How to get Priority Pass
As a Priority Pass™ member, travelers get access to a network of 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work, or a luxurious place to lounge, Priority Pass alleviates a lot of the common stresses that come with traveling. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work, or a luxurious place to lounge, Priority Pass alleviates a lot of the common stresses that come with traveling.
Here's what you need to know about accessing an airport oasis on your next trip:
- What is Priority Pass
- Two ways to get Priority Pass
- How to get Priority Pass with a Chase credit card
- Priority Pass benefits
- How to start using your Priority Pass benefits
- How to get the most from Priority Pass benefits
- Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a membership club with a global network of 1,500+ airport lounges. It's the largest independent airport lounge access program in the world. Members can swap busy airport terminals for complimentary refreshments and quiet spaces. Added perks include retail discounts and restaurant credits.
Two ways to get Priority Pass
Consumers have two ways of accessing Priority Pass lounges. They can either buy a membership, or get a free membership with a credit card (but expect to pay an annual fee for that card).
1. Buy a Priority Pass membership
Travelers can choose between three levels of membership which offer different pricing and benefits:
Standard Membership level - for occasional travelers
- $35 Member
- $35 Guest
- Annual Fee $99/year
Standard plus Membership level - For regular travelers
- 10 free visits, then:
- $35 Member
- $35 Guest
- Annual Fee $329/year
Prestige Membership level - For frequent travelers
- All member visits are free
- $35 Guest
- Annual Fee $469/year
In general, membership levels are suited to travelers based on the amount of travel they do.
2. Get a free Priority Pass Select membership with a credit card
Frequent flyers get the most out of this option with unlimited airport lounge access and travel rewards. Annual fees and the cost of additional guests will depend on the card. When used strategically, Priority Pass Select benefits may outweigh the cost of a luxury card's annual fee.
How to get Priority Pass with a Chase credit card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card® offers a free Priority Pass Select membership. Cardmembers get full access to every Priority Pass airport lounge for up to two guests (additional guests are $27 per visit). Authorized card users are also eligible for their own Priority Pass Select membership.
Priority Pass benefits
Priority Pass airport lounges are popular because you don't have to fly a specific airline or class to enter them. There are over a thousand airport lounges in Priority Pass's global network. Amenities will vary, ranging from simple to luxurious.
General amenities
Most Priority Pass airport lounges have comfortable seating and business facilities — like work stations, reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for charging your devices. They may also offer a range of media, like newspapers, magazines and TV. Beverages and snacks are complimentary, and adult beverages may be free or offered at a low cost.
Restaurant lounges
Priority Pass members get dining credits to nearly 30 airport restaurants and bars. Note that the credit may not be applied to tips.
Private mini-suites
Priority Pass also offers access to private sleeping areas in select airports.
Luxury amenities
Some Priority Pass airport lounges have special features unique to that location only. For example, some offer waterfall features, natural green walls, fireplaces, putting greens and even outdoor pools.
Additional offers
There are more than 800 Priority Pass benefits available for members through the Priority Pass mobile app. You'll find airport-specific discounts for restaurants, retailers, spa experiences and more.
How to use Priority Pass benefits
Once you get Priority Pass membership set up, enjoying the benefits only takes few steps:
Activate your membership
You'll need to activate your Priority Pass Select membership before you can use it —simply showing your credit card at the lounge will not work. Activation steps will vary by credit card.
If you have a Chase credit card with Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit, here are the steps to activate:
- Sign in to Chase Ultimate Rewards. (If already signed in, select your "Total Points" in the bottom left.)
- Choose the card you'd like to enroll.
- Select "Card Benefits."
- Scroll to see benefits, then choose "Travel."
- Select "Complimentary Airport Lounge Access."
After activating your membership, you'll receive a Priority Pass card in the mail.
Tip: Authorized card users are automatically enrolled. If you add someone to your card after enrolling, call the number on the back of your card to activate their Priority Pass membership.
Get a digital membership card and download the app
Most Priority Pass airport lounges accept digital membership cards. Having this info on your smartphone helps if you ever misplace your physical card. You can see more information here. If you're an eligible Chase customer, now you can also access your Priority Pass Digital Membership Card in the Chase Mobile® app. You can find it in the Explore Lounges section under Benefits > Travel.
Visit a Priority Pass airport lounge
Use the Priority Pass app to find a lounge. To enter, all you have to do is scan your physical or digital membership card for the lounge attendant.
How to get the most from Priority Pass benefits
Here are some tips for maximizing every benefit and convenience the program offers:
Plan ahead
There is not a Priority Pass airport lounge in every airport. As you shop for flights, include airport lounge availability and amenities in your search. Compare flights and lounges to make sure:
- The lounge will be open when you need it.
- Your preferred amenities will be available.
- The lounge time limits match your trip.
- Your guests or children are allowed.
Arrive early
Getting to the lounge a couple of hours before a flight means less stress and more time to enjoy the amenities. Check the lounge information ahead of time to see how early you can go in. Some airport lounges restrict travelers to three hours before their flight.
Use your restaurant credit
Check the Priority Pass app for participating restaurants. Upon arrival, let the server or bartender know you're using your card. They will register you and up to one guest, and you'll get a credit, discount or savings (tips are not included).
Read your credit card's terms and the restaurant's terms beforehand. See if they include a guest credit, and make sure you're OK with any limitations, such as no take-out orders..
Use your card's travel benefits
Most cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a host of other travel benefits along with Priority Pass Select. Be sure to take advantage of these rewards, like welcome bonuses or travel credits, along with accessing airport lounges.
In conclusion
To many travelers, having access to airport lounges makes traveling much more enjoyable. Priority Pass is a great option for if you're seeking amenities and conveniences that you won't find anywhere else in the airport.
If you're looking for lounge access in addition to earning rewards for your travel and dining expenses, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card.
