If you are one of those flyers who craves the sanctuary of an airline lounge, take note. Crown Room Club membership fees will increase substantially come Aug. 1. An annual membership currently costs $400 or 50,000 miles. This will increase to $475 or 70,000 miles. Silver members will see their membership fees increase from $300 or 40,000 miles to $350 or 50,000 miles. And Gold Medallion members who can currently buy a membership for $250 or 35,000 miles, will see the price raised to $275 or 40,000 miles. For Platinum members, Crown Room Club membership remains complimentary.

Though Aug. 1 is the date that these price hikes are set to kick in, SkyMiles members who redeem miles for a membership actually have until Feb. 1, 2002 before the new mileage rates are implemented.