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What Is Priority Pass and How Do I Get It?

Here’s how to obtain complimentary membership to the world’s largest independent airport lounge program..

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The Sala VIP Internacional, a Priority Pass lounge at Quito International Airport in Ecuador, has an alfresco rooftop seating area.

Photo by Paul Rubio

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Priority Pass lounges are found in airports across the world—in 600 cities across 148 countries to be exact. Not every airport has a Priority Pass lounge, but some have multiple.

The lounges within the Priority Pass network run the gamut from singular, airport-managed lounges to Plaza Premium lounges to Chase Sapphire lounges to some owned and operated by major airlines. Priority Pass membership can be purchased outright, but it’s also included as a complimentary benefit under specific credit cards (more on how to apply to those below). Here’s everything you need to know about Priority Pass from what it is to how to gain membership and how to get your friends and family into a lounge, too (often free of charge).

What is Priority Pass

Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge program. Priority Pass does not actually own and operate airport lounges but rather consolidates them through a single membership program. In total, a Priority Pass membership card gets you into more than 1,400 lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries. (The network’s app makes it easy to search for lounges by global airport code and terminals.) With Priority Pass, travelers can enter the lounges in the portfolio on their flight date, regardless of airline or class flown.

What are Priority Pass lounges like?

As one can imagine with so many independent lounges in a single portfolio, not all are created equal. In the most general sense, a Priority Pass lounge means complimentary access to snacks and meals, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfy seating before most flights. However, some are extra fabulous with full meal presentations and artisan cocktails. Sala VIP Internacional at Quito International Airport in Ecuador, for example, is a beautifully appointed space, with an alfresco rooftop seating area and a lunchtime spread that includes a buffet with sushi and ceviche plus a manned, made-to-order sandwich station. (Read our highly curated list of the 10 Best Priority Pass lounges in the world to quickly find out the best-of-the-best.)

On the flip side, some lounges are just mediocre, and some are downright basic. That said, some of the worst tend to be in airports where the facilities overall are underwhelmingly rudimentary and where getting a cold beer feels like a real luxury, even if it’s to be enjoyed on a cracked and highly worn leather couch under dim light.

The two Turkish Airlines lounges at Miami International Airport are both open to Priority Pass members.

Courtesy of Turkish Airlines

How to get Priority Pass

There are multiple ways to get Priority Pass. You can buy membership directly from the company, get it as a complimentary perk by being a primary cardholder of a premium credit card, and also get it by being an additional cardholder on select credit cards.

How to buy a Priority Pass membership

It’s possible to acquire membership directly through the Priority Pass website . The three levels of membership—Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige—all have an annual membership fee. Regardless of membership tier, the cost for a guest is $35 per visit.

How to get a Priority Pass membership for free

Despite Priority Pass’s published prices for membership, most travelers obtain it for free and even avoid guest fees. How? Several credit cards come with a complimentary membership at a special tier called Priority Pass Select. With certain credit cards, the benefits and lounge access of Select tend to be the same as Prestige plus a bonus of two complimentary guests per visit (with the exception of the Chase Sapphire lounge in Boston). The credit cards include:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee—see rates and fees )
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee—see rates and fees )

While Select membership may be complimentary in all cases above, enrollment is not automatic. You’ll need to activate your membership online through your credit card login or call the 800 number on the back of your credit card. Once enrolled, you can set up your membership in the Priority Pass app and download your digital card to your digital wallet. A physical Priority Pass Select card will also arrive in the mail. Note that keeping the actual card in your wallet or passport holder is a smart idea, especially if traveling to countries where Wi-Fi connectivity can be an issue.

Extending membership to authorized users

Priority Pass Select membership is given in the name of the cardholder and provides that cardholder with access to all lounges within the network. However, most credit cards also grant membership to authorized users/additional cardholders .

Authorized users of Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , Chase Sapphire Reserve , Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card , and the Platinum Card from American Express are each entitled to their own Priority Pass Select Membership with the same access and two-guest policy (with the exception of the Chase lounge in Boston).

What about overcrowding?

Given the sheer number of credit cardholders who use their Priority Pass benefits, the lounges tend to be crowded—sometimes overcrowded—since travelers can enter lounges in the portfolio on their flight date, regardless of airline or class flown.

The lounges have the right to refuse entry if at capacity and even sometimes prioritize travelers accessing the lounge on a business-class ticket with a partner airline. Our advice: Arrive early if you want to secure entry and enjoy the freebies and read up on other tips for avoiding the crowds at Priority Pass airport lounges .

The two existing Chase lounges, including the Boston one seen here, are both part of the Priority Pass network.

Courtesy of Chase

What’s the deal with Chase lounges?

Chase is busy expanding its own branded lounges and has so far debuted two, both part of the Priority Pass network. Yet as far as the Chase lounge in Boston goes, Priority Pass holders through the Chase Sapphire Reserve have full access to the lounge (and can bring guests); other Priority Pass members can enter only once per calendar year, free of charge (subsequent visits come at a rate of $75 per visit, as do guests). Meanwhile, the Chase lounge in Hong Kong follows regular Priority Pass rules for Select membership: unlimited entry plus two guests free. Both Chase lounges rank among our top 10 Priority Pass lounges in the world .

Plaza Premium’s branded lounges are part of the Priority Pass network, including the new one that opened at Orlando International Airport in 2022.

Courtesy of Plaza Premium Group

Can I get into Plaza Premium lounges with Priority Pass?

Admittedly, it’s easy to get confused between Priority Pass and Plaza Premium, so we’re here to clear things up. Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge program while Plaza Premium Group (PPG) is the world’s largest operator of airport lounges. PPG owns and operates its own branded lounges and also runs many more under other names, including Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in the United States, the Capital One Lounge in Dallas, and several Avianca Lounges in Colombia. PPG’s branded lounges are part of the Priority Pass network though some of the lounges they operate on behalf of airlines are not.

Nonlounge airport alternatives

In addition to its lounges, Priority Pass has numerous airport restaurants, cafés, and bars in its network. There are almost 30 of these so-called lounge alternatives where Priority Pass members receive a food and beverage credit of $28 to $32 per guest. Unfortunately, those with a Select Membership are not privy to the credit except in one case: Chase Sapphire Reserve . At press time, the Reserve is still honoring this Priority Pass credit for the cardholder plus one guest when using their Priority Pass card. Those who try to use a Priority Pass card affiliated with any other credit card will not receive the credit at nonlounge airport places.

The Priority Pass lounge network allows many travelers to relax and indulge a little preflight at airports across the globe. With the right credit card, you can take full advantage of over 1,300 airport lounges for free. Even your friends and family can join at no cost.

This article was originally published in March 2023; it was updated on September 13, 2023, with current information. While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time, and may have changed or may no longer be available.

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What to Know About Priority Pass Memberships and Lounges

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.

Related: The Best Airport Lounges in the World — and How to Get In

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a membership-based network of airport lounges and partner restaurants around the world. Members who subscribe to the program are granted access to these lounges no matter what airline or class of service they're flying. The network includes more than 1,300 locations in some 600 airports all over the world.

Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

Priority Pass Memberships

There are two ways to get Priority Pass: purchasing a membership or activating a free membership, typically offered through your credit card. The two methods provide somewhat different services.

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, and members must pay $35 per visit and an additional $35 per non-member guest. Standard Plus memberships cost $329 per year and include 10 visits, after which visits cost $35 each. Guests must pay $35 per visit in either case. Prestige memberships cost $469 per year and include all visits, though guests are still charged $35 per visit.

Credit Card Priority Pass Memberships

Certain credit cards offer a special version of Priority Pass called Priority Pass Select, which is free for cardholders. Each credit card company sets the terms of Priority Pass Select; while they all include at least 10 free visits to Priority Pass lounges, only some allow unlimited free visits. Others allow you to bring unlimited guests for free, while some cap free guests at two, and yet others still charge for guests. You'll have to check with your credit card company to find out the specific terms for your Priority Pass Select membership. Also, you'll need to activate your Priority Pass membership in order to use it, so be sure to do so online well in advance of your travels, as activation may take a couple of weeks.

