Priority Pass Select Guide (Benefits, Guests, Lounge Lists) [2021]

Priority Pass Select membership can be one of the most valuable credit card perks available. With this membership, you’ll be able to access over 1,300 airport lounges all across the globe. But what exactly are the Priority Pass Select benefits and rules?

In this article, I’ll take an in-depth review of the Priority Pass Select program. I’ll discuss different ways to enroll in Priority Pass Select with different credit cards and go over things like the different guest policies and costs. I’ll also show you how to find Priority Pass lounge locations and what to expect when you visit them.

Interested in finding out the hottest travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

What is Priority Pass Select?

Priority Pass Select is a type of Priority Pass membership that is offered through various U.S. financial institutions and grants you access to over 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges all over the globe.

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Priority Pass membership cost

Priority Pass Select memberships are gained through credit cards so the cost for those memberships are essentially the annual fee paid for those cards.

But there are also different types of Priority Pass memberships that you can purchase without being a credit card holder. Those memberships are listed below.

  • Standard: $99 annual fee
  • Standard Plus: $299 annual fee
  • Prestige: $429 annual fee

Priority Pass Select memberships are very similar to these memberships that you can pay for. For example, some Priority Pass Select memberships will grant you unlimited access while others might limit your visits to only 10 per year.

But one major distinction between the two is that with Priority Pass Select you are often allowed to bring guests with you into the lounge free of charge. And if you exceed your guest limit, you can have guests enter with a reduced fee of around $27 per guest. 

If you’re talking about a Priority Pass Select membership that offers unlimited lounge visits, you can quickly see how valuable the membership is. For example, the Prestige membership will cost you $429 per year, so you’re getting at least that much value.

But as noted the Prestige membership does not allow you to bring in guests for free. So if you regularly bring along a companion with you or a family, you’re potentially getting much more than $429 worth of value from your membership.

Priority Pass Select guest policy

Take a look at the cards below and you will notice that the guest policy for the cards differ. Most cards offer two complimentary guests while some other cards also allow for immediate family members to enter or even unlimited guests. As stated, if you exceed the guest policy, you can usually have guests enter with a reduced fee of around $27 per guest.

One thing to take into consideration is that the individual lounges can impose their own restrictions on guest policies. You usually won’t have a problem when bringing in one or two guests but if you’re trying to bring in more than that you could run into issues if the lounge is facing crowding.

How to get a Priority Pass Select membership

There are many different ways to get a Priority Pass membership. Below, I will discuss several of the different credit cards that you can choose from in order to get a membership. I will also highlight some of the key benefits of these cards so that you can have an idea of why these cards might be a good fit for you.

Amex Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is the number one card for lounge access in my opinion. You’ll get Priority Pass membership for you and two other guests but you’ll also get Centurion Lounge access along with Delta Sky Club access, making this the most complete lounge package out there.

The Platinum Card is also a great card if you want elite status, as it offers Gold status with Hilton and Marriott. It’s also a very rewarding card with 5X on airfare and other benefits.

The annual fee for the Platinum Card is $695 but it is offset by the $200 annual Uber credit and the $200 annual airline credit. In addition, you’ll also get a $200 hotel credit, $300 Equinox credit, CLEAR credit, and $240 entertainment credit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass Select membership for you and two guests. It used to offer unlimited guests but that got a little too popular and Chase cut back the benefit to only allow for two guests.

Beyond Priority Pass, the Sapphire Reserve is a very strong contender of a credit card with its 3X on dining and travel, $300 travel credit, and ability to cash in your points through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. It also comes with a host of worthwhile benefits.

The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is $550 but with the easy to use $300 travel credit and $60 DoorDash credit, it’s very easy knock down the effective annual fee to $190.

US Bank Altitude Reserve

The US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers an interesting Priority Pass membership that gives you four complimentary entries each year and four individual accompanying guest visits as well. After the free visits have been used, the member’s card will be charged a lounge visit fee of $27 per person per visit for the member and each guest.

The Altitude Reserve also comes with a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,500 within the first 90 days. It also has one of the highest travel credits of $325 making it easy to offset the $400 annual fee.

This is a great card for those who utilize mobile wallets because it earns 3X on eligible mobile wallet purchases, which can be a significant advantage for some. The card also earns 3X on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, taxis, trains, etc. (but no OTAs).

Amex Hilton Aspire

Hilton Aspire Bonus

The Amex Hilton Aspire will grant you Priority Pass for you and two guests, just like the Platinum Card. The Aspire really shines in a few ways. First, it offers you Hilton Diamond status, which is the top-tier status offered by Hilton. That status can get you free breakfast, lounge access, and suite upgrades, among other benefits.

The Aspire also comes with a number of credits that help offset the $450 annual fee:

  • $250 airline incidental fee statement credit
  • $250 Hilton resort statement credit
  • $100 on property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package

You also get a free anniversary night which can be used at even the most expensive Hilton properties.

And finally you can earn a ton of Hilton points with this card as it comes with the following bonus categories:

  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases

Amex Hilton Surpass

The Amex Hilton Surpass comes with 10 free Priority Pass lounge passes. You can use these for yourself and for guests if you’d like, so there’s a lot of flexibility with this card.

The Ascend is a much more basic card compared to the Aspire but it’s still a very good hotel credit card. You’ll get Hilton Honors Gold status and the ability to earn one free weekend night at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year

You’ll also get some strong bonus earning potential by being able to earn:

  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants, and U.S. gas stations
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

For only a $95 annual fee, this card is a bargain for many people.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card comes with the standard Priority Pass Select membership that allows access for you and two guests with unlimited visits. Overall, it’s a pretty strong hotel card and also offers a $300 credit towards Marriott that can even be used at room rates and an annual free night for properties that cost up to 50,000 Marriott points.

There’s also some decent bonus earning potential with the card as it earns:

  • 6X on Marriott purchases
  • 3X on US restaurants
  • 3X on airlines booked directly with airlines
  • 2X on other purchases

The card does come with Marriott Gold elite status but that elite status is less valuable than it was before.

Citi Prestige

The Citi Prestige comes with one of the better Priority Pass memberships. You’ll get unlimited visits for yourself and two guests or your immediate family members.

The card earns a whopping 5X on dining and airfare and 3X on cruise lines and hotels, as well as 2X on entertainment. The $250 travel credit is now expanded so you’ll be able to offset the annual fee easier though the fee is increased to $495.

Luxury Card Black Card

Reportedly, the Luxury Card Black Card allows for unlimited guests with your Priority Pass membership. I haven’t been able to confirm that in the terms and conditions but if that’s the case, the Luxury Card offers the most generous type of Priority Pass membership.

Unfortunately, the Black Card is kind of a bust overall. It doesn’t offer a welcome bonus and while it earns 2% back when used for airfare and 1.5% back on all purchases, you can find no annual fee cards that earn that same rate so that’s not entirely impressive.

It does have a $100 airline credit that helps offset the $495 annual fee and some special VIP perks like 24/7 access to Luxury Card Concierge, Luxury Card Travel, and “Priceless” access. But beyond that, there’s not a whole to rave about with this card. 

Luxury Card Gold Card

The Luxury Card Gold Card is very similar to the Black Card only it earns 2% back when used for airfare and 2% back on all purchases. Again, that’s not bad but considering there are no-annual fee cards which can earn you the same rates, that’s not that impressive.

Other card options

  • City National Bank Visa Infinite
  • Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (no longer available for new applicants)

Authorized users

Many of these cards allow authorized users to get access to the Priority Pass lounges. Utilizing authorized users is a great way to get more guests into the lounge with you since each authorized user can bring in their own guests. So for example if you and a companion had a Platinum Card, then you each could bring in two guests for a total of four guests. Many times, the fees for adding authorized users are very reasonable so consider using this to your advantage.

How Priority Pass Select works

The way Priority Pass works is pretty simple.

Get approved for an eligible card

First, you need to get approved for a credit card that has Priority Pass Select.

Enroll/activate

You will typically need to enroll in Priority Pass after you are approved for a credit card, so don’t assume that you will be automatically enrolled. You can usually do this online when logging in to your account but you also might be able to do this by calling in.

Show your card

After you enroll into the program, you should receive your physical card in the mail within a couple of weeks. Make sure that you bring your physical card with you when you visit the lounges. 

Many programs will allow you to link your Priority Pass card to the mobile app so you won’t always have to bring the physical card but some lounges have issues when trying to use your app. Thus, I always carry my physical card with me when traveling.

Cancelling

Something you need to know is that if you cancel your credit card you will lose out on the lounge membership immediately. If you somehow are given access to the lounge with your Priority Pass card, you will likely get billed for that visit on your credit card on a later date.

Renewing

Your Priority Pass Select membership should automatically renew if your card remains in good standing. However, it’s a good idea to monitor your card membership to make sure that the renewal process goes smoothly.

Priority Pass MCO Lounge.

Priority Pass Select app (digital card)

You can download the Priority Pass app from the App Store or Google Play.

This app is how you can access your digital card. Also, they are now starting to show indoor airport maps to help you better navigate the terminals and find your lounge. Other features include tracking your visit history and saving your “must visit” lounges to access them from the search screen.

Priority Pass Select benefits (lounges experiences)

The lounge experience can differ dramatically between Priority Pass lounges but here are some benefits you can expect to find at these lounges.

Wifi

Virtually every Priority Pass is going to offer complimentary wifi, at least for a while. Generally, the wifi speed is good enough to get things done but I’ve visited some lounges where the speed was severely lacking.

Food items

The type of food you’ll find in these lounges is going to vary. At the minimum, you’ll usually be able to find snacks and finger foods, such as pretzels, chips, and other light bites. But some lounges will provide you with a spread of hot items — sometimes these are actually pretty tasty items and other times they leave a bit to be desired.

Complimentary drinks

Most Priority Pass lounges that I’ve visited have offered a selection of complimentary alcohol. Beer and wine is common to find but some lounges will have a pretty solid line-up of spirits that you can take advantage of.

Comfy seating

Most lounges will have seating options that are superior to what’s offered in the terminals. Again, it all depends on the lounge.

Showers

Some Priority Pass lounges have showers though there are usually only a small number (or only one shower stall) available. If you want to shower at one of these lounges, your best bet would be to contact the front desk as soon as you arrive in order to secure a stall.

Some of the showers will provide you with amenities like soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, though it varies.

Nap rooms

Nap rooms are more rare to come across but I’ve seen some with some nice nap rooms (sometimes you have to reserve them).

Crowding

With so many credit cards offering Priority Pass now, crowding has definitely become an issue in some of these lounges. As a result, some lounges now limit access to Priority Pass members during busy hours. This is something that you always want to check on before heading out to your lounge.

How to find Priority Pass Select locations

It’s very easy to find Priority Pass lounges.

Simply visit their website and click on “Find a Lounge” at the top of the screen. You can then enter the city, airport name or code.

