How much would you pay for a shower or an exclusive bar in between flights?
Priority Pass is a membership-based service that allows guests to access more than 1,000 exclusive airport lounges around the world. Many of these lounges offer complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. Priority Pass members simply present their cards to access these benefits and can enjoy the perks of lounge access before they take off. But with a price tag of nearly $500 for its unlimited membership, does it hold its value?
A Priority Pass Membership vs. Credit Card Perks
There are two ways to get a Priority Pass membership: purchasing a membership or getting a credit card offering membership as a perk.
Priority Pass offers three membership types: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. The Standard membership for the occasional traveler is $99 per year and offers lounge visits for $35; Standard Plus is $329 and offers ten free visits each year before a $35 per-visit fee; and Prestige is $469/per year for unlimited free lounge visits. Members at all levels can bring guests for $35.
Credit card benefits vary, however. Some credit cards, like Hilton American Express Aspire offer the cardholder unlimited free lounge visits along with two free guests, while the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card offers cardholders four complimentary visits and $32 per visit afterward.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
It’s All About the Lounge Access
The lounges, simply put, are the best part of the membership. I’ve been to some pretty great lounges on my travels, like The Club CLT at Charlotte-Douglas International or the KLM Lounge at Washington-Dulles International. The spaces are usually quiet and can feel a bit more luxurious than waiting at the gate.
Food and drink options vary by location, as do amenities. In Chile, at Santiago International, the Andes Lounge feels a bit like an exclusive bar, and at Punta Cana International in the Dominican Republic, the VIP Lounge has a pool that overlooks the tarmac, and yes, you can swim.
Some lounges even have showers or operate as “specialty” lounges, like Minutes Suites, a space that offers guests private suites that include a shower, bed, desk, and rest area for longer layovers or for when those who need a place to recharge in between flights.
Another great part of Priority Pass is the app. It includes a digital membership card and account information where you can view and rate your previous lounge visits. The app also lists all lounges in the network, specific amenities, and operating times. You can even see photos from other travelers, so you’ll know what to expect.
However, not all airports have decent Priority Pass lounge selections. For instance, Los Angeles International Airport has no lounges through Priority Pass–although they do have spa access or other activities. So, if LAX is your main airport, it may not make sense to purchase a Priority Pass membership
The Downside of Membership
No matter how you look at it, Priority Pass membership isn’t cheap. At the standard level, guests pay $35 on top of an annual fee; the other levels are a few hundred dollars a year.
And most credit cards with this perk have relatively high annual fees —sometimes up to $700 per year.
Another drawback is the length of stay at some lounges. Though I haven’t found it to be strictly enforced, some lounges have a time limit for guests. A five-hour layover with a two-hour time limit at a lounge isn’t ideal.
Though the vast majority of the lounges I’ve visited have been great, the uniqueness can be a drawback from time to time. While some lounges are two-story and have beautiful views of planes taking off, some have no windows and aren’t as picturesque. And the grand amenities at one aren’t always available at another.
You’re also at the mercy of each airport’s layout. If an airport has five lounges, but only one is close enough to get to— or worse, you’re at an airport that doesn’t allow inter-terminal movement, the membership can feel more restrictive.
FAQs
Where Can Priority Pass Be Used?
Members can access clubs at nearly every major airport on Earth, including more than 150 in both North America and Latin America, 90 in Africa, more than 300 across Europe, 70 in the Middle East, and more than 400 across Asia.
Can I Visit More Than One Lounge in a Day?
Absolutely. I’ve done it. It’ll count as multiple visits, but you can.
How Do I Know if My Credit Card Offers Priority Pass?
You can review your cardholder benefits to check for this perk.
Are the Lounges Open All the Time?
Lounges have varying operation times. I’ve seen lounges open as early as 5 a.m. and close as late as midnight.
Can I Visit One of the Priority Pass Lounges Without a Membership?
You can visit as the guest of a member. And depending on the lounge, you may be able to buy a single-day pass.
Are Children Allowed in the Lounges?
Yes.
Is It Worth the Price?
It really depends on how often you travel and which airport is your main hub. If you only travel once or twice a year, I wouldn’t recommend Priority Pass, but it could be worth it if you travel regularly.