Some of the credit cards that offer 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.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass lounges are found in more than 600 airports worldwide, and some airports have multiple options. On the whole, Priority Pass lounges are something of a mixed bag, as Priority Pass does not have its own lounges, but rather partners with other lounges. In some cases, Priority Pass grants access to airline lounges, while in others, Priority Pass lounges are operated by independent companies. The quality of the lounges varies greatly, too. Some are sparse rooms with only free coffee, while others are sprawling spaces with full-service bars, private phone booths, and hot food. We recommend downloading the Priority Pass app to learn about the options available in the airports you'll be frequenting — all the information about the lounges' hours and services can be found there. 

Priority Pass Restaurant, Spa, and Suite Deals

In some cases, airports might not have a Priority Pass lounge, but Priority Pass may offer discounts or vouchers for specific restaurants (examples include Bobby Van's Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Corona Beach House at Miami International Airport). If you plan on redeeming your voucher or credit, speak to your server about it before you order — some restaurants need to know upfront, while others will just ask for your Priority Pass membership card when it's time to pay the bill.

Priority Pass also has partnerships with airport spas for free or discounted services, as well as Minute Suites for some peace and quiet. You can read all the fine print about these services, from what treatments are available to the hours of operation, in the Priority Pass app.

What to Know About Accessing Priority Pass Lounges

Before you invest in a Priority Pass membership, you should know that entrance into its lounges is not guaranteed. The individual lounges can set Priority Pass hours, which could mean that members are only allowed access during off-peak times. They can also simply refuse Priority Pass members if the lounge is near or at capacity. On top of that, there may be time limits for how long you can stay in a lounge; these often range from three to five hours.

If a lounge is accepting Priority Pass members, you'll have to present your membership card at the front desk. This could be the physical card that's mailed to you after you activate your account or pay for your membership, or a digital card that you store either in your phone's wallet or in the mobile app. If you're bringing a guest, you'll have to let the agent know here. 

Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

How to Avoid Lounge Crowds

As mentioned, Priority Pass lounges tend to limit entry during particularly crowded times (and even if you are granted entry, the lounge may be very full). Unfortunately, you probably won't have much control over when you're visiting the lounge, as your visit will likely be dictated by the time of your flight. You can, however, predict how big the crowds might be based on the number of departures from your airport around the time of your visit. For example, many hub airports in the United States have international red-eye flights — evenings at those airports are often a particularly busy time for Priority Pass lounges. You may ultimately have to put your name on a waitlist, or you might be turned away outright.

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The Complete Guide to Priority Pass Membership

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For many of us, the dream of complimentary airport lounge access was one of the main reasons we got into the world of points and miles in the first place.

Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is a perk offered by multiple premium travel credit cards which makes that dream a reality.

However, there’s much more to Priority Pass membership than just its 1,400+ global lounges. From spa access to restaurant credits and more, Priority Pass is designed to make your travel as luxury as possible.

In this complete guide to Priority Pass membership, we’re going to discuss everything from membership tiers and the top credit cards that offer complimentary access to the specific locations of lounges. 

What Is Priority Pass?

Established in 1992, Priority Pass is the largest network of luxury airport lounges.

It spans across the globe with more than 1,400 lounges and experiences, of which more than 150 are in the United States and Canada, more than 440 are in Asia Pacific, more than 150 are in Latin America, about 370 are in Europe, more than 90 are in Africa, and about 70 are in the Middle East.

Unlike other airport lounges, you don’t need to have a certain class of ticket, belong to an airline loyalty program or fly with a specific airline to enjoy Priority Pass lounges.

Instead, membership can either be bought directly through Priority Pass or gained as a complimentary perk via a travel rewards credit card.

Priority Pass Membership Levels

If you’re not interested in holding a travel rewards credit card, Priority Pass membership can be bought directly. There are three tiers of membership available:

• Standard – annual fee of $99, plus $35 per member or guest visit
• Standard Plus – annual fee of $329, up to 10 complimentary visits and then $35 per member or guest visit thereafter
• Prestige – annual fee of $469, unlimited member visits and $35 per guest visit

If you plan to visit Priority Pass lounges no more than six times in a year, then you should go for the Standard membership option. That would work out to an annual cost of $309 ($99 + 6 x $35).

However, if you’re planning to visit more than six times per year, then Standard Plus membership makes the most sense. With Standard Plus membership, you get up to 10 complimentary visits per year, the equivalent of which would cost you $449 if you were on the Standard membership plan.

In the event that you were planning to visit Priority Pass lounges 14 times or more in a year, only then would Prestige membership make financial sense.

That said, buying Priority Pass membership is not always the best option in terms of value for money.

You can pay similar annual fees for a premium travel rewards credit card and receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, as well as a host of other benefits from travel statement credits and insurance coverage to access to other airport lounge schemes and the ability to earn points.

This is all the more true if you’re considering forking out $469 for Prestige membership, the equivalent value of which could get you much further in the world of miles and points.

Priority Pass Versus Priority Pass Select Membership

As mentioned, many travel rewards credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership. However, they offer a specific type of membership called Priority Pass Select.

Priority Pass Select membership comes with almost the exact same benefits as a standard paid membership.

However, if your Priority Pass Select membership is via any American Express card, the U.S. Bank Altitude TM Reserve Visa Infinite® card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards card, access to non-lounge amenities, such as suites, spas and restaurants, is denied.

Despite this exception, Priority Pass Select members can benefit from complimentary guest access, depending on what credit card they hold—a distinct benefit compared to a paid membership plan.

It’s worth noting that those who have Priority Pass Select membership through the Chase Sapphire Reserve® have access to Priority Pass restaurants.

Priority Pass Guest Policies

Rules tend to vary between Priority Pass lounges, and guest access is primarily determined by your membership plan.

For paid memberships, guests are charged $35 per visit.

For Priority Pass Select members, some cards enable you to bring up to two guests for free. Likewise, authorized users on certain travel rewards credit cards can gain complimentary Priority Pass Select membership and bring up to two guests free of charge.

Aside from membership types, guest access also depends on capacity constraints of individual lounges. For example, bringing guests during peak travel times will always carry more of a risk due to the higher chance of the lounge being full.

For both members and guests, keep in mind that lounge access usually has a time limit between one and four hours. This varies between lounges and travel times, but is something to factor into your journey.

Priority Pass Benefits

Priority Pass lounges differ in what they offer, spanning from the basic amenities common to most airport lounges to over-the-top pre-flight luxuries.

At most Priority Pass lounges, you’ll find:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Spaces for both work and relaxation, with dedicated quiet areas
• Power sockets and charging stations
• Magazines and newspapers
• Complimentary refreshments and snacks as well as alcoholic beverages

In some top of the range lounges, you’ll also have access to:

• Beds and sleep pods
• Conference rooms
• Printers 

Let’s now look at some of the other non-lounge perks of Priority Pass membership.

Be Relax Spas, Minute Suites and Restaurants

If you’re a Priority Pass member or hold Priority Pass Select via certain credit cards, you’ll also have access to Be Relax Spas, Minute Suites and credits at select restaurants, at home and abroad.

Priority Pass Restaurants

There are more than 40 participating restaurants across the globe where Priority Pass membership can give you a credit of up to $28 to $30 off the bill.

Most of these restaurants also allow you to bring at least one guest, who’s also entitled to receive the credit, making the total value $56 to $60. Considering how expensive restaurants can be in airports, this is a massive, underrated perk of Priority Pass membership.

To use the restaurant credits, you’ll need to show your Priority Pass membership card plus a same-day boarding pass. At some restaurants, credits apply only when you’re on an outbound flight—not an arrival.

Here are the U.S. airports where you can find Priority Pass restaurants:

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)
• Tucson International Airport (TUS)

When flying internationally, you can also find Priority Pass restaurants at the following airports:

• Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP)
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
• Brisbane Airport (BNE)
• Canberra Airport (CBR)
• Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
• Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)
• São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Kansai International Airport (KIX)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Luton Airport (LTN)
• Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
• Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
• Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
• Faa’a International Airport (PPT)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• Sydney Airport (SYD)
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Just be sure to check that the restaurant does accept Priority Pass credits and what their exact rules are pertaining to guests and the application of the credit.

Some restaurants don’t allow the credit to be applied on to-go orders. Similarly, many international restaurants come with a lower allowance for Priority Pass members.

For example, in Osaka, Japan, a credit of 3,400 Japanese yen is available, which equates to about $22. Likewise, Priority Pass members in certain international airports, such as Taipei, Taiwan, have set menus instead of a monetary credit toward the bill.

