Day passes to airline club lounges.
 

I've read that some airlines will sell you a day pass to their airport clubs (Red Carpet, Admirals etc.). In early June I will be flying out of Philly on U.S. Airways to Rome. I will have a 5 and a half hour layover in Philadelphia. I am a dividend Miles member, though I don't have a lot of miles. I have 3 questions: Will U.S. Airways sell day passes to their clubs (yes I will dress nicely)? How much would it cost? Is it worth it?

Mike, I'm not a member of the U.S. Airways club, so hopefully someone who is will give some personal insight as to the value. Your best bet to find out about whether day passes are available and what the cost would be: call 1-800-828-8522 and ask. I know that they have three and six month trial memberships. I would think you can probably just purchase one at the club on the day of your trip, if the day passes are available. Will you also have an opportunity to use the club on your return flight? Are you on your own or are there others traveling with you (and does your day pass cover more than just you, if so?)Is there an affiliated club in Rome that would be useful upon your return? (You can check out the latter on their website.)

I find a club membership to be a nice little luxury and a five-plus hour layover is very significant, so I would certainly check it out.

Can't tell you about USAir, but AA AC does sell a day pass, or should I call it a 24 hour pass, because that's what it is. You are allowed to use any AC in the 24 hour period. The cost is $50.00.
Is it worth it? Again, I'm not sure about USAir clubs, but I would say that AA AC one day pass is not, not because they are crap or anything like that, they are actually a little sanctuaries, but you still have to pay for drinks, and food(if it's available). With AA you are allowed one guest. So you have to decide if $50.00 is worth little peace and quiet, because that's about all you will get, unless you are willing to pay more at the bar.
Now that said, I do fly AA often, but most of my travels are international, and since I have Platinum status with them, I could use the clubs for free as long as it's a international flight. Having the status allows me to buy yearly membership at a reduced price of $350(normal $450), and I refuse to do it, again, because most of my travels are international, but also, because I really don't think paying for an hour or two of little piece of quiet is worth it to me. If they did offer nice buffets and drinks, I would pay more, but only if they went back to the way they use to be.
Have a great trip!

You might want to check with NWA WorldClubs at that location, too:

Philadelphia
WorldClubs Lounge
Terminal E, adjacent to Gate E2
Phone: 215-492-2425

Not much in the way of food (Mint Milanos though!) -- but beverages are complimentary including latte, cappicino and a good selection of adult beverages. I don't know the deal on day passes, however, so give them a call to check that out.

Delta has a Crown Room Club in Philly, and they offer one day passes for $50. Unlike AA's club, the drinks are free and there are some snacks but they vary by location. I haven't been to the one in Philly, but most of them a pretty nice and would be worth the $50 if you would be otherwise spending time in a bar paying for drinks for 5 hours.

Some airlines, including Delta, require that you have a flight on that day with them to get into the club.

I don't think it matters how you dress.

Jed is right. I just checked and you would have to be flying Delta to get the one day pass.

I would assume that rule would apply to any airline. One day passes are only available to the particular airline passangers.

Called U.S. Airways. They said it was $35 with no guest privliges (I wish I was flying envoy class, then it would be free). I am traveling with a large group including family, so I think I'll forego the club, find a bar get a few beers and a cheesesteak sandwich and wait it out.

Mike - I personally think Philly is a pretty nice airport. Lots of stores and stuff. They even have an area in the main shopping/store area that has rocking chairs. You can just sit, relax, and people watch. Last fall we had a 6 hour layover at Gatwick on our way to Naples and between walking through shops, and having some fish and chips, the time flew by.

Golfergal is right - if you have to spend 5 hours in an airport, Philly is not a bad one to be in. Several restaurants (it might be illegal not to eat a Philly cheesesteak while you're there - you should check into that), lots of seating, restaurants, shops. The US Air clubs are nice in Philly - but considering you have a group - you'll be fine. The 5 hour lay-over does assume your flight is on time..... JUST KIDDING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!