Whether you are a frequent traveler or only go on a few trips a year, having access to an airport lounge can make the airport experience much more pleasant. Queue up Priority Pass.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a network of lounges, restaurants and experiences in over 1,500 airports in over 600 cities around the world. Your Priority Pass membership will get you access to any of their lounges in the airport you are flying through regardless of which airline you are on, as long as you have a valid boarding pass. On a long layover, or even a short one, having access to a relaxing space away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal can make your travel experience much more enjoyable. You can access Priority Pass regardless of the airline you are flying or the class of service.

Some lounges are independent like The Club but others are airline lounges as well. Priority Pass contracts with the various lounges and pays them a flat amount per visit. Additionally, some lounges will restrict the times for which Priority Pass members can access their lounges. This will more often be airline lounges that want to limit crowding during the times near when their own flights operate.

There are three different membership levels ranging from $99 to $469 per year that you can purchase directly from Priority Pass but we’re going to focus on how you can get a free membership through a premium credit card.

Access Requirements

If you get a Priority Pass membership directly through Priority Pass you will have to pay $35 per guest. However if you get a membership from a credit card like the American Express Platinum, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or the Capital One Venture X you will be allowed to bring up to two complimentary guests based on capacity. You do need to have a valid boarding pass for a flight the same day as well as your Priority Pass card. To get your card, you will need to activate your membership and they will mail your card to you. If you don’t want to bring your card with you, Priority Pass has an app you can use or even save a digital version of your card to your phone.

Children under 2 are typically permitted for free but each lounge has their own guesting rules, so check with the front desk when you arive.

Priority Pass Locations

There are over 1,500 lounges, restaurants and experiences in the Priority Pass network all around the world. Here is a list of their locations in the United States. On a layover over an hour, this is one of the single most important things to me when traveling. You can also download the Priority Pass app to search for the airport you will be visiting as well as to keep your membership card digitally.

Lounge Experience

While each Priority Pass lounge is different in terms of quality and what they have on offer, they’re always much better than sitting in the terminal. You’ll typically have access to complimentary food and drinks, wifi, private bathrooms, and a quiet place to work or relax. Some are better than others and really just depends on your location. Most will either have a self service buffet or a QR code on your table where you can order complimentary food and drinks which will be delivered to you via a server. I don’t find it necessary to tip but I’m sure it is certainly welcomed. Most lounges also have full service bar as well with complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails.

Priority Pass Restaurants and Experiences

In addition to traditional lounges, Priority Pass also has certain airport restaurants and experiences in their network which you can use. One thing to note is that Priority Pass memberships from American Express and Capital One are not eligible for restaurants or experiences. That means only memberships purchased directly through Priority Pass or from your Chase Sapphire Reserve would qualify. But as of July 1st, 2024, Chase will no longer be offering this perk.

There are around 25 airport restaurants in the US as well as almost 40 locations around the world which are affiliated with Priority Pass. Just show your Priority Pass card at any participating restaurant and you and up to one additional guest will each get $28 towards your meal, or a total of $56.

Be Relax Spa

At 16 Be Relax Spas in various airport in the US and Canada, Priority Pass members can receive one of the following complimentary spa treatments.

• 30 minute Lounger Massage — Be Back ($35 value)

• 15 minute Lounger Massage plus Aromatherapy & O2 — Be Back ($35 value)

• 10 minute Foot Massage plus Aromatherapy & O2 — Be Feet ($38 value)

As I mentioned there are 16 Be Relax locations at the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)

• 2 at Dallas (DFW)

• 2 at Detroit (DTW)

• 2 at Los Angeles (LAX)

• New York Laguardia (LGA)

• 2 at New York JFK (JFK)

• Philadelphia (PHL)

• 2 at San Diego (SAN)

• 3 at Toronto (YYZ)

Minute Suites

Minute Suites are an interesting concept in the following 10 airports in the US:

• Atlanta (ATL)

• Baltimore (BWI)

• Charlotte (CLT)

• Dallas (DFW)

• Detroit (DTW)

• Nashville (BNA)

• New York (JFK)

• Newark (EWR)

• Philadelphia (PHL)

• Salt Lake City (SLC)

They are essentially small private rooms in the airport that you can rent by the hour. The consist of a desk and a small love seat that turns into a small bed. I’ve used these “lounges” in the past to relax and get some work done but recently they have become very hard to get a time slot without booking in advance. With a Priority Pass membership you are entitled to a one-hour stay at one of the Minute Suites and can extend your time at a discount. While not the most glamorous, its certainly nicer than sitting out in the terminal if you can find a time slot.

Wrapping Up

Having lounge access while traveling, especially on a connecting flight is one of the things I value most. Luckily, having the right premium credit card will get you access at tons of airports across the world. Its a great respite from the terminal for sure.