Whether you’re faced with a flight delay or a long layover, time spent stuck in airport limbo can be extra draining on top of the exhaustion of travel. Airports are already overstimulating with constant loudspeaker announcements, and waiting hours in a cramped boarding area can put your journey on the wrong course.
One remedy to this situation: Visit an airport lounge. While you might think these are limited to passengers who purchased first- or business-class seats, savvy travelers know that Priority Pass can be the key to access regardless of airline class.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership program that provides access to more than 1,700 airport lounges and experiences in some 600 cities and 145 countries.
How to get a Priority Pass membership
There are two ways to become a Priority Pass member: by purchasing a membership or through a credit card benefit.
Purchasing a Priority Pass membership
Anyone can buy a yearly Priority Pass membership. Three levels are available:
Standard
$99 annual fee and $35 per visit for member and each guest.
Standard Plus
$329 annual fee and 10 included member visits per year; $35 for guest visits and each member visit after the included 10 have been used.
Prestige
$469 annual fee, unlimited member visits; $35 guest fee.
Priority Pass airport lounge amenities
While the facilities at each Priority Pass lounge vary, you can count on each having Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and plenty of outlets and charging stations. Restrooms are available, and some lounges also have showers and changing rooms.
A selection of food and beverages will fuel you before your flight. The typical offering is a limited selection of beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, and soda, with upgraded alcoholic drinks for an additional fee. Food can range from cold sandwiches, salads, and pastries to hot dishes like chicken tikka masala and even made-to-order entrees. Most lounges will have a buffet, while some allow you to order à la carte dishes delivered to your table by scanning a QR code.
Upgraded amenities
Some Priority Pass lounges go the extra mile to offer amenities like massages, sleeping pods, prayer rooms, kids' playrooms, and outdoor lounge spaces. Some standout airport lounges include the following:
- The Vienna (VIE) Lounge in Terminal 1 was named Lounge of the Year for 2024. It has 27,000 square feet of space, including artwork on loan from Vienna's Leopold Museum and a Viennese cafe serving fresh-baked pastries.
- The VIP Lounge in the international terminal of Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) has a swimming pool overlooking the tarmac.
- Orlando's (MCO) Terminal C Plaza Premium Lounge has a children's play area with toys and games and a quiet area for business travelers looking to get some work done.
Important considerations about Priority Pass membership
- Lounge admission isn't guaranteed. If a lounge is at capacity, you may be turned away or have to wait to be admitted. That said, some lounges allow pre-booking.
- Children under age 2 are typically admitted free, but this can vary by lounge (with some admitting kids under age 4 for free).
- Some lounges limit the time you can stay or allow admission only if your flight departs within three hours.
- In addition to lounges, Priority Pass membership includes access to select restaurants (with a per-diner maximum) and experiences like Minute Suites (private suites to nap or work) and XpresSpa (an in-airport spa where you can get quick massages and other spa treatments).
- You must monitor your flight while in the lounge and track when you need to leave so that you can reach your gate in time for departure. Departure announcements are not made in the lounge.
- Access to your membership card and full lounge details can be found through the Priority Pass app.
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For frequent travelers, a Priority Pass membership can be well worth the investment, providing a quiet place to work or just relax in busy airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership program that provides access to more than 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences across about 600 cities and 145 countries, regardless of airline or class of service.
How do you get a Priority Pass membership?
You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly or receive it as a benefit through certain credit cards. Membership options include Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige.
How much does Priority Pass cost?
Priority Pass offers three membership tiers. Standard costs $99 annually plus visit fees, Standard Plus costs $329 annually and includes 10 visits, and Prestige costs $469 annually with unlimited member visits. Guest visits typically cost $35 each.
What amenities do Priority Pass lounges usually offer?
Most Priority Pass lounges offer Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, charging stations, power outlets, and restrooms. Many also provide complimentary food and beverages, while some include showers, sleeping pods, prayer rooms, and children's play areas.
Is lounge access guaranteed with Priority Pass?
No. Lounge access is subject to availability. If a lounge reaches capacity, members may need to wait or may be denied entry. Some lounges allow advance reservations.
Can you bring guests or children into a Priority Pass lounge?
Many lounges allow guests and children, but policies vary by location. Young children are often admitted free, while guest visits usually incur an additional fee.
Are there time limits or entry restrictions for Priority Pass lounges?
Some lounges limit how long members can stay or require travelers to have a departing flight within a certain time window, often within three hours of departure.
Does Priority Pass include anything besides airport lounges?
Yes. Depending on the airport, Priority Pass may include access to select airport restaurants, Minute Suites, XpresSpa locations, and other travel-related experiences.
How do you know whether your credit card includes Priority Pass?
Check your credit card benefits guide or contact your card issuer. If Priority Pass is included, you'll typically need to activate the benefit before accessing your membership through the Priority Pass app or website.
Is Priority Pass worth it if you only travel a few times a year?
It can be, but the value depends on how often you use participating lounges and experiences. Occasional travelers should compare the membership cost against the number of visits they expect to make each year.