How long can you wait in an airport lounge?

Ugh, airport lounges… sometimes they're a lifesaver, right? But how long can you actually stay in one of those comfy havens? Well, it's a bit tricky. See, it really depends. Like, if it's the airline's own lounge, you're often golden for the whole day as long as you have a boarding pass for that day. I remember being stuck in Heathrow once – flight delayed for ages! – and practically lived in the BA lounge. Thank goodness for endless cups of tea and those slightly-too-squishy armchairs. But then, there are those other lounges, the "contract" ones… they can be a bit stingier. Three hours max, tied to your flight time, is pretty common. So annoying when you have a long layover! Who wants to wander around duty-free for five hours after just three in the lounge? Not me! Seriously, always, always double-check the specific lounge policy before you get your hopes up. It’d be such a bummer to get settled in with a good book and a glass of something bubbly, only to be politely kicked out. Don't ask me how I know. ????