Once you are taken to the search results, simply click on the “Lounges” tab to see what lounges are available at the airport. You should then be able to select the lounges to find out all of the details for that lounge.

  • Opening Hours
  • Location
  • Conditions
  • Additional Information

You can also easily see the amenities offered like alcohol, showers, wifi, and things like whether Digital Cards are accepted.

It’s really important to make sure that you’ll be able to visit these lounges from the terminal that you’re flying out of. Many airports don’t allow you to connect between terminals after you go through security, so it’s not always practical to visit these lounges.

Sometimes you can exit the terminal and go through security twice to visit a lounge but some of these lounges might not be worth the effort. If you’re trying to figure out whether or not you can get between terminals, Flyertalk is a great place to research and ask questions.

Priority Pass restaurants

One of the cool new trends is that Priority Pass has added airport restaurants to its lounge network. For example, At SFO, you can visit the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse or Yankee Pier.

This is great if you can’t make it to a terminal with a lounge or if the lounges are full. And you can sometimes register multiple guests so you and a small party of three can enjoy a meal together.

These restaurants are constantly changing so you want to make sure that you’re checking the most up to to date information on them before you visit.

Which Priority Pass Select membership is right for you?

Airlines

Since Priority Pass offers you airport lounge access you will likely be seeking out benefits related to airlines. The Platinum Card is a great way to go to maximize your rewards with airlines because it offers 5X rewards on purchases made directly with airlines.

But note that if you want lounge access with specific airlines like United, American Airlines, Delta, etc., there are co-branded cards that you can get that will offer you lounge access for those specific airlines.

Hotels

If you are interested in hotel rewards then the Hilton Aspire Card might be on the top of your list. Personally, I would go with the Hilton Aspire Card because I like that it offers top tier diamond status and also offers such amazing credits. I would also give the American Express Platinum a really good look because it comes with Hilton Gold Status as well as Marriott Gold as well.

Spending

Now, more premium cards are offering bonus spending for various types of bonus categories like dining and travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a great option for earning bonus points on travel purchases and it will also earn you three times the points on dining is well. The new Citi Prestige Card is a great option for maximizing earnings on dining with its new 5X rewards as well.

Limited visits

Some people might only visit airports a few times a year. For these people, they don’t really need an unlimited membership for airport lounges. Instead, they can be 100% satisfied with a card that only provides them with a handful of visits each year. These people might want to consider cards like the Hilton Ascend or Altitude Reserve.

Multiple cards with Priority Pass

A lot of people wonder if they should hold multiple cards that offer them a Priority Pass Select membership.

The answer to this question is very often: yes.

Now that so many valuable credit cards offer Priority Pass memberships, it is almost difficult to not have multiple memberships with Priority Pass. In fact, right now I could have a hand full of Priority Pass memberships if I chose to enroll each individual credit card.

But that is not because I am a Priority Pass fanatic. It is just because there are several cards out there that offer such great benefits that they are worth picking up individually.

For example, I hold the American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Hilton Aspire, and will soon be picking up the Citi Prestige. Each of those cards offer me unique benefits that I can take advantage of in different ways.

  • American Express Platinum Card: Centurion Lounge access, 5X airfare earning Membership Rewards, FHR
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3X on dining and travel earning Ultimate Rewards, 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Travel Portal
  • Hilton Aspire: Hilton Diamond status, 14X on Hilton purchases
  • Citi Prestige: 4th night free, 5X on dining and airfare earning Citi ThankYou Points

If you do enroll in multiple Priority Pass programs then I suggest that you mark your Priority Pass cards so that you do not get your memberships mixed up. This is especially important if the guest policy is different for your different cards.

List of US lounge locations

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL)

Minute Suites

Check out the full Minute Suites guide.

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate B16

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

The Club ATL

Terminal

  • International Terminal / Concourse F

Location

  • Airside – Mezzanine Level, next to the Chapel

Hours

  • Daily: 6:30am to 10:00pm

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside- after security, Minute Suites is located between Gate C3 and C5 right next to Urban Bar-B-Que

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

The Club BWI

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – Upper Level. After Security Checks, proceed to Gate D10 and the lounge is located next to ‘Dunkin Donuts’. The lounge is also accessible to passengers traveling from Concourse E. Please allow sufficient time to return back to the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 4:30am to 7:00pm

Logan International (BOS)

Stephanies

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Departures Level, opposite Gate B24. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 4:30am and closes 30 minutes prior to last scheduled flight departure (Temporarily Closed)

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Landside – before Security, Departures Level opposite the ‘Alaska Airlines’ check-in counter

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm to 8:00pm

The Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – 1st Floor, Concourse Level across from Gate C19. The lounge is not accessible from Gates 40 – 42

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 8:00pm

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right towards Gate 4. Take the dedicated lounge elevator or stairs to where the lounge is located

Hours

  • Mon, Thu, Sat: 10:30am to 10:30pm
  • Tue: 1:00pm to 10:30pm
  • Wed, Fri, Sun: 9:30am to 10:30pm

The Club

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn left and take the elevator down one level

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 1:00am (Temporarily Closed)

Buffalo Niagara Intl (BUF)

The Club

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, between Gates 6 and 7

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 5:00pm

Charleston SC International (CHS)

The Club CHS

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security walk straight ahead towards Concourse B. Take the elevator on the left hand side for entrance to the lounge which is located over the AME Memorial and the Eddie Bauer store

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 7:30pm

Charlotte Douglas Intl (CLT)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – D/E Connector near the Food Court

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Atrium

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located in the main atrium, next to the Food Court Area

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Chicago Ohare Intl (ORD)

Swissport Lounge

Terminal

  • International Terminal 5

Location

  • Airside – after Security turn right and the lounge is located between Gates M8 and M7 on the right

Hours

  • Daily: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Closed: Dec. 25 & Jan 1

Cleveland Hopkins Intl (CLE)

The Club CLE

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, head straight to Concourse B, turn right into the hall after ‘Ohio Gameday Sports’

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

Bar Symon

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – after Security, go to Concourse C and Bar Symon is located between Gates C4 and C6

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 5:30pm

Colorado Springs (COS)

Colorado Springs Premier Lounge

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, adjacent to Gate 6

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Dallas/Fort Worth Intl (DFW)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate A38

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Gameway

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – near the Skylink and Gate 42

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 8:00pm

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate D23

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

The Club DFW

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – located on the Mezzanine Floor near Gate 27. Passengers departing from other terminals will need to access the lounge via Skylink to avoid passing through security twice. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 9:00pm

Gameway

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – near Gate 16

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 7:00pm

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • McNamara Terminal

Location

  • Airside – located near the middle of the water fall between Johnston & Murphy & Vino Volo, near to Gate A46

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • McNamara Terminal

Location

  • Airside – near Gate A66

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • North Terminal

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks turn left, the lounge is located next to Gate D8

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 5:30pm
  • Tue: 9:00am to 5:30pm
  • Sat & Sun: Closed

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Intl (FLL)

Kafe Kalik

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after Security proceed towards Concourse G and Kafe Kalik is located near Gate G6

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 8:00pm

Hebron Northern Kentucky Intl (CVG)

The Club CVG

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside, the lounge is located between Gates A8 and A10. The lounge is also accessible to passengers traveling through Concourse B or C but will need to allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun: 6:00am to 8:00pm
  • Tue, Wed, Sat: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Honolulu Intl (HNL)

The Plumeria Lounge

Terminal

  • Inter-Island Terminal

Location

  • Airside – 3rd Floor, the lounge is located near the Wiki Wiki shuttle pick up area. The lounge is not accessible for Arrivals

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 6:00pm

IASS Hawaii Lounge

Terminal

  • Overseas Terminal

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, proceed to Garden Court (Airline Lounge Area) towards Gates 14-23 of the Central Concourse. Take the elevator or stairs to Ground Level and follow the signs to the lounge

Hours

  • Daily: 7:30am to 1:30pm & 2:00pm to 6:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)

Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – proceed to Security Checkpoint for Gates A17-A30 and Cadillac is located near Gate A17

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 10:00am to 9:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 7:00am to 9:00pm

Landry’s Seafood

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and Landry’s is located near Gate C42

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – after Security, opposite Gate D12

Hours

  • Mon, Wed: 3:00pm to 7:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 1:00pm to 7:00pm

KLM Crown Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located near Gate D8

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 9:00pm

Indianapolis Intl (IND)

The Fan Zone

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn left and The Fan Zone is located at the end of Concourse B, near Gate B17

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Jacksonville Intl (JAX)

The Club JAX

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – once you pass through Security walk directly ahead past the Food Court and the lounge is located slightly to the right

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Premier Lounge

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 17

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 8:30pm

McCarran Intl (LAS)

The Club LAS

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – Level 2. After passing through Security Checkpoint D, take the Blue Line train to D Gates – Level 0. Take the escalator and head West or right towards Gate D33. The lounge is located between Brooks Brothers & Tumi. It takes approximately 15 minutes. Access from Terminal 3 – Level 0. After passing through Security Checkpoint D and E, take the Red Line train to the D Gates-Level 0 and follow the same directions as above. It takes approximately 18 minutes

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

The Club LAS

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located across from Gate E2

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 10:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Kentucky Ale Taproom

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the Kentucky Ale Taproom is located on the right, next to Concourse B entrance. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Los Angeles Intl (LAX)

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, turn right and Be Relax is located next door to Rock n Brew Restaurant

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 11:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Miami Intl (MIA)

Turkish Airlines Lounge

Terminal

  • Central Terminal Concourse E

Location

  • Airside – after TSA Check Point in Concourse E. The lounge is located on Level 2, past the escalator on the left hand side. Access from Terminal D – pass through the connector to the Central Terminal (E Gates Concourse) and the lounge is located directly ahead

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:00pm

Club America F

Terminal

  • Central Terminal Concourse F

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, follow signs to the lounge which is located on the 3rd Floor. International flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Corona Beach House

Terminal

  • North Terminal Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – between Gates D23 and D24

Hours

  • Daily: 6:30am to 9:00pm

Turkish Airlines Lounge

Terminal

  • South Terminal Concourse H

Location

  • Airside – the lounge lift lobby is located midway between Concourses H and J. Take the lift to the 3rd Floor, keep to the left until you reach the lounge entrance

Hours

  • Daily: Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Minneapolis St Paul Intl (MSP)

PGA MSP Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – proceed to the north end of the Airport Mall (towards Concourses D/E). Take the lift or stairs located between Concourses D and E (corner) up to the Upper Level. Check-in at the Golf Shop Counter

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 8:00pm

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Minute Suites Nashville

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – near Gate D3

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 10:00pm

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl (MSY)

The Club MSY

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, follow the signs for Concourse A and pass Cafe Du Mondé. Take the elevator located on the right hand side to the 3rd Floor

