – airport cocktails can be like 30 bucks. 2 cocktails and you’ve paid for your lounge pass.

however, maybe don’t gloat about the great time you’ve had when you’re with people who had a rough time. Especially if you’ve got to travel together. Keep the peace.

YTA a lot of people have not used airport lounges before, and have the perception that they are fancy/associate them with traveling first class.

If you like your friends, knew they were money conscious, and believed this was a better deal, I don’t know why you wouldn’t mention that food/drinks/showers are included in the price.

Text from the lounge and say you completely understand if they don’t want to, but it’s almost empty, recliners available, open bar, hot showers, etc. Maybe a picture. But also some kind of phrase about you totally get if they aren’t interested. So it’s not like you are telling them they are idiots for not doing it.

I have two outcomes for you:

If the money is shared, then YTA. Plain and simple. You don’t spend shared money without talking to the others about it first.

If the money is yours, then NTA. What makes your friends have the right to think that you spending your own money is something they get to control?

NTA. You told them what you were going to do and at this point everyone should have an idea of what lounges have in them. Not your fault they didn’t want to check it out. They say they didn’t want to “waste money” but they went and bought food in the airport anyway.

“You can lead a horse to water”..

YTA and sound pretty childish. Those last two sentences alone are enough to make you an AH. The internet exists? Really dude…. lol. Just be nice to people and do the right thing. Then you won’t have to worry about being an asshole or not.

YTA for not trying to *invite* your friends. Tell them why you’re going to the lounge. Your explanation will likely include the price and the perks, and then they will make an informed decision. Do you even like your friends??

NTA you asked if they wanted to do the same they said no. That’s on them. I would have been like dang I should have went with you but that’s it wouldn’t have been mad at you at all.

NTA. Your friends first told you to gtfo with your lounge plan! They can’t complain later they made a poor choice.

You’re right, the existence of paid lounges is hardly secret.

It wasn’t a secret. You offered them the opportunity to go with you.

Are they 5 years old? No? Then they should be able to make decisions on their own.

NTA

YTA for being the friend who ditches regardless. But also yeah if you didn’t tell them what was included in the price and just went then YTA anyway.

ESH – you sound incredibly smug – why not tell your friends the stuff you get in one? Instead of just going “i’m gonna go to the lounge, bye”

YTA

Bet they won’t ever travel with you again. In fact, you’re lucky if they continue talking to Your Smugness.