Likewise, remember that you still need to tip your server. You should calculate the tip based on the cost of the bill before the credit is subtracted.

Priority Pass Minute Suites

Minute Suites offer members the chance to relax, sleep or work in a private noise-free suite. Minute Suites can be found at the following airports:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Priority Pass members can gain complimentary access to Minute Suites for them and up to three guests for a maximum stay of one hour. Every additional hour will be charged at $28.

Priority Pass Be Relax Spa Facilities

From facials and massages to aromatherapy and manicures, Be Relax spas offer all the pre-flight services you could wish for. 

For example, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can use your lounge visit entitlement to redeem one of the following complimentary spa treatments:

• Be Back 15-minute Massage plus O2 ($38 value)
• Be Back 30-minute Massage ($38 value)
• Polish Change plus Hand Massage ($38 value)
• Be Feet on lounger 10-minute plus O2 ($44 value)

You can find Be Relax locations at the following airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

To access a Minute Suite, you’ll need to present your same-day boarding pass plus your Priority Pass membership card.

Best Cards for Priority Pass Select Membership

If you have Priority Pass Select membership through a travel rewards credit card, keep in mind that you first need to enroll in Priority Pass to get your membership card. Simply turning up and waving your credit card around won’t get you far.

Make sure to enroll through your credit card account at least a couple of weeks before your trip. This will give you ample time for your complimentary membership to be processed. 

You can download the Priority Pass app to access your digital membership card, which you can then use to enter lounges and other Priority Pass facilities, normally in conjunction with a same-day boarding pass. Some lounges also require your physical membership card.

It should be noted that despite the Citi Prestige® card offering Priority Pass Select membership, including access to non-lounge benefits, it‘s no longer available to new applicants. So while this card is excellent for getting a luxury airport experience, if you don’t already have it, you won’t be able to get it—hence why it’s not included in the card list below.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best premium travel credit cards on the market. It’s also one of the few Priority Pass Select membership conferring cards that still give you complimentary access to non-lounge features, such as Priority Pass restaurants. 

While the annual fee of $550 is substantial, you can offset it if you maximize the benefits. For example, the annual travel credit statement of $300 plus Priority Pass Select membership (with an equivalent value of $469) already offsets the annual fee by $219.

Here’s a summary of what the card has on offer:

• Points have 50% more value (1.5 cents per point) when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel
• 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 10X points on Chase Dining purchases 
• 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3X points on other travel purchases (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• 3X points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible takeout and delivery services, as well as dining out
• 1X point on all other purchases
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• $300 annual travel statement credit
• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry application fee or TSA PreCheck application fee
• Get access to special benefits when staying with The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Travel and protection coverage
• 24/7 access to a customer service specialist
• No foreign transaction fees

On top of these benefits, authorized users can be added for a fee of $75 and are also able to enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. The primary cardholder, as well as the authorized user, are both able to bring up to two additional guests each into airport lounges in the Priority Pass Select network free of charge. For every additional guest, your card will be charged $27.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

LEARN MORE  

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card offers some generous travel benefits in return for a somewhat lower annual fee of $400.

The card offers one complimentary Priority Pass Select membership per account. 

Unlike other premium travel credit cards, the Reserve Visa Infinite Card from U.S. Bank doesn’t offer unlimited visits. Instead, it offers up to eight complimentary visits per year. Any visits after these will be charged at a discounted rate of $32 per cardholder or guest.

These visits can be used either for the cardholder or an accompanying guest. Previously, the card offered four complimentary visits for the cardholder and four for an accompanying guest. However, the rules have now changed, giving you more flexibility as to how you distribute your complimentary visits.

Even if visits aren’t unlimited, this perk still confers an equivalent value of $379 (Standard membership = $99 + $35 x 8). If you combine this with the generous $325 annual statement credit, you’ll offset the annual fee by $302.

Here’s a summary of the perks and bonus category earning rates offered on the card:

• $325 annual statement credit for travel, dining, restaurant, takeaway and delivery service purchases
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, including eight free visits per year for you and/or a guest
• $100 TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fee statement credit 
• Access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, including perks such as late checkout, room upgrades upon arrival and special amenity credits (all perks are subject to availability)
• Consumer and travel protections
• 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center
• 3X points on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending via Apple Pay®, Google Pay™ and Samsung Pay
• 1X point on all other eligible purchases

It should be noted that the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card doesn’t grant you access to non-lounge Priority Pass perks. Likewise, although authorized users can be added free of charge, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is restricted to one user per account.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the primary cardholder and authorized users, each of whom can bring up to two guests per lounge visit (subject to each individual lounge’s rules and capacity constraints).

The airport lounge benefit on this card is worth considering. To recap: You can add up to four authorized users on the Venture X Rewards card, each of whom can enroll in Priority Pass Select membership and bring up to two guests. That means that a group of up to 15 travelers (one primary cardholder, four authorized users and 10 complimentary guests) could get into an airport lounge, all for the original annual fee of $395. 

On top of this, the card not only covers membership for the Priority Pass network—it also includes Plaza Premium Group and Capital One Lounges.

Overall, the airport lounge benefits combined with the $300 annual travel statement credit on purchases through Capital One Travel and up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck easily offset the $395 annual fee by a longshot.

Here’s what the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card has on offer:

• 10X miles on rental cars and hotels when booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases
• Complimentary access for you, your authorized users and up to two guests for Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Group (enrollment required)
• Transfer Capital One Miles to more than 15 travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy cardholder benefits, from experience credit to room upgrades, when staying with the Premier or Lifestyle Collections 
• Up to $300 annual statement credit when booking travel through Capital One Travel (per account, not per user)
• 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary (per account, not per user)

The only downside to the card is that Capital One no longer gives Priority Pass Select members access to non-lounge features, such as restaurant credits.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers some of the most competitive perks as well as access to the largest variety of airport lounges.

The card has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ) and charges $195 each to add authorized users—all of whom will receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment.

Aside from the Priority Pass network, the card also includes access to a wide range of other airport lounges, from Delta Sky Club and The Centurion Lounges to Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges, and many more.

Despite the high annual fee and authorized user charges, the Amex Platinum Card’s perks alone total a value of $1,500, giving you the capability to offset the annual fee by more than double.

The Platinum Card from American Express offers the following benefits:

• 5X points on eligible flights booked with American Express Travel or directly with the airline, on up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year
• 5X points on eligible prepaid hotel reservations when booked with American Express Travel
• Up to $200 hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel (minimum two-night stay required) given in statement credits
• Up to $240 digital entertainment credit, issued in $20 monthly statement credits for eligible purchases (enrollment required)
• Up to $300 Equinox credit given in statement credits and is subject to auto renewal
• Up to $189 per year in statement credits toward a CLEAR® Plus membership
• Up to $200 airline incidental fee credit given in statement credits
• Up to $200 Uber Cash, issued in increments of $15 per month with a bonus $20 in December
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every four years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® application fee (through a TSA official enrollment provider)
• Complimentary premium status for numerous car rental companies (enrollment required)
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, consisting of 1,400+ lounges across 140 countries (including Airspace Lounge, The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Business and Senator Lounges, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass Select)
• Access to the American Express International Airline Program (for discounted airfares)
• Access to the Fine Hotels and Resort Collection for bookings made through American Express Travel
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold elite status (enrollment required)

Unfortunately, American Express Priority Pass Select membership doesn’t include access to non-lounge perks, such as restaurant credit.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card comes with a large annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees ). However, its hotel-related benefits as well as Priority Pass Select membership make offsetting the fee easy.

Complimentary Priority Pass membership applies to the primary cardholder, who’s able to bring up to two guests for unlimited annual visits.

Here’s what the card has to offer:

• 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 3X points at restaurants worldwide
• 3X points on flights when booked directly with airlines
• 2X points on all other eligible purchases
• Up to $300 annual statement credit for purchases at eligible restaurants worldwide, issued in $25 monthly statement credits
• Annual free night award (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
• Receive 25 elite night credits per calendar year toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status

Priority Pass Select membership benefits don’t extend to authorized users, and being an American Express card, non-lounge Priority Pass amenities aren’t available.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express® Card

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Priority Pass Lounge Locations

You can find Priority Pass lounges at the following U.S. airports:

• Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) 
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
• Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DWT)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
• Kahului Airport (OGG)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
• Saipan International Airport (SPN)
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
• Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Final Thoughts

Buying Priority Pass membership might be beneficial if you want full access to everything from Be Relax spas and restaurant credits to Minute Suites.

