Are you a digital nomad tired of enduring the hustle and bustle of crowded airports during your journeys? What if you could transcend the airport chaos, enjoying complimentary food and drinks while awaiting your next long-haul flight? Welcome to the realm of Priority Pass – not just an airport lounge access program but a sanctuary for digital nomads seeking solace amidst their travels.
Imagine a lifestyle where over 1,300 lounges, restaurants, cafes, and even spas become your sanctuary, spread across more than 600 cities and 148 countries. Priority Pass, a beacon for travelers, offers not just comfort but a seamless and convenient way to unwind before embarking on your next adventure.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Priority Pass, including how to acquire it, which credit cards offer it, and which credit cards offer the most exclusive benefits. So, digital nomads, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Priority Pass!
Key Takeaways
- Priority Pass is a large airport lounge access program with over 1,300 lounges, restaurants, cafes, and spas in 600 cities and 148 countries.
- Priority Pass can be acquired through their website or select credit cards, with different levels of membership available.
- Some credit cards offer limited access to lounges, while others provide unlimited access and even credits for airport restaurants.
What Is Priority Pass and How Does It Work?
Priority Pass is one of the largest airport lounge access programs in the world, providing access to over 1300 airport lounges, restaurants, cafes, and even spas in more than 600 cities across 148 countries. It is possible to gain access to Priority Pass by applying directly through their website or through select credit cards. The level of access provided by Priority Pass membership varies depending on the type of credit card used, with cheaper cards offering limited access to lounges and more exclusive cards offering unlimited access to lounges and sometimes even a credit that can be used at different airport restaurants.
Membership Options
Priority Pass offers three distinct membership levels directly through their website: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige.
- Standard Membership:
- Cost: $99 per year.
- Benefits: Access to all Priority Pass lounges.
- Additional Charges: $35 per visit per person, plus an extra $35 for any accompanying guest.
- Standard Plus Membership:
- Cost: $329 per year.
- Benefits: 10 free passes annually, followed by a $35 charge per visit.
- Additional Charges: $35 for each accompanying guest.
- Prestige Membership:
- Cost: $469 per year.
- Benefits: Unlimited access to all Priority Pass lounges.
- Additional Charges: $35 for each accompanying guest.
Alternatively, Priority Pass memberships are available as credit card perks with 11 different cards, including those from American Express, Chase, Capital One, Bank of America, and U.S Bank. The benefits may vary slightly among these cards.
Activating Your Priority Pass
Enrollment Process
To become a Priority Pass member, you have two enrollment options:
- Direct Application:
- Apply through the Priority Pass website, selecting from the Standard, Standard Plus, or Prestige memberships.
- Standard: $99 per year, plus $35 per visit per person.
- Standard Plus: $329 per year, including 10 free passes, followed by a $35 charge per visit.
- Prestige: $469 per year, offering unlimited access.
- Credit Card Membership:
- Obtain a complimentary Priority Pass membership through select credit cards.
- The level of membership varies; for example, the American Express Platinum personal and business credit cards provide unlimited access and allow two free guests but do not include a restaurant credit.
Access to Lounges, Restaurants, and Spas
Priority Pass members can gain entry to lounges by presenting their membership card or using the Priority Pass app. The app also provides information on available airlines and restaurants at the visited airport, along with detailed information on specific lounge requirements and restrictions.
Activating Online
Once you have received your Priority Pass card, you can activate it online by inputting your membership number on the activation page. You may then be asked for the last four digits of your payment card before creating your account. The Priority Pass App is recommended for members to quickly and easily see which airlines and restaurants are available at the airport they are visiting. The app also provides more detailed information on some of the more specific requirements that each lounge has, such as time limits and age restrictions for children.
It is important to note that access to specific lounges may be restricted due to space constraints, especially during busier times of the year. In such cases, members may have the option of being put on a waitlist.
Credit Cards Offering Priority Pass
Various credit cards provide Priority Pass memberships, each with its own level of benefits. American Express offers six cards, including the Platinum personal and business cards with unlimited access. Chase provides the Sapphire Reserve and Ritz Carlton cards, both with unlimited access and restaurant credits.
American Express Cards
American Express offers six different credit cards that come with a Priority Pass membership. The AmEx Platinum personal and business credit cards offer unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges and allow two free guests to accompany the cardholder. However, they do not provide a credit for restaurants. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card and the Hilton Honors Aspire card both offer unlimited access and two free guests, but no restaurant credit. The cheaper Hilton Honors Surpass card and Hilton Honors Business Amex card provide 10 free lounge visits each year, but no restaurant credit.
Chase Credit Cards
Chase offers two credit cards that come with a Priority Pass membership. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Ritz Carlton credit card both offer unlimited lounge visits for the cardholder. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows for two free guests, while the Ritz Carlton card allows for unlimited guest access. Both cards provide a restaurant credit.
Other Credit Cards
Other credit cards that offer a Priority Pass membership include the Capital One Venture X card, which provides unlimited lounge access and up to two free guests per visit. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card provides unlimited lounge access and two free guests per visit, as well as a restaurant credit. The U.S Bank Altitude Reserve card provides four free visits for the cardholder and four free guest passes each year, which can also be used as a restaurant credit.
Priority Pass memberships can be acquired directly through their website or via select credit cards. It is recommended to download the Priority Pass app to quickly and easily see which airlines and restaurants are available at the airport being visited, and to be aware of specific lounge requirements and restrictions.
13 versions of Priority Pass compared to help you determine which one is right for you especially if you bring guests!
And for those seeking additional savvy travel tips, don’t miss our guide on How to fly cheap FOR REAL – Skiplagging where we reveal insider secrets for budget-friendly flights! read on!
Using Your Priority Pass
Lounge Visit Details & Potential Access Restrictions
Once you have arrived at the airport lounge, it is important to note that most lounges have a time limit of around three hours. It is also worth noting that while most lounges allow children in for free, the age limit can vary from two to six years of age. Some lounges also have a maximum limit of two kids per family. It is important to be aware that access to specific lounges may be restricted due to space constraints. In this case, it is not uncommon to be put on a waitlist.
What Benefits Do You Actually Get?
Priority Pass offers various benefits beyond lounge access. Members can access approximately 30 restaurants in the U.S, providing credits of up to $28 per person on the day of the flight, with the possibility to bring an additional guest. Around 10 locations offer access to be relaxed spas, providing massages and aromatherapy treatments. Complimentary access to approximately 12-minute Suites across the U.S is also included.
Final Thoughts
Priority Pass provides digital nomads and frequent travelers with an excellent way to enhance their airport experience. Whether obtained through the Priority Pass website or credit cards, this membership opens the door to a world of comfort and convenience during layovers ✈️🌍.
