What Is Priority Pass?
5 Min Read | Published: March 5, 2024
Priority Pass™ is a program that gives members access to lounges around the world. See how a Priority Pass membership could benefit your travels.
At-A-Glance
- Priority Pass™ offers access to a global network of over 1,500 lounges and experiences.
- Along with lounges, Priority Pass also gives you access to a range of additional benefits as well.
- Membership fees for a Priority Pass membership vary, but certain premium credit cards may offer complimentary Priority Pass Select membership; which is similar to Priority Pass.
Seasoned travelers understand the value of airport lounges for waiting out a flight delay or simply relaxing between connecting flights. Airport lounges offer many amenities including comfortable seating, free food and drink, television, Wi-Fi, and more. Priority Pass is your ticket to take advantage of these amenities; and more.
What Is Priority Pass and How Does It Work?
Priority Pass is a membership-based global network of over 1,500 airport lounges and experiences spanning 600 cities in 145 countries.1 Priority Pass also gives members with certain membership plans pre-order access to several hundred cafes and restaurants at airports in the U.S. and UK, along with discounts on traveler services like car rentals, on-demand workspaces, dining out, and duty-free shopping.
If you purchase Priority Pass membership through their website, you’ll have three different plan options:
- Standard Membership: Where you pay an annual fee plus a fee for each member visit.
- Standard Plus Membership: Where you get ten free visits per year.
- Prestige Membership: Which provides unlimited access to all member lounges for an annual fee.
For the most up-to-date membership options and pricing information, visit the Priority Pass website.
Priority Pass is not affiliated with any specific airline. If an airport lounge is part of their network, a member has access to it, regardless of which airline you’re traveling on. This adds another layer of convenience because you won’t need to search for a lounge that accepts your membership card.
VIP Perks and Priority Pass Select
Travelers with a Priority Pass membership card that’s purchased from the Priority Pass website are treated as VIPs at the participating airport lounges and restaurants they visit while traveling. That translates into priority seating, complimentary food and beverages, and free Wi-Fi to get some work done in between flights.
To save time and eliminate frustration, members should check the Priority Pass website before traveling. There’s a list of participating lounges and restaurants there, along with the services they offer to Priority Pass cardholders. There’s also a breakdown of other member benefits and some language-specific maps and guides for navigating the airport.
Before purchasing a Priority Pass membership, check with your bank or credit card provider. As an account holder, you may be eligible for Priority Pass Select. Priority Pass Select gives you access to lounges at 95% of the world’s busiest airports.2 However, it’s important to note that certain amenities that are available to Priority Pass members may not be available to Priority Pass Select members.
Did you know?
With your American Express Platinum Card® you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or in-between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a comfortable location.3
Practical Tips for Priority Pass Travelers
Confirming the location of airport lounges within the Priority Pass network can eliminate some of the stress and frustration of airline travel. Book a reservation online if you plan to visit a participating restaurant. If you need to pay a visit fee, check the discount offer from the restaurant to make sure using Priority Pass will save you money.
Free or discounted spa services are another perk of being a Priority Pass member. You can grab a quick massage to relieve tension and then check into a Minute Suite to take a nap, relax, or get some work done in a quiet environment.4 Both services can be booked in advance using your Priority Pass membership card.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be able to take guests into Priority Pass lounges. Before visiting the lounge, check the Lounge Information under the lounge listing on the Priority Pass website to see if the lounge that you are visiting has a guest limit, and to find out whether you will be charged. For memberships purchased directly through Priority Pass, guest visits may be charged at a flat rate. For memberships through another provider, guest fees can vary.5
Priority Pass memberships range from $99 to $469 per year (as of January 2024). However, some credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, may offer access to Priority Pass Select, as a card benefit.6 Be sure to check your card’s details to learn more.
The Takeaway
Priority Pass membership can give you access to hundreds of airport lounges, discounts on food and rental cars, and priority booking for spa services and Minute Suites. But before you sign up, you’ll want to check your credit card details to see if Priority Pass Select is included.
1 “The Benefits of Priority Pass,” PriorityPass.com
2 “Priority Pass Select,” PriorityPass.com
3,6 For more on Offer & Benefit Terms for The Platinum Card®, click here.
4 “Nap. Relax. Work.,” MinuteSuites.com
5 “Can I take guests into the lounge?,” PriorityPass.com
Kevin D. Flynn is a financial services provider, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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