All About Priority Pass Lounges

Heather H.

Traveling can be exhilarating, but long layovers, delayed flights, and crowded terminals can easily turn an exciting trip into a stressful experience. Fortunately, Priority Pass offers a solution with access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide where travelers can relax, recharge, and escape the chaos.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone looking to add a little luxury to your occasional trips, Priority Pass can be a game-changer for your travel experience. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Priority Pass lounges. What they offer, how to get access, and why they’re worth it! 

 

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a membership program that provides travelers access to a network of airport lounges around the globe. Priority Pass lounges aren’t tied to one carrier or frequent flyer programs, unlike airline-specific lounges. Members can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, wifi, and amenities like showers, nap pods, and spa services. 

Priority Pass partners with independent lounges and some branded lounges, such as Plaza Premium or Minute Suites. It’s designed to provide you with a consistent, elevated airport experience, regardless of where you’re flying or which airline you’re using.

 

How to Get Priority Pass Access

There are several ways to gain Priority Pass membership:

Purchase a membership directly. You can buy a membership directly through the Priority Pass website. They offer different tiers based on how often you plan to use the lounges, from occasional access to unlimited visits.


Get Priority Pass through credit cards. Many premium travel credit cards include Priority Pass membership as a perk. Cards like the card_name, card_name, card_name, and The Platinum Card® from American Express (with slight limitations) offer complimentary membership. This is often the most cost-effective way to get access.

All information about The Platinum Card® from American Express has been collected independently by Travel Mom Squad. The Platinum Card® from American Express is no longer available through Travel Mom Squad.

 

 

Woman sitting in chair in airport lounge

Here I am enjoying the Priority Pass lounge in the Bangkok airport!

 

What Amenities Can You Expect at Priority Pass Lounges? 

While the exact offerings vary from lounge to lounge, below are some common perks you can typically expect.

  • Comfortable seating: Quiet, spacious lounges often have comfortable chairs and workspaces, and sometimes even nap pods.
  • Food and drinks: Complimentary snacks, buffet meals, and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are often included.
  • Wi-Fi and charging stations: Essential for getting work done (or just streaming your favorite shows or the TMS podcast).
  • Showers: Some lounges offer clean, private shower rooms, which are perfect after a long international flight.
  • Entertainment: TVs, newspapers, and magazines are usually available.
  • Special amenities: Select lounges offer extras like spas or private sleeping areas

Each lounge experience is unique; some evoke the ambiance of luxury hotels, while others are simple and peaceful spaces to sit quietly.

 

This Priority Pass Lounge in Venice was really nice.

 

Pros and Cons of Priority Pass

Like any travel membership, Priority Pass has advantages and a few drawbacks depending on how often and where you travel. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good fit. 

Pros:

Access to a massive network of lounges worldwide
Great value when bundled with premium credit cards
Comfortable spaces to relax, work, or eat during layovers
A wide variety of lounge types, such as traditional lounges and sleep suites

Cons:

Some lounges get crowded during peak times
Quality and amenities can vary between lounges

 

How to Make the Most of the Priority Pass Membership

Check lounge locations before you travel. Download the Priority Pass app to search lounges in advance. Understand guest policies. Some memberships include free guest access, while others charge a fee. Arrive early, as some lounges have occupancy limits, so showing up early ensures you get a seat. Take advantage of shower facilities, especially after red-eye or long-haul flights. It’s a game changer!

 

Is Priority Pass Worth It? 

For frequent travelers, the value is almost a no-brainer. A single airport meal and coffee can easily cost $30-$50, and just a few lounge visits per year can offset the membership cost, especially if bundled through a travel credit card. 

Priority Pass can offer incredible value to even the occasional traveler, particularly during long layovers, international flights, or travel disruptions. Comfort, food, privacy, and a quiet place to recharge can significantly enhance your travel day, and that peace of mind is worth a great deal.

If you already have a credit card that includes Priority Pass access, you’re wasting money by not using it! One thing to note is that we have found the Priority Pass lounges located internationally to be often nicer than our domestic ones.

 

Bottom Line

Priority Pass lounges can transform your travel experience, turning chaotic, stressful airports into calm, comfortable retreats. If you want to get some work done, grab a quick bite, freshen up, or relax before your flight, Priority Pass makes it easy.

 

Related Posts

Our Favorite Airport Lounges (So Far)

If Only I Could Go Into an Airport Lounge

How to Get Airport Lounge Access

 


Table and chairs with view of airport tarmac

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply. 

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