Upgrade: Travel Better takes a quick look at how at least one frequent flier (NPR’s Peter Sagal) gets his money’s worth at the airport lounge. Be warned: fruit is involved.

So, how do you get the most for your buck when stopping in at the world’s airport lounges? Are the seven cups of coffee really a good idea, or are there better ways to make up for those costs? Check out Getting your money’s worth at the airport lounge, fresh produce edition for the traveler’s and the airline’s take on the matter.

Logan Airport is seeing a lot of action these days. The airfare war brought on by new Virgin America routes to Boston continues to wage, and on top of reducing airfares, American Airlines is offering triple mile incentives for AAdvantage Members.

Now, American Airlines has announced it will renovate the Logan Admirals Club. The project is scheduled to wrap up in 2010, and when all is said and it will have an entirely new look and layout, as well as additional amenities:

“The remodeled lounge will offer seating for 214 and include the addition of a cyber cafe, children’s room with age-appropriate TV programming and computer games, five new flat panel-televisions and TV lounge and cafe seating where customers can enjoy complimentary light snacks, juice, tea, coffee and soft drinks or purchase delicious fare from the lounge’s food and beverage program, Amora^TM…Other highly valued amenities include an updated multi-functional business center outfitted with telephones, a global print solution powered by PrinterOn, copier and fax service. American’s professional Premium Services representatives can also assist guests with boarding passes, reservations, seat selection and upgrades.” (from American Airlines Media Room)

We’ll continue to monitor the situation in Boston to see if any more perks for frequent fliers appear.

Marriott has launched a new membership program that entitles you to the perks and comfort of the world’s airport lounges (or at least 600 of them).

The program is designed to make life a little easier for Marriott Rewards members when they’re out on the road. Priority Pass has three levels of membership; each with specific VIP lounge access rules:

“The Standard Membership gives access to all the lounges for a visit fee of $27 per person (all dollar figures in US$). The Standard Plus Membership includes 10 free visits, additional visits are charged at $27 per person per visit. The Prestige Membership includes unlimited access for the member.”

Check out Marriott’s Priority Pass Press Release for complete details, and start getting the VIP treatment you deserve.

The folks over at Sky Talk noticed an unusual trend, courtesy of stats from the International Air Transport Association (IATA):

It seems that an increasing number of the so-called premium travelers - first class fliers and business class travelers - are missing in action.

You can read more about it on RickSeaney.com. And while you’re there, take a look at this - American’s Admirals Club membership fees are rising.

If you’ve ever been in the middle of a multi-leg, multi-day trip, you’re probably familiar with the small joys that a well-kept airline lounge can bring.

Unfortunately, costs keep rising on the airlines, and added fees aren’t going to make up for all of carriers’ financial struggles. In order to further cut costs, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have begun to close several of their lounges throughout the U.S.

With mergers, partnerships, and alliances, members might still be able to track down a lounge to their liking, but it’s likely that Delta Air Lines and United Airlines will not be the only major carriers to go after airport perks as a means to save money.

Visit Gadling for more on the story and the specific lounges that are closing down.

Virgin Atlantic is throwing another perk to its first class travelers. The UK-based carrier has introduced a new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow. The main benefit of this wing? You don’t have to fight the crowds or deal with long security lines.

Keep reading for Virgin Atlantic’s step-by-step guide to Upper Class check and catch a glimpse of the added benefits of flying first class…

You don’t even have to step on the plane to start enjoying that perks that come with flying first class on Virgin America. As part of their continued effort to separate themselves from the competition, Virgin America has now opened up their SFO Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse to travelers flying first class on Virgin America.

A trip to the SFO Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will cost you $40 per visit, but if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of SFO, it should be well worth it. Keep reading for a taste of the luxurious life you can lead if you fly first class on Virgin America…