Everything you need to know about the airport lounge program Priority Pass

Lounge access isn’t just for the rich and famous — it’s for anyone who wants to make their airport journey more comfortable and less stressful.

Many top rewards credit cards offer access to Priority Pass worldwide. While you may already have a Priority Pass card in your wallet or phone, sometimes it’s unclear what that means and what’s included in your membership.

It’s also important to note that Priority Pass membership is not automatic; if you have a credit card that offers membership, you still need to register to activate your membership benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at the different levels of Priority Pass membership and which cards offer benefits and how you can make the most of your access.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, minisuites and airport restaurants. The company currently has 1,700 eligible locations in more than 600 cities in 148 countries. For example, you may see the Plaza Premium Lounge accessible through your Priority Pass membership.

While those numbers are impressive, most lounges are outside the US

So, while the network is great, there is no guarantee that you will be able to access a rest stop on every trip you take. However, there is a good chance that Priority Pass can help you on many of your trips.

Priority Pass lounges are located in more than 40 US 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: 9 Best Priority Pass Resorts in the US

When traveling internationally, you can find lounges at small to mid-sized airports such as Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda. There is even a lounge with a pool at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic.

Services in the Priority Pass network vary by owner and location. Some lounges, such as The Club ATL in Atlanta, are private properties, while others are affiliated with airlines. The Lufthansa Business Lounge in Detroit and the Air France Lounge in Boston are examples of this.

As always, it’s worth doing a little research before you plan to visit a Priority Pass lounge, as their quality can vary greatly. Others, like the Vienna Lounge at the Vienna International Airport (VIE), are in a class of their own (think precious works of art and fine dining); others, like the Bellini VIP Lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are almost laughable in their badness.

Related: Inside Priority Pass’ top-rated lounge

If you’re traveling with guests and children, you’ll also want to check the policies of your desired resort and your Priority Pass membership to find out if there will be an additional charge or guest limit.

Priority Pass restaurants and Minute Suites

Priority Pass also has partnerships with other airport restaurants, lounges with beds (Minute Suites) and more. This allows members to enjoy benefits in areas that do not have a regular lounge or gives them the opportunity to dine in a restaurant rather than an airport lounge for a change.

Note: American Express removed the restaurant benefit from its Priority Pass membership some time ago, and Capital One removed this benefit in early 2023 for Venture X cardholders.

Similarly, the US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* offers eight Priority Pass visits per year, but this cannot be used at Priority Pass restaurants, according to a US Bank spokesperson.

Credit cards that offer Priority Pass memberships that still cover non-leisure travel, such as at restaurants and bars, include:

*The information for these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

There are currently more than 30 Priority Pass participating airport restaurants within the US, with more located around the world. Some examples include:

The amount of Priority Pass restaurant credit varies, but is around $28 per person. Some restaurants also reach the number of tourists.

In bars and restaurants, tip is not included, so be sure to tip the bill before the credit is applied. Most places don’t allow you to take things to go, so it might not be the best option if you’re in a hurry.

Priority Pass also has some unusual airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free access to the putting green, as well as golf lessons and a golf simulator for a fee. The resort also offers a $15 credit that you can spend on food, drinks or golf experiences. Keep in mind that this area has the same restrictions as the other non-resort tours mentioned above.

Finally, the Priority Pass provides access to Minute Suites in Atlanta, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth and Philadelphia. The first hour is included in your Priority Pass membership, and you can rent additional hours for a discounted rate of $34.

On the other side of the world, accommodations are available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) two to three hours away, 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 is a lot of confusion surrounding the terms “Priority Pass” and “NoPriority Pass Select,” so we want to clear the air.

Priority Pass is the name of a company that offers membership to lounges in its network. You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly on the site, with annual fees starting at $99. Here’s a breakdown of the membership options:

• Standard Membership: $99 per year; includes tour for $35 each for member and any guests.
• Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits at $35 each (same price as all guest visits).
• Honorary Membership: $469 per year. All tours are included with the member, although guests are charged $35 per visit.

If you’re considering one of the Priority Pass membership packages above, Standard is best for occasional travelers. Standard Plus is best suited for regular travelers who visit airport lounges several times a year. A Prestige membership is for those frequent flyers who can take advantage of unlimited lounge visits because of how often they travel.

Most US credit cards offer Priority Pass access benefits called Priority Pass Select. Some are just for one person, while others include guests, depending on the card.

In any case, Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members can pay for additional guests beyond what is included in their membership.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership really worth it?

Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select membership

These are the most credit cards you can get Priority Pass Select membership with.

This doesn’t just include premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Platinum Card® from American Express (registration required) but also hotel credit cards such as Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (registration required) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Cardincluding even two guests.

Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:

*The information for these cards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

Note that the included travel amount and guest policies for each card may vary and will often require you to register for the benefit.

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 shared lounge, restaurant or Minute Suite and get complimentary access.

First, you must register for the program using the link associated with your credit card account. Find the link under “Benefits” when you log into your account.

Related: How to sign up for Priority Pass with eligible credit cards

Because it may take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it is best to register as soon as you receive your credit card if you are 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 many, but not all, locations.

Make sure you know if guests are allowed as part of your benefit – and how many – before your visit; the reception team in the lounge will not always know your specific guest rights.

Because you’re never asked to present your credit card in the lounge, you may not know you’ve been charged until you see your statement.

The lounge may be full

Your best-laid vacation plans may not work. Today, many travelers have access to a lounge, and 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 to find out available seats and their hours. Don’t be alarmed if some lounges temporarily fill up 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 enhance your travel experience with things like free food and drinks, as well as a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.

Check the specifics of your membership, as guest policies vary from card to card.

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