For many years, membership to airport lounge networks like Priority Pass has been one of the golden tickets for luxury air travel.
Attracted by the gorgeous seating, peaceful atmosphere and the charm of free food and drinks, frequent flyers hoped to arrive early at the airport, enjoy a blitz through security and enjoy a quiet shelter in the airport lounge before flying.
But as travelers become more and more familiar with insider perks like priority passes, this global network of airport lounges has also been offered as the advantage of signing up for popular travel credit cards, but has recently lost some of its brilliance.
“Priority Pass is dead,” shouted one angry traveler on Reddit after posting a photo of the airport lounge entrance sign saying, “We are currently not accepting priority passes due to space constraints.” A quick online search for “Is a priority pass still worth it?” Reveals the moody feelings from other dissatisfied members.
These disappointments have led many credit card holders to speculate whether priority passes have passed.
Is the priority pass really “dead”?
With over 2 million users and over 1,700 locations around the world, priority passes are by no means “dead.” However, US travelers who have a credit card pass preferentially benefit less from their free membership than they did in the past.
US travelers overwhelmingly link priority passes with credit card ownership, including half a dozen travel credit cards (including popular options such as Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Marriott Bonvoy Brillion). In contrast, few international credit cards offer access to PERK, so non-US travelers independently purchase preferred pass membership or day pass to enjoy lounge access.
Social media also teaches travelers how to maximize the perks of expensive travel credit cards and justifies high annual fees by promoting amenities such as lounge access and automatic elite status. The generous credit card welcome bonus has further sweetened the charm of the flashy travel cards, making it seem like you have a credit card with access to the airport lounge.
As more people than ever flaunt their honorable credit cards, overcrowding and capacity restrictions make airport lounges less enjoyable. It assumes you can enter too: members are increasingly reporting that they will be added to a long waiting list or completely leave at the entrance due to capacity issues.
To address these issues, credit card issuers continually adjust the terms of their preferred pass and partnership with other benefits providers in several ways.
The US has a relatively small network of preferred pass lounges compared to Europe and Asia. If traditional lounge access was not available at small airports, the preferred pass created a creative solution. We will offer $28 food and drink credits at participating airport restaurants (no longer available to guests with a preferred pass membership via credit card).
For many years, the benefits of US Priority Pass Restaurants have been one of the most reliable ways to get value from Priority Pass membership. (Screams to Bobby Van’s Shrimp Scampi at Terminal 8 at JFK Airport in New York.)
This benefit was particularly appealing to families with young children and those who only bite a bit. Because each guest at a party can claim generous credit for anything on the menu.
However, credit card issuers are dropping this perk one by one, as more priority pass diners are trying to get more creditable airport restaurants than capacity, especially during travel delays and peak seasons.
In the summer of 2024, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Holder learned that memberships will no longer include access to priority pass dining credits at airport restaurants and cafes. Membership through Capital One and Amex has already lost Capital One in 2023 and Amex in 2019.
Alternative ways to get lounge benefits
Just 10 years ago, the idea of paying $450 a year for a credit card seemed ridiculous to most Americans. However, as of June 2025, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is $795 a year, a second price increase since it was launched in 2016 at its first $450 price. Its top rival, the popular Amex Platinum, is expected to raise its current annual membership fee of $695 during the imminent refreshment in the fall of 2025.
The world of credit card profits is constantly evolving. If you’re worried about not getting enough value from a premium travel credit card, here are three alternative ways to enjoy a preferred pass like a preferred pass without paying for an annual fee.
Sometimes the best annual fee-free credit card for travelers
If you rarely travel to an airport with a priority pass lounge, once a year US Bank Advanced Connection may be the perfect travel credit card for you.
In addition to offering travel-friendly perks including a Comped Global Entry or TSA Precheck registration fee, the US bank Altitude Connect comes with a version of preferred pass membership, including a four-day pass each year. If you don’t travel frequently, you can make four visits a year (free, to start) comfortable to travel.
Use the Credit Card (Growth) Lounge Network
If you’re tired of your preferred pass, Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Capital One Venture X credit cards all offer their own airport lounge network.
Amex has the largest reach and the most established footprint, with dozens of locations in the US and about as many as the world. Chase has almost 12 locations around the world, mostly scattered throughout the US, with Capital 1 quickly catching up to half a dozen throughout the US, with more locations ongoing.
As a general rule, credit card issuer lounges are significantly better than preferred pass lounges, especially within the US.
These sophisticated spaces are increasingly giving traditional airline lounges a run for their money. The publisher-run lounge offers plenty of food options, including a child-friendly playroom, custom cocktails, chef-designed menus, and premium facilities such as complimentary spa treatments.
Some places, like the small Chase Sapphire Lounge at Phoenix International Airport (PHX), inevitably deal with overcrowding during peak travel times and holiday seasons. However, many of these lounges are new and cutting edge, with most seats with charging stations and semi-private seats throughout. You still occasionally sit shoulder to shoulder with other travelers, but you don’t have to fight in a single outlet.
Get creative with Day Pass
If you are a rare traveler, the Basic Layer Priority Pass Standard Membership costs only $99 a year. Once you have a standard membership, you can purchase a one-day pass with $35 per member or a qualified guest. Better yet, paying with a credit card that earns additional rewards on travel expenses will usually earn you bonus points.
Other non-credit card memberships or subscriptions may also include the benefits of a preferred pass. For example, premium members of the Pet Sitting Hows Share service get two free single-use pre-murpass passes each year, while users of the FinTech Revolut Banking app can purchase DragonPass Day Pass via the app (DragonPass is a preferred pass competitor).
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your credit card perks can disappear just as quickly as you see them. Benefits like priority pass access continue to evolve, and approaches to travel perks should change with them. Don’t leave your cards faithful just for that flashy metal exterior or sharing history. Instead, focus on what makes the most sense to your finances and travel habits.