However, for most travelers, Priority Pass Select membership via a premium travel credit card will be more than enough—particularly with the added guest privileges that come with credit card conferred membership.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve remains the best card in terms of Priority Pass Select membership benefits as it allows authorized users complimentary membership and gives you access to restaurant credits.

But no matter what card you choose, or already have, maximizing your membership is a matter of planning your airport visits in advance as well as showing up early. By planning your airport visits, you can opt for routes which give you the greatest selection of lounges, while showing up early maximizes your time spent there.

Overall, time spent in a Priority Pass lounge is a proven antidote to the chaos of airports.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Just getting started in the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for you to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.

The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.

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Priority Pass Review: The Ultimate Guide To The #1 Airport Lounge Access Program [Membership Cost, Benefits, & More]

What Is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a subscription-based membership program that gives members access to an impressive network of more than 1,500+ airport lounges in over 600 cities around the world.

Our comprehensive Priority Pass guide covers everything you need to know about this award-winning airport lounge access program, including:

• Membership Plans, Benefits & Cost
• The Global Airport Lounge Network
• The Best Priority Pass Lounges
• Why I Love My Priority Pass

Get 30% OFF Priority Pass

Membership Plans

The Priority Pass program has three different membership options to choose from:

• Standard Membership Plan ($99 USD)
• Standard Plus Membership Plan ($329 USD)
• Prestige Membership Plan ($469 USD)

Read below to learn about the benefits that come with each membership plan and which one is best for you based on your specific travel expectations.

BONUS OPTION: We also show you how to get a Priority Pass membership for free by taking advantage of travel rewards credit cards!

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"So much value!" I can't imagine traveling without my Priority Pass.

1.) Standard Membership Plan ($99 USD/yr)

Price: The Standard Membership plan costs $99 per year

• $69 with our 30% discount [ Join Here ]

Benefits: Unlimited lounge visits for a fee of $35 per visit; Guests pay $35 per visit

Best For: Travelers who take about five trips or less per year

Note: As a “Standard” Priority Pass Member you get access to the entire network of Priority Pass airport lounges around the world. “Standard” Members can also bring guests to any lounge within the program’s network for a fee of $35 per guest.

You may be wondering why you would have to pay $35 for each lounge visit if you are a member. Typically, access to VIP lounges costs anywhere from $50 to $100 or more, so $35 per visit is a deeply discounted rate.

2.) Standard Plus Membership Plan ($329 USD/yr)

Price: The Standard Plus plan costs $329 per year

• $230 with our 30% discount [ Join Here ]

Benefits: 10 free lounge visits, then $35 per additional visit; Guests pay $35 per visit

Best For: Travelers who take about 6 – 12 trips per year

As a “Standard Plus” Priority Pass Member you get access to the entire network of Priority Pass airport lounges around the world. “Standard Plus” Members can also bring guests to any lounge within the program’s network for a fee of $35 per guest.

3.) Prestige Membership Plan ($469 USD/yr)

Price: The Prestige Membership plan costs $469 per year

• $329 with our 30% discount [ Join Here ]

Benefits: Unlimited free lounge visits; Guests pay $35 per visit

Best For: Travelers who take 12 or more trips per year

As a “Prestige” Priority Pass Member you get access to the entire network of Priority Pass airport lounges around the world. “Prestige” Members can also bring guests to any lounge within the program’s network for a fee of $35 per guest.

Priority Pass Select [Free With Travel Credit Cards]

How Much Does Priority Pass Select Cost? $0 USD

Priority Pass Select is a special membership option that is offered as a free benefit with travel rewards credit cards and bank accounts.

Read below to learn about Priority Pass Select and how you can get a free membership with a travel rewards credit card:

How To Get Priority Pass For Free

Many premium travel rewards credit cards include a free Priority Pass Select membership as a cardholder benefit including the following:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
• American Express Platinum Card
• Citi Prestige Card
• Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card

Priority Pass Select Membership Plan

Price: Free with certain premier travel rewards credit cards

Best For: Travelers who take one or more trip per year

Priority Pass Select Membership includes the exact same benefits as a Priority Pass Prestige Membership. As a Priority Pass Select Member, you get unlimited free lounge visits and can bring guests to any lounge for a $35 fee per guest.

Priority Pass Benefits: What Do I Get As A Member?

Plaza Premium Lounge in Lima, Peru (LAP Airport)

The main benefit of a Priority Pass membership is airport lounge access at more than 1,500+ lounges around the world.

All members can enjoy access to any airport lounge that is part of the network and take advantage of free food, drinks, entertainment, and other amenities.

Priority Pass Lounge in Medellin, Colombia (MDE Airport)

Read below to find out more about the global network of airport lounges and the amenities offered at each lounge.

Which Airport Lounges Are Part Of The Network?

First Class Lounge In Qatar (DOH Airport)

The Priority Pass network includes a variety of lounges in airports all over the world. The network consists of independent airport lounges (e.g. Plaza Premium Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International), as well as lounges that are affiliated with a particular airline (e.g. Air France SkyLounge at Bangkok International).

However, the airport lounges that you can access with your membership depend on the particular airport.

For example, Priority Pass membership gives you access to the Air France SkyLounge at Bangkok International Airport and New York International Airport (JFK), but it does not include access to the Air France Lounge at Berlin-Tegel International Airport (TXL).

Similarly, members have access to the Swiss Business Class Lounge at the Geneva International Airport (GVA), but they do not have access to the Swiss Business Class Lounge at the New York International Airport (JFK).

But don’t worry—you will find at least one Priority Pass lounge at just about every major international airport and even at many smaller airports. For a full directory of Priority Pass lounges, click here .

What Amenities Are Included At Each Airport Lounge?

Food At Priority Pass Lounge In Lima, Peru

The amenities provided at each Priority Pass airport lounge vary depending on the specific airport and the specific lounge. Still, most Priority Pass lounges offer the following amenities free of charge:

• Internet Access (WiFi and/or Computers)
• Refreshments
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Food & Snacks
• Flight Information
• Air Conditioning & Heating
• Newspapers & Magazines

Some of the fancier airport lounges (e.g., Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at BKK) offer additional amenities to visitors, such as showers, sleeping areas, iPads, and more.

Rest Area In First Class Airport Lounge

Best Priority Pass Lounges (As Of April 2024)

According to the official Priority Pass website, the most popular airports for Priority Pass members are the following:

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International (BKK)
• Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)
• Tokyo Narita International (NRT)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• London Heathrow (LHR)

Each of the airports listed above is home to multiple lounges that Priority Pass members can access. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, for example, has a total of 23 lounges that are part of the network! Among these are both domestic and international flight lounges.

Check out all of the international lounges at the top five airports below:

Oman Air First Class Lounge in Bangkok, Thailand (BKK Airport)

1. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

• Miracle First Class Lounge I (International Concourse A)
• Miracle First Class Lounge II (International Concourse A)
• Miracle First Class Lounge (International Concourse C)
• The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (International Concourse C)
• The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge – Cocoon (International Concourse C)
• Turkish Airlines Lounge (International Concourse D)
• The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (International Concourse D)
• Blue Ribbon Club Lounge (International Concourse D)
• Miracle First Class Lounge (International Concourse D)
• Miracle Business Class Lounge (International Concourse D)
• Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge (International Concourse E)
• Air France – KLM SkyLounge (International Concourse F)
• Miracle First Class Lounge (International Concourse F)
• Miracle First Class Lounge (International Concourse G)
• Miracle First Class Lounge Level 3 (International Concourse G)
• Miracle First Class Lounge Level 4 (International Concourse G)

Priority Pass Plaza Premium Airport Lounge

2. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

• Sphere  Lounge Satellite (KLIA1)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (KLIA1 Contact Pier)
• Sky Suite Airport Lounge (KLIA1 Satellite)
• Travel Club Lounge (KLIA1 Satellite)
• Sky Suite Airport Lounge (KLIA2)
• Plaza Premium Lounge Landside (KLIA2)
• Travel Club Lounge Airside (KLIA2)

First Class Airport Lounge

3. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)

• IASS Executive Lounge (Terminal 1)
• IASS Superior Lounge -NOA- (Terminal 1)
• IASS Superior Lounge -KoCoo (Terminal 2)
• IASS Executive Lounge 2 (Terminal 2)

Priority Pass Airport Lounge in Bangkok, Thailand (BKK International Airport)

4. London Gatwick International Airport (LGW)

• No1 Lounge (North Terminal)
• The Gateway (North Terminal)
• Clubrooms Gatwick North (North Terminal)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (North Terminal)
• Grain Store Cafe & Bar (South Terminal)
• No1 Lounge (South Terminal)
• My Lounge (South Terminal)
• Club Aspire Lounge (South Terminal)
• Clubrooms Gatwick South (South Terminal)

Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access In Bangkok (BKK)

5. London Heathrow International Airport (LHR)

• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 2)
• Club Aspire Lounge (Terminal 3)
• No1 Lounge Heathrow (Terminal 3)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 4)
• Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group (Terminal 4)
• Club Aspire Lounge (Terminal 5)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 5)

Priority Pass Airport Lounges In The US

One of the things that you should consider before purchasing a membership plan is whether or not the network of lounges includes a lounge that you can access at the airport in your city.

