Airport lounges hold a sort of mystical appeal for the weary budget traveler. What oasis lies behind those discreet doors? What peaceful pleasures are bestowed upon those fortunate enough to cross that threshold? Well, for the most part you’ll find snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, and a generally quieter environment than the terminal gates and food courts. (And sometimes, really magical lounges even have showers.)
Airport lounges can be a much-needed respite, particularly for frequent flyers looking for a moment’s rest amidst a packed schedule and long flight delays or layovers. But access is usually limited to elite frequent flyers or travelers with the means (read: bank account) required to fork over hundreds of dollars a year for membership or elite status.
But if you only want to use a lounge a few to several times a year, there are economical third-party options available, usually in the form of a membership or a pay-as-you-go service. Lounge passes like Priority Pass can also be a great way to save money at the airport if you typically dine or drink on a long layover; pricey airport meals add up quickly. Let’s review two popular examples of these services to weigh the price and advantages of each.
Priority Pass
One of the most popular lounge pass options out there, Priority Pass, is a membership service that provides lounge access at a meaningful discount over airline-affiliated lounges. The program offers three membership tiers:
- Standard (for “occasional travelers”): $99 annual fee plus $32 per lounge visit
- Standard Plus (for “regular travelers”): $249 annual fee; covers 10 visits, additional visits are $32 each
- Prestige (for “frequent travelers”): $429, unlimited lounge visits
Right off the bat, the only Priority Pass tiers that really make sense are the Plus and Prestige. Let’s do some quick math: If you opt for the Standard tier and make five lounge visits in a year, your total cost (including the annual fee) would be $259. That’s $10 more than the Standard Plus tier for half as many lounge visits. In other words, Standard is not a good deal.
Fine, let’s say you purchase the Standard and make just three lounge visits instead of five: You’d spend $195 total, or roughly $65 per visit, which we’ll see later is still a substantial overpay for lounge access. Even if you’re using Standard minimally, it’s not a good deal.
Conversely, the Standard Plus option actually delivers decent value if you use it six or more times per year, and especially if you use the full 10. At six visits, the per-visit cost for the Standard Plus would be $41, going down to $25 per visit if you use the full 10. Just $41 is reasonable for a lounge visit, and $25 is relatively cheap, not to mention about how much you probably already spend on a sub-par airport meal in the busy terminal.
Long story short, for most travelers it’s Standard Plus or bust. (Note: Guests are $32 per visit, regardless of tier.)
As for what you get, Priority Pass grants access to 1,200 lounges. The options include a mix of independently-owned and airline-affiliated options, but if you aren’t picky there’s a good chance you’ll find something in your airport. That said, checkbefore you sign up to make sure your most frequented airports and terminals have facilities covered by Priority Pass. In Boston, for example, Priority Pass only offered facilities in Terminals B, C, and E, and the Terminal B option isn’t lounge access at all: it’s a $28 discount at one of the post-security restaurants, instead. Priority Pass has relationships with several credit cards that offer this restaurant credit, but American Express notably reduced its agreement earlier this month.
Lounge Pass
On the other end of the spectrum we have Lounge Pass, a fairly a straightforward a la carteservice that lets you book individual lounge visits. Lounge Pass says you can book these for as little as $19 per visit, but that will vary. The Lounge Pass network is smaller, with just 500 lounges available at 300 airports worldwide.
As for pricing, a quick search of Boston, again, delivered three options (and no odd restaurant discount situations) available for between $35 and $40 per visit. I found similar prices in Seattle ($40), Chicago O’Hare ($40), Dulles in Washington, D.C. ($50), and Newark ($38). Compare these prices to the per-visit cost of a Standard and it’s clear this is the better option for less-frequent travelers, especially considering many of the lounges are the same in both programs.
The Verdict
Priority Pass and Lounge Pass are both owned and operated by the same company, Collinson, which also provides various loyalty and customer experience services to major airlines, as well as to retailers, banks, and other businesses. In effect, these two options are simply different versions of the same product.
Priority Pass does throw in some window-dressing benefits, including vague “exclusive offers,” 24/7 membership support, and a mobile app with a digital membership card and the ability to pre-order take-out from airport restaurants. (But, aren’t the lounges supposed to have food?) These are certainly nice to have, but don’t add significant value to the program.
Ultimately, which version you prefer probably depends on how much money you’re willing to shell out in one purchase, and how often you use or surmise you’d need an airport lounge. Priority Pass is a good pay-ahead option if you fly more often, while Lounge Pass is more pay-as-you-need for less-frequent or non-business travelers.
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Readers, have you ever booked an airport lounge for your travels? What service did you use? Comment below.
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FAQs
As a general rule, the more you travel, the more you're going to want to be spending on the annual fee for your Priority Pass. Lounge Pass works in a completely different way. Rather than splashing out on an annual fee, you pay-as-you-go, purchasing a new pass every time you want to visit a lounge.
