Why I Love Priority Pass Lounge Access

Priority Pass is a membership program that offers lounge access to more than 1,500 airport lounges around the world. Many travelers don’t find it worthwhile, but I find it one of the most valuable membership programs I participate in.

You may be shaking your head in disagreement, thinking about the last time you flew out of a medium-sized U.S. airport and popped into an overcrowded, mediocre lounge that was part of the program or couldn’t find a P.P. lounge in your terminal or airport.

And you know what? I see you. It’s not a perfect program.

However, there are ways to get extreme value out of Priority Pass, especially when you get a membership as a complimentary credit card benefit. In this article, I’ll explain why I love Priority Pass, how you can get the most value out of the program, and how you can get it, too.

Why I Value Priority Pass Lounge Access

I’ll admit it: I’m an anxious traveler and a nervous flyer. And traveling with a very active toddler means I always feel frazzled at the airport, no matter how much I prepare and prep.

Although Priority Pass lounge access isn’t always a given (this depends on crowding and what airport you’re in), any time I’m able to sit down in a more comfortable chair, have a free snack or drink, or just feel ever-so-slightly pampered, it’s a win. It also keeps me and my family calm before flying, which makes the travel experience run more smoothly for everyone.

Below, I’ll list some of the reasons why I value this type of lounge access so much.

1. Lounges Outside of the U.S. for the Win

I live in Madrid, Spain, and while I realize that most readers live in the U.S., anyone who travels internationally can take advantage of some of the best Priority Pass lounges around the world, as they tend to be better abroad.

Lounges in Spain

For example, all of the SALA VIP Aena lounges in Spain are part of the Priority Pass program. Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport (MAD) has at least 1 lounge accessible with P.P. in every one of its terminals (including T4S) that’s clean and modern.

These lounges serve tasty, quality meals at mealtimes and snacks during all other opening times and have comfortable seating, workspaces, and eating spaces. One has a nap area, and my personal favorite in T1, the Cibeles Lounges, has an outdoor sun deck. In T4, the Plaza Mayor lounge has been recently expanded to increase its size.

Tenerife Norte’s (TFN) Nivaria lounge has been recently renovated to include a sun deck, and Ibiza’s (IBZ) Cap des Falco lounge is usually packed but provides some relief from the busy airport, which tends to get extremely overcrowded during the summer months.

Lounges Worldwide

Lounges (or a lack thereof) can make or break my travel experience, providing a sense of calm, nourishment, and relaxation before a long flight or between 2 flights that truly makes a difference in my mood for the remainder of the day.

I’ve been to Priority Pass lounges all over Asia, Europe, and Latin America. I still recall what a relief it was to sample tasty curry and sink into a cozy chair in the perfectly air-conditioned Travel Club in T1 of Mumbai Airport (BOM) after navigating a precarious security process.

I’ll never forget how lovely the recliners were at the El Dorado Lounge in T1 at Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) during a 19-hour layover and unexpected flight delay (yes, 19 hours, and I did get my EU261 compensation for that).

Upgraded Points Staff Members’ Priority Pass International Lounge Favorites

I’m not the only one who recalls having a wonderful experience at the El Dorado Lounge. Nick Ellis, editor and content contributor at Upgraded Points, is a big fan of this Priority Pass lounge: “The space has a very unique design that pays homage to the fictional kingdom of El Dorado with gold-plated touches just about everywhere you look. But it has substance, too — there are plenty of places to sit and relax, and the food was plentiful and delicious. I’d have no problem spending several hours there,” he said.

Upgraded Points Editor-in-Chief Keri Stooksbury favors the Blossom Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) for the “scrumptious bowls of make-your-own laksa (a spicy noodle soup). It’s also super spacious and has a great perch over the shophouse façades of the Heritage Zone in T4.”

Meanwhile, Senior Finance Contributor Christine Krzyszton adores the Sala VIP International Lounge at UIO Quito Airport (UIO), explaining, “It has an incredible outdoor terrace that is divine. It was voted Priority Pass Lounge of the Year in 2019.” 

2. A Few U.S. Lounges Are Amazing, Too

The list of our top 19 best Priority Pass lounges around the world features lounges that are mainly in international airports, but a few U.S. locations do make it on the list. We love the Turkish Airlines lounge in the South Terminal of the Miami Airport (MIA), which has showers and a kids room.

Our list of top Priority Pass lounges in the U.S. includes several Air France lounges at various U.S. airports and The Club at Las Vegas (LAS), which has different zones for relaxation, productivity, replenishment, and more.

Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club

My pick for the best Priority Pass lounge in the U.S. is the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). It’s brand new, and if you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, or The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card and are enrolled in the Priority Pass program, you get unlimited access to the Sapphire Lounge with up to 2 guests (Ritz-Carlton cardholders get unlimited guest access).

If you don’t hold those cards but you’re a Priority Pass member, you get 1 complimentary visit to a Sapphire Lounge by the Club. This can be either the LGA location or any of the other Sapphire Lounge by the Club locations, except the Sapphire Lounge by the Club at Hong Kong Airport (HKG). Priority Pass members get unlimited access to this lounge. Subsequent visits are $75, so you’re getting real value with your 1 visit per year.

This lounge is amazing because it’s massive, practical, and modern. It has spaces for relaxation, family, and dining, plus unique amenities like an arcade, photo booth, and spa.

Michael Park, editor at Upgraded Points, favors the LGA and IAD locations: “They’re my kid’s favorites because of the game room at LGA and the nice servers in IAD (who gave him extra cookies).”

Chris Hassan, social media and brand manager of Upgraded Points, loves the Boston location. “Although I only get access 1 time annually with my Priority Pass membership, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at the Boston Airport is my favorite. It has great views, food, and outstanding beverage options. Now that there are more Chase Sapphire Lounges opening around the U.S., if I don’t use my visit there, I have backup options.”

3. You Can Now Visit (Some) Escape Lounges With Priority Pass

11 Escape Lounges are now part of the Priority Pass network. Although these lounges are fairly small and basic, it’s still nice to have additional lounges to visit. These are the new Escape lounges now available for Priority Pass holders:

• Bradley International Airport (BDL)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Terminal A and Terminal B
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

4. Priority Pass Comes With Certain Credit Cards

Now for the best part. I have access to all the lounges in the Priority Pass Network, thanks to my credit cards that feature complimentary P.P. memberships. I do pay annual fees for my credit cards, but the benefits definitely outweigh the fees.

A normal Priority Pass Prestige membership through the P.P. website that allows for unlimited lounge visits costs $469 annually. This costs more than some credit card annual fees that offer a complimentary P.P. membership.

Some of the best credit cards with a Priority Pass lounge membership include The Platinum Card^® from American Express (enrollment required), the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card (enrollment required), and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

5. 1 Credit Card Gives My Authorized Users Priority Pass, Too

The Capital One Venture X card allows me to have 3 authorized users. Each of these users can have their own Priority Pass membership. The card’s annual fee is $395 (rates & fees).

But since I’ve gifted memberships to my 3 authorized users, I’ve effectively saved hundreds of dollars (and made some friends and family members very happy).

Final Thoughts

I love Priority Pass. I recognize that it’s not a perfect program — sometimes lounges are crowded, and they aren’t always where you need them.

But the next time I’m plane-watching, latte in hand, or taking a quick snooze on my layover from a comfy seat, I’ll say a quiet thanks to my credit cards that allow me to enjoy these lounge moments when I can.