Priority Pass membership offers three main plans when purchased directly: Standard ($99/year + $35/visit), Standard Plus ($329/year for 10 free visits, then $35/visit), and Prestige ($469/year for unlimited member visits), with guest access costing $35 per visit on all plans. Many travelers get Priority Pass Select (unlimited visits) free through premium travel credit cards, which is often more cost-effective than direct purchase.
If you are a frequent flyer often covering long distances I would say a Priority Pass membership is absolutely worth it. Chances are even if you are a frequent flyer, not all (or any) of these flights are business class flights and lounge access can make your whole experience just so much nicer and easier.
Standard membership is £69 per year with each visit costing 24 pounds. Standard Plus Membership costs £229 and includes 10 visits. Prestige Membership costs £419 per year and includes unlimited airport lounge visits.
As of August 2025, the cost of a Priority Pass Standard membership is $99 annually.
Overcrowding at lounges
The growing number of Priority Pass members, combined with limited lounge spaces, has led to one common problem: overcrowding. During peak travel times, you might find yourself waiting in line just to get into a lounge.
The airport "45-minute rule" usually means you must finish checking in and dropping bags at the counter at least 45 minutes before a domestic flight, a strict cut-off enforced by airlines like United and American for timely departures, though arrival recommendations are often 2 hours before departure. It's different from the gate boarding time (around 15-30 mins before) or general airport arrival (2 hours for domestic, 3 for international) and failing it can lead to missing your flight, with some airports like Honolulu having even tighter limits.
While it's not possible to get Priority Pass for free, you may be able to get a complimentary membership called Priority Pass Select™ through certain credit cards.
Each cardmember Priority Pass Select membership includes two guests per lounge visit. For each additional guest beyond that, your card will be charged a fee per guest, per visit. Keep in mind, the card does have an annual fee.
Some of our lounges even offer the chance for you to enjoy extra benefits such as spa treatments, gaming experiences, sleeping areas and even a pool.
Many premium travel and hotel credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access, with top options including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum Card, Capital One Venture X, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card, typically allowing the cardholder and guests (often two) unlimited access, though some cards, like Amex, exclude restaurants and experiences, while Chase often includes them, notes NerdWallet and The Points Guy.
Lounge Pass and Priority Pass are both programs that offer access to airport lounges, but there are some important differences. Lounge Pass provides pay as you go access, whilst Priority Pass offers membership with various levels and benefits.
You can save big with Priority Pass promotions! Seasonal sales offer up to 40% off membership fees, while first-time members can grab 15% discounts.
Free airport lounge access is typically found with premium travel credit cards, like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X, which offer extensive network access (Priority Pass, Centurion, Capital One Lounges) often alongside airline-specific lounges (Delta Sky Club, United Club). While many cards have high annual fees for these perks, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers limited complimentary Priority Pass visits with no annual fee, making it a rare exception for no-cost access.
Only your Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite Credit Card, Visa Infinite Credit Card or Journey Credit Card can be linked to your Priority Pass membership respectively. Your membership will not be renewed if any other credit card is tagged to your Priority Pass account.
No, Priority Pass memberships are non-transferable so your wife, husband or partner cannot use your membership without you. Only the named member can use the membership for lounge access. Additional eligible guests can accompany the member, typically for an extra fee.
On the other hand, if you travel a lot in economy class then getting a credit card with lounge access, an airline club membership, or something like DragonPass might be a great option. Whether these are a better alternative for you than Priority Pass will depend on the airports you frequent the most.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge, you may bring in one guest at no charge. You will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any additional guests.
Global Winner: Advantage VIP Lounge, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Based on more than 781,000 member reviews, it was the highest-rated lounge across the entire Priority Pass network.