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The airport lounge is one of the few rests from the insanity of air travel. Additionally, while some credit card and airline loyalty programs offer selective access to coveted spaces, the world’s largest independent airport lounge program is a priority pass, with lounges in over 600 cities across 145 countries. Above all, priority pass membership is much easier than the elite status of an airline.
Priority Pass doesn’t actually own and operate airport lounges, but instead consolidates them through a single membership program. The collection includes a variety of lounges, including those run by major airlines, such as chasing the sapphire lounge, choosing a lounge of your choice, from airport-controlled spaces and Plaza Premium Lounges. (The network’s app allows you to easily search for lounges by global airport codes and terminals.) Preferred Passes allow travelers to enter the portfolio lounge on their flight date, regardless of airline or class.
You can purchase a full Priority Pass membership, but it is often offered as a free perk, including a selected credit card. Here’s the complete guide to the preferred path: What it is, how to become a member, how to take friends and family to the lounge often does not cost an additional fee.
How to get the preferred path
There are several ways to obtain the preferred path. You can get memberships directly from the company and become a major cardholder of a premium credit card as a free perk. You can also get it by becoming an additional cardholder with some credit cards.
How to buy a preferred pass membership
You can obtain membership directly from the Priority Pass website. All three levels of membership (Standard, Standard Plus and Prestige) have an annual membership fee. Regardless of membership class, guests cost $35 per visit.
How to get a free priority pass membership
Despite the open price for Priority Pass membership, most travelers get it for free and avoid guest fees. how? Some credit cards come with a free membership in a special tier called Priority Pass Select. With a specific credit card, the benefits and lounge access of Select tend to be the same as the bonus of two free guests per visit in the largest lounge. Credit cards include:
Select membership may be free in all of the above cases, but registration is not automatic. You will need to activate your membership online via credit card login or call the 800 number on the back of your credit card. Once you’ve signed up, you can set up a membership in the Priority Pass app and download your digital card to your digital wallet. You will also receive your physical priority pass selection card in your email. Keep in mind that storing your actual card in a wallet or passport holder is a wise idea, especially if you are traveling to countries where Wi-Fi connections can be a problem.
Extend your membership to certified users
For credit cards, Priority Pass Select membership is provided in the cardholder’s name and provides that cardholder has access to all lounges in the network. However, most credit cards grant membership to certified users/additional cardholders.
Certified users of Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Brillation American Express Card, and Platinum Card for American Express are entitled to their own preferred path select membership with the same access and two guest policies (except for Chase Lounges in the US). Normally, authorized users will be charged a fee, but Venture X stands out in the premium travel credit card market by allowing free additional cardholders. The only Hi-Ai card does this while offering full lounge perks. Primary Venture X Card Holder can add up to four certified users, each receiving their own preferred pass membership, where they can take 2 guests at no additional charge.
What is the priority pass lounge?
Not all preferred pass lounges are created equally, as would be expected with so many independent lounges under one umbrella. Generally, the Priority Pass Lounge offers free access to snacks and meals, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, power outlets and comfortable seating prior to most flights. However, some feature full meal presentations and artisan cocktails. For example, Sara VIP will appear internationally at Quito International Airport in Ecuador. This is a stunning space with an outdoor rooftop seating area and lunchtime spreads that include sushi, ceviche and a valid sandwich station.
To uncover the Creme de la Creme, we have curated our own list of top priority pass lounges around the world. You can also explore the spaces that were recognized at the 2024 Lounge of the Year Awards. Priority Pass members won Vienna Lounge 1 Vienna Lounge as a global winner based on reviews submitted via the Priority Pass app, based on ratings of 379,966.
There are a few lounges behind the scenes. From mediocre to full basics, some are adjacent to the questionable. The least impressive thing is that they generally appear at airports with sub-par facilities. Even cold beers can feel like luxury, despite being served on a worn-out leather sofa that is cracked under dim lighting.
Lounges these days often feel full. why? For starters, there are more premium credit card holders than ever before. And with the best trip ever, peak season and rush hours are growing longer than ever. In 2024, priority pass saw a 31% increase in lounge and travel experience visits worldwide compared to 2023.
How about overcrowding?
