Lounge access isn’t just for the rich and famous – it’s for anyone who wants their airport travel experience to be more luxurious and less stressful.
Many credit cards with the best rewards offer access to everyone Priority pass. Although you may 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 worth noting that Priority Pass membership is not automatic; if you have a credit card that offers membershipYou still need to sign up to activate your membership benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at the different Priority Pass membership levels, as well as which cards offer the benefit and how to make the most of your access.
What is priority pass?
Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, mini-suites and Even airport restaurants. The company currently has 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.
While those numbers are impressive, many lounges are outside the US.
So while the network is large, there is no guarantee that you will have access to a lounge on every trip you take. However, there is a good chance that Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.
Priority Pass lounges are located 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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Related: Top 9 Priority Pass Lounges in the US
When traveling internationally, you can find lounges at small and medium-sized airports, such as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda. There’s even a pool lounge at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic.
Priority Pass network facilities 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 is always the case, it’s worth doing a little research before planning to visit a Priority Pass lounge, because their quality can vary dramatically. Some, like the Vienna Room at Vienna International Airport (VIE), are one of a kind (think priceless art and high-quality food); others, like the Bellini lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are almost ridiculous in how bad they are.
Related: Inside Priority Pass’s highest-rated lounge
If you are traveling with guests and children, you will also want to check the rules of your desired lounge location and your Priority Pass membership to see if there will be an additional charge or guest limit.
Priority Pass and Minute Suites Restaurants
Priority Pass also has a partnership with some airport restaurants, lounges with beds (Minute Suites) and more. This allows members to enjoy perks at locations that don’t have a traditional lounge or gives them the opportunity to eat at a restaurant instead of an airport lounge for a change.
Note: American Express removed the restaurant benefit from its Priority Pass memberships some time ago and Capital One eliminated this benefit in early 2023 for Venture X personal cardholders.
Similarly, the US Bank Visa Infinite® Altitude Reserve Card*Offers eight Priority Pass visits per year, but they cannot be used for Priority Pass restaurants, according to a US Bank spokesperson.
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass memberships that still include non-salon visits, such as spas and restaurants, include:
*The information on these cards has been collected independently 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 and more are available internationally. Some examples include:
The Priority Pass dining credit amount varies, but averages $28 per person. Some restaurants also limit the number of diners.
In bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so be sure to tip the bill amount before applying the credit. Many locations don’t allow you to take items to go, so it may not be the best option if you’re in a hurry.
Priority Pass also has some less conventional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free access to a putting green, plus golf lessons and a golf simulator for a fee. This lounge also offers a $15 credit that you can apply toward food, drinks, or a golf experience. Please remember that this location has the same limitations as other out-of-salon 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 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 Pass Select?
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the terms “Priority Pass” and “Priority Pass Select,” so we want to clear things up.
Priority Pass is the name of the company that offers memberships to VIP rooms in its network. You can purchase Priority Pass memberships directly on sitewith annual rates starting at $99. Here’s a breakdown of membership options:
- Standard Membership: $99 per year; Includes visits for $35 each for the member and their guests.
- Standard Plus Membership: $329 per year; Includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (same price as all guest visits).
- Prestige Membership: $469 per year. All visits are included for the member, although guests are charged $35 per visit.
If you’re considering one of the Priority Pass membership packages above, Standard is best for casual travelers. Standard Plus is best suited for frequent travelers who visit airport lounges several times a year. The Prestige membership is for those frequent travelers who would make good use of unlimited lounge visits due to how frequently they travel.
Many US credit cards offer Priority Pass access benefits called Priority Pass Select. Some are for a single person, while others include guests, depending on the card.
In any case, Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members can pay for additional guests beyond what is included in their membership.
Related: Is Priority Pass lounge membership really worth it?
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select memberships
These are several credit cards through which you can get a Priority Pass Select membership.
These include not only premium travel cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum® Card from American Express (registration required) but also hotel credit cards such as Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (registration required) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardwhich even includes two guests.
Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:
*The information on these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Please note that the number of visits included and guest policies with each card may vary and will typically require you to register for the benefit.
Verify this guide for more information on the best credit cards for access to Priority Pass lounges.
How to use Priority Pass benefits
Even if you have a card with Priority Pass Select membership, you generally can’t simply present your credit card at a participating lounge, restaurant, or Minute Suite and receive complimentary access.
First, you must enroll in the program using a link associated with your credit card account. Look for the link under “Benefits” when you log in to your account.
Related: How to sign up for Priority Pass with eligible credit cards
Because it may take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it is best to sign up 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, facilities.
Make sure you know if guests are allowed as part of your benefit (and how many) before your visit; The lounge reception team will not always know your specific privileges as a guest.
Since you’re never asked to present your credit card in the lounge, you may not know you’ve been charged until you see your statement.
The room could be full.
Your best-laid salon plans may not work. Nowadays, many travelers have access to VIP lounges and the VIP rooms sometimes reach capacity. Some lounges are available to Priority Pass members during select times only. Check the Priority Pass website before your next trip to find out the available locations and their schedules. Don’t be surprised if some lounges are temporarily full during peak hours and deny access to Priority Pass members.
In a nutshell
Several Priority Pass Select membership card offers as a benefit. This program can enhance your travel experience with perks like free food and drinks, as well as a comfortable place to relax or work.
Check specific details of your membership, because guest policies vary from card to card.
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