What is Priority Pass? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
If you travel frequently, signing up for Priority Pass can greatly enhance your airport experience. With access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe, you can escape the crowds and noise of the terminal and enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable space while waiting for your flight. Below we’ll discuss the benefits, costs, and locations of the Priority Pass membership program.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership program that offers its members access to a network of airport lounges in countries around the world. These lounges provide a comfortable and quiet space for travelers to rest and relax, with amenities such as complimentary refreshments, fast WiFi, and sometimes even showers and spa services. Priority Pass members can use these lounges during layovers or when they arrive at the airport early or have a long wait for their flight. In addition to access to airport lounges, Priority Pass also offers its members benefits such as bill credits at airport restaurants and other perks.
What are the benefits of Priority Pass?
Priority Pass benefits are always evolving as the company strives to continually improve its offerings. Here are just some of the benefits you can look forward to when joining the Priority Pass program.
Airport lounge access
As a Priority Pass member, you have free access to hundreds of airport lounges across the globe. A lounge provides you with a quiet and clean space to relax, enjoy a drink, get work done, or simply enjoy some entertainment while you wait. Some Priority Pass lounges offer additional amenities, such as a full bar, shower facilities, sleeping suites, spa services, and smoking zones.
Dining credit
The dining credit is a benefit offered to Priority Pass members at select airport restaurants. This credit allows members to offset the cost of their meals and drinks when dining at participating airport restaurants. The amount of the credit varies depending on the specific restaurant and location and may be subject to certain terms and conditions. Some restaurants may offer a fixed amount of credit per visit, while others may offer a percentage discount on the total bill.
Ground transportation discounts
Priority Pass members have the additional benefit of preferred prices on car rentals and airport transfers. Always check ahead of travel to see which partners are in the city you intend to visit.
How much does Priority Pass cost?
Quite a few credit cards include Priority Pass membership as one of their benefits. But to purchase Priority Pass outright, you have three membership options to choose from. Here are the three different tiers and their cost:
Standard Membership: $99 annually. The Standard membership gets you three lounge visits per year. After that, each trip to the lounge will cost $27 per visit. The guest visit fee is $35 per visit.
Standard Plus Membership: $329 annually. The Standard Plus membership will allow you ten lounge visits per year. Then each subsequent visit will cost $35 per visit. Guests will also cost $35 per visit on this membership tier.
Prestige Membership: $469 annually. The Prestige membership offers unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges, but guests still cost $35 per visit.
What airports have a Priority Pass lounge?
As of 2023, Priority Pass had over 1,300 lounges in over 600 airports in more than 150 countries. This number is constantly changing as new lounges are added to the network and existing ones are closed or removed. Some of the major airports that have a Priority Pass lounge include London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Singapore Changi. It is worth noting that not all airports have a lounge that is part of the Priority Pass network, and even at airports that do have a Priority Pass lounge, access may be restricted or subject to additional fees. You can check the Priority Pass website here to find out which lounges are available at a specific airport and the terms of access.
The newest Priority Pass perk? Minute suites!
Priority Pass Minute Suites are private, fully furnished rooms located in airports that are available for members of the Priority Pass program to use for a short period of time. These suites are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient place for travelers to rest, work, or relax in between flights.
Minute Suites typically include amenities such as a bed, chairs, a desk, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Some locations may also offer additional amenities such as a private bathroom, television, or shower facilities. Minute Suites are available to Priority Pass members on a pay-per-use basis, with rates varying depending on the location and length of stay. Minute Suites can be found in a number of airports in the United States, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia. You can check the Priority Pass website to find out which Minute Suites are available at a specific airport and the terms of access.
How Do I Get a Priority Pass?
You can become a priority pass member in one of two ways.
By signing up for a credit card that has Priority Pass access as a perk.
By signing up directly with Priority Pass. (You can use the link below to sign up).
Priority Pass - Common FAQs
Can I bring a guest with me to a Priority Pass lounge?
As a Priority Pass member, you can bring your travel companions into the lounge with you. Each guest visit costs an additional $35 if your membership was purchased directly from the provider. If you are a member through a credit card program, you will need to get your list of fees from the issuing bank.
Can I use someone else’s Priority Pass or lend someone mine?
Priority Pass membership is typically personal and non-transferable, which means that you cannot use someone else's membership to access airport lounges or other benefits. Each membership card is issued to a specific individual and is intended for their exclusive use. Lending your membership card to someone else or using someone else's card to access airport lounges or other benefits would be considered a violation of the terms and conditions of your membership. It is worth noting that some Priority Pass memberships may be transferable, but this would depend on the specific terms and conditions of the membership.
Is Priority Pass worth it?
Whether or not Priority Pass is worth it will depend on your individual travel needs and preferences. Some people find that a Priority Pass membership provides excellent value by giving them access to a network of airport lounges and other benefits that can enhance their travel experience. These benefits can include things like a quiet and comfortable place to relax or work, free refreshments and snacks, and access to additional amenities such as showers and private rooms.