So you just booked your trip and are super excited but know nothing about or how to use a priority pass. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to get your own! Follow along and we will go over how to get and use the priority pass program to get the most enjoyment out of your trip to the airport.
Uncovering The Mystery Of The Priority Pass
What Is A Priority Pass?
Why not start off with a little bit of history. The Priority Pass is a travel program that has been around since 1992 and is operated by Collinson Group. As a member enrolled in the program, it gives you access to over 1200 airport lounges all around the world. The Priority Pass has staked its claim as being the largest network of airport lounges in the world.
With three different levels of membership offered online, there is also a fourth level that can only be attained through memberships with certain credit cards. One of the main highlights of the Priority Pass program is its airport lounge access. After getting through airport security, you can leave the crowds, noise, and chaos behind you as well. The Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges that provide those lucky enough to enter, a place of refuge and so much more.
Inside these airport lounges, you will find a quiet and comfortable space to sit, rest and relax. You’ll have access to free Wi-Fi for all your digital devices. If you prefer print over digital, there are also free newspapers and magazines. Help yourself to complimentary snacks, drinks, and refreshments that are offered. Many of the airport lounges also offer alcoholic beverages and some even have shower facilities. If you have enough time before your flight, you can indulge and treat yourself with one of the many pre-flight spa treatments offered by numerous lounges.
With locations in over 120 countries and 500+ airports, finding a lounge to use should be no problem. These are just some of the benefits of having the Priority Pass membership. The program has also in recent years has made some changes. These changes included adding several new outside services such as restaurants, bars, and even airport hotels.
How To Get Your Own Priority Pass
So now that you know a little about the Priority Pass. You know what it is and what you can do with it, so let’s see how you can get one. When it comes to trying to get your own, there are a couple different ways to about getting one.
1. Buying The Pass Outright
The Standard Membership is ideal for the occasional flier. For an annual fee of $99, you get access to over 1200 airport lounges for only $32. Another great thing is that you can bring a friend in with you. One of the program perks is that you are allowed to bring in a guest for an additional $32. The only thing better than traveling is traveling with a friend.
Getting your very own Priority Pass is as simple as going online. You can straight to the source and visit, the Priority Pass site. This is the most direct method to get your own Priority Pass Membership. Once on the site, you will find that there are three different levels of membership available to purchase directly. The first, and least expensive entry point, is the Standard Membership, which is $99 annually. Then, the next level up is the Standard Plus Membership, which goes for $299 annually. Finally, at the top level, you have the Prestige Membership that costs $429 annually.
The Standard Plus Membership is the next step up the Priority Pass membership tier with an annual fee of $299. With the upgraded membership comes with 10 free visits to an airport lounge. Any more visits beyond the 10 free entries will set you back $32. A guest is also welcome to join you for a fee of $32 as well.
The Prestige Membership is the final and highest-level Priority Pass membership offered online and it comes with a price tag of $429. For that cost, you gain free and unlimited visits to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. As usual, a guest may join you for a fee of $32 with a valid membership.
2. Priority Pass As A Benefit
As mentioned previously, there is actually a fourth way to obtain the benefits of a Priority Pass. Priority Pass Select is on par with the Prestige level but comes as a credit card membership benefit. There are a number of popular credit cards available that offer the Priority Pass Select benefit among other perks as well. Just like any credit card, proceed carefully and make sure to apply and spend responsibly.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve
One of the more popular credit card options is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. By using the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card you are granted a complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership.
The card comes with an annual fee of $450, but also comes with a lot more perks as well. Perks such as, earning points that can be used for things like travel, hotels, and even car rentals.
4. American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is another great credit card option to consider. This card also offers a complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership to its cardholders. There are a number of benefits offered with this card for hotels, airlines, car rentals, and shopping as well. The annual fee is $550 but with up to 5x the points earned per dollar spent, you’ll be earning more while saving lots of money all at once.
5. American Express Hilton Honors Ascend Card
If you like the idea of using a credit card to access the Priority Pass benefit but the annual fees seem a bit steep, then check out the Hilton Honor Ascend Card from American Express.
With an annual fee of only $95, you get the Priority Pass at the Standard Plus membership level. Now that’s a pretty good deal especially considering the card offers other perks as well.
Using Your Priority Pass
Now that you’ve figured out how to get yourself access to the Priority Pass, it’s time to put it to use. In order to use your Priority Pass card, you must first enroll in the program by visiting a link provided or by other methods given with the details received with your new credit card. After enrolling, it may take a week or two until you receive your physical card.
If you are in a hurry to enjoy some of the benefits of Priority Pass you can also download the app which includes a digital membership card. However, not every lounge location accepts the digital version and the number of guests that you can bring, along with the associated cost can vary greatly lounge to lounge. That being said, make sure to call ahead to for specific lounge rules.
Things to be aware of are that additional guests are charged to the credit card, even though they will rarely ever ask to see your credit card. As mentioned previously, the guest policy for lounges can vary greatly from free, to no guests at all. So before joining any credit card be sure to read their policy.
As long as you do your research and choose a credit card that fits your travel lifestyle, you will surely enjoy using the Priority Pass benefit. Whether you choose to get the pass direct or as a credit card benefit, in each case you can enjoy going to the airport knowing that there is a place of solitude for you resting and relaxation needs.
