With upgrades to first class virtually a relic of the past for frequent flyers, airport lounges have become not just a place to wait for your flight, but a place of sustenance for those who once dined onboard.

Airport Lounges Soften The Blow Of No First Class Upgrades, No Meal Service

These days, if you want first class you have to buy first class. I’ve found that even when using confirmed instruments, it is increasingly difficult to clear upgrades. It is what is and the upside to that is that paid first class fares are much more reasonable than they traditionally have been. Yes, airlines have become very good at monetizing their premium cabins, and one can hardly blame them, even though the lack of upgrades has shown me that it is foolish to pursue top-tier elite status any longer.

I was flying from Burbank (BUR) to Chicago (ORD) via Denver (DEN). With United’s meal service cuts (now only flights longer than 900 miles, not 800 miles, offer meals in first class), both of those flights did not have a meal service. So even if I had been up front, all I would have been offered was a snack basket from Burbank to Denver and a tiny empanada from Denver to Chicago.

By the time I reached it, there was no longer a wait and I was welcomed in. Lunch time!

A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.