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located before Gates 60 – 68

Hours

  • Mon, Wed: 2:30pm to 5:30pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 2:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules
  • Closed: Dec 24, 25 & 31

John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – near the Air France Boarding Area by Gate 1

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm to 7:30pm

KAL Business Class Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, the lounge is located on the right hand side, across Gate 3. All passengers must hold a boarding pass departing from Terminal 1

Hours

  • Daily: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint on the left hand side. International and in-transit flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun: 12:30pm to 6:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:30pm to 5:30pm

Primeclass Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gates 8 and 9. International flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:00pm to 6:30pm
  • Wed, Fri, Sun: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Air India Maharaja Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gate 5

Hours

  • Daily: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Wingtips Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after proceeding through TSA/Security Checkpoint, turn right and proceed approximately 100 meters where the lounge is located on the left

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 8:00am to 9:00pm

Alaska Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 7

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, proceed to the Mezzanine Level above Security

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00am & 2:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Closed: Dec 25

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse

Terminal

  • Terminal 8

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is located opposite Gate 14

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Minute Suites Express

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, take the escalator up one level and the Minute Suites Express is located on the right hand side of the Bowery Bay Shops

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 8:00pm

Orlando Intl (MCO)

The Club MCO (Gates 1-29)

Terminal

  • Terminal A Concourse 1

Location

  • Airside – Gates 1-29, adjacent to XpresSpa. All passengers with a Boarding Pass can gain access to the lounge but passengers not departing from Gates 1-29 will be required to pass through Security. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gates

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

The Club MCO (Gates 70-99)

Terminal

  • Terminal B Concourse 4

Location

  • Airside – accessible from Gates 70-99, next to the ‘InMotion’ Store, near Gate 91. All passengers with a Boarding Pass can gain access to the lounge but passengers not departing from Gates 70-99 will be required to pass through Security. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gates

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

Orlando Sanford Intl (SFB)

The Royal Palm Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located in the international departure lounge, adjacent to Budweiser Tap Room

Hours

  • Lounge opens 3 hours prior to the first international scheduled flight departure and closes after last scheduled international departure or 23:00, whichever comes first. (Temporarily Closed)

Philadelphia Intl (PHL)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – located between Concourses A and B in the AB Connector

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Pittsburgh Intl (PIT)

The Club

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – take the tram from landside to airside, go up the two sets of escalators and turn right towards Concourse C. The lounge is located 50 yards away on the left between Bar Symon and Gate C51

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 4:30am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: 4:30am to 7:30pm

Portland Intl (PDX)

Capers Cafe Le Bar

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 2:00pm

Westward Whiskey

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – near Gate C6

Hours

  • Daily: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Capers Market

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 10:30pm

T. F. Green Airport (PVD)

Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – through Security Checkpoint, turn left into the North Concourse and Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 11:30am to last scheduled flight departure

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Airspace Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after East Security Checkpoint, take an immediate left and proceed towards Gate 33. The lounge is located between Gates 33 and 23

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 1:30pm

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks on the right hand side, near Gate 27

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 9:00pm
  • Tue, Sat: 6:00am to 8:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, next to Stone Brewery, near Gate 36

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Tue, Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

San Francisco Intl (SFO)

Air France – KLM Lounge

Terminal

  • International Terminal

Location

  • Airside – Concourse A, Level 3. Take the first left after the TSA Checkpoint and the lounge is located straight ahead

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Sat: 7:30am to 4:30pm
  • Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: 7:30am to 4:30pm & 6:45pm to 12:00am
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Lark Creek Grill

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security, proceed straight ahead and the restaurant is located on the right hand side. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:00pm

San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Concourse F, near Gate F13

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 11:00pm

Yankee Pier

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – Concourse F, near Gate F4

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 10:00pm

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

The Club SJC A15

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located on the 3rd Level, across from Gate 15

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm

The Club SJC A8

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located on the Main Level Concourse, across from Gate 8

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Seattle Tacoma Intl (SEA)

Trail Head BBQ Bar

Terminal

  • Central Terminal

Location

  • Airside – Trail Head BBQ Bar is located on the right hand side after you exit TSA, near Gate C1

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:30pm

The Club SEA

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – across from Gate A11. Access is available to all Concourses by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the lounge from other Concourses

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

Bambuza

Terminal

  • North Satellite

Location

  • Airside – once you disembark the train, take the escalator to Concourse Level and turn left. Bambuza is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:30pm

The Club SEA

Terminal

  • South Satellite

Location

  • Airside – next to Gate S9. Access is available to all Concourses by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the lounge from other Concourses

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Lambert St Louis Intl (STL)

The Pasta House

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Landside – located on the lower level Pre Security close to Baggage Claim

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • (Temporarily Closed)

The Pasta House & Schlafly Beer

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – located on the Upper level, through Security on the right, opposite Gate E6

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 10:00pm
  • Sat: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Wingtips Lounge St. Louis

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after TSA Security, turn left. At the end of the terminal hallway (near Gate E22), turn left. The lounge is located opposite Gate E29. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 7:00am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: Closed

Syracuse Hancock Intl (SYR)

Johnny Rockets

Terminal

  • N Concourse B

Location

  • Airside Connector – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and head towards North Concourse B. The restaurant is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 11:00am to 6:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed
  • Closed Thanksgiving

Tampa Intl (TPA)

The Café by Mise en Place

Terminal

  • Airside F

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the restaurant is located directly in front of the Security Checkpoint by Gate F85. Access is available to any Airside with a valid Boarding Pass, by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the restaurant from other Airsides

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 2:00pm

Tucson Intl (TUS)

Barrio Brewery Co.

Location

  • Landside – 2nd Floor, opposite the ‘Arroyo Trading Post’. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am to 3:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed

Washington Dulles Intl (IAD)

Air France – KLM Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – opposite Gate A22. Passengers departing from other Concourses can access the lounge by train. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:30am to 8:00pm
  • Mon: 2:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Wed: 10:00am to 8:00pm
  • Closed: Dec 25

British Airways Galleries Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Screening take the train to Concourse B and go up to the Concourse Level where the lounge is located straight ahead

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 2:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located near Gate B50

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Sat: 2:00pm to 10:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – near Gate B43. After Security, take the stairs to the next level and turn right. Passengers departing from other Concourses can access the lounge by train or walk way to Concourse B. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 11:00pm

Chef Geoff’s

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – after Security, take the shuttle bus or train to Concourse C and proceed to Gate C14

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Ronald Reagan Washington Natl (DCA)

Bracket Room

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, turn right. The Bracket Room is located opposite Gate 12

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 6:00pm

American Tap Room

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, near Gates 35-45

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 6:00am to 10:00pm
  • Sun: 6:00am to 8:00pm

Final word

Priority Pass Select can be a valuable credit card perk. But it’s often a secondary perk for a lot of these credit cards that offer strong perks like elite status and great bonus earning potential. Because so many cards offer Priority Pass membership, it isn’t difficult to prioritize these other benefits and go with the card that offers you the best perks beyond Priority Pass.

JFK Priority Pass Lounges Guide (Alaska, Air France, Etc.) [2021]

JFK is home to several Priority Pass airport lounges and even a restaurant.

But how do you find these lounges and which terminals are they in?

This article will tell you how to get to these Priority Pass JFK lounges and what to expect when you get there when it comes to things like food, drinks, showers, crowds, etc.. I’ll cover all of the lounges for Priority Pass including the Air France, KAL, Wingtips, and Alaska lounge and even the new restaurant.

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

What Priority Pass lounges are at JFK?

There are seven Priority Pass lounges at JFK and one restaurant:

  • Air France Lounge — Terminal 1
  • KAL Business Class Lounge — Terminal 1
  • Lufthansa Business Lounge — Terminal 1
  • Primeclass Lounge — Terminal 1
  • Air India Maharaja Lounge — Terminal 4
  • Wingtips Lounge — Terminal 4 
  • Alaska Lounge — Terminal 7
  • Bobby Van’s Steakhouse — Terminal 8

I’ll discuss the details of each of these below.

How to get Priority Pass

You can get Priority Pass by purchasing a club membership but I always recommend considering credit cards that offer you a Priority Pass Select membership.

These cards would be cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Platinum Card from American Express. Those cards do come with higher fees so you might want to think about credit cards with lower annual fees that offer Priority Pass like the Hilton Surpass Card, which offers you 10 free lounge visits every year.

If you don’t normally spend a lot of time visiting airports and traveling, then 10 lounge visits is more than enough for you and you’ll benefit from the lower annual fee.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

JFK Terminals

JFK has six operative terminals, which are numbered 1 through 8. In case you were wondering, Terminals 3 and 6 were demolished in 2011 and 2013 after Terminal 5 was expanded. Full list here.

JFK Terminal 1

JFK Terminal 2

JFK Terminal 4

JFK Terminal 5

JFK Terminal 7

JFK Terminal 8

Getting between terminals at JFK is not very easy because the majority of the terminals are not located airside. There is a free train called the AirTran but that requires you re-enter through security when traveling between terminals. An exception to this is that Delta connects its terminals 2 and 4 with a shuttle bus.

Air France Lounge — Terminal 1 

Location

  • Airside – near the Air France Boarding Area by Gate 1

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm to 7:30pm

Conditions

  • Maximum 3 hour stay
  • Access may be restricted due to space constraints
  • Cardholder must be 21 years of age or older
  • Children under 2 years are admitted free – All children must be accompanied by an adult

The Air France Lounge at JFK is a spacious, two-floor lounge with modern decor and quiet seating, although it can get a bit busy before large flights ship out. While there are large windows in the lounge, there are no views in this lounge truly ideal for plane-spotting but it’s still a beautiful lounge to relax in.

There’s a well-stocked bar and a decent selection of snacks as well as hot and cold foods, such as croissants and eggs for breakfast. There are showers available at this lounge and spa treatment available too.

KAL Business Class Lounge — Terminal 1 

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, the lounge is located on the right hand side, across Gate 3. All passengers must hold a boarding pass departing from Terminal 1

Hours

  • Daily: 8:30am – 12:00pm
  • Cardholders will not be admitted into the lounge outside these hours

Conditions

  • Limited to two guests per cardholder
  • Access may be restricted due to space constraints
  • Children under 2 years are admitted free – All children must be accompanied by an adult

The KAL Business Class Lounge in Terminal 1 is largely overshadowed by the Lufthansa Lounge and the Air France Lounge, which are nicer. The KAL Lounge is mostly one large lounge room full of sofas and chairs, but limited with electrical outlets.

The food selection is very limited and you probably won’t find hot food options. Instead, you’ll be limited to things like sandwiches, chips, cookies, etc. You’ll be able to find enough to get you by but just don’t go in expecting a full meal.

This is why some people bring in their own food from the outside in order to quench their hunger (the lounge will usually allow for outside food to be brought in).

