International Travel is more rewarding with Priority Pass: Benefits, how to get membership, importance explained!

With its extensive network of lounges, exclusive amenities, and flexible membership plans, Priority Pass offers something for every traveller.

Updated On: December 23, 2024
8 min, Read

There’s one aspect of international travel that people do not talk about often is the number of hours you need to spend at an airport before you board your flight. Be it the long queues to get your boarding pass or immigration or security checks, these tasks can be exhausting and time-consuming. This is where the importance of an Airport Lounge comes in as a haven for fellow travellers. These lounges provide amenities like lip-smacking food and drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and in some cases spa facilities. There are several ways you can access them, mostly with a Credit Card that allows you to access the lounge, however, one of the most trusted ways to do it, is with Priority Pass.

Priority Pass is a global airport lounge access program that is designed in a way to transform the way you travel. In today's fast-paced world, business and leisure travellers use Priority Pass to access the airport lounge. The benefits and features of Priority Pass can significantly enhance your airport experience. In this article, let’s explore everything you need to know about Priority Pass, including its benefits, features, and how it can make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

What is a Priority Pass?

For more than 3 decades, Priority Pass has been one of the preferred choices for international travellers to access the lounges at an airport. It is a global membership program that provides access to over 1500 airport lounges worldwide. Founded in 1992, Priority Pass has grown to become one of the largest airport lounge programs available as it allows for a range of amenities in a variety of lounges, regardless of the airline they are flying with or their class of travel. There are a magnitude of credit cards in India that offer complimentary Priority Pass membership. Depending on the pricing of the credit card, they offer Priority Pass access to various degrees. Some of the top banks in India where Priority Pass is complimentary are HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra, Axis Bank and many more.

How to apply for Priority Pass Membership? Different levels and pricing are explained!

You can get the Priority Pass membership directly from their website, without getting yourself a new credit card. Priority Pass offers three main membership plans, each tailored to different types of travellers:

Standard Membership
Annual Fee: $99
Lounge Visit Fees: $32 per visit

Have a couple of international trips planned throughout the year? Then getting the Standard Membership would be ideal for you. The Standard Membership plan is meant for occasional travellers who may only need lounge access a few times a year. Thanks to a lower annual fee and a per-visit fee each time you use a lounge, this membership is a great way to make the most of the facilities of an airport lounge.

Standard Plus Membership Annual Fee: $329
Lounge Visits: 10 free visits per year
Additional Visits: $32 per visit

The Standard Plus Membership is perfect for those who fly internationally at least once a month. With this membership plan, you get 10 free visits per year, which makes it ideal for you. And if you have a guest with you, even they can enjoy the lounge as it is chargeable at $32 per guest per visit.

Prestige Membership
Annual Fee: $469
Lounge Visits: Unlimited

If you travel internationally regularly, i.e. more than once every month, then getting the Prestige Membership would be the best for you. This Priority Pass membership plan is designed for frequent flyers. This plan provides you with unlimited lounge access and you can visit any Priority Pass lounge as often as you like without any additional fees. However, if you want to bring another flier with you, then each guest visit fee is chargeable at $35.  

Benefits of Priority Pass

Global Lounge Access: What makes Priority Pass one of the best is that it has an extensive network of lounges across the world. With access to over 1500 lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries, Priority Pass ensures that you can find a comfortable and quiet space to relax in almost any major airport around the world.
Comfort and Convenience: Airport lounges are a haven if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals. Priority Pass lounges have comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a range of complimentary refreshments, including snacks and beverages. Such lounges are designed for those who have layovers. And Priority Pass makes these pre-flight waiting times much more pleasant.
Exclusive Amenities: There are manyPriority Pass lounges that offer amenities such as showers, workstations, charging points, and even conference rooms making them a perfect place for business travellers who need to stay connected on the go.
Complimentary Food and Beverages: One of the biggest reasons to go with Priority Pass lounges as they provide complimentary food and beverages, oftentimes including alcoholic drinks. This can help you save money on airport dining and enjoy a more pleasant pre-flight experience.
Guest Access: This one completely depends on your membership level, as if are allowed to bring guests into the lounge with you. Those with Standard Plus and Prestige membership, as well as your family or colleagues, can also enjoy the lounge.

Lounge

If you are a seeker of comfort and looking for luxury during your travel, you can check in the two premium lounges at the airport. They are the perfect place for you to relax, recharge and freshen up before your flight.

The Adani Lounge by TFS Performa: Located at Terminal 2, this lounge has the perfect ambience where you can have delicious meals and snacks, and enjoy the plush seating, take a nap, recharge your phone or attend a business call.
Travel Club Lounge: You can find this lounge on both terminals, it offers amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

Additional Features and Services of Priority Pass

Priority Pass Select: As mentioned earlier, many leading banks bundle up Priority Pass with their credit cards. This type of Priority Pass membership is called Priority Pass Select. It often comes with additional perks, such as complimentary guest access and higher membership tiers. Check with your credit card issuer to see if you qualify for Priority Pass Select.
Priority Pass Restaurants and Experiences: In addition to airport lounges, Priority Pass also partners with airport restaurants. This way, members can enjoy dining credits at participating airport restaurants, retail discounts, and even spa services. This adds an extra layer of value to the membership.

Still wondering, why you must choose Priority Pass?

Versatility: Unlike airline-specific lounge programs, Priority Pass offers access to a wide range of lounges across different airlines and alliances. This makes it a versatile choice for travellers who fly with multiple carriers.
Cost-Effective: For frequent travellers, Priority Pass can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual lounge passes or upgrading to premium class tickets for lounge access. The annual fee often pays for itself after just a few visits.
Enhanced Travel Experience: The comfort, convenience, and exclusive amenities offered by Priority Pass lounges significantly enhance the overall travel experience. Whether you’re on a long layover or need a quiet place to work, Priority Pass provides a sanctuary from the chaos of busy airports.
Family-Friendly: Priority Pass is also family-friendly, with many lounges offering play areas for children and comfortable spaces for families to relax. The guest access feature allows you to bring your loved ones into the lounge, making travel more enjoyable for everyone.

Conclusion

Priority Pass is more than just an airport lounge access program – it’s a gateway to a better travel experience. With its extensive network of lounges, exclusive amenities, and flexible membership plans, Priority Pass offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking for a productive workspace or a leisure traveller seeking comfort and convenience, Priority Pass has you covered. Invest in a Priority Pass membership today and unlock the world of VIP travel.