Everything you need to know about the Priority Pass airport lounge program

Lounge access isn’t just for the rich and famous — it’s also available to anyone who wants their airport travel experience to be more luxurious and less stressful.

Much top rewards credit card Provides access to the entire world Priority card. While you might already have a Priority Pass card in your wallet or on your phone, sometimes it’s unclear what that means and what’s included in your membership.

It’s also important to note that Priority Pass membership is not automatic; if you have one Credit cards offer membershipYou still need to register to activate your membership benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at the different Priority Pass membership levels, as well as which cards offer benefits and how to make the most of your access.

What is a priority pass?

Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, mini rooms and even airport restaurants. The company currently has 1,700 eligible locations in more than 600 cities in 148 countries. For example, you might find the Plaza Premium Lounge accessible through your Priority Pass membership.

While those numbers are impressive, many of the lounges are located outside the US

So despite the large network, there’s no guarantee you’ll have lounge access on every trip. However, there’s a good chance that a Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.

Priority Pass lounges are available at more than 40 airports in the United States, and some airports have multiple lounges, including:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
• Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• St. Louis International Airport Louis Lambert (STL)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Related: The 9 best Priority Pass lounges in the US

When traveling internationally, you can find lounges at small and medium-sized airports such as Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda . There’s even a pool lounge at the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).

Facilities in the Priority Pass network vary by owner and location. Some lounges, like The Club ATL in Atlanta, are independent facilities, while others are affiliated with airlines. The Lufthansa Business Lounge in Detroit and the Air France Lounge in Boston are examples of this.

As always, you should do a little research before planning a visit to a Priority Pass lounge as their quality can vary quite significantly. Some, like Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport (VIE), which is in a class of its own (think priceless works of art and fine dining); others, such as the Bellini VIP Lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are almost laughable in how bad they are.

Related: Inside Priority Pass’s top-rated lounge

If you’re traveling with guests and children, you’ll also need to check the rules for your desired lounge location and your Priority Pass membership to find out if there are additional fees or guest capacity limits. Are not.

Priority Pass Restaurant and Minute Suites

Priority Pass also has partnerships with a number of airport restaurants and lounges with beds (Minute Suites) and more This allows members to enjoy perks at locations that don’t have traditional lounges, or gives them the opportunity to dine at a restaurant instead of an airport lounge for a change.

Note: American Express removed restaurant benefits from its Priority Pass membership a while ago and Capital One has eliminated this benefit in early 2023 for individual Venture X cardholders.

Similarly, the Bank of America Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* offers eight Priority Pass visits per year, but these cannot be used for Priority Pass restaurants, according to a Bank of America spokesperson.

Credit cards that offer a Priority Pass membership still cover non-lounge visits, such as at spas and restaurants, including:

*Information about these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Currently there are more than 30 Airport restaurants participate in Priority Pass in the United States and more available internationally. Some examples include:

Priority Pass restaurant credit amounts vary, but the average is $28 per person. Some restaurants also limit the number of guests.

At bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so be sure to tip the bill amount before applying the credit. Many locations don’t allow takeout, so this may not be the best option if you’re in a hurry.

Priority passes also have some less conventional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free use of the putting green, along with golf lessons and golf simulators for a fee. This lounge also offers a $15 credit that you can apply toward food, drinks or golf experiences. Keep in mind that this location has the same restrictions as the other non-lounge visits mentioned above.

Finally, the Priority Pass provides access to Minute Suites in Atlanta, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia. The first hour is included with your Priority Pass membership and you can rent additional hours at a discounted rate of $34.

On the other side of the world, sleeping pods are available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for two to three hours, depending on the time of day.

Related: The 10 best Priority Pass lounges in the world

What is the difference between Priority Pass and Priority Select Pass?

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the terms “Priority Pass” and “Priority Pass Select,” so we wanted to clarify this issue.

Priority Pass is the name of the company that offers memberships to lounges in its network. You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly on the websitewith annual fees starting at $99. Here’s a breakdown of the membership options:

• Standard members: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for members and any guests.
• Standard Plus members: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (same price as all guest visits).
• Reputable members: $469 per year. All visits are included for members, although guests must pay $35 per visit.

If you’re considering one of the Priority Pass membership plans above, Standard is the best choice for infrequent travelers. Standard Plus is best suited for frequent travelers who visit airport lounges several times a year. Prestige membership is for frequent flyers who make good use of unlimited lounge access due to how often they travel.

Much US credit cards offer Priority Pass access The benefit is called Priority Pass Select. Some are for just one person, while others include guests, depending on the card.

In both cases, Priority Pass and Select Priority Pass members can pay for additional guests beyond what is included in their membership.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership really worth it?

The credit card offers Priority Pass Select membership

These are the various credit cards through which you can get Priority Pass Select membership.

These include not only premium travel cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve® And American Express Platinum® Card (registration required) but also hotel credit cards such as Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (registration required) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardeven includes two guests.

Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:

*Information about these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Note that each card’s included visits and guest policies may vary and will often require you to sign up for perks.

Check this guide for more information on the best credit cards to access Priority Pass lounges.

How to use Priority Pass benefits

Even if you have a card with a Priority Pass Select membership, you generally cannot present your credit card at a participating lounge, restaurant, or Minute Suite and receive free access.

You must first enroll in the program using the link associated with your credit card account. Find the link in the “Benefits” section when you sign in to your account.

Related: How to sign up for Priority Pass with an eligible credit card

Since it may take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it’s best to sign up as soon as you receive your credit card if you’re interested in this benefit.

In the meantime, you can download the Priority Pass app, which includes a digital membership card that you can use to access most, but not all, facilities.

Make sure to know whether guests are allowed as part of your benefits – and how many – before your visit; The lounge reception team doesn’t always know the specific perks available to your guests.

Since you’re never asked to show your credit card in the waiting room, you may not know you’ve been charged until you see your statement.

The waiting room may be full

Your best-laid waiting room plans may not work out. Today, many travelers have access to lounges and Waiting rooms sometimes reach capacity. Some lounges are only available to Priority Pass members during certain hours. Check Priority Pass website before your next trip to know available locations and their hours. Don’t be shocked if some lounges temporarily run out of capacity during peak periods and deny access to Priority Pass members.

Bottom line

Some Privilege card Privilege card Select member as a benefit. This program can enhance your travel experience with amenities like free food and drinks as well as a comfortable place to relax or get work done.

Check the specifics of your membership as guest policies vary by card.

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