I’m always looking for travel hacks, and after seeing a bunch of influencers and media outlets rave about Priority Pass, I was curious. Could this be the answer to a first-class experience on an economy price tag?

For those unfamiliar with Priority Pass, it’s essentially a membership program which gives you access to airport lounges around the world. But it’s not as simple as turn up and you’re in: there are different tiers, and only certain lounges apply (thankfully, that’s over 1,700 according to their website, so it’s likely you’ll always have access to one). After using it for the last few months, I list the pros and cons, and decide whether the pass is worth it for the frequent flyer.

Priority Pass airport lounge membership Review

How much does Priority Pass cost?

Let’s start with the most important factor: the cost. Is Priority Pass cheaper than paying for airline lounges individually? Yes, it is. OK, this can vary depending on what tier of membership you opt for; however, you’ll definitely pay less than the cost of a day pass for a typical airline lounge. 

Remember, though, not all airline lounges are for sale. My favourite, Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse, is only for customers flying Virgin’s Upper Class or Delta One (and their guests). Most paid-for lounges aren’t as nice as this, and some basically look like the main airport waiting area, but with sloppy buffet food. 

What are the different tiers of membership?

Couple walking into a lounge

Priority Pass offers three types of membership. There’s the Standard, which is £69 per year, allowing lounge access whenever you fly for £24 per visit. There’s the Standard Plus, which is £229 per year and gives you 10 free lounge visits within this allowance (then charges £24 per visit afterwards), and at the top, there’s the Prestige, which is £419 per year and allows for unlimited access without fees every time you fly.

I have the Standard Plus.

So, is it an app or a card?

Both. When you sign up, you can start using Priority Pass right away with the app, but then you’ll also get a card in the post, which might come in handy at times when you’re low on battery and need to check in to recharge.

How to find a lounge?

Though there are a lot of lounges included in Priority Pass, it’s not every one at every airport, so you need to check ahead if you’re going to use one. This is easy. I simply open the app and type in the airports I’m heading to. For example:

On one way out, I’m flying from Heathrow Terminal 2, where I get two options: No1 Lounge Heathrow and Plaza Premium Lounge. 

Some small airports don’t have lounges at all, but Priority Pass allows you to use a restaurant with an included meal and drinks instead. I think this is only worth it if you have Prestige membership, as you might as well just pay for the meal and drink separately.

How to scan a Priority Pass

I usually use the app, which I find very easy to navigate. You can pre-book your lounge during busy times, but since I never know how long I’ll take to get there to take advantage of the lounge properly, I prefer to just turn up. [Editor’s note: When I used to have Priority Pass, getting into lounges at Gatwick was almost impossible without booking ahead, so I’d definitely recommend securing your spot ahead of time if you’re flying out of there.]

All you have to do is press the ‘card’ button at the bottom of the screen, and your QR code shows up, with your name and membership details. It’s a bit like entering a gym. 

You’ll also need your passport and boarding pass.

What are you entitled to with Priority Pass

This varies depending on the lounge, but generally it’s a nicer atmosphere with complimentary food and drink, space to sit, and cleaner toilets. The better lounges have showers, which I use before long-haul flights. You get the same access as all customers using the lounge, and you should note that there is a time limit of up to three hours before the scheduled flight departure.

If I’m arriving at the airport from outside, this time is fine, but for long connecting flights, you’ll need to wait until the three-hour mark before scanning and entering.

Passenger in lounge relaxing

What is the main drawback of Priority Pass

If the lounge is full, you’re turned away or asked to return later. I’ve had this at busy airports such as Stansted, and coming to use the lounge for less than an hour isn’t worth it (again, unless you have Prestige). Actually, at Stansted, I have always experienced long lines to use the one lounge, but that’s not Priority Pass’ fault; it’s the chaotic airport. 

Can you bring a guest?

In short, no. To bring a guest, you’ll need to pay £24 each time. If you travel with your partner often, like I do, I’d suggest you both get Standard Plus membership or above. However, this might be good for a one-off occasion, such as if you’ve both got a four-hour layover in Johannesburg and need to freshen up before big flight number two.

How good are the lounges?

Each lounge is different, and I’ve had both amazing lounges and below-average lounges in my years of travelling.

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow T2 is good. Always clean, with private resting suites, good food, and showers. It’s no wonder it’s the winner of the SKYTRAX award for the World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge.

On the flip, in my dreaded departure airport, Stansted, every visit I’ve made to the Escape Lounge is packed, there are no showers, queues – yes, queues! – for the toilet, and the food is like that of a two-star chain hotel buffet. I don’t drink alcohol before flights, so the bar is wasted on me.

If you have Priority Pass, skip the poorly rated lounges and save your credits for the good ones. Customer ratings can be viewed on the app.

What is the best perk of Priority Pass

I like having somewhere comfy to relax and work before a long-haul flight. I don’t feel the need to use my valuable credits at small airports before a short-haul. What’s the point? I can always eat when I land or pop into a cafe at the airport.

Passenger having coffee in lounge

It’s the long-haul trips, such as that of London to Japan, where I think Priority Pass is a saviour. When I desperately need a shower before boarding an overnight flight, or I need the sink space to properly use a DenTek kit rather than slouching over a tiny cubicle. If I’m going to do economy, I might as well be clean and bed-ready. 

Overall, how worth it is a Priority Pass membership?

I think the Standard Plus is the best option for semi-frequent flyers like me.

If you’re always doing short-haul via Stansted or Luton, I don’t recommend using your 10 credits. Save them for well-rated lounges before a gruelling flight to Asia, the Pacific, or the Americas. When you’re under a hot shower, you know it was worth every penny.

Priority Pass is basically the best way to be comfortable if you’re an economy class flyer… which, sadly, I always am. Those Virgin Atlantic Upper Class trips are a once or twice a lifetime journey for now. 

Find out more about Priority Pass

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