What Is Priority Pass™?

4 Min Read | Last updated: September 18, 2025

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This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

Priority Pass™ is a program that gives members access to lounges around the world. See how a Priority Pass membership could benefit your travels.

At-A-Glance

  • Priority Pass™ offers access to a global network of over 1,700 airport experiences and a growing number of lounges.
  • 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 Select membership, which is similar to Priority Pass.

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. 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 1,700 airport lounges and experiences spanning 600 cities in 145 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, dining out, and duty-free shopping.

 

If you purchase Priority Pass membership through their website, you’ll have three different plan options:

  • Standard: Where you pay an annual fee plus a fee for each member visit.
  • Standard Plus: Where you get ten free visits per year..
  • Prestige: Which provides 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.

VIP Perks and Priority Pass Select

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.

 

Before purchasing a Priority Pass membership, check with your bank or credit card provider. As an account holder, you may be eligible for Priority Pass Select. Priority Pass Select gives you access to lounges at 95% of the world’s busiest airports.2 However, it’s important to note that certain amenities that are available to Priority Pass members may not be available to Priority Pass Select members.

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Did you know?

With your American Express Platinum Card® you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select 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, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a comfortable location.3

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 Suite to take a nap, relax, or get some work done in a quiet environment.4 Both services can be booked in advance using your Priority Pass membership card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Priority Pass Select is included.


Headshot of Kevin D. Flynn

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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