Like many other KAL lounges, the drink selection is limited in this lounge and definitely not on par with the Air France Lounge.

Showers are available at this lounge.

Lufthansa Business Lounge — Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint on the left hand side. International and in-transit flights only.

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun: 12:30pm – 6:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:30pm – 5:30pm

Conditions

  • Maximum 3 hour stay
  • Children under 2 years are admitted free

Primeclass Lounge — Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gates 8 and 9. International flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:00pm to 6:30pm
  • Wed, Fri, Sun: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Conditions

  • Maximum 4 hour stay
  • Lounge access may be restricted due to Lounge capacity constraints and the lounge reserves the right to reserve seating as necessary
  • Children under 6 years are admitted free
  • Complimentary drinks are limited to two per person
  • Computer workstations and printers available

This is a pretty solid 5,120-square foot contract lounge where you can find a variety of hot foods and a decently sized buffet. The lounge feels pretty modern and fresh and has a good variety of seating options for you to choose from.

The biggest restriction to note here is that complimentary drinks are limited to only two per person (you should be issued drink vouchers). Also, this lounge serves premium cocktails and alcoholic drinks but those are served for an additional charge. Cocktails will cost you $16 and other premium alcohol will cost you about $14. Beer and wine will range from $8 to $10.

This lounge does have shower facilities.

Air India Maharaja Lounge — Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gate 5

Hours

  • Daily: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Conditions

  • Maximum 4 hour stay
  • Lounge access may be restricted due to lounge capacity constraints and the lounge reserves the right to reserve seating as necessary
  • Children under 6 years are admitted free.

This is a pretty basic lounge on the smaller side. It is not going to probably offer you anything special but should cover your basic needs for food and drinks. This lounge does not have shower facilities.

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Wingtips Lounge — Terminal 4 

Location

  • Airside – after proceeding through TSA/Security Checkpoint, turn right and proceed approximately 100 meters where the lounge is located on the left

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 8:00am to 9:00pm

Conditions

  • Maximum 4 hour stay
  • Limited to six guests per Cardholder
  • Children under 3 years are admitted free
  • Dress code applicable (shoes and shirts required for entry – no baseball caps allowed).
  • This lounge is only accessible for passengers departing from Terminal 4. Passengers departing from other terminals may not be able to enter this lounge.

This is one of those lounges that can be strict about admitting Priority Pass members so if you’re trying to visit from 5pm to 1am, do not be surprised if you’re not allowed access with your Priority Pass membership. And if you do get admitted into the lounge, be warned that crowds (and noise) can become an issue at this lounge.

The lounge has an okay food/snack and drink selection but nothing special. You’ll mostly get to choose from some refreshments and snacks (pretzels, cookies, etc.) along with salads. There are international beers available so you can switch things up if you’d like.

Wingtips Lounge at JFK.

Alaska Lounge — Terminal 7

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, proceed to the Mezzanine Level above Security.

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00am & 2:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Closed: Dec 25

Conditions

  • Lounge access is permitted 2 hours prior to a scheduled flight departure
  • Limited to two guests per cardholder or immediate family (spouse and children under 21 years of age)
  • Lounge access may be restricted due to Lounge capacity constraints and the Lounge reserves the right to reserve seating as necessary
  • Children under 2 years are admitted free
  • Alcoholic drinks are limited to three per adult.

This is a new lounge that just opened up in 2018 and so it was an exciting addition to the Priority Pass network, as it’s one of the best Priority Pass lounges at JFK. It’s a beautiful lounge with a rustic vibe optimal for relaxation. The lounge is home to large floor to ceiling windows that are great for watching the runway.

There’s a lot of comfy and private seating options in this lounge and plenty of power outlets for everyone — there’s even a fireplace in the lounge.

As for food you can expect standard breakfast foods like bagels and muffins for breakfast along with the famous pancake machine. In the afternoon, soups, salads, and other light refreshments will be available (though you can pay $8 for hot food items). There’s also a nice coffee bar in the lounge, too.

You’ll have access to complimentary beer and wine though premium drinks can be purchased as well.

Alaska Lounge at JFK.

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse — Terminal 8

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is located opposite Gate 14

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

Conditions

  • Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to receive $28 USD off the bill.
  • Each $28 deduction represents a single lounge visit
  • If a Cardholder registers 1 Guest they will receive $56 USD off their bill which will be charged as 1 Cardholder visit + 1 Guest visit on their account.
  • Only 1 membership card per visit per Cardholder will be accepted at point of entry.
  •  The US$28 is valid for purchase of any meal and/or drinks.
  • To be eligible, Cardholders must present a Valid Card and Boarding Pass with confirmed same-day travel before placing an order.
  • Cardholder is responsible for balance if total final bill exceeds US$28 per person. Any remaining balance cannot be used towards gratuity.

If you’re in the mood for a steakhouse then consider trying out Bobby Van’s, which will offer some solid airport dining. You won’t be able to get a steak covered for $28 but you you can offset the cost of one down to $8. Also, there are plenty of other menu items that fall under $28 like burgers and sandwiches.

Centurion Lounge Reminder

You are not offered access to Amex Centurion Lounges with Priority Pass but I thought this would be a good time to remind travelers that a new Amex Centurion Lounge is located at JFK in Terminal 4.

Final word

JFK has a hand full of options for Priority Pass members. However, the layout of JFK Airport makes it difficult to visit many of these lounges since you generally can’t connect airside. Also, the lounge admission policies (and quality) of some of the lounges are questionable although there are at least two solid options with the Alaska and Air France lounge.

Priority Pass Restaurants Guide: (Full List w/Prices & Menu Items) [2021]

Priority Pass is one of the most rewarding travel perks for many premium credit cards and offers value beyond simply granting airport lounge access. At many airports, you can enjoy nice restaurants and receive a pretty sweet credit for your meal at around $30.

In this article, we have broken down all of the Priority Pass restaurants that you will find in the US and also internationally. You’ll find details for the location of the restaurant within the airport, hours, and even items and prices from many of the menus.

I’ll also answer a number of frequently asked questions regarding these restaurants so that you’ll be fully prepared for your visit. 

Priority Pass restaurant overview

Priority Pass is a network of over 1,300 airport lounges located across the globe. Most of these locations are actual lounges where you can relax and enjoy things like complimentary Wi-Fi, free snacks and drinks, and in some locations even enjoy a refreshing shower!

But some of these locations are actually restaurants or bars located within airports.

As competition for lounge real estate in airports has heated up, Priority Pass has found it advantageous to partner up with airport restaurants and bars and now the Priority Pass restaurant network is growing and expanding pretty quickly. 

At these establishments, your Priority Pass membership may provide you with a credit that can be used up to a certain amount for food and beverages (more on that below). This is a fantastic perk because it gives you an area to relax in when there are no lounges available or you simply just aren’t feeling the lounge.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Bar Symon. Photo via CLE.
Wall of memorabilia at San Francisco Giants Clubhouse at SFO.
San Francisco Giants Clubhouse at SFO. Photo via MLB.

Priority Pass restaurant details

The hours below are accurate as of October 2021.

But note that some hours are subject to change so always check the link to the lounge (which is supplied below) in order to verify current opening hours.

We’ve also provided pricing information and some menu selections to give you an idea of how much value you can receive at these restaurants along with the type of options that are offered. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

US Priority Pass Restaurants

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Stephanies

Hours

  • Daily: 4:30am and closes 30 minutes prior to last scheduled flight departure (Temporarily Closed)

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Departures Level, opposite Gate B24. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Stephi Burger: $22
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich: $18

Link to lounge webpage

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm – 8:00pm. Cardholders will not be admitted into Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill outside these hours

Location

  • Landside – before Security, Departures Level opposite the ‘Alaska Airlines’ check-in counter

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Philly Cheese Steak Mini Chimis: $11
  • Fish Taco Trio: $14

Link to lounge webpage

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Bar Symon

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am – 5:30pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, go to Concourse C and Bar Symon is located between Gates C4 and C6

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Bacon Cheese Burger: $11.99
  • Smoked Turkey Rachel: $11.99

Link to lounge webpage

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Kafe Kalik

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security proceed towards Concourse G and Kafe Kalik is located near Gate G6

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Deep Fried Herb Crusted “Whole” Snapper
  • Four Cheese Baked Tortellini

Link to lounge webpage

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 10:00am – 9:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 7:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – proceed to Security Checkpoint for Gates A17-A30 and Cadillac is located near Gate A17

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Crispy Chicken or Beef Tacos: $13.99
  • Tacos Al Carbon: $19.79

Link to lounge webpage

Landry’s Seafood

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and Landry’s is located near Gate C42

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Southern Fried Fish: $24
  • Blackened Red Fish Étouffée: $29

Link to lounge webpage

Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

The Fan Zone

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn left and The Fan Zone is located at the end of Concourse B, near Gate B17

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Chicken Fingers and French Fries: $13
  • Hot Ham Sandwich: $14

Link to lounge webpage

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Kentucky Ale Taproom

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the Kentucky Ale Taproom is located on the right, next to Concourse B entrance. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Smothered Chicken: $16
  • Fish & Chips: $17

Link to lounge webpage

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Corona Beach House

Hours

  • Daily: 6:30am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – between Gates D23 and D24

Credit Details

  • $30 per person

Price Examples

  • Tequila Chicken: $16
  • Churrasco: $29

Link to lounge webpage

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

PGA MSP Lounge

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – proceed to the north end of the Airport Mall (towards Concourses D/E). Take the lift or stairs located between Concourses D and E (corner) up to the Upper Level. Check-in at the Golf Shop Counter

Credit Details

  • $15 per person

Price Examples

  • Grilled Chicken Bacon Cheddar: $15.40
  • Reuben Sandwich: $14

Link to lounge webpage

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is located opposite Gate 14

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna: $28
  • Porterhouse Steak for One: $48

Link to lounge webpage

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Capers Cafe Le Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am – 2:00pm

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security on the left hand side

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Cobb Salad: $15.25
  • Cup of Soup and Half Sandwich: $11.25

Link to lounge webpage

Westward Whiskey

Hours

  • Daily: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Location

  • Airside – near Gate C6

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Capers Market

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am – 10:30pm

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Seafood Sampler: $25
  • Greek Gyros: $9.95

Link to lounge webpage

T. F. Green Airport (PVD)

Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 11:30am to last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – through Security Checkpoint, turn left into the North Concourse and Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar is located on the left hand side

Credit Details

  • $30 per person

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Lark Creek Grill

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, proceed straight ahead and the restaurant is located on the right hand side. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Grilled Pacific Snapper: $16.95
  • Penne Pasta: $15.95

Link to lounge webpage

San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am – 11:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Concourse F, near Gate F13

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Chicken Drumettes: $13
  • Filet Mignon Beef Sliders: $24.95

Link to lounge webpage

Yankee Pier

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am – 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – Concourse F, near Gate F4

