If you’re a frequent flyer you know the pain of sitting for hours by a gate at the airport in an uncomfortable chair. Luckily, there is something that can make the experience far more tolerable, if not enjoyable: lounge access. Even better, many credit cards offer lounge access to their cardholders.
Outside of issuer-managed lounges such as American Express Centurion Lounges or Chase Sapphire Lounges, lounge access is most commonly provided through the Priority Pass lounge network. These lounges can be found worldwide and promise to elevate your airport experience.
However, not every Priority Pass membership is the same. It’s also not an automatic benefit as you’ll usually need to enroll in the program before you can begin visiting participating lounges. Here’s what you need to know.
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What Is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a global network of over 1,500 airport lounges in more than 600 cities across 145 countries. Many membership options provide lounge access, but some also include access to Priority Pass restaurants, among other experiences that aim to improve time spent in the airport.
How Does Priority Pass Work?
After enrolling to become a member, either through Priority Pass directly or through a Priority Pass Select membership offered on your credit card, you will be given a Priority Pass card. This card must be presented every time you wish to enter a lounge. However, even before the physical card ships, you can access a virtual card that you can store on your phone.
Using either the website or the helpful mobile app, you can locate lounges organized by terminal. Listings will also typically include pictures, access times and amenities. The cost per visit, number of visits allowed per year and guests permitted to accompany you will vary depending on your membership type.
Priority Pass Benefits
There are three tiers of Priority Pass membership: Standard, Standard Plus and Prestige. The Priority Pass cost of membership is currently $74, $279 and $469, respectively, with typical costs of $99, $329, and $469. The Prestige tier includes unlimited free visits (plus $35 for guests), Standard Plus includes 10 free visits with each subsequent visit costing $35 (plus $35 for guests). The Standard tier includes no free visits.
Priority Pass Select is a separate membership tier specifically designed for customers of U.S. financial institutions, often credit card members. Priority Pass Select membership is included with travel credit cards from various card issuers. The table below compares a few examples.
| Credit Card | Number of Visits | Guest Access | Include Priority Pass Restaurants? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Unlimited
|
Two free guests, $27 for each additional guest
|
Yes (Until July 1)
|
|
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply)
|
Unlimited
|
Two free guests, then $35 for each additional guest
|
No
|
|
Unlimited
|
Two guests
|
No
|
|
|
Eight free visits, then $35 per visit
|
Counts towards eight free visits
|
No
|
|
|
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply)
|
Unlimited
|
Two free guests, then $35 for each additional guest
|
No
|
The rules on length of stay and how long you can arrive before your flight vary by individual lounge. Access may also be restricted based on capacity constraints.
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How To Use Priority Pass
Having the right credit card open does not automatically grant access to the lounge—you must enroll in the program. A link to enroll can be found under the benefits section of your card account online, although the process varies across credit cards.
After following the instructions, a Priority Pass account will be generated, and a card will arrive by mail soon after. When you have your physical or digital card on your phone, you can then enter any lounge anywhere in the world. Simply let the lounge reception team know you would like to use your Priority Pass card for access. Just keep in mind the number of free visits your card offers as well as your membership’s guest policy.
Assuming the lounge is not full, you could be sipping champagne in the comfort of your airport oasis in no time. Unlike airline lounges with status or premium cabin requirements, Priority Pass only requires you to have a flight that day in any cabin.
What Does Priority Pass Get You?
The lounge experience can vary drastically from lounge to lounge, and understanding what to expect is a significant part of assessing whether Priority Pass is worth it.
In addition to a quiet place to sit—often in more comfortable couches and chairs—lounges will offer a selection of (usually) free food and beverages. This is especially valuable when you consider the high cost of airport food. However, the food available in the lounges will vary from à la carte dining and full buffets to light bites and snacks.
Other fun perks may include complimentary spa services such as massages, shower suites and sleeping pods. In some instances, premium beverages or benefits may come at an additional cost.
Is Priority Pass Worth It?
To understand if Priority Pass is worth it, consider your travel tendencies and the credit cards in your wallet.
If you are a frequent flyer, lounge access is a smart choice. A quiet reprieve within an airport to take a call or grab a bite to eat can undoubtedly be a significant upgrade from typical airport chaos. This assumes that the airports you frequently visit have lounges in the Priority Pass network.
The occasional traveler may find value in a Priority Pass membership, but it depends how often they travel and how much the cost of a membership will set them back financially. Saving here and there on airport food and snack costs can add up, and those savings can be spent on experiences when you reach your destination. However, if you fly once or twice a year, it’s probably not worth the cost.
It is worth noting, especially for U.S. domestic travelers, that the popularity of Priority Pass has led to some lounges being overcrowded or to implement a waiting list before you can enter. If you tend to arrive at the airport closer to the last minute, this may prevent you from accessing the lounge before it’s time to board your flight.
Bottom Line
Be realistic about your travel plans and habits to determine if a membership makes sense for you. If you are a frequent traveler, Priority Pass Select lounge access is a great way to make the most of your airport experience. And if you hold a travel card that offers lounge access for free, even better.
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To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.
