With five American Express airport lounges either operational or in the works, the company will still be hard-pressed to replace all of those American Airlines and US Airways lounges that used to feature free access for Platinum cardholders across the U.S.
If travelers break out their iPads, munch on some croissants or watch or the planes taking off or landing outside, they can imagine that they've already arrived at their next destination.
Virgin America's landing of slots at LaGuardia means it will have to get away from its traditional long-haul focus, and will have to compete with multiple carriers on shorter routes.