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Dungeness Crab Cocktail: $18.25
  • Bradley’s Caesar: $9.25

Link to lounge webpage

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Trail Head BBQ Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 10:30pm

Location

  • Airside – Trail Head BBQ Bar is located on the right hand side after you exit TSA, near Gate C1

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Granite Mountain Sandwich: $16.89
  • Iron Goat Dog: $14.79

Link to lounge webpage

Bambuza

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 10:30pm

Location

  • Airside – once you disembark the train, take the escalator to Concourse Level and turn left. Bambuza is located on the left hand side

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Cognac Luc Lac Beef: $15.50
  • Lemongrass Chili Chicken: $13.75

Link to lounge webpage

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

The Pasta House

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm
  • Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm
  • Temporarily Closed

Location

  • Landside – located on the lower level Pre Security close to Baggage Claim

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Pomodoro: $12.50
  • Chicken Fettuccine: $16

Link to lounge webpage

The Pasta House & Schlafly Beer

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am – 10:00pm
  • Saturday: 6:00am – 6:00pm

Location

  • Airside – located on the Upper level, through Security on the right, opposite Gate E6

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Nonna Tucci’s Meatball Sub: $11.99
  • Chicken Cobb: $13.99

Link to lounge webpage

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

Johnny Rockets

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 11:00am – 6:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed
  • Closed Thanksgiving

Location

  • Airside Connector – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and head towards North Concourse B. The restaurant is located on the left hand side

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Smoke House Burger
  • Rocket Chili Dog

Link to lounge webpage

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

The Cafe by Mise en Place

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am – 2:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the restaurant is located directly in front of the Security Checkpoint by Gate F85. Access is available to any Airside with a valid Boarding Pass, by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the restaurant from other Airsides

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Molasses Pecan Crusted Rack of Lamb: $48.33
  • Capellini: $25.33

Link to lounge webpage

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Barrio Brewery Co.

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am – 3:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed

Location

  • Landside – 2nd Floor, opposite the ‘Arroyo Trading Post’. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • The Lizzy Salad: $11
  • Reuben’s High on Rye: $11

Link to lounge webpage

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Chef Geoff’s

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, take the shuttle bus or train to Concourse C and proceed to Gate C14

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Shrimp & Mushroom Fettuccine: $25.95
  • Madras Curry Chicken: $24.95

Link to lounge webpage

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Bracket Room

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, turn right. The Bracket Room is located opposite Gate 12

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Chicken and Waffles: $17.20
  • Hand-Cut Filet Mignon: $26.10

Link to lounge webpage

American Tap Room

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 6:00am – 10:00pm
  • Sun: 6:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, near Gates 35-45

Credit Details

  • $28 per person

Price Examples

  • Grilled Salmon: $19.35
  • Steak Sandwich: $15.85

Link to lounge webpage

International Priority Pass Restaurants

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Bistrot Montreal-Trudeau

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am – 7:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, the Bistrot Montreal-Trudeau is located near Gate 48. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Houston Avenue Bar & Grill

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, the Houston Avenue Bar & Grill is located near Gate 77. The restaurant is not accessible to passengers departing on Canadian domestic or international flights. US Transborder flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Price Examples

  • Southeast Asian Chicken: CAD$18.00
  • Salmon Nicoise: CAD$19.50

Link to lounge webpage

Pork & Pickle

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, the Pork & Pickle is located near Gate 3. The restaurant is not accessible to passengers departing on International and US Transborder flights. Canadian Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Price Examples

  • Atlantic Cod & Chips: CAD$19.99
  • Smoked Grilled Salmon Plate: CAD$25.99

Link to lounge webpage

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Bar 120

Hours

  • Daily: 12:00pm – 8:30pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, near Gate D20. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee

Hours

  • Daily: 3:00pm – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, near Gates E73 and F73. International flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Twist by Roger Mooking

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 8:30pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, near Gate D36. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

The Caplanskys Deli

Hours

  • Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
  • Friday & Sunday: 5:30am – 7:00pm
  • Monday – Wednesday & Saturday: Closed

Location

  • Airside – after Security, near Gate B39

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Stanley Park Taphouse

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am – 7:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, proceed to Gate B12 where the Stanley Park Taphouse is located. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • CAD$37 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Coffee Royal

Hours

  • Sunday – Friday: 5:00am – 8:00pm
  • Saturday: 5:00am – 6:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, Coffee Royal is located in the Qantas Food Court Area, directly above the main escalators. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Graze Grill & Bar

Hours

  • Sunday – Friday: 5:30am – 7:00pm
  • Saturday: 5:00am – 12:00pm

Location

  • Airside – Qantas Satellite. Level 2, near Gates 16 – 21

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Grilled Rib Eye Steak Sandwich: AUD$24
  • Reef and Beef Burger: AUD$24

Link to lounge webpage

Merlo Caffe

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 8:00pm

Location

  • Airside – located in the Southern Food Hall Area, opposite Gate 40. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Corretto Cafe & Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 11:00pm

Location

  • Landside – located at check-in level, north side of the food court on the 4th Floor

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Nachos: AUD$23
  • Cheese Board: AUD$23

Link to lounge webpage

Canberra Airport (CBR)

Capital Brewing Co Taphouse

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am until last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – Level 2. After Security, turn right

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

City Hill Coffee

Hours

  • Daily: Opening times vary in accordance with flight schedules

Location

  • Airside – Level 2. After Security Checks, turn left

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

Cram Bar (Domestic Terminal)

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Location

  • Airside – Domestic Departures, after Security Hold Area, Ground Floor, near the Food Court

Credit Details

  • N/A

Link to lounge webpage

Cram Bar (International Terminal)

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Location

  • Airside – International Departures, after Security Hold Area, Ground Floor, near the Food Court

Credit Details

  • N/A

Link to lounge webpage

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)

BlackBerry Restaurant & Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Location

  • Airside – Domestic Departures, after Security Hold Area, 1st Floor

Credit Details

  • N/A

Link to lounge webpage

Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Coffee & Co

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right and Coffee & Co is located near Gate 5

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Perch Coffee Restaurant

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – Domestic Departures. The restaurant is near Boarding Gate B213

Credit Details

  • 12% discount on items and soft drinks from À la carte menu not included in set menu

Link to lounge webpage

Citic Food Port

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am – 10:00pm

Location

  • Airside – Domestic Departures. The restaurant is located on the 3rd Floor, near Security Check 48

Credit Details

  • 12% discount on items and soft drinks from À la carte menu not included in set menu

Link to lounge webpage

Famous Cuisine Restaurant

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:30pm

Location

  • Airside – Domestic Departures. After Security Check Area B, turn left and proceed approximately 30 metres. The restaurant is located next to the lift

Credit Details

  • 12% discount on items and soft drinks from À la carte menu not included in set menu

Link to lounge webpage

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Moon Thai Express

Hours

  • Daily: Opening times vary according to flight schedules

Location

  • Airside – International Departures, East Hall, Level 7 in the Food Court Area

Credit Details

  • HKD$250 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Bar Pulpo by MoVida

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am – 11:30pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks and Immigration, Level 1 departures, opposite Gate 4. International flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Fresh Chorizo Cooked with Cider: AUD$18
  • Char Grilled Marinated Pork Ribs: AUD$22

Link to lounge webpage

Cafe Vue

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to last schedule flight departure

Location

  • Airside – after Passport Control and Duty Free, Level 1. Café Vue is located on the right hand side at the end of the luxury retail area. International flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Urban Provodore

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 11:30pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks and Immigration, Level 1 departures, opposite Gates 10 and 15. International flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Pulled Pork: AUD$18
  • Soft Shell Crab: AUD$19

Link to lounge webpage

Quikshots

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, turn left and Quikshots is located in the Food Court Area. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Botejyu

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Location

  • Landside – Departure flights only. Take the escalator on the 2nd Floor opposite ‘Domestic Arrivals’ to 3rd Floor. Botejyu is located on the right hand side

Credit Details

  • JPY3,400 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Better Burger

Hours

  • Daily: Opening times vary in accordance with flight schedules

Location

  • Airside – Pier B, near Gate 10. International flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Chicken Confidential

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 8:45pm

Location

  • Landside – Food Court Area

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Mach2

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Landside – located in the Food Court Area before Customs, near Check-in counter H

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Milanese Caprese: AUD$38
  • Pappardelli Bologna: AUD$35

Link to lounge webpage

Peroni Bar

Hours

  • Wednesday – Sunday: 8:00am – 1:00pm (Hours are subject to change according to flight schedules)

Location

  • Airside – Pier C, near Gate 56. International flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Chicken Pesto Penne: AUD$22
  • Fresh Salt & Pepper Squid: AUD$24

Link to lounge webpage

Bistro 2020 & Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am – 6:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security in the Food Court Area. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

MoVida

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – after Security, near Gate 32. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Price Examples

  • Pollo Frito: AUD$20.50
  • Albondigas: AUD$18.50

Link to lounge webpage

Bar Roma

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside, near Gate 3. Domestic flights only

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Wok on Air

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – located in the Food Court Area

Credit Details

  • AUD$36 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)

Outback Steakhouse

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Location

  • Airside – between Gates 7 and 8

Credit Details

  • Receive 1 “Meal-Kit” valued at US$28

Link to lounge webpage

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

Bleriot Bar & Lounge

Hours

  • Daily: 24 Hours

Location

  • Airside – after Passport Control, turn left towards Duty Free. The bar is located on the right, by Gate 24. International flights only

Credit Details

  • US$27 per person

Link to lounge webpage

La Bonbonniere

Hours

  • Daily: Restaurant opens from first scheduled flight departure and closes after last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – after Passport Control, turn left towards Duty Free. The restaurant is located on the right, by Gate 24. International flights only

Credit Details

  • US$27 per person

Link to lounge webpage

São Paulo/Guarulhos – Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU)

Bleriot Bar & Lounge

Hours

  • Daily: 24 Hours

Location

  • Airside – after Passport Control, turn left and walk through the Duty Free. The bar is located on the 2nd Level, close to Gates 301-304. International flights only

Credit Details

  • US$27 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Tryp GRU Airport

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am – 9:30pm

Location

  • Airside – Cardholders must first register at the hotel reception desk. The hotel is located after Passport Control in the Transit Area, 1st Floor on the right hand side. Available for International flights departing from Terminals 2 & 3 and in-transit passengers

Credit Details

  • US$27 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Grain Store Cafe & Bar

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am – 9:00pm

Location

  • Airside – take the lift up one level from the main shopping concourse

Credit Details

  • £15 per person

Price Examples

  • Lamb Cutlets: £18.50
  • Livornese Fish Stew: £18

Link to lounge webpage

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Location

  • Airside – after Passport Control, turn right and take the escalator down one level and the restaurant is located on the left hand side, near Gates A20 – A21

Credit Details

  • £15 per person

Link to lounge webpage

Priority Pass restaurants FAQ

How do I get the Priority Pass restaurant credit?