Which card is best for airport lounge access? ›
Best Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards In India 2023
- Featured Partners.
- Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in India.
- Infinia Credit Card.
- Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card.
- Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card.
- Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card.
- The American Express® Platinum Card.
- Forbes Advisor Ratings.
You will need to present your physical Digital Membership Card or eligible payment card when entering a lounge.
How many lounge access do you get with Priority Pass? ›
The Primary card holder and the Add on member can jointly avail 3 complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges outside India in a calendar year.
Is lounge pass and Priority Pass same? ›
A Priority Pass is a pleasant companion for all travelers who do not benefit from airport lounge access through a frequent flyer program - but would like to. That's because a Priority Pass offers hassle-free airport lounge access on every flight.
What is the difference between lounge Club and Priority Pass? ›
While similar to Priority Pass, Lounge Club differs from its more established counterpart in one significant respect. While Priority Pass provides members with access to over 1200 lounges, Lounge Club provides access to over 700.
Is it worth it to buy airport lounge access? ›
Airport lounges are generally worth the effort to get in, whether as provided by your airline ticket, credit card or elite status. The benefits are truly there, from the basics like Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, beverages and a place to sit, to sit down meals and premium beverages.
How do I get more lounge access at the airport? ›
8 Smart Ways to Get Airport Lounge Access
- 1 – Purchase Priority Pass. ...
- 2 – Use a Credit Card with Airport Lounge Access. ...
- 3 – Purchase a One-Day Lounge Pass. ...
- 4 – Purchase an Annual Airport Lounge Membership. ...
- 5 – Reach Elite Status with an Airline. ...
- 6 – Pay for Public Lounge Access. ...
- 7 – As a Guest of Someone with Lounge Access.
Best Airport Lounge Access Debit Cards in India June 2023
| Debit Card | Annual Fee |
|---|
| HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card | Nil |
| SBI Platinum International Debit Card | Rs. 250 |
| Axis Bank Prestige Debit Card | Rs. 500 |
| YES Prosperity Platinum Debit Card | Rs. 599 |
6 more rowsJun 1, 2023
Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to use a Sleep Pod. Each Sleep Pod usage represents a single lounge visit within the Cardholder's existing lounge visit allocation for which the Cardholder will, where applicable, be charged.
How long can you stay in a Priority Pass lounge for? Lounges in the Priority Pass network may have slightly different policies, but the general time limit is 3 hours. You can find information about a specific lounge, such as its hours and specific amenities, on the Priority Pass website or app.
What is free at Priority Pass lounge? ›
The lounges offer a multitude of benefits, such as: Free Wi-Fi. Complimentary food. Alcoholic beverages.
Can I use my Priority Pass twice in a day? ›
Can I use Priority Pass twice in one day? There's no limit on how many Priority Pass lounges and restaurants you can visit in a day. So if there are three Priority Pass lounges in an airport, you can visit all three in one day at the airport.
Are Priority Pass lounges usually crowded? ›
How crowded are Priority Pass lounges? While Priority Pass lounges aren't always crowded, they can be. If you visit a popular airport on a busy travel day and during a time when many other travelers are making their way through the airport, you may encounter a busy lounge. In these cases, you may be denied entry.
Can 2 people use same Priority Pass? ›
Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge, you may bring in one guest at no charge. You will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any additional guests.
How much do you pay for Priority Pass lounge? ›
Without the complimentary benefit, standard Priority Pass membership plans start at $99 per year, plus $35 per visit. The top-tier plan offered by Priority Pass costs $469 per year, with all-inclusive visits and guest passes at $35 each.
Is Priority Pass going away? ›
As of Jan. 1, 2023, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card no longer provides access to Priority Pass restaurant, shopping and spa services worldwide. This change is pretty bad news for Venture X cardholders as their Priority Pass Select membership benefits have been majorly devalued.
How much do we need to pay for airport lounge access? ›
About the offer
| City | Outlet Name | Lounge Access Fee (INR) |
|---|
| Mumbai | Clipper | 1500 |
| Nagpur | Plaza Premium Lounge | 1000 |
| Pune | Bird Lounge | 800 |
| Pune | Earth Lounge | 800 |
31 more rowsLounges are often filled with complimentary amenities such as premium food and snacks, fully stocked bars, modern shower facilities, fast WiFi, plentiful power outlets and secure business centers.
Can I sleep in airport lounge? ›
You can stay overnight and sleep at 24-hour airport lounges, as long as they don't have any rules on how long you stay. Many airport lounges close at night or limit access to just a few hours before your flight.
How can I find out if my issuer provides me with complimentary lounge visits? If your issuer provides complimentary lounge visits, there will be a “Complimentary Visit” section under My Information on the app and under My Account on the web. If you do not have any complimentary visits, this section will not display.
How many times we can use lounge access? ›
Access to VISA/ MasterCard Lounges. Access to three international and eight domestic airports in a year, for the cardholder and another person.