The lounge reserves the right to refuse entry when it performs its capabilities, and some even prioritize travelers flying business class on their partner airlines. Personally, I have come across a waitlist in the top priority pass lounge over the past year.
To combat overcrowding, Priority Pass has deployed pre-booking options in over 140 lounges at more than 100 airports, including the UK, US, South America, the Middle East and Japan, with more locations being added frequently. Advance bookings for these specific lounges can be made via the app or directly via the Priority Pass website. Unfortunately, advance booking costs $7 per person. I consider this a practical solution, but it slightly undermines the idea of a free lounge membership. That said, I am happy to enjoy the lounge rates I know if it means guaranteed access.
There are other ways to improve your preferred pass experience. Make sure you secure entry and arrive early to enjoy the amenities and fly during off-peak hours. And be sure to check out the full set tips to avoid crowds in the lounge at the Priority Pass airport.
What is your deal with Chase Lounge?
Chase has actively expanded its network of brand lounges, currently featuring one in Hong Kong and six lounges across the US (Boston Logan, Dulles, New York JFK, New York Raguardia, Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Diego). Three more will open in 2025, following Philadelphia and Las Vegas, followed by Los Angeles.
All Chase Lounges are part of the Priority Pass Network, but they have a catch. Priority Pass members at Chase Sapphire Reserve enjoy full access to these lounges and can take two guests for free, just like any other preferred pass lounge. However, preferred pass members linked to other credit cards are limited to free visits to the US Chase Lounge per calendar year. Additional visits, like guest entries, cost $75 per person. To be clear, this is not a free visit per lounge. One free visit to any chase lounge each year. womp, womp!
In contrast, Hong Kong’s Chase Lounge operates under the standard preferred pass selection rules for all credit cards, offering unlimited entries and 2 free guests.
Can I enter the EK Lounge using my preferred pass?
Escap Lounge consists of a network of 21 airport lounges, with 15 in the US and 6 in the UK. Historically, Escape Lounges is tied to American Express as part of Amex’s wider global lounge collection, offering free entries to Amex Platinum cardholders and allowing two guests to take free.
The UK Escape Lounge was already taking part in the Priority Pass, but most locations in the US follow in July 2024. Currently, 11 of the 15 US SK Lounges are part of the preferred pass and adhere to traditional entry rules, including guest access. These include lounges in Providence, Sacramento and Minneapolis. pole.
Unfortunately, my favorite escape lounge at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is not among them. Thankfully, I have both an Amex Platinum and a Venture X so I can get access when flying the FLL.
What is the difference between a priority pass and Plaza Premium?
Certainly, for those who are not very familiar with the world of lounges, it’s easy to get confused between a priority pass and another name, Plaza Premium. They have the same initials, but they are certainly different companies and we are here to get things done.
Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge program, and Plaza Premium Group (PPG) is the world’s largest airport lounge operator. PPG owns and operates its own branded lounges, and operates more under other names, including the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in the US, Capital One Lounge in Dallas, and several bird lounges in Columbia. PPG’s brand lounges are part of the Priority Pass network, but not some of the lounges operating on behalf of airlines. In short, you can enter the Plaza Premium brand lounge with your preferred pass.
RIP Non -Lounge Airport alternative for credit card holders
In addition to the lounge, the preferred pass includes numerous airport restaurants, cafes and bars in the network. These so-called lounge alternatives offer food and beverage credits of $28 to $32 per guest to Priority Pass members at more than 35 locations.
In the past, members with selected memberships have access to this profit depending on the bank and associated cards. However, in July 2024, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Holder lost this perk and became the last major premium credit card to cancel credit.
As a result, priority pass cards linked to credit cards no longer offer this perk at non-lounge airport venues. Please note: Your credit card may be charged for a full charge if you try to use your preferred pass card at these restaurants or bars, even if you see a priority pass sign.
Is a priority pass worth it?
The Priority Pass Lounge Network offers travelers the opportunity to relax and relax before flights at airports around the world. With the right credit card, you can enjoy free access to over 1,700 airport lounges. You can also take friends and family with you at no additional charge. Is it worth it? Certainly as a bonus for bundled credit cards. But to pay fully for membership, it’s a pass (pun intended).
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