You need to have an eligible Priority Pass card since not every type of Priority Pass Select membership will grant you credits to the restaurants.

For example, if you have a Priority Pass Select membership via the Platinum Card from American Express, you won’t have the restaurant credits within your membership, since this benefit was removed in August 2019.

However, if you have a different type of premium card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Citi Prestige, you should be able to take advantage of the restaurant credits.

How does the restaurant credit work?

Using the credits is very easy.

Simply show the server your card and they will be able to apply the applicable credit to your bill with a quick swipe plus your signature. 

To avoid any mishaps, it’s a good idea to show them your Priority Pass card at the beginning of your visit so that they can verify your credits and guest credits.

Sometimes these restaurants are dropped from the lounge network and it’s possible your credit may not be available if you haven’t kept tabs on these restaurant locations so it’s good practice to verify it at the beginning.

How much are the Priority Pass restaurant credits?

Typically, this credit will be $28 per person although some lounges provide a credit of $30. (You can check the amount offered by the restaurant below or check the Priority Pass website.)

If your bill is more than your credit, you will be responsible for paying that additional amount. And if your bill is less than your credit, you will not be refunded for the difference.

Can you bring in guests at Priority Pass restaurants?

If your Priority Pass membership allows complimentary guests, you’ll be able to receive a credit for them.

Just be aware that some restaurants may limit the number of guests to only one or two individuals. Again, inquire about these details as soon as you arrive to avoid any confusion.

Can you visit multiple Priority Pass restaurants in one day?

It’s not prohibited for you to visit multiple restaurants within one airport so it could be possible to visit multiple Priority Pass restaurants in one day. 

Do you still need to tip at Priority Pass restaurants?

You should still tip at these restaurants regardless of whether or not you are utilizing a credit. Servers in the US primarily rely on tips to make up for their low wages and they will be expecting a tip even if you are utilizing your credits.

If you don’t have cash to tip with, the restaurant may ring up a nominal charge of something like one cent which will allow you to tip with your credit card.

If your total bill is less than your credit, you cannot apply the credit towards a tip. Also, be aware that some restaurants could include gratuity within the charge, so tipping may not always be necessary.

Do you have to go through security to get to these restaurants?

Some of these restaurants will require you to go through security but others will be located prior to security (landside). Check that location information below for more details.

Can I use a Priority Pass restaurant when arriving?

Some restaurants may require you to have an outbound boarding pass in order to utilize your credit. Just check the terms of the establishment and it should indicate the requirements for using a credit.

Can I use multiple Priority Pass cards?

You might be wondering if you can use multiple Priority Pass cards to get multiple meals for free. However, it looks like most if not all restaurants limit you to one card usage per person, per visit.

Can I use the credit on alcohol?

Yes, you can use the Priority Pass restaurant credit on alcohol and many of these establishments are bars.

Priority Pass members losing access to select Plaza Premium lounges as of July

The Priority Pass airport lounge network has over 1,300 lounges located in over 140 countries. It’s one of the most popular programs for obtaining airport lounge access because it is offered by so many premium credit cards such as the Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and many others.

Plaza Premium Lounges are lounges that are part of the Plaza Premium Group lounge network and they are located all over the world (44 international airports).

Based on my personal experience, these are “above average” contract lounges. (They have not blown me away but are still lounges I can look forward to visiting.)

You will find a lot of these lounges in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, though you can also find some in Europe and the Americas (DFW). You can read my guide on Plaza Premium Lounge (full list of lounges) .

Plaza Premium Lounges have been a part of the Priority Pass lounge network for a while now but that is soon going to change. Beginning in July, Priority Pass members will lose access to select Plaza Premium Lounges

Reportedly, only Certain Plaza Premium lounges will be removed from the Priority Pass Program. I’ve seen different reports but it sounds like the majority, perhaps even the vast majority, of Plaza Premium lounges will be dropped from the Network.

We likely won’t know the exact details until the change date gets closer in the summer.

This definitely is a hit for Priority Pass but there is some good news.

First, according to reports Priority Pass already has alternative lounges operating in many of the locations where they will be losing Plaza Premium lounges. In addition, they are seeking out new partners in other locations where they may not have alternatives.

It’s unclear if these alternative lounges will be on par with Plaza Premium lounges in terms of quality. However, the addition of some new lounges could potentially mitigate the damage done from dropping Plaza Premium lounges.

The second reason why this is not all bad news is that if you have the Amex Platinum Card you can still get access to Plaza Premium lounges. That is because the Platinum Card offers airport lounge access far beyond just Centurion Lounge access.

In fact, here are a lot of the different types of lounges you can get access to:

  • Centurion Lounges
  • International American Express Lounges
  • Priority Pass Select Lounges
  • Delta Sky Clubs
  • Airspace Lounges
  • Escape Lounges
  • Plaza Premium Lounges
  • Lufthansa Lounges

Amex Platinum cardmembers may bring up to 1 companion into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests (compared to the two guests allowed with Priority Pass). However, at some airports Platinum members were known to receive better access to Plaza Premium lounges (e.g., more hours, more food or drink, etc.).

Related: Plaza Premium Lounge TPE Terminal 1 Review

Final word

Overall, it’s definitely a negative to see lounges dropped from the program. However, it is encouraging to hear Priority Pass state that they can provide alternative lounges in many locations.This news also is not entirely bad for Platinum members since they will still have Plaza Premium access and in many cases that access goes beyond what Priority Pass offered.

Amex Platinum Lounge Access Guide (Global Lounge Collection) [2020]

Offers contained within this article maybe expired.

The Platinum Card from American Express is the best credit card for lounge access, at least in my opinion. Many people only think about Centurion Lounge access or maybe Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club access when it comes to lounge access offered by the Platinum Card.

But there are actually many more different types of lounges you can access within the Global Lounge Collection.

In this article, I’ll cover all of these different types of lounges and walk you through what you can expect at these lounges in terms of quality and guest policies.

Be sure to check out the YouTube video at the end as well! 

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

What lounge access do you get with the Amex Platinum?

The Platinum Card is the best card for airport lounge access because it offers such a variety of different lounges to visit. It not only offers quantity but quality.

You’ll be able to visit all of the following lounges (subject to certain terms).

  • Centurion Lounges
  • International American Express Lounges
  • Priority Pass Select Lounges
  • Delta Sky Clubs
  • Airspace Lounges
  • Escape Lounges
  • Plaza Premium Lounges
  • Lufthansa Lounges
  • “Hidden” lounge benefits

There are a lot of other premium cards that offer airport lounge access but most of them only offer Priority Pass Select.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve only offers Priority Pass Select. Since the Platinum Card goes above and beyond Priority Pass Select, it is clearly the best card for lounge access in my opinion and it’s really not even close.

However, there are a couple of instances where you might benefit more with one of the other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and I will talk about those below.

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Centurion Lounge access

Amex Centurion Lounges are among the nicest lounges in the US. Why exactly do they stand out? To me it is for a few specific reasons.

Nice selection of hot food items

Generally speaking, I can find a pretty nice selection of hot food items when visiting a Centurion Lounge. Many airport lounges only offer light snacks or cold food items on a complementary basis, so getting quality hot food items is a major plus.

If you are trying to get breakfast at a normal lounge you might only get offered some basic cereal, fruits, and yogurt. But if you are visiting a Centurion Lounge you might get something like hot eggs, poached eggs, sausage, etc. — they will just offer you a much more robust spread (for free).

High quality drinks and cocktails

Many lounges will offer you complementary drinks, including alcohol. If you want more premium drinks or special cocktails, sometimes you have to pay extra. At Centurion Lounges you can choose from a selection of high-quality cocktails and get them all for free. You can also get these served to you while you relax in your seat. 

Nice modern designs

I also just really like the vibe inside of Centurion Lounges. They are usually designed very well and look pretty swanky. They also have a distinct scent that I really love. In short, they just feel like nicer lounges than most other lounges I find in the US and they feel like a more relaxing place to unwind in.

Variety of seating

In some airport lounges, you may only find two or three different types of seating options throughout the entire lounge. At Centurion Lounges you will find several different types of seating that offer different comfort levels depending on what you are looking for. For example, you might be able to find a chaise lounge chair where you can relax and take a nap or find seats that offer more of a cubby experience so that you can get more privacy.

Showers and other facilities

Many have showers and some of the lounges, like at MIA and DFW, offer enhanced amenities such as spa facilities.

Here are all of the current locations for Centurion Lounges:

There are now more and more Centurion Lounges popping up all over the place. So chances are if you frequent a major airport and they don’t have a Centurion Lounge yet at some point in the next few years they might be getting one.

Also, sometimes you can find an American Express pop-up lounge. We’ve seen these in places like London, Tokyo, New York, LA, etc. So be on the lookout for those as well because sometimes they seem to act as a predictor of where the next lounge will be built!

Amex Centurion lounge at IAH.

How to get access

You must bring your Platinum Card with you to gain access to the Centurion Lounge (along with your same-day boarding pass). If you happen to forget your Platinum Card, some agents will be okay with verifying your ID and still allowing you in but that’s not guaranteed so don’t rely on it.

You are allowed to bring in two guests, regardless of familial status. You used to be able to bring in unlimited immediate family members but, to the dismay of many, American Express changed that policy to only allow two complimentary guests total. If you want to bring in an additional guest, it will cost you a pretty penny at $50 per person.

There are also new limitations where you may be denied entrance into the lounge If you are trying to enter the lounge more than three hours prior to your departure. American Express states:

We will not admit Platinum Card Members more than 3 hours before the departure time on the Platinum Card Member’s same-day, confirmed boarding pass.

This rule does not apply when you have a connecting flight. Also, another exception to this rule would be when your flight has been delayed as I was recently allowed entrance into the lounge a good four hours prior to my newly scheduled departure time.

No arrival access

Centurion Lounges are designed to be departure lounges and not arrival lounges and American Express will not admit Platinum cardholders to the lounge when they arrive. American Express specifically states:

We will not admit arriving Platinum Card Members with boarding passes for flights that have just landed.

The drawback to Centurion Lounges

Although I love Centurion Lounges, there is one major drawback to them.

They can get very crowded, especially during peak business traveler times. This can make finding a place to rest and enjoy a meal or drink virtually impossible. Sometimes these crowds are so bad you don’t even want to step foot inside the lounge. However, in early mornings, early afternoons, and evenings, I find the crowds to be much more manageable.

Las Vegas Centurion Lounge.

Overall, I think that if you frequent or even semi-frequent an airport with a Centurion Lounge, the experience can make worth holding on to the Platinum Card, considering all of the other benefits too.

International American Express Lounges

You’ll also find International American Express lounges across the globe.

