What Is Priority Pass™?
4 Min Read | Last updated: July 17, 2026
Enjoy access to over 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide. Learn how the program works and how you can enhance your travel experience.
At-A-Glance
- Priority Pass™ offers access to a global network of over 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries.
- Along with lounges, Priority Pass also gives you access to a range of additional benefits, like Wi-Fi, access to private offices during travel, complimentary drinks, and more.
- Priority Pass membership fees vary, but certain premium credit cards may offer a complimentary Priority Pass membership after enrollment.
Seasoned travelers understand the value of a credit card that provides free airport lounge access, especially when waiting out a flight delay or simply relaxing between connecting flights. Airport lounges offer many amenities, including comfortable seating, free food and drink, television, Wi-Fi, and more. Enrolling in Priority Pass is your ticket to take advantage of these amenities and more.
What Is Priority Pass and How Does It Work?
Priority Pass is a membership-based global network of over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences spanning over 500 airports in 140 countries.1 Priority Pass also gives members with certain plans pre-order access to several hundred cafes and restaurants at airports in the U.S. and UK, along with discounts on traveler services like car rentals, on-demand workspaces, and dining out.2
If you purchase Priority Pass membership through their website, you’ll have three different plan options:3
- Standard: You pay an annual fee plus a fee for each member visit.
- Standard Plus: You get ten free visits per year.
- Prestige: You receive unlimited access to all member lounges for an annual fee.
Just remember that pricing and benefits can change, so visit the Priority Pass website regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Priority Pass is not affiliated with any specific airline. If an airport lounge is part of their network, members have access to it, regardless of which airline they’re using, adding another layer of convenience.4
VIP Perks
Travelers with a Priority Pass membership card that’s purchased from the Priority Pass website are treated as VIPs at the participating airport lounges and restaurants they visit while traveling. That translates into priority seating, complimentary food and beverages, and free Wi-Fi to get some work done in between flights.
To save time and eliminate frustration, members should check the Priority Pass website before traveling. There’s a list of participating lounges and restaurants there, along with the services they offer to Priority Pass cardholders. There’s also a breakdown of other member benefits and some language-specific maps and guides for navigating the airport.
Did you know?
With your American Express Platinum Card® you can enroll in Priority Pass to enjoy all the perks of the Global Lounge Collection, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,550 airport lounges across the world. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a comfortable location.5
Practical Tips for Priority Pass Travelers
Here are some tips to enhance your trip:
- Confirm the location of airport lounges within the Priority Pass network to eliminate some of the stress and frustration of airline travel.
- Book a reservation online if you plan to visit a participating restaurant. If you need to pay a visit fee, check the discount offer from the restaurant to make sure using Priority Pass will save you money.
- Free or discounted spa services are another perk of being a Priority Pass member, so grab a quick massage to relieve tension and then check into a Minute Suites to take a nap, relax, or get some work done in a quiet environment.6 Both services can be booked in advance using your Priority Pass membership card.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be able to take guests into Priority Pass lounges, but check the Priority Pass website to see if the lounge has a guest limit or fee before visiting. For memberships purchased directly through Priority Pass, guest visits may be charged at a flat rate. For memberships through another provider, guest fees can vary.7
Priority Pass memberships range from $99 to $469 per year.3 However, some credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, may offer access to Priority Pass as a card benefit after enrollment.7 Be sure to check your card’s details to learn more.
The Takeaway
Priority Pass membership can give you access to hundreds of airport lounges, discounts on food and rental cars, and priority booking for spa services and Minute Suites. But before you sign up, you’ll want to check your credit card details to see if you can enroll in Priority Pass.
1 “All Airport Lounges Membership Benefits,” Priority Pass
2 “Additional Member Benefits,” Priority Pass
3 “Membership for access to airport VIP lounges,” Priority Pass
4 “Airport Lounge Access and Membership FAQ,” Priority Pass
5 For more on Offer & Benefit Terms for The Platinum Card®, click here.
6 “Priority Pass Benefits,” Minute Suites
7 “Can I take guests into the lounge?,” Priority Pass
Kevin D. Flynn is a financial services provider, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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