Can you take food from airport lounge? ›
Eat and drink what you can whilst you are in there, but no you can't swipe items for your bag for later. Ugh, that's really cheap and vulgar behaviour. Food and drink is for consumption in the lounge.
What is the use of Priority Pass? ›
Priority Pass is a program owned by Collinson Group that provides members with access to airport lounges around the world, including allowing holders to visit lounges with economy class or premium economy class tickets.
Is everything in lounge free? ›
Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.
How much time can I spend in airport lounge? ›
How Long Can You Stay at an Airport Lounge? In most airport lounges, you're allowed to stay for 2-3 hours before departure or after landing. Some also offer extended stays for upwards of 5 hours.
Does Priority Pass get you through security faster? ›
Priority Lane will provide Priority Pass Members with access to the “fast lane” at airport security and passport control checkpoints at an additional fee, meaning you have the chance to reduce your wait time, and spend more time in the airport terminal exploring all the benefits you're entitled to as a Priority Pass ...
How many hours can you stay in lounge? ›
Each pass has a time limit of 3 – 12 hours depending on the lounge and the pass purchased. Should you wish to stay longer, you can always negotiate with the lounge staff directly to extend your stay.
Can someone else use my Priority Pass lounge access? ›
Can my membership card be used by someone else? The Priority Pass membership card is non-transferable. When you access a lounge, the staff will need to check that the name printed on your membership card matches your boarding pass.
Can I access lounge twice on the same day? ›
No, you cannot use the same credit card twice to access the same airport lounge. You can swipe for two different lounges at the same airport. However, you need to wait for some hours if you want to do so. Can someone else utilise my airport lounge credit card?
Standard membership: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for the member and any guests. Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (the same price as all guest visits).
What is lounge 3 hour rule? ›
According to an internal Delta source, Sky Club agents may make exceptions to the rule stating eligible passengers can't access the lounges more than three (3) hours before their originating flight's departure time.
Is everything free in Priority Pass? ›
Access to Minute Suite: Priority Pass members have free access to Minute Suites at airports. You can use these services for free for the first hour and thereafter pay a nominal fee.
Is food and drink free with Priority Pass? ›
The lounges
Not the least because of the free food (and drinks). There are more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide, and most (if not all) of them offer some sort of meal option. In many, you'll find a tantalizing buffet. Some may have sit-down meal service as well (or instead).
Can you tip with Priority Pass credit? ›
Some restaurants automatically apply a tip to your bill before deducting the Priority Pass dining credits. If they don't, please remember to tip based on the full amount of your bill, not what's left after your food and beverage credits, to ensure servers are paid for their work.
Does AmEx get you into airport lounges? ›
If you're a Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder, you get complimentary access to the Amex lounge networks on the day of your departure. You can bring two guests with you free of charge, and day passes for additional guests will cost you $50 each.
Which AmEx card has lounge access? ›
Not surprisingly, AmEx's premium travel cards offer the best AmEx lounge access benefits. Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express include access to AmEx Centurion Lounges as well as the vast AmEx Global Lounge Collection.
What is the benefit of airport lounge access? ›
At these lounges you can experience luxury like quiet and comfortable spaces, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, hygienic shower facilities, spas and beds for long stopovers.
How long can you stay in a lounge with Priority Pass? ›
Each lounge has different rules, but there may be an allotted amount of time you're allowed to stay. Typically, you can enter a lounge up to three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
How do I get the best access to my lounge? ›
- Use cards that give free lounge access. ...
- Buy a third-party lounge pass. ...
- Buy one-time access to a lounge for as low as $23. ...
- Find free access with the LoungeBuddy app. ...
- Get free access as an active military member. ...
- Get an airline or alliance lounge membership. ...
- Gain entry with elite points status. ...
- Gain access with your ticket.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
It is always best to choose travel cards with lounge access at the airport during travelling. You can now travel in luxury with your Niyo Global card, thanks to complimentary airport lounge access in India at domestic/international terminals of major airports.
Can you sleep in airport lounges? ›
You can stay overnight and sleep at 24-hour airport lounges, as long as they don't have any rules on how long you stay. Many airport lounges close at night or limit access to just a few hours before your flight. Go to your airport lounge program's website to review hours and rules at the lounge you want to visit.
What is Priority Pass airport lounge access? ›
Our lounges are quiet, connected spaces to relax or work in, with pre-flight bites, drinks and other added perks that help you refresh and revive. We're continuously adding new, innovative features to our app, making Priority Pass the perfect travel companion for every step of your journey.
Can I use airport lounge twice in a day? ›
No, you cannot use the same credit card twice to access the same airport lounge. You can swipe for two different lounges at the same airport. However, you need to wait for some hours if you want to do so. Can someone else utilise my airport lounge credit card?
How many hours can you stay in airport lounge? ›
Participating Airport Lounges may reserve the right to enforce a maximum stay policy (usually 2 or 3 hours) to prevent overcrowding. This is at the discretion of the individual lounge operator who may impose a charge for extended stays.