As of April 2024, the Priority Pass network has lounges in the following US airports:

• Atlanta GA International (ATL)
• Baltimore / Washington MD International (BWI)
• Boston MA Logan International (BOS)
• Buffalo NY Niagara International (BUF)
• Charleston SC International (CHS)
• Charlotte NC Douglas International (CLT)
• Chicago IL O Hare International (ORD)
• Cincinnati OH International (CVG)
• Cleveland OH Hopkins International (CLE)
• Colorado Springs CO (COS)
• Dallas TX International (DFW)
• Denver CO International (DEN)
• Detroit MI Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
• Fort Lauderdale FL (FLL)
• Honolulu HI International (HNL)
• Houston TX George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
• Houston TX William P. Hobby (HOU)
• Indianapolis IN International (IND)
• Jacksonville FL International (JAX)
• Kahului HI (OGG)
• Las Vegas NV International (LAS)
• Little Rock AR B. & H. Clinton National (LIT)
• Los Angeles CA International (LAX)
• Miami FL International (MIA)
• Minneapolis / St. Paul MN International (MSP)
• Nashville TN International (BNA)
• New Orleans LA International (MSY)
• New York NY JFK International (JFK)
• New York NY La Guardia (LGA)
• Orlando FL International (MCO)
• Philadelphia PA International (PHL)
• Pittsburgh PA International (PIT)
• Portland OR  International (PDX)
• Providence RI – Theodore Francis Green State (PVD)
• Salt Lake City UT International (SLC)
• San Diego CA International (SAN)
• San Francisco CA International (SFO)
• San Jose CA Mineta International (SJC)
• San Juan International (SJU)
• Seattle WA SeaTac (SEA)
• St Louis MO Lambert-St Louis International (STL)
• Syracuse NY Hancock International (SYR)
• Tampa FL International (TPA)
• Tucson AZ International (TUS)
• Washington DC Dulles International (IAD)
• Washington DC National (DCA)

There are also dozens of other lounges at airports within North America, both in Canada and Mexico. You can browse those here.

Why I Love My Priority Pass Select Membership

Enjoying the Priority Pass Lounge in Medellin, Colombia (MDE)

I’ve been using my Priority Pass Select membership to get access to luxury lounges all over the world for the last few years and I can’t imagine traveling without it.

This “free” membership came as a benefit of my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and has given me well over $1,000 in value throughout my travels. Read on to find out exactly why I love my Priority Pass so much…

Free Food & Drinks

Alcohol Selection At Priority Pass Airport Lounge

Airport food is expensive. As a Priority Pass member, I always take advantage of the free food instead of paying out. I’ve found that the quality of the food can vary significantly from lounge to lounge, but most of the lounges offer great food.

Most lounges also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages to visitors, and some lounges even have a full-service bar with bartenders!

Quiet & Comfortable Space To Relax

Unfortunately, the image above accurately represents how I used to “rest” between flights at the airport…

Waiting at the gate to board your plane for hours can be one of the most frustrating parts of traveling. This can be especially problematic when you have a connection with a long layover. Having the luxury to relax and even sleep comfortably in a Priority Pass Airport Lounge has been one of the most valuable perks of being a member for the last few years.

Great Wifi & A Place To Get Work Done

I often work while traveling, so I can really appreciate a strong Wi-Fi connection and a great workspace.

The public Wi-Fi at airports can be spotty, and finding a quiet area with adequate room to leave your laptop can be difficult. With lounge access, I can always get a solid Wi-Fi connection along with a comfortable place to be productive while waiting for my next flight.

In many cases, it also makes it worthwhile to arrive early to the airport, where I can get a complimentary meal while I catch up on emails and other work tasks.

Final Review Thoughts: Is Priority Pass Worth It?

If you are a frequent traveler, then a Priority Pass membership is a no-brainer.

Access to VIP airport lounges can make the process of traveling so much easier and even enjoyable. I know some people who only travel a few times each year but still get great value out of a Standard Priority Pass membership by bringing family members for a discounted rate of $35.

For those who are hesitant to apply for a Priority Pass membership, it may be a good idea to pay for lounge access next time you travel to get a sense of what it’s like and then decide if you think it’s right for you.

As always, please leave a comment below with any questions or recommendations about Priority Pass. Safe travels!

Priority Pass makes traveling so much more fun! I had a free select membership with my CSR last year and just bought a Prestige membership for this year. Wouldn’t think about traveling without it nowadays.

Dear Kelly,

Nice to hear you’re getting lots of value, and decided to purchase again!

– Paul

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Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?

Editor's Note

Priority Pass provides members with access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. As a member, you can sometimes access airline-operated lounges that typically only business and first-class passengers — or that airline's status-holding passengers — are granted access to.

For example, the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD) is open to both Turkish Airlines premium and status passengers as well as Priority Pass members. As you would expect, the airline-operated lounges are usually of a high standard.

However, many Priority Pass lounges are operated by third parties. These companies don't operate flights but provide lounge access for anyone willing to pay. Therefore, the quality of these lounges can differ enormously as they may not be as motivated to keep customers loyal to their brand. So, is it worth it?

Related: The 7 do's and don'ts in an airport lounge

How to access Priority Pass lounges

There are multiple credit cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

These include not only premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required) but also hotel credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card that even include two guests.

Related: 10 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

You can purchase Priority Pass memberships directly from the site , with annual fees starting at $99. Here's a breakdown of the membership options:

• Standard membership: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for the member and any guests
• Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (the same price as all guest visits)
• Prestige membership: $469 per year; includes all visits for the member, though guests are charged $35 per visit

Is a Priority Pass membership worth it?

Whether you are paying outright for your membership or factoring it into the cost of an annual credit card fee where the membership is part of the card offer, how much is it worth?

In a typical year, I use my Priority Pass membership regularly and have seen some truly amazing Priority Pass lounges — and some truly dire ones.

The value you will get from your membership depends on how many lounge visits you will likely make each year.

Most of these lounges will sell entry to anyone without access/a Priority Pass membership; costs are usually around the $30 to $50 mark. The lounges vary largely in quality, but I'd put the value of each visit I've had on average at around $15 to $25 per visit.

So, let's look at the value of a paid membership based on a few different personal circumstances.

• Five visits per year: You would pay $175 ($35 per visit) for the five visits and then $99 for your Standard membership yearly fee of $274. I don't consider the membership worth anywhere near $275 for five visits. You could spend that money instead on food and drinks at the airport on each visit.
• Ten visits per year: You would pay $329 for the Standard Plus membership with your 10 visits free. At about $33 per visit, it likely wouldn't make sense to invest in a Standard Plus membership, as it's outside the range of where I would value each lounge visit.
• Twenty visits per year: A Prestige membership would give you all 20 visits for $469. Each visit would cost around $20, which is about where I value the visits.
• More than 30 visits per year: This is where a Prestige membership becomes worth it. Each of your 30 visits would cost you less than $16, as all visits would be included in the yearly fee. I can easily get $16 worth from each visit. If you have the same guest traveling with you each time, it would make sense for them to have their Prestige membership rather than paying $35 as your guest each time.

