Lounge access isn’t just for the rich and famous – it’s for anyone who wants to make their airport travel experience more luxurious and less stressful.
many Top Rewards Credit Card Provide worldwide access priority PassAlthough you may already have a Priority Pass card in your wallet or on your phone, sometimes it’s not clear what it means and what your membership includes.
It’s also worth noting that Priority Pass membership is not automatic; if you have Credit card that offers membershipYou still need to enroll to activate your membership benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at the different levels of Priority Pass membership, as well as which card benefits they offer and how to get the most out of your access.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, minisuites, etc. Even airport restaurants. The company currently claims 1,700 eligible locations in more than 600 cities in 148 countries. For example, you may see a Plaza Premium Lounge that can be accessed through your Priority Pass membership.
Although these numbers are impressive, many of the lounges are outside the U.S.
So, while the network is large, there is no guarantee that you will get lounge access on every visit. However, there is a good chance that Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.
Priority Pass lounges are at more than 40 US airports, and some 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 Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
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Connected: 9 Best Priority Pass Lounges in America
When traveling internationally, you can find lounges in small to medium-sized airports such as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic also has a lounge with a pool.
Features 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.
As always, it’s worth doing a little research before planning to visit a Priority Pass lounge, as their quality can vary greatly. something, like Vienna Lounge At Vienna International Airport (VIE), are in a class of their own (think priceless art pieces and high-end dining); Others, such as the Bellini VIP lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are almost ridiculous in how bad they are.
Connected: Inside Priority Pass’ most highly rated lounge
If you’re traveling with guests and children, you’ll want to check the rules for your desired lounge space and your Priority Pass membership to find out if there will be any additional fees or guest limits.
Priority Pass Restaurant and Minute Suites
Priority Pass also has partnerships with some airport restaurants, lounges with beds (minute suit) and more. This allows members to enjoy amenities in locations that don’t have a traditional lounge or give them the chance to eat at a restaurant instead of an airport lounge for a change.
Note: American Express removed the restaurant benefit from its Priority Pass membership some time ago, and Capital One removed this benefit In early 2023 for individual Venture
Similarly, US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card*According to a US Bank spokesperson, eight Priority Pass visits are offered per year, but they cannot be used for Priority Pass restaurants.
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass membership still include non-lounge visits, such as at spas and restaurants, including:
*The information on 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 Priority Pass-participating airport restaurants Within the US, more are available internationally. Some examples include:
The amount of Priority Pass restaurant credit varies, but it averages $28 per person. Some restaurants also limit the number of guests.
At bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so be sure to tip on the bill amount before applying the credit. Many places don’t allow you to carry on luggage, so this may not be the best option if you’re in a hurry.
Priority Pass also has some less traditional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers golf training and a golf simulator for a fee, as well as free access to the putting green. The lounge also offers a $15 credit that you can apply toward food, drinks or a golf experience. Remember that this location has the same limitations as the other non-Lounge visits mentioned above.
Finally, Priority Pass provides access to Minute Suites in Atlanta, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia. The first hour is included in your Priority Pass membership, and you can rent additional hours for a discounted rate of $34.
On the other side of the world, sleep pods are available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for two to three hours depending on the time of day.
Connected: 10 best Priority Pass lounges around the world
What is the difference between Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select?
There is a lot of confusion around the terms “Priority Pass” and “Priority Pass Select,” so we want to clarify the situation.
Priority Pass is the name of a company that offers lounge membership in its network. You can purchase Priority Pass subscriptions directly on siteAnnual fees start at $99. Here are details of the subscription options:
- Standard Membership: $99 per year; The tour is $35 for each member and any guests included.
- Standard Plus Membership: $329 per year; This includes 10 free visits, then $35 for each visit thereafter (same price as all guest visits).
- Prestige Membership: $469 per year. All visits are included for members, although guests are charged $35 per visit.
If you’re considering one of the Priority Pass membership packages above, Standard is best for occasional travelers. Standard Plus is best suited for frequent travelers who visit airport lounges several times per year. The Prestige membership is for frequent travelers who, because of how often they travel, would make good use of the unlimited lounge visits.
many 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 any case, Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members can pay for additional guests included in their membership.
Connected: Is Priority Pass lounge membership really worth it?
Credit Cards That Offer Priority Pass Select Membership
These are several credit cards through which you can get Priority Pass Select membership.
These include not only premium travel cards Chase Sapphire Reserve® And The Platinum Card® from American Express (Enrollment required) but also like hotel credit cards Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required) and Capital One VentureWhich also includes two guests.
Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:
*The information on 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 the number of visits and guest policies included with each card may vary and you’ll usually need to enroll for this feature.
check out this guide For more information about the best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access.
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 complimentary access.
First, you need to enroll in the program using the link associated with your credit card account. Find the link under “Benefits” when you log in to your account.
Connected: How to Enroll in Priority Pass with an Eligible Credit Card
Because it may take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it is best to enroll as soon as you receive your credit card if you are interested in this benefit.
In the meantime, you can download the Priority Pass app, which includes a digital membership card you can use to access most, but not all, features.
Before your trip, be sure to check whether and how many guests are allowed under your benefits; The reception team in the lounge will not always be aware of your special guest privileges.
Since you are never asked to present your credit card in the lounge, you may not know you have been charged until you look at your statement.
The lounge may be full
Your best lounge plans may not work out. Nowadays, many passengers have access to lounges, and Lounges sometimes reach capacitySome lounges are only available to Priority Pass members during select hours. check Priority Pass website Before your next visit for available locations and their hours. Don’t be surprised if some lounges are temporarily at capacity during busy times and Priority Pass members are denied entry.
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many Cards offer Priority Pass Select membership As a benefit. This program can improve your travel experience with goodies like free food and drinks, as well as a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.
Check the specific details of your membership, as guest policies vary from card to card.
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