  • Buenos Aires (EZE)
  • São Paulo (GRU)
  • Mexico City (MEX)
  • Monterrey (MTY)
  • Toluca (TLC)
  • Delhi (DEL)
  • Mumbai (BOM)
  • Sydney (SYD)
  • Melbourne (MEL)
  • Stockholm (ARN)

The quality and amenities offered by these lounges may vary.

For example, some are smaller than US Centurion Lounges and may require you to pay for certain food or drink items, but they generally appear to be of decent quality and thus often worth a visit, assuming you don’t have access to a superior lounge.

I recently visited the Sydney “Centurion Lounge” on a layover and it was nice to have a lounge to access to freshen up for a flight and get a quick bite but the lounge got very packed, the food was pretty basic, and the shower situation was a bit odd.

So I wouldn’t look forward to visiting these lounges in the same way I would a “real” Centurion Lounge.

Sydney Centurion Lounge.

Priority Pass Select

The other major lounge benefit with the Platinum Card is that you get Priority Pass Select, which is a $400 a year pass that comes complimentary with the Platinum Card. This pass gets you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Are these lounges quality?

The quality of these lounges varies dramatically.

Generally, I’ve found that many of the Priority Pass lounges within the US are not very great and can also have crowding issues or access restrictions where you’re not even allowed in. The lounges in the US tend to be on the smaller side but sometimes I am surprised to see them offering hot food items of decent quality.

Internationally, however, some of these lounges can be fantastic. If you’re planning any kind of long trip around the globe, having access to these lounges can be invaluable. The vast majority of Priority Pass lounges are located abroad so you really do get more value out of this membership when you travel a lot internationally.

The Club at MCO, a Priority Pass lounge.

How to get access

One thing you must remember, is that you have to register for your Priority Pass either online or by calling in. Otherwise, you won’t receive a card and won’t be able to access these lounges.

The guest policy for the Platinum Card’s Priority Pass was also recently updated, so now you can bring in two guests for free (as opposed to before when you were only allowed one guest). This was actually a pretty significant change that helped to put the Platinum Card more on par with other premium cards.

You must have your Priority Pass card with you when you to gain entrance into the lounge. There’s also a Priority Pass app so you can show them your “e-card” but note that not all Priority Pass lounges are able to scan these so it’s best to keep your card on you.

Bidvest Premier Lounge in Cape Town, South Africa.

Priority Pass Restaurants

At many airports, there are restaurants that are part of the Priority Pass lounge network. This means that you can get a food credit often around $30 at these restaurants that you can enjoy. This can be an amazing perk whenever you are not flying out of a gate near a lounge or the lounges are super packed.

The problem is that the Priority Pass membership attached to the Platinum Card no longer provides you with access to the Priority Pass restaurants so you cannot get credit for the restaurants.  

Priority Pass perks

Priority Pass can also get you access into other VIP-like perks. For example, when flying into MBJ in Jamaica, your Priority Pass gets you into the expedited line for security (as well as the VIP lounge, which is quite nice especially for Caribbean standards).

Delta Sky Clubs

The Platinum Card Can also get you access into Delta Delta Sky Clubs. Delta Sky Clubs are pretty solid lounges compared to other what other domestic carriers offer and you should be able to get free drinks and snacks.

To gain access to Delta Sky Clubs, you must be flying with Delta on that day.  Unfortunately, guests are not complimentary and you’ll have to shell out $29 for each guest to come in to the lounge with you.

The good thing about the Platinum Card is once again, authorized users are given this perk, too, so if your travel partner has a Platinum Card they can get in for free, too.

If you are interested in getting a more thorough Delta Sky Club membership you can look at the following cards:

Delta Reserve Credit Card

  • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • First checked bag free
  • 20% off in-flight purchases
  • Annual fee $450 (not waived)
  • Annual 1-time first class, Comfort+ or main cabin companion certificate
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
  • Annual miles and MQMs after spend requirement

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card

  • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • First checked bag free
  • 20% off in-flight purchases
  • Annual fee $450 (not waived)
  • Annual 1-time first class, Comfort+ or main cabin companion certificate
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
  • Annual miles and MQMs after spend requirement
JFK T4 Sky Club Sky Deck

Airspace lounges

The Platinum Card also offers access to Airspace lounges. There are currently only a couple these lounges and they are found in Cleveland and San Diego. The lounges offer basic snacks and drinks but as a Platinum cardmember, you’ll be given a $10 credit that you can use towards food and drinks, which should be enough to cover a light meal.

The cardmember’s spouse and children under the age of 21 or up to two companions may enter the club as complimentary guests.

Airspace lounge in San Diego. Image via San Diego International Airport.

Escape Lounges

As one of the recent upgrades to the Platinum Card, it now offers access to Escape Lounges, too. Escape Lounges can be found at:

United States locations

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Minnesota

Nevada

Ohio

Rhode Island

United Kingdom locations

Entry to some of these would cost your $40-45 to enter these lounges so these were nice additions to the Platinum’s lounge network. You can bring two guests with you to these lounges.

The BDL and MSP lounges were part of the Priority Pass network but MSP was recently dropped, so now you would gain access to that lounge by your Platinum Card instead of Priority Pass. These lounges are generally regarded as quality lounges, although you have to pay for certain premium items.

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Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounges can often be accessed with Priority Pass so there’s a large overlap with lounge benefits here.

However, there are some lounges that are only accessible with the Platinum Card so you do get access to more venues. But in addition to that, sometimes access is restricted for Priority Pass members but not Platinum members and as a Platinum cardmember, you might be given more benefits (unlimited free drinks, etc.).

These lounges are largely found in Asia but you can find some in other locations like Europe and South America. You can search for locations here.

I have reviewed a Plaza Premium lounge before and felt like it was a pretty decent lounge on par with a typical Priority Pass lounge. They had a number of hot food items for breakfast, drink options, and the lounge was decent sized with some comfortable seating options.

Cardmembers may bring up to 1 companion into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests.

Plaza Premium Lounge at TPE.

Lufthansa Lounge access

With the Platinum Card you can also get special Lufthansa Lounge access.

As part of The American Express Global Lounge Collection, you can get access to select Lufthansa airport lounges in the satellite area of T2 in Munich Airport and in Terminal 1 Concourse B of Frankfurt Airport through 3/31/20.

Platinum Card Members may enjoy access to Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class) in the Satellite area of T2 in Munich Airport, and T1 Concourse B in Frankfurt Airport.

To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Member must present a government issued I.D., a same-day boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines) and a valid Platinum Card.

Lounge access is for Card Members departing from Munich and Frankfurt only.

Frankfurt Airport.

“Hidden” Amex lounge benefits

I’m always surprised how many cardholders aren’t even aware of the many hidden benefits of the Platinum Card. Beyond the lounge networks above, there are actually several other lounges where you can get access with your Platinum Card. Just keep in mind that these less-advertised perks may be subject to change since they are not highly publicized.

Access Suite Lounge at South Coast Plaza

The South Coast Plaza is a super high-end mall all outside LA known for its high concentration of designer stores. It is also home to a little VIP lounge known as the Access Suite.

The Access Suite Lounge at South Coast Plazas is located on the 2nd floor, just outside Saks Fifth Avenue. It is open from 11am to 7pm (Monday through Saturday) and from 11am to 6:30pm on Sunday. You should be able to enter with up to three guests. You can find a full review here.

American Express Lounge by Pontus at Arlanda

This is a lounge in Stockholm and you can find a full review here. Platinum cardmembers may take one guest with them.

Centurion Suite at the Barclays Center 

You can get special access through a dedicated entrance found on Atlantic Avenue, to the left of the Calvin Klein VIP Entrance. To gain entry to Barclays Center through the American Express Card Member Entrance, you must present the guest services representative with a valid American Express Card along with a valid event ticket.

They state that the guest policy is the following:

All active American Express Card Members are permitted entry to Barclays Center via the Card Member Entrance for themselves and all guests in their party, provided all guests have a valid event ticket.

So it sounds like all of your guests just need to be with you and have a ticket to get in through this entrance.

Note: the Centurion Suite at the Barclays Center is now closed!

Centurion Suite at the Staples Center

The Centurion Suite at the Staples Center is located on Suite Level B. After entering from any main entrance, proceed to the Centurion Suite check-in, located on the Main Concourse across from aisle M22 (next to the Team LA Store).

You will need to show your Platinum Card along with a photo ID at check-in. And you will be given a wristband that allows for re-entry. You will be allowed to bring up to three guests with you.

Once you’ve been checked in, take the stairs or the elevator to Suite Level B.

Here’s what they state for directions:

If taking the elevator, The Centurion Suite will be located through the brown double doors to your right once you reach Suite Level B. Otherwise, proceed to your left at the top of the stairs. The entrance to The Centurion Suite will be located on your right hand side.

The Centurion Suite opens for most Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers home games throughout the year. It opens up 90 minutes prior to the beginning of a game. Since spots are given out on a first come, first serve basis you need to check in as quickly as possible!

Centurion Suite in Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open

During the U.S. Open you can get access to an American Express lounge. You will be able to bring up to three guests but spots are issued on a first come, first serve basis and the access is not restricted to only Platinum Card members. You also can sometimes get additional perks like free bags or even a statement credit to use at the event.

Eurostar Business Premier Lounges

If you are ever traveling on the Eurostar you might be able to enjoy one of the lounges at one of the main stations including:

  • London St. Pancras
  • Paris Gare du Nord
  • Brussels Midi/Zuid
  • Ebbsfleet International

Note that there is no access for guests at these lounges.

Universal Studios lounges (Orlando and Hollywood)

The terms state that to get access to the American Express Lounge, you need to purchase a Multi-Park Ticket or Annual Pass with any American Express card at UniversalOrlando.com or at the Universal Orlando Resort ticket window.

In reality though many people report getting into the lounge without having shown proof of purchase of that type of pack. It could depend on the capacity of the lounge but it is worth giving it a shot to get in even if you did not purchase one of the eligible packages.

Entrance to the Universal Studios Florida American Express Lounge is located across from Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe. The American Express Lounge is open seven days a week from 12–5 pm and subject to availability.

Virgin Australia lounge access

You can get Virgin Australia lounge access when flying Virgin Australia.

Not all of these lounges will offer full complimentary service. For example, for the Centurion Suite at the Staples Center, the terms state:

This VIP space offers a full service bar with a complete selection of finely crafted cocktails, beer & wine, and an array of non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Guests can also purchase and order premium food items from the bar, prepared by renowned Levy Restaurants Chef Joseph Martin.

H/T: DOC for the round-up

Authorized users

One great thing about the Platinum Card is that authorized users are given full access to these lounges just as the primary cardmember is. You can add up to 3 authorized users for $175, so this can be a great way to receive a lot of value if you’ve got friends or family that you trust and want to offer these perks to.

Platinum Card lounge access FAQ

What lounges can I get access to with the Platinum Card?