If you receive access through your credit card , factor this into the annual fee. If you visit a lounge 10 times per year and allocate $20 per visit, then you could consider that you obtain $200 of value from the credit card perk each year.

There are some other factors to consider when estimating the value of Priority Pass lounge visits.

Firstly, you are not guaranteed access to a lounge. Nowadays, many travelers have lounge access, and the lounges sometimes reach capacity. In fact, some lounges are only available to Priority Pass members during select hours. Be sure to check the Priority Pass website before your next trip for available locations and their hours — and don't be shocked if some lounges are temporarily at capacity during peak times.

If you are worried about a lounge being at capacity, some will allow you to pre-book a space online for a small fee of less than $10 per person. If offered, this would be through the lounge's own website , not the general Priority Pass website.

Also, consider how much time you will likely spend in each lounge. If you're booking 6 a.m. flights, you're unlikely to want to wake up early to get a free coffee and croissant. Similarly, if you're rushing from work to make a 6:30 p.m. flight and won't have time to enjoy a lounge, you will likely not be getting your $20 value from each visit.

You will generally obtain the value when you can spend at least an hour in the lounge (perhaps because of a long connection) and can consume a decent amount of complimentary food and drinks.

Bottom line

Unless you travel extremely regularly, you will not likely obtain $469 worth of lounge access from a Priority Pass Prestige membership. If this comes as one of the many perks of a premium credit card , you won't need to travel as regularly to get your money's worth.

Set your expectations accordingly. Most Priority Pass lounges aren't as glamorous as you might expect , and you may have trouble gaining access or finding a seat, given how many people are traveling right now.

Try and estimate how many visits you will make each year and how long you will spend there to decide if paying for a membership or applying for a premium credit card is worth it.

Say you're considering the value of a Priority Pass membership as part of paying the annual fee for a credit card that includes this benefit or thinking of purchasing a membership outright. You should try to estimate how many times you will likely visit each year and how long you will spend in each lounge in order to calculate the value of the lounge.

You can join the Priority Pass program here.

• Chinese (Traditional)
• Portuguese/Portugal

Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club

How will members be charged the entry fee for these lounges?

Priority Pass Members will be charged the preferential rate of US$75 per person, per visit, for applicable visits, payable to the lounge upon entry.

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Priority pass levels: their cost and perks.

Priority Pass is an airport lounge program that offers a variety of benefits to travelers all over the world. But did you know there are specific membership plans? There are three Priority Pass membership plans when directly purchased with Priority Pass: Prestige, Standard Plus and Standard. Each comes with a specific price point and its own set of benefits. When you choose a membership plan, there are several factors to consider, including your travel habits, budget and goals. Here's a breakdown of each Priority Pass membership plan and some ways on how you can decide what's right for you.

Priority Pass membership plans

Each Priority Pass membership plan offers a variety of benefits.

The Prestige Priority Pass plan provides members access to all Priority Pass lounges with no visit fee. For the frequent traveler, this plan may be the best plan.

Standard Plus

The Standard Plus Priority Pass plan may be ideal for someone who is looking for a middle ground between Prestige and Standard. With the Standard Plus plan, members get ten complimentary lounge visits, after which a $35 visit fee is charged. If you travel regularly but don't see yourself as a non-stop jet setter, this plan might make sense for you.

The Standard Priority Pass plan offers members lounge access at $35 per visit.

Priority Pass membership cost

When you choose between these three distinct membership plans, it helps to factor in how much you travel. You may also consider how much you'll likely use airport lounges. For instance, if you foresee layovers in your future travels, airport lounges can offer you a welcome respite.

• Prestige: For an annual membership fee of $469, the Prestige Priority Pass plan offers unlimited airport lounge visits without paying a visit fee. That means you can visit as many lounges as you like as often as you want without any additional cost. With 1,300 Priority Pass lounges across the globe, you have many to choose from.
• Standard Plus: The Standard Plus $329 annual fee gives you ten complimentary lounge visits, after which lounge access costs $35 per visit.
• Standard: The Standard membership plan offers $35 lounge visits with an annual fee of $99.

Can I bring a Priority Pass guest?

When you bring a guest to a lounge with a Priority Pass membership, there's a $35 fee.

Keep in mind that airport lounges can have different rules about guests, but you can usually pay per guest if free guests are not admitted depending on their specific policies.

Other Priority Pass benefits

Priority Pass isn't only for airport lounges. There are several additional benefits to membership, including VIP experiences and business center resources, as well as complimentary meals and drinks. If an airport doesn't have a lounge in the Priority Pass network, Priority Pass can often grant members an airport spa visit, restaurant credit or discounts on car rentals.

No matter your Priority Pass level, the app also grants access to prebook private airline transfers on your phone. You can also shop the Duty-Free store ahead of time through the Priority Pass app and then pick your purchase up at the airport shop anytime. The premium fitness app WithU grants complimentary memberships to Priority Pass members and can create a personalized training program for you while you're on the road.

Priority Pass restaurants

There are about 30 restaurants in U.S. airports where Priority Pass can offer you dining benefits. From complimentary food to discounts, Priority Pass brings you benefits from cocktails and appetizers to meals and more. Check the Priority Pass app to see a variety of restaurant experiences and other fun perks nearby.

There are three Priority Pass membership plans offering a variety of comforts, perks and experiences no matter your travel plans. No matter how frequently you travel, there's a Priority Pass membership to suit your needs.

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Your guide to Priority Pass

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Key Takeaways

• A Priority Pass membership gets you access to over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences across the world, including benefits like food and drinks, conference rooms and even sleeping suites
• There are three levels of membership, ranging from $99 per year to $469 per year, and guests can join you for an additional fee
• Select credit cards also offer access through Priority Pass Select benefits, though these cards’ annual fees are typically on the higher side

If you’re an avid traveler , you’ve probably spent time in an airport lounge. With complimentary food, beverages and other amenities, access to these lounges can enhance almost any airport experience.

You can gain entry into an airport lounge by purchasing a one-time pass or a Priority Pass membership. If you’re interested in getting access to an airport lounge with a Priority Pass, here’s what you need to know.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass membership grants you access to a global network of over 1,300 airport experiences that include airport lounges, restaurants and other exclusive amenities. Select airport locations in the Priority Pass network also include suites for napping, spa services, gaming stations and picturesque views. You’ll even find some next-level luxuries available, like a pool in one of the Punta Cana International Airport lounges and a putting green at the PGA-themed Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport.

Averaging anywhere from $30 to $60 a visit, access to airport lounges can be pretty expensive on a one-off basis. It may not be worth paying for individual passes, especially if you bring a guest or travel with your family. For most travelers, especially those who fly more than a few times a year, it’s more economical to invest in a Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access.

There are two ways to become a Priority Pass member. You can either purchase a membership directly through the company’s website or get a Priority Pass Select membership through a credit card issuer that offers this benefit to its cardholders.

Priority Pass benefits

If you’re a moderate or frequent traveler, a Priority Pass membership could provide a great deal of value in terms of amenities and food. Many airport lounges often have one or more of the following features:

• Charging stations
• Food and drinks
• Conference rooms
• Business centers, including computers and printers
• Sleeping suites or showers

Depending on the Priority Pass membership (covered more in depth below), you may be able to bring guests into lounges. In some cases, kids under a certain age are free. Guests that aren’t covered need to pay the prevailing rate to enter the lounge.

Another benefit of the Priority Pass includes restaurant vouchers. You can skip the lounge and go to one of 30+ participating restaurants with a voucher for around $28 to $30. Your guest can also have a voucher if they are included in your membership.

Note: Some card issuers, like American Express, no longer provide restaurant access with their Priority Pass Select membership. (The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card recently removed restaurant access as well, in addition to Priority Pass shopping and spa perks.) Others only offer a limited number of lounge visits. Be sure to read the fine print for your card that describes exclusions and limitations regarding Priority Pass Select benefits.

Priority Pass App

The Priority Pass App is an excellent resource for any frequent traveler. It has a directory of all airport lounges and maps for all locations, as well as their offerings and operating schedules. The mobile experience also gives users the most up-to-date information regarding airport dining, retail and spa discounts. Plus, you can redeem offers via the Priority Pass App or through your digital account.

