When I first discovered that my premium credit card came with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, I was thrilled. As someone who frequently travels, the idea of accessing airport lounges worldwide at no extra cost seemed like an incredible perk. The promise of comfortable seating, free snacks, drinks, and even showers in some locations made my travel-loving heart skip a beat. However, after using the membership for several months, my excitement has turned into a mixed bag of experiences. While it’s not as useful as I initially hoped, I still find it a valuable addition to my travel toolkit.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership program that offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide. Members can escape the chaos of crowded terminals and enjoy the comfort of exclusive lounges, complete with amenities such as complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, showers and sleeping areas.
There are several membership tiers:
- Standard: Requires a membership fee and charges for each lounge visit.
- Standard Plus: Includes a set number of free visits annually, with additional visits charged.
- Prestige: Offers unlimited lounge access for an annual fee.
Credit cards, especially those in the premium travel category, often provide complimentary Priority Pass memberships as part of their benefits. Depending on the card, the membership might include free guest access, discounted visits, or even extras like meal credits at airport restaurants.
The Excitement of a “Free” Perk
When I signed up for my premium credit card, the Priority Pass membership was one of the standout benefits. It felt like a luxury upgrade to my travel experience. The idea of unwinding in a quiet lounge, sipping a coffee, and enjoying a light meal before a flight sounded much better than waiting in noisy terminals or paying exorbitant prices at airport cafes.
Additionally, I was excited about the potential savings. Lounge access fees can range from $25 to $50 per visit, so having “free” access with my credit card seemed like a significant value-add.
Reality Check: The Challenges of Using Priority Pass
While Priority Pass has its perks, my actual experience has been less glamorous than anticipated. Here are some of the challenges I’ve faced:
1. Limited Availability at Major Airports
Priority Pass advertises access to over 1,300 lounges, but not all major airports are covered equally. Some major hubs either lack Priority Pass lounges altogether or have very few options that are often overcrowded.
- Example: During a recent trip through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), I was surprised to find only one Priority Pass lounge available, and it was at a terminal far from mine. By the time I factored in the logistics of getting there, it wasn’t worth the effort.
2. Overcrowding and Denied Entry
One of the most frustrating aspects of using Priority Pass is the frequent overcrowding of lounges. Many lounges cap the number of Priority Pass members allowed, resulting in denied entry during peak travel times.
- Personal Experience: On a trip from New York’s JFK airport, I arrived at a lounge only to be told it was at capacity. The staff suggested I come back in an hour, but with my flight boarding soon, this wasn’t a viable option.
3. Restaurant Partnerships: A Mixed Bag
In airports without traditional lounges, Priority Pass sometimes offers meal credits at select restaurants. While this is a nice alternative, it doesn’t always feel as luxurious as lounge access.
- Example: At Miami International Airport, I used my Priority Pass membership at a participating restaurant. While the $28 meal credit was appreciated, the restaurant was busy, noisy, and lacked the tranquil atmosphere I associate with a lounge.
4. Guest Policies Can Be Restrictive
Depending on the credit card, guest access may not be included or may come with additional fees. For someone like me who often travels with family or friends, this can diminish the value of the membership.
- Example: On a recent trip with my partner, I was dismayed to find that I would have to pay $32 for their access, even though my card covered my visit.
Why It’s Still a Pretty Good Value
Despite its limitations, my Priority Pass membership still offers undeniable benefits that make it worthwhile.
1. Comfort and Convenience
When I’ve been able to access lounges, the experience has been genuinely enjoyable. Comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and complimentary refreshments make long layovers far more bearable.
- Memorable Moment: During a lengthy layover in Singapore, the Priority Pass lounge provided a quiet space to relax, catch up on emails, and enjoy a hot meal—all without spending extra money.
2. Savings on Food and Drinks
Even if the lounge experience isn’t available, the restaurant partnerships offer substantial savings. A $28 meal credit can easily cover a decent meal, which is a significant perk in airports where food prices are notoriously high.
3. Global Coverage
While not perfect, the global network of lounges means I have access to amenities in airports I wouldn’t have expected. Smaller airports, in particular, tend to have less crowded lounges, which enhances the travel experience.
4. Part of a Broader Benefits Package
Priority Pass is just one of many perks that come with my credit card. When combined with other benefits like travel insurance, airline fee credits, and rewards points, it contributes to the overall value of the card.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Priority Pass
If you’re considering a Priority Pass membership or already have one, here are some strategies to maximize its value:
- Research Lounge Options in Advance Use the Priority Pass app or website to check the availability of lounges at your departure and arrival airports. Knowing your options ahead of time can save you from disappointment.
- Arrive Early To avoid overcrowding issues, aim to arrive at the lounge during non-peak hours. Early morning and mid-afternoon are often quieter times.
- Utilize Restaurant Partnerships In airports with no lounges or during busy times, take advantage of the restaurant credits. They’re a practical way to offset travel expenses.
- Know Your Card’s Guest Policy Familiarize yourself with your credit card’s Priority Pass terms to avoid unexpected fees for guests.
- Combine With Other Travel Perks Use Priority Pass in conjunction with other benefits from your credit card, such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, to enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
While my free Priority Pass membership hasn’t been the game-changer I initially hoped it would be, it still offers solid value for frequent travelers. The convenience, savings, and occasional luxury it provides make it a welcome addition to my travel routine, even if it’s not flawless.
The key is to approach the membership with realistic expectations. It won’t always guarantee a premium lounge experience, but when it does, it feels like a worthwhile reward. For anyone who loves to travel and enjoys finding ways to make the journey more comfortable, Priority Pass remains a valuable perk—just one that’s best utilized with a little planning and flexibility.
