Lounge access is not just for the rich and famous — it’s for anyone who wants to make their airport travel experience more luxurious and less stressful.
Many top rewards credit cards offer access to the worldwide Priority Pass. Although you may already have a Priority Pass card in your wallet or on your phone, it’s sometimes unclear what that means and what’s included in your membership.
It’s also worth noting that Priority Pass membership isn’t automatic; if you have a credit card that offers membership, you still need to enroll to activate your membership benefits.
Let’s take a closer look at the different levels of Priority Pass membership as well as which cards offer the benefit and how to get the most out of your access.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, minisuites and even airport restaurants. The company currently boasts 1,700 eligible locations in over 600 cities in 148 countries. For example, you may see a Plaza Premium Lounge that is accessible via your Priority Pass membership.
Although those numbers are impressive, many lounges are outside the U.S.
So, while the network is large, there’s no guarantee you’ll have access to a lounge on every trip you take. However, there’s a good chance Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.
Priority Pass lounges are at more than 40 U.S. 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: The 9 best Priority Pass lounges in the US
When traveling internationally, you may find lounges in small to midsize airports such as Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda. There’s even a lounge with a pool in the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
The facilities in the Priority Pass network 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 bit of research before you plan to visit a Priority Pass lounge, because their quality can vary quite dramatically. Some, like the Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport (VIE), are in a class of their own (think priceless artworks and high-end food); others, such as the Bellini VIP Lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are almost laughable in how bad they are.
Related: Inside Priority Pass’ most highly rated lounge
If you are traveling with guests and children, you’ll also want to check the rules of your desired lounge location and your Priority Pass membership to find out if there will be an additional charge or a guest limit.
Priority Pass restaurants and Minute Suites
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 chance to eat at a restaurant rather than an airport lounge for a change.
Note: American Express removed the restaurant benefit from its Priority Pass memberships some time ago, and Capital One removed this benefit at the start of 2023 for personal Venture X cardholders.
Similarly, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* offers eight Priority Pass visits per year, but these cannot be used for Priority Pass restaurants, according to a spokesperson for U.S. Bank.
The credit cards offering Priority Pass memberships that still include nonlounge visits, such as at spas and restaurants, include:
*The information for 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.
There are currently more than 30 Priority Pass-participating airport restaurants within the U.S., and more are available internationally. Some examples include:
The amount of the Priority Pass restaurant credit varies, but it averages $28 per person. Some restaurants also cap the number of guests.
At bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so be sure to tip on the bill amount before the credit is applied. Many locations do not allow you to take items to go, so it might not be the best option if you are in a rush.
Priority Pass also has some less conventional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free access to a putting green, along with golf lessons and a golf simulator for a fee. This lounge also offers a $15 credit you can apply toward food, drinks or a golf experience. Remember that this location has the same limitations as other nonlounge 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 with your Priority Pass membership, and you can rent additional hours at a discounted rate of $34.
On the other side of the world, sleep 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 around 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 the air.
Priority Pass is the name of the company that offers memberships to lounges in its network. You can purchase Priority Pass memberships directly on the site, with annual fees starting at $99. Here’s a breakdown of the membership options:
- Standard membership: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for the member and any guests.
- Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (the same price as all guest visits).
- Prestige membership: $469 per year. All visits are included for the member, though guests are charged $35 per visit.
If you’re considering one of the above Priority Pass membership packages, Standard is best for occasional travelers. Standard Plus is best suited to frequent travelers who would visit airport lounges several times per year. The Prestige membership is for those frequent flyers who would make good use of unlimited lounge visits due to how often they travel.
Many U.S. credit cards offer Priority Pass access benefits called Priority Pass Select. Some are for just one person, while others include guests, depending on the card.
In either case, Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members can pay for additional guests beyond what is included with their membership.
Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select memberships
These are multiple credit cards through which you can get a Priority Pass Select membership.
These include not only premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required) but also hotel credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which even includes two guests.
Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:
*The information for 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.
Note that the number of visits included and guest policies with each card can vary and will generally require that you enroll for the perk.
Check out this guide for more information on the best credit cards to access Priority Pass lounges.
How to use Priority Pass benefits
Even if you have a card with a Priority Pass Select membership, you usually can’t just 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. Find the link under “Benefits” when you log in to your account.
Related: How to enroll in Priority Pass with eligible credit cards
Because it can take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it’s best to enroll as soon as you receive your credit card if you’re interested in this benefit.
In the meantime, you can download the Priority Pass app, which includes a digital membership card that you can use to access most, but not all, facilities.
Make sure to know if guests are permitted as part of your benefit — and how many — ahead of your visit; the reception team at the lounge won’t always know your specific guest privileges.
Because you’re never asked to present your credit card at the lounge, you might not know you’re charged until you see your statement.
The lounge might be full
Your best-laid lounge plans may not work out. Nowadays, many travelers have lounge access, and the lounges sometimes reach capacity. Some lounges are available to Priority Pass members during select hours only. Check the Priority Pass website before your next trip for available locations and their hours. Don’t be shocked if some lounges are temporarily at capacity during peak times and deny access to Priority Pass members.
Bottom line
Several cards offer Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit. This program can improve your travel experience with goodies like free food and drinks, as well as a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.
Check specific details of your membership, because the guest policies vary from card to card.
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