Summary:
Here’s everything you need to know about Priority Pass.
Airport lounges are the best places to pass the time before flights, as they typically offer quieter, more comfortable seating areas, free food and drink, and less-crowded bathrooms. If you don’t have access to airline or credit card lounges, you might want to investigate Priority Pass, a service that provides access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. Even better, it’s a perk included with many top-tier travel credit cards, so you might not even have to pay for it. Here’s everything you need to know about Priority Pass.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership-based network of airport lounges and partner restaurants around the world. Members who join the program are granted access to these lounges regardless of the airline or class of service they are flying. The network encompasses more than 1,300 locations in approximately 600 airports globally.
Priority Pass Memberships
There are two ways to access Priority Pass: through a purchased membership or a complimentary membership typically offered via your credit card. Each option provides distinct benefits.
Purchased Priority Pass Memberships
If you’d like to purchase a membership, you can do so directly through the Priority Pass website. There are three membership tiers: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. Standard memberships cost $99 per year, with members paying $35 per visit and an additional $35 for each non-member guest. Standard Plus memberships are priced at $329 per year and include 10 visits, after which visits are charged at $35 each. Prestige memberships are available for $469 per year and include unlimited visits, although guests will still incur a $35 charge per visit.
Credit Card Priority Pass Memberships
Certain credit cards offer a specialized version of Priority Pass known as Priority Pass Select, which is complimentary for cardholders. Each credit card company determines the terms of Priority Pass Select; all include at least 10 complimentary visits to lounges, but only some allow for unlimited visits. Additionally, policies on guest access can vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to check with your credit card provider to understand the specific terms of your Priority Pass Select membership. Activation of your Priority Pass membership is required to utilize it, so ensure this is completed a few weeks before your travel.
Notable credit cards offering free Priority Pass Select memberships include Chase Sapphire Reserve, The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card.
Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass lounges are located in over 600 airports worldwide, and many airports feature multiple lounge options. Overall, the quality of lounges can vary significantly since Priority Pass partners with a range of independent locations. While some lounges offer basic amenities such as free coffee, others provide extensive services including full bars, private phone booths, and hot food. Downloading the Priority Pass app can provide valuable information about the options available at airports you frequent—details regarding lounge hours and services are readily accessible there.
Priority Pass Restaurant, Spa, and Suite Deals
In instances where an airport may not house a Priority Pass lounge, members might find discounts or vouchers for specific restaurants (like Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Corona Beach House at Miami International Airport). To redeem your voucher or credit, it’s advised to speak with your server beforehand—some restaurants require prior notification, while others may ask for your Priority Pass membership card upon settling the bill.
Moreover, Priority Pass has arrangements with airport spas for complimentary or discounted services, and Minute Suites for a tranquil environment. Detailed information about these offers, including available treatments and operating hours, can be explored in the Priority Pass app.
What to Know About Accessing Priority Pass Lounges
Prior to committing to a Priority Pass membership, it’s crucial to be aware that entry into lounges is not guaranteed. Individual lounges may set their own hours, which can restrict access to certain times. Additionally, lounges may deny entry to Priority Pass members if they reach capacity thresholds. Furthermore, restrictions often apply regarding the duration of stay in lounges, typically ranging from three to five hours.
If you successfully access a lounge, you will need to present your membership card at the front desk. This may be either a physical card received after membership activation or a digital card stored in your phone’s wallet or the mobile app. If you’re accompanied by a guest, this should be communicated at check-in.
How to Avoid Lounge Crowds
As mentioned, Priority Pass lounges often limit entry during peak hours; even if granted access, lounges may be overcrowded. Your visit timing will generally be dictated by your flight schedule, yet you can anticipate crowd sizes by monitoring the number of departures scheduled from your airport during your visit. For instance, major hub airports in the United States typically experience heightened traffic during red-eye flights, making evenings especially busy for lounges. As a result, you might find yourself on a waitlist or potentially turned away altogether.
