The Priority Pass lounge network is expanding with 4 new lounges, all operated by U.K. flag carrier British Airways. These new lounges will be in several major airports nationwide and will be additional options for Priority Pass cardholders.
New Lounges
Priority Pass is adding 4 new British Airways Galleries Club Lounges to its network, including:
| Airport | Location | Hours |
| Newark (EWR) | Terminal B, near gates B50 to B58, after security | Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| San Francisco (SFO) | International Terminal, Concourse A, after security | Daily, 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. |
| Seattle (SEA) | South Satellite, near gate S10, after security | Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. |
| Washington, D.C. (IAD) | Concourse B, after security | Daily, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Both the Washington, D.C. and Newark British Airways Galleries Club Lounges have belonged to Priority Pass previously but were removed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, though it’s worth noting that these lounges have come and gone from the program several times for various reasons. The Seattle and San Francisco British Airways Galleries Club Lounges have never been part of the Priority Pass network.
The British Airways Galleries Club Lounge at Dulles International Airport will be joining the Priority Pass program. Image Credit: James LarounisOperating Hours and Amenities
Each lounge will be open well before British Airways’ own flights and will be closed when British Airways actually has departures. Because of this, you can expect a scaled-down offering, including such items as packaged snacks, very light cold-type food, etc.
These lounges won’t offer the full British Airways amenities like dining, hot food buffets, and other premium offerings. Additionally, amenities like showers usually remain closed.
It’s worth noting that British Airways tends to kick passengers out at the end of Priority Pass lounge hours, and there is a several-hour buffer from that time until the first British Airways departure to allow people to vacate and the lounge to be “switched over.”
Hot Tip: Check out our guide to the best credit cards that get you Priority Pass lounge access!
Why is Priority Pass Adding These Lounges?
These British Airways Galleries Club Lounges have traditionally only been open for actual British Airways flight departures and closed at other times. Priority Pass pays British Airways for each access into its lounge network, and it’s worth it for British Airways to open these lounges early to allow for this paid access. These lounges would ordinarily sit empty, so British Airways is hoping to earn additional revenue by adding Priority Pass access.
Final Thoughts
It’s great to see additional lounges being added to the Priority Pass program — to date, many of the participating lounges are crowded, and having additional spaces to use will be great for members. While lounge hours are limited, having access to these quiet spaces is better than nothing.
Featured Image Credit:
James Larounis