Where to find Priority Pass lounges

Most of the 1,300 airport experiences available to Priority Pass members are outside of the United States. As a result, you’ll get the most benefit from the Priority Pass as an international traveler. If you would like to enjoy lounge access stateside, there are currently more than 40 airport lounges in the United States:

• Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Maryland
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Arkansas
• Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Kentucky
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), New York
• Charleston International Airport (CHS), South Carolina
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Ohio
• Colorado Springs Airport (COS), Colorado
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Florida
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Texas
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Nevada
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana
• Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Florida
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
• Kahului Airport (OGG), Hawaii
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Louisiana
• Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey
• Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Pennsylvania
• Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon
• Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), Rhode Island
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, D.C.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN), California
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
• San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), California
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), Missouri
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), New York
• Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida
• Tucson International Airport (TUS), Arizona
• Dulles International Airport (IAD), Washington, D.C.
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Texas

Are Priority Pass lounges usually crowded?

Sometimes, but there are a lot of variables at play. Demand for lounge access varies by country, airport, type of lounge, time of day and whether or not you are traveling during a peak season.

Busy airports at peak travel season could have longer wait times to get into lounges. Popular airport lounges that offer unique experiences, like spa services in sleeping rooms, could have even higher demand and wait times.

There are a few things you can do to get access to an airport lounge, even during periods of higher demand. Some airports have more than one Priority Pass option. For example, if a lounge is overcrowded, then you can opt for an eligible restaurant or even another lounge in another terminal. If you have a long layover or wait before your flight, it could be worth it to venture into another terminal to make the most of your Priority Pass access.

The other option you have is to wait until there’s enough space for you and your guests. Again, this may not be a problem for very long visits to the airport. There are limitations on the time you can spend in these lounges anyway, so waiting before your lounge visit (or having to leave when you still have a wait before your flight) may be inevitable.

What does a Priority Pass membership cost?

There are three levels of Priority Pass membership:

This membership is for the occasional traveler and costs $99 per year. With the standard membership, entry to airport lounges will cost $35 for yourself and $35 for additional guests.

Standard Plus

This membership is for someone who travels a bit more often, such as once or twice per month. The $329 annual membership fee covers 10 free visits to Priority Pass lounges. Once you’ve used those, you’ll pay $35 per visit. The same rate applies to any additional guests.

This level accommodates the frequent traveler and costs $469 per year. It provides unlimited member visits at no additional charge, though guests will cost $35 per visit.

Which credit cards include Priority Pass Select?

Suppose you don’t want to pay for a Priority Pass membership. In that case, there are several credit cards that offer a special Priority Pass membership — Priority Pass Select — as a card benefit. Here are some top credit cards that offer this airport lounge pass as part of their benefits:

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for flexible rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the most popular travel credit cards around, and it happens to offer Priority Pass Select membership. For a $550 annual fee, cardholders get a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, an annual $300 travel credit , significant sign-up bonus and heightened rewards on travel purchases. The real appeal for travelers, though, is the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where cardholders can redeem points for 50 percent more value toward travel.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards

A relative newcomer to the travel credit card space, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers many benefits you’d see with higher-end travel cards. The most notable feature of this card is the high rewards rate cardholders get for using their Venture X card to book travel.

Then, there are credits galore: 10,000-mile anniversary credit, up to $300 in annual statement credits for Capital One Travel purchases, added to the $25 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, means that you can more than justify the annual cost of owning this card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for frequent Hilton stays

If you’re partial to the Hilton brand, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * should be your go-to for travel and dining. Along with Priority Pass select membership, the Aspire allows you to convert points to cover nights at Hilton properties, airline miles and car rentals. There’s a $450 annual fee, but you’ll receive at least one free weekend night reward immediately, plus one every year after card renewal, as well as a number of statement credits for travel-related spending.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: Best for brand-loyal Marriott travelers

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card features many benefits, including annual credits, travel perks and status upgrades, like complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. You’ll pay a $650 annual fee, but the card’s rewards structure is boosted and you can of course enjoy Priority Pass™ Select membership.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for maximizing rewards points with travel partners

With The Platinum Card® from American Express , you’ll get the most value by redeeming your points for flights, hotels, cruises and other travel options through the American Express travel portal or its travel partners. Currently, the 80,000-point welcome (after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months), worth $800, could be stretched to $1,680 if strategically redeemed with Amex travel partners . That’s because American Express Membership Rewards points are worth around 2.0 cents apiece toward high-value transfer partner travel, according to Bankrate valuations .

The card also offers thousands of dollars in value in the form of travel and entertainment credits (for a $695 annual fee) and can help you relax at any of the 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges around the globe.

How to make the most of a Priority Pass membership

To get the most value out of your Priority Pass membership, you’ll want to use it as much as you can. That might mean showing up for your flight a little earlier or making a stop at a lounge after you land instead of heading straight to your destination.

Another strategy to use your pass more often would be to plan your flights according to lounge access. If you’re shopping for flights and can use different airports, choose the one with access to a lounge, especially if there’s a lounge you prefer. It can also be useful to pick an airport with several lounges if you are open to visiting more than one or want to make sure you won’t have to wait to get in.

Finally, if you have a Priority Pass Select membership through your credit card issuer, you should activate your Priority Pass as soon as possible. Even though it’s included with your credit card benefits, membership enrollment is not automatic.

There are additional steps you’ll have to take to enroll in the program and receive your membership card in the mail. Most card issuers give you the option to activate your enrollment online. You can even download the Priority Pass app and use your digital membership card.

The bottom line

Airport lounge access is an excellent way to make your travels more pleasant, especially when you might be facing extended layovers or an international trip with multiple legs.

No matter how you come into your Priority Pass membership, the value you’ll get from the amenities and convenience could be worth the price tag — especially for frequent travelers who’ll spend money on food and other services at the airport anyway.

*The information about these cards has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Guide to American Airlines Admirals Club

An ultimate guide to Amex Centurion Lounges

Guide to Capital One Lounges

Best credit cards for airport lounge access

1,500+ lounges and experiences

Choosing a priority pass membership which is right for you.

Welcome to Priority Pass

Fly with any airline and in any class and enjoy the lounge.

Refuel before boarding

Sit down, stretch out and enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments and pre-flight bites.

Time better spent

Use your time productively with charging points and free Wi-Fi in most lounges. Some lounges also offer conference rooms for business meetings.

Unwind before take-off

Arrive early as many lounges offer a selection of pre-flight spa treatments so you can spoil yourself and truly relax before you depart.

Simply present your card

All lounges in our network accept our digital membership card so you can gain immediate access to lounges right after you join, or simply present your physical membership card to gain entry..

Guests are welcome

When you're not travelling alone, invite your family, friends or colleagues to join you in the priority pass lounges., recently added.

Belfast George Best City

Belfast, northern ireland.

ASPIRE LOUNGE

Rio de Janeiro Galeao International, Terminal 2

Rio de janeiro, brazil.

GOL SMILES (INTERNATIONAL)

Kuala Lumpur Intl, KLIA Terminal 1 (Satellite)

Kuala lumpur, malaysia.

TRAVEL CLUB LOUNGE

Washington DC Dulles International, Concourse A

Washington dc, usa.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC CLUBHOUSE

Access our airport lounges

Priority pass's global reach provides you with access to an ever-growing range of premium lounges and airport experiences. explore your access options for lounges . we have a great selection of locations including (in the us) las vegas lounges , jfk lounges , san francisco lounges , atlanta lounges (in the uk) heathrow lounges , manchester lounge , edinburgh airport lounge , glasgow airport lounge (middle east and ww) dubai lounges , doha lounges , hong kong lounges , sydney lounges   below you’ll find a full list of airport lounge locations split by region:.

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Which Credit Cards Have Priority Pass Restaurant Access?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Priority Pass partners with dozens of restaurants in airports around the world. At these partner restaurants, eligible Priority Pass Select members get a $28 credit toward food and beverage purchases per guest.

However, just because your travel rewards credit card offers a Priority Pass Select membership doesn't mean that you'll be able to get a free or discounted airport meal before or after your flight. That's because some credit card issuers have removed Priority Pass restaurants from their Priority Pass lounge benefit.

