After a long-haul flight, when you’re exhausted and stiff from sitting in one position for hours, an airport spa feels like a true blessing. These relaxing spaces provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling terminal, helping to ease the tension and fatigue from cramped airplane cabins. With professional therapists working on your sore muscles, soothing aromatherapy, and calming music in the background, you can finally unwind and recharge. It’s a small oasis that prepares you for the next leg of your journey without draining your energy.
Many airports in India offer spa services, and with the right credit cards, you can enjoy these treatments free of charge. Let’s explore the best credit cards in India for airport spa access and the conditions for using these services. Airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have introduced spas to enhance the travel experience, offering quick and refreshing treatments such as head, shoulder, foot, or back massages. These services are a welcome respite from the hectic and often stressful airport environment, making travel more enjoyable.
Cardholders can avail of a 30-minute treatment, including options like:
- Foot Reflexology
- Head or Shoulder Massage
- Upper Back Massage
While some spas also offer additional paid services like full-body massages, facials, and aromatherapy, the shorter treatments are free for eligible cardholders.
To access the spa, authorized cardholders must present a valid air ticket or boarding pass for same-day or next-day travel. A nominal fee of INR 2 is charged to verify the card’s validity.
Currently, the spa access is provided through DreamFolks services and is available at select airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Cochin, and Bhubaneswar. As the list of participating airports and services is subject to change, it’s recommended to check with your card issuer before traveling to ensure availability.
Credit Cards With Complimentary Airport Spa Access
IDFC First Private
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: Unlimited (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000+GST
IDFC First Ashva
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: 4 per quarter (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: ₹2,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹2,999+GST
IDFC First Mayura
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: 4 per quarter (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: ₹5,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹5,999+GST
IDFC First Wealth
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: 2 per quarter (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: LTF (Life Time Free)
- Annual Fee: LTF (Life Time Free)
IDFC First Club Vistara
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: 2 per quarter (Shared on Primary and Add-on Cards)
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: ₹5,999+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹5,999+GST
SBI Aurum
- Complimentary Spa Access Limits: 1 per quarter
- Access Via: DreamFolks
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000+GST
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000+GST
RuPay Credit Cards
With a RuPay Select Credit Card, enjoy complimentary spa treatments and indulge in a variety of rejuvenating services. Currently, the following RuPay Select Credit Cards offer spa access:
- Bank of Baroda RuPay Eterna Credit Card
- Bank of Baroda Select Credit Card
- Bank of Baroda RuPay TIARA
- Bank of India RuPay Select Credit Card
- Canara RuPay Select Credit Card
- Indian Bank RuPay Select Credit Card
- Punjab National Bank RuPay Select Credit Card
- Union Bank of India RuPay Select Credit Card
- Dhanlaxmi Bank RuPay Select Credit Card
- Yes Bank RuPay Select Credit Card
These cards provide one complimentary spa session per year, offering limited but valuable access to spa treatments. Although RuPay’s partnerships are more extensive than DreamFolks, most cards in this list require a paid subscription. The Bank of Baroda Eterna, Bank of Baroda Select, and PNB RuPay Select cards are the most popular among these options.
| Credit Card | Joining Fees | Annual Fees | Complimentary Spa Access Limit | Conditions |
|---|
| IDFC First Private | ₹50,000+GST | ₹50,000+GST | Unlimited | None |
| IDFC First Mayura | ₹5,999+GST | ₹5,999+GST | 4/Quarter | Spend ₹20,000 in previous calendar month |
| IDFC First Ashva | ₹2,999+GST | ₹2,999+GST | 4/Quarter | Spend ₹20,000 in previous calendar month |
| IDFC First Wealth | LTF | LTF | 2/Quarter | Spend ₹20,000 in previous calendar month |
| IDFC First Club Vistara | ₹5,999+GST | ₹5,999+GST | 2/Quarter | Spend ₹20,000 in previous calendar month |
| SBI Aurum | ₹10,000+GST | ₹10,000+GST | 1/Quarter | None |
My Experience
I recently had the opportunity to use the spa facility at Ode Spa, located in Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport, as I had a connecting flight to catch after a red-eye journey. Using my DreamFolks card issued with IDFC First Vistara, I was fortunate enough to meet the conditional spending requirement to access the complimentary spa service. After showing my card at the reception, I was told to return in 30 minutes, as the therapists were currently occupied.
I opted for foot reflexology, as my feet were aching from the long flight. The oil massage lasted a perfect 30 minutes, and the therapist was incredibly skilled, focusing on all the right pressure points. By the time the session ended, I had completely relaxed and even dozed off. When I stood up, the pain in my feet was completely gone. The spa’s peaceful ambiance, with its soothing music, made for an incredibly calming experience. Overall, I would absolutely love to enjoy these services again whenever I have extra time at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit cards offer complimentary airport spa access in India?
Many premium credit cards in India offer complimentary airport spa access, including cards like the IDFC First Private, SBI Aurum, and IDFC First Mayura. These cards grant access to spa services at select airports when certain conditions are met, such as spending thresholds.
What types of spa treatments are available with credit card access?
Complimentary spa treatments typically include short, relaxing services such as foot reflexology, head or shoulder massages, and upper back massages. More comprehensive treatments, like full-body massages, may incur additional charges.
Do I need to make a prior booking to avail of spa services?
In most cases, you do not need a prior booking, but you may be asked to wait if the spa is busy. It’s recommended to check availability before heading to the spa.
What are the spending requirements to avail of complimentary spa access?
Some credit cards, like the IDFC First Mayura and Ashva, require a minimum spending amount in the previous calendar month to qualify for complimentary spa access. For example, spending ₹20,000 may be necessary to unlock the benefit.
Can I use the complimentary spa access for my add-on cardholders?
Yes, many premium credit cards allow shared access for add-on cardholders, meaning they can also enjoy the spa services if the primary cardholder meets
Conclusion
Access to airport spas is a luxury that can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering relaxation and rejuvenation during long layovers or before your next flight. The best credit cards in India for airport spa access offer great benefits, including free or discounted treatments at some of the busiest airports in the country. Premium cards from institutions like IDFC First, SBI, and select RuPay options provide access to exclusive spa services such as foot reflexology, head massages, and full-body therapies.
When choosing the best credit card for spa access, consider factors like the annual fees, the number of complimentary treatments offered, and any conditions, such as required spending thresholds. By selecting a card that aligns with your travel habits and lifestyle, you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing travel experience without the additional costs. Whether you’re looking for a quick rejuvenation or simply want to unwind before your next journey, these credit cards provide the perfect opportunity to pamper yourself at the airport.
