Priority Pass discount codes and review

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Priority Pass discounts

Priority Pass
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Lounge access with Priority Pass

Access 1,500+ airport lounges and premium travel experiences globally, in 600 cities across 148 countries
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What is Priority Pass

Access to most airport lounges depends on either being a high-tier frequent flyer with that airline (think Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse) or having a premium credit card. Priority Pass works differently. As a member, you can access lounges run by independent operators like Club Aspire Lounge and No1 Lounge, as well as some individual airline lounges. You don’t need to be flying with a specific airline to gain access, making it a potentially appealing option if you regularly book low-fare flights but still want some lounge luxury before flying.

A typical lounge will offer free Wi-Fi, drinks and snacks, somewhere to charge your devices and spaces to relax before flying. Some also feature showers, meeting areas, spa facilities and a wider range of hot meals.

Priority Pass offers access to over 1,400 lounges spread across 600 cities in 148 countries. Within the UK, there are 46 lounges in 28 airports across 23 cities.

How does Priority Pass work?

Once you have signed up and obtained your membership details, you’re in. Do your research before you arrive at the airport and head to your chosen lounge that supports Priority Pass. You can check this on the app or website. Present your membership card or ID at the lounge’s entrance, or for quicker access, you can scan Contactless Digital entry via the app.

Once you’re inside, there is usually wifi, cozy seating, enticing culinary options, and a selection of beverages. For you, and your guests, to enjoy.

What membership options does Priority Pass offer?

Priority Pass has three different membership levels:

  • Standard membership is a £69 annual fee plus £24 each time you enter a lounge.
  • Standard plus membership costs £229 a year. This gives you 10 free lounge visits during your membership year. Any subsequent visits are charged at £24 per visit.
  • Prestige membership costs £419 a year. This offers unlimited lounge visits during your membership year. Given that it costs significantly more than Standard Plus, you’d want to be confident of making a decent number of lounge visits over the year before signing up for this option.

Regardless of your own membership level, you’ll need to pay £24 each time when you want to bring a guest with you. If you regularly travel with your partner, you’ll likely each need your own membership.

You might be able to get out of paying altogether. Some credit cards offer Priority Pass access to their members as a perk, including some Amex cards that were moved to Priority Pass after Lounge Club scheme has been discontinued.

What lounges can I access with Priority Pass?

Is it worth getting Priority Pass?

Whether Priority Pass membership makes sense depends on your individual flying patterns and plans. Here are some scenarios to consider.

You take lots of international trips with different airlines

This is where Priority Pass hits the sweet spot. If you’re not a dedicated frequent flyer with a single airline, then Priority Pass can be a good way to get lounge access whenever you fly. Just check that your favourite destinations do have lounges available in the right terminals for the airlines you use.

You largely fly with a single airline or frequent flyer alliance

Again, in this case Priority Pass isn’t going to make a lot of sense if that airline has its own lounge network. However, if you’re regularly using a budget airline like Ryanair or easyJet, then Priority Pass could be an affordable way to add regular lounge visits.

You regularly fly business class or first class

Lounge access is usually provided with business-class tickets, so this may not represent the best-value choice.

What should I watch out for when using Priority Pass?

If you plan to sign up, some other issues to watch out for:

  • You’re not always guaranteed lounge access. In busy periods, Priority Pass members may be denied entry to individual lounges. This is usually because the lounge is already filled to capacity. (To be clear, this can occasionally happen even with airline lounges and regular members.)
  • You may not get access to all lounge features. Getting into the lounge doesn’t always mean you can freely use everything. There may be extra fees for facilities like showers, massage or high-end alcohol. Priority Pass does a good job of listing any restrictions and extra charges in its printed and online directories and apps, so check before travel and you’ll know what to expect.
  • There may be cheaper alternatives. Many of the lounges Priority Pass uses also offer general paid access and in some cases this might be cheaper, especially when you factor in your annual membership fee. Many credit cards also offer free lounge access passes as a membership perk, which may be more useful depending on your travel plans and patterns.
  • A few UK airports or terminals have no lounges. London City does not offer Priority Pass lounges.

None of those are total deal-breakers: all lounges suffer from crowding and charges for extra services don’t apply everywhere. If you travel a lot, then the convenience of a single card can outweigh having to pay individually each time.

Priority Pass alternatives

You could consider an American Express credit card for access to airport lounges and other travel benefits. Depending on the card they hold, American Express customers can potentially gain access to over 1000 lounges globally, and enjoy complimentary dining and snacks which often includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also order soft drinks, cocktails, wine, beer and barista-made coffee from the bar.

Other lounge membership programmes include LoungeKey or DragonPass. Alternatively, some airline cards such as those produced by British Airways or Virgin Atlantic expand your access even further to include their own branded airport lounges.

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Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

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