For those of us who appreciate a real meal before a flight — instead of just snacks from a lounge — let's focus on credit cards with Priority Pass restaurant benefits.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

An overview of credit cards with Priority Pass restaurant benefits

Before we get into details below, here's an overview of the most popular travel rewards credit cards that provide Priority Pass restaurant access:

Credit cards that offer Priority Pass restaurant benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is perhaps the best-known travel rewards credit card that still offers Priority Pass restaurant benefits, though it is ending July 1, 2024. For now, the card's terms, Chase states that the Priority Pass Select membership that Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders receive "includes access to airport lounges, restaurants, cafes and markets."

Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get up to two accompanying guests per visit at no additional cost. Additional guests cost $27 per guest per visit.

A Priority Pass Select membership is just one of the card's many travel benefits. Cardholders also get:

An annual $300 travel credit.

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee statement credit.

Two complimentary years of Lyft Pink All Access.

Access to Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection 

These are a few of the perks you will find among the card's slew of benefits.

» Learn more: Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth its annual fee?

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card offers perhaps the most unique and generous Priority Pass restaurant benefit of any card on the list.

Premium Rewards Elite cardholders get up to four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships with restaurant access per account. Even better, Bank of America doesn't restrict how many guests each Priority Pass member can bring into a lounge or restaurant on each visit — and there's no cost associated with bringing guests into a lounge with you.

That indicates that cardholders get up to four unlimited Priority Pass Select memberships, each with unlimited guests.

If you have a large family, this Priority Pass Select membership can easily justify the card's $550 annual fee. And that's before you factor in the card's other travel benefits, which include:

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit.

Up to $300 annually in airline incidental statement credits.

Up to $150 annually for purchases such as rideshare services.

» Learn more: The best Bank of America credit cards available right now

Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard®

This little-known premium Emirates rewards card offers primary cardmembers and authorized users "unlimited visits for yourself as well as guests" — with no fee listed for guests over a set limit. That seems to indicate that there's no limit to the number of guests cardholders can bring into a Priority Pass lounge or restaurant with them.

In addition to this Priority Pass lounge benefit, Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard® cardholders get Emirates Skywards Gold tier membership for their first year plus 10,000 bonus Skywards miles each account anniversary. The card charges a $499 annual fee.

» Learn more: Are the Emirates Mastercards worth their annual fee?

UBS Visa Infinite Card

UBS offers an unlimited Priority Pass Select membership with restaurants for cardholders of the UBS Visa Infinite Card and the UBS Visa Infinite Business Card.

Unfortunately, details such as guest access and Priority Pass benefits for authorized users are absent from the UBS website. So, it's unclear how many guests cardholders can bring into Priority Pass lounges or restaurants with them.

However, even without guest access, this card may be a good fit for luxury travelers. Cardholders get:

A $250 credit for qualifying air travel expenses.

Premium benefits at select hotels through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection.

VIP amenities at select Ritz-Carlton properties, Fairmont and Park Hyatt properties. 

Plus, cardholders unlock a $500 annual credit by spending $25,000 in either the current or prior calendar year.

Use your credit card for Priority Pass restaurant meals

Using your Priority Pass membership at participating airport restaurants is a great way to get a full meal before or after your flight.

However, it's important to remember that some card issuers — such as American Express — don't include "non-lounge airport experiences" such as restaurants in their Priority Pass lounge benefits. That means it's important to check your card's terms before counting on this benefit.

Regardless of which card you have, you'll likely need to enroll with your bank before you can take advantage of this Priority Pass Select membership benefit. Also, keep in mind that Priority Pass doesn't cover gratuity on meals. So, remember to have cash on hand to tip your waitstaff.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

How to get access to the best airport lounges, using Priority Pass, Amex and more

W hile the likes of Zoom might have partially killed off the days of executives racking up obscene numbers of air miles, even not-particularly-frequent fliers could benefit from investing in a pass that gives you access to plush airport lounges. 

It’s not possible to get into a first-class lounge without a business or first class ticket, but there are plenty of luxe airport spaces owned by private companies that will give you access regardless of your plane ticket. But you’ll either have to pay extra for entry, or hold certain financial products.

These lounges can provide a haven from the hustle and bustle of the main airport, and usually offer – among other things – complimentary food and a fully-stocked bar. 

Here, Telegraph Money outlines your options for getting through the doors.

The convenience of a Priority Pass

Priority Pass is an airport lounge access subscription service, where frequent travellers can benefit from extra airport amenities without having to fly first class. 

There are three subscription options. Standard membership costs £69 a year and you can gain lounge access for £24 per person – that is, you and a guest. For Standard Plus membership, you’ll pay £229 a year, for which you’ll get 10 free visits, and extra guests cost £24. The Prestige tier costs £419 offering unlimited visits – though guests are still £24 a pop.

There are 1,300 lounges and travel experiences you can access, spread across 600 cities in 148 countries.

The key appeal to airport lounges is that they’re a quieter space away from the usual airport chaos, and should provide things like comfier seating options, as well as a few free services, which can vary. They won’t be as luxurious as a first class lounge, but you’d certainly expect them to be better than the cramped rows of plastic seating on offer to the rest of the airport crowds.

Most lounges tend to include free drinks and “light bites” (though some more premium options may have larger meals), free Wi-Fi and charging points, and quiet spaces to work or relax. Some also have conference rooms, showers, spas and sleeping options – but you might have to pay extra to use them.

There are other perks that come with a Priority Pass. For example, you can go to The Grain Store at London Gatwick’s South Terminal, show your Priority Pass and get £15 off the food and drink bill for each pass holder. 

You might also want to consider its rival scheme, Dragon Pass, which gives you access to a global range of over 1,100 lounges with three memberships to choose from. 

The Classic plan costs £68 a year and comes with just one free lounge visit. The Preferential plan gives you eight visits a year, and the Prestige package comes with unlimited visits at £379 a year. All tiers allow you to buy extra passes for you and guests at £24 each.

Amex Platinum Cardmembers

American Express Platinum Card holders get Priority Pass membership as a perk of their credit card, which entitles you to unlimited complimentary lounge visits. If you give a partner (or friend or family member) a supplementary credit card, which is free, they get Priority Pass membership, too. 

With your card you not only get access to Priority Pass lounges, but can also access lounges provided by Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium Lounges, Centurion lounges. Access even extends to Eurostar lounges.

The Platinum card comes with other benefits including travel insurance and retailer discounts – and has a £575 annual fee.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card also entitles you to Priority Pass membership for four lounge visits a year. This can be you and three others once, you and a friend twice, or you by yourself four times. This Amex card is free for the first year, and £160 a year after that. 

Amex is not the only credit card option for airport lounge access. For example, Mastercard has a deal with LoungeKey – a network of worldwide lounges. No membership card is required, you just show your credit card.

The Santander World Elite card costs £15 a month and gives you free airport lounge access for you and additional cardholders through LoungeKey. 

The HSBC Premier World Elite card – at £195 a year – also allows access to the LoungeKey network.

Now read: The best way to spend your Amex points, according to the experts

Other ways to get lounge access

Buy a day pass.

You can buy a pass for privately-owned lounges such as No1 Lounges, which operate under a few brands, too – My Lounge, Club Aspire, and Clubrooms. It has several lounges in the UK – including at Heathrow terminals 3 and 5, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester – and some further afield in Las Vegas, Orlando and Atlanta.

Lounge prices at Heathrow airport start from £35 per person. You can buy a pass on the day, but you run the risk of it being full and it might be cheaper to book in advance.

Access via packaged account perks

Some packaged bank accounts include airport lounge access among their list of features, but there may be minimum income restrictions and they come with monthly fees. 

For example, the NatWest Premier Reward Black account, which costs £31 a month, comes with DragonPass membership among the list of benefits.

Elsewhere, Barclays current account customers can buy the “Travel Plus Pack”, which costs £18 a month, and gives you six free airport lounge passes a year DragonPass – as well as travel insurance, car breakdown cover and access to a concierge service. 

Use airport lounge discounts

Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, the frequent flier programme, offers lounge perks to members. It says there are discounts on day passes to No1 Lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3, Gatwick and Birmingham. And No1 Lounges also offers a free glass of champagne for Virgin Atlantic passengers who book their entry in advance. 

HSBC’s Premier credit card (no annual fee) allows customers to access the LoungeKey network with each visit at a rate of £20 per person. 

Barclays Avios Plus card customers can get a discounted rate of £18.50 per lounge pass, per person via DragonPass. The credit card has a monthly fee of £20.

Now read: The 10 biggest mistakes you can make at the airport

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