You can get access to the following lounges subject to certain terms:

Centurion Lounges
International American Express Lounges
Priority Pass Select Lounges
Delta Sky Clubs
Airspace Lounges
Escape Lounges
Plaza Premium Lounges
Lufthansa Lounges
“Hidden” lounge benefits

Do I have to bring my Platinum Card to gain access to the Centurion Lounge

Yes, you will need to bring your Platinum Card and also your same-day boarding pass.

In the past, they have made exceptions to this at times but my advice would be to always bring your card just in case.

Can I get access when I arrive to the airport?

No, you cannot get access when you arrive at the airport unless you have a connection.

How early can I arrive to a Centurion Lounge

You will not be allowed in more than three hours prior to your departure. Exceptions may apply if your flight is delayed.

Do Centurion Lounges get crowded?

During peak business traveler times, some Centurion Lounge are known to get very crowded.

During these times, it may be difficult to find a place to sit, especially if you are traveling as a group.

Can I bring my family into a Centurion Lounge?

The Platinum Card will allow you to bring up to two family members with you for free. If you want to bring in an additional guest, it will cost $50 per person.

Do you get access to Priority Pass Restaurants?

Unfortunately, no, you do not get access to Priority Pass restaurants with the Platinum Card.

Final Word

I think that the Platinum Card is probably the best card for lounge access. While other cards like the Sapphire Reserve and Citi Prestige offer Priority Pass, the Platinum Card goes beyond that with its quality Centurion Lounges and other lounges located throughout the US and the world.

So while the value of lounge access comes down to use, I think these lounge benefits provide me with more than enough value to hang on to the Platinum Card even with its high annual fee.

Los Cabos International (SJD) Priority Pass Lounge (Terminal 2) Review

I have to be honest. When traveling through Mexico or the Caribbean I generally have very low expectations for Priority Pass lounges. Heck, even when I’m in the States the lounges are usually nothing too special. 

However, the Priority Pass lounge at Los Cabos International (SJD) Terminal 2 was actually a nice surprise. It’s not your typical boring, small airport lounge that you might expect to find. Instead it’s actually a pretty cool and refreshing place to relax in (unless you need to visit the baño). In this article I will review my recent experience at the Los Cabos International Terminal VIP lounge and show you what you can expect.

Getting to the airport

We left the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cabo after a great three night stay and then made our way toward Los Cabos International via a Chevrolet Suburban. The Hyatt Ziva originally picked us up in a Cadillac Escalade so this ride was not quite as fancy but still pretty luxurious. 

Leaving the Hyatt Ziva Cabo.

The drive over to the airport from San Jose is very scenic and it was nice to have some views to admire along the way. It only took us about 20 minutes to get to the airport which was very nice. However, if you are coming from Cabo San Lucas, it will take closer to 35 to 40 minutes.

Heading towards the airport.
Arriving at the airport.

We pulled up to Terminal Two and then made our way to the American Airlines premium check-in and received our boarding pass. This flight was my lucky day and I was hit with the “quad” aka SSSS. If you don’t know about the dreaded SSSS, I suggest that you read my article here to find out more about it. (In the end, it wasn’t that bad but still — it’s just never a fun experience.)

The type of boarding pass that you don’t want.

Once we were issued our boarding passes we simply followed the signs to departures, up the escalator. 

Once up on the second floor there was a sign pointing us towards the VIP lounge, which will be towards your left.

We were flying on July 4 and the terminal was pretty packed, so I was expecting to find a pretty full lounge. But lucky for us that would not necessarily be the case. 

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Getting to the lounge

The terminal is pretty small and it only took us a couple of minutes to find our way toward the lounge which quickly became visible at the end of the terminal. The lounge has a really cool futuristic façade that is very different from an ordinary boring airport lounge. 

You will know that you are at the right lounge because it is clearly marked “VIP Lounge.”

Check-in

There was no line at check in so we got in quickly using our Priority Pass membership that we get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. We also have Priority Pass with the American Express Platinum Card but when traveling through airports we choose to use the pass from the Sapphire Reserve now since it offers access to the airport restaurants. 

At the check-in desk there is a small journal where you can sign in and leave some comments and it sort of reminded me of being in the Lufthansa First Class Terminal (except not). I meant to leave some notes but I ended up forgetting.

Los Cabos International Priority Pass Lounge

The lounge has two different floors. On the bottom floor you will find a large counter/bar area where you can pick up food and get complementary alcohol served.

This lounge is a little bit fancy in that they actually have display of their food items so you can know what to expect. Not all of the foods looked that appetizing but I appreciated them keeping it real.

During our time at the lounge they were serving cereal, sandwiches, salad, toast, and a couple of other dishes and soups. They also had other snacks like fruit, cookies, and healthy vegetable snacks like celery.

I noticed right off the bat that there were outlets and USB ports in many of the seats which was really nice.

There were a few places to eat and some semi private areas to take a seat, although some of the areas felt a little cramped.

The bottom level had a decent amount of people in it so I wanted to go upstairs and check out what the second floor was all about. I’m very glad that I did and if you are ever at this lounge I highly recommend going upstairs.

You can get to the second floor via a small elevator or stairs. The stairs are quite narrow especially when trying to bring luggage up or down so sometimes there are bottlenecks. (If you have some large luggage, you are probably better off with the elevator.)

The second floor has an interesting mid century modern set up. There is a dining area that is just a really cool looking area. Again this lounge did not feel like your typical Priority Pass lounge which was refreshing. It was also nice just to see the crowds so thinned out on the second floor.

The food and snacks were pretty much the same that were offered on the bottom floor. Here’s a look at some of the items that they were serving. 

I wasn’t too impressed with their sandwiches until I tried a fresh batch that they brought out (pictured below) which were much better. Still basic but much better.

Overall, I would say that the food selection was decent and enough to get you carried over until your flight but nothing special. 

The upper deck had a lot of modern seating options.  

While these modern seats did not have outlets in them you could find outlets randomly on the floor. I also thought that the lounge did a pretty good job of supplying tables for the seats.  

And one thing that I like about this lounge is that it had great views of the surrounding mountains. Cabo really is just a beautiful place.

There was a section in the back of the lounge that I think was designed for families. Inside this room were two very large and comfy looking recliners.

The recliners looked very relaxing but that room also got very loud with kids running around so I’m not sure it was the best place to put recliners….

There were a number of TVs in the lounge playing Wimbledon and there were a few racks where you could pick up different types of literature. 

Ultimately, we found a spot over by the windows that was pretty quiet and that’s where we settled. 

The lounge also had a VIP area with some sofas lining the wall (that was only for reservations). There was also a business meeting room that was filled to the brim during my stay. 

I do want to say that the crowds did start to pick up after we had been there for about an hour and a half. So I think this lounge can get quite busy but for the most part it was very low-key during most of our stay. 

Dónde está el baño?

The biggest issue with this lounge is that the bathrooms were broken. Yes, the men’s and women’s bathroom on both floors were out of service during our entire stay.

This wasn’t that big of a deal for me because I was able to exit the lounge and go to the bathroom found directly next to the lounge. However the women’s bathroom right next door was also out of service and I saw many frustrating women trying to figure out where to go. This lounge also does not have any showers. 

Final word

When traveling through Mexico or the Caribbean I usually have pretty low expectations for Priority Pass lounges. I found many of them to be very basic and small and often times extremely crowded and hot places I just don’t care to be. However, at this lounge was an exception to that.

It was a beautiful mid-century lounge that never got too packed and while the food wasn’t gourmet, there were some decent offerings. So if you are traveling through Cabo I think you should look forward to using your Priority Pass membership. I wouldn’t say to arrive super early just for the lounge but if you do like to arrive extra early, you’ll have a nice spot to relax in. 

Amex Hilton Business Card & Ascend Priority Pass Guide [2019]

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and the Hilton Ascend are two of the few credit cards that offers a Priority Pass membership without forcing you to cough up a premium price for the annual fee. But this Priority Pass airport lounge access membership does have some limitations you need to know about.

Here’s what you need to know about the Priority Pass membership offered by the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (which is the same as the Hilton Ascend).

Update: Some offers are no longer available — click here for the latest deals!

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes with some solid features which include:

  • 125,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in your first 3 months
  • 12X points per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X PointsPer dollar on select business purchases:
    • at U.S. gas stations
    • on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers
    • on U.S. purchases for shipping
  • 6X PointsPer dollar on select travel purchases
    • at U.S. restaurants
    • on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
    • on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Free weekend night after you spend $15,000 or more during a calendar year
  • Additional free weekend night after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases in that same calendar year, totaling $60,000 in cumulative spend in that year
  • Hilton Honors Gold status (read more here)
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Priority Pass membership
  • $95 annual fee

This card is the business version of the Hilton Ascend which comes with very similar benefits, including the ten lounge visits to airport lounges. You can find out more about that card here


What is Priority Pass?

If you’re not sure what exactly Priority Pass is, it’s a membership program that provides you access to a network of over 1,100 airport lounges all around the world. Some of these lounges are associated with airlines (such as Alaska, KLM/Air France, Lufthansa, etc.), while other lounges are contract lounges open to an array of passengers with different memberships.

The quality of these lounges can differ greatly but generally you’ll find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy at least some snacks and drinks, along with free wifi and perhaps shower facilities. Some airport restaurants are also joining Priority Pass as well.

For our round the world trips, Priority Pass has really made our lives easier by providing access to certain lounges at the perfect time (like when arriving at an airport early in the morning before hotel check-in opens up).

Priority Pass arrivals lounge at SIN.


What Priority Pass access do I get with Amex Hilton Business Card and Ascend?

With your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card you will receive 10 complimentary lounge visits each Priority Pass Membership year.

Getting 10 visits makes a lot of sense for people who only take a handful of trips each year and don’t need to shell out a lot for unlimited Priority Pass visits. Considering these visits usually cost $27 per visit, this perk offers close to $300 worth of value alone which is in addition to the other features of the card like elite status. So this is a bargain for many people.


How is the anniversary year determined?

Your membership is based on your anniversary year on the anniversary date of your enrollment in the Priority Pass Select program — not the anniversary date of your Amex card membership. 

Once your 10 complimentary lounge visits are used, all subsequent lounge visits during the remainder of the Priority Pass Membership year are subject to a fee equal to the amount of the guest visit fee of the Priority Pass Standard program per person per visit, which will be automatically charged to your Card.


Do I automatically get access?

You do not get automatic access to these lounges after you are approved for your Hilton card. Instead, you have to enroll your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card in the Priority Pass Select program to access the benefits.

Once you are enrolled, the Priority Pass Membership year begins and you should receive your Priority Pass Select card directly from Priority Pass within 10-14 business days.

If you’re going to visit a lounge and you don’t have enough time to wait for your membership card to come in, you can call Priority Pass and request for them to give you your Priority Pass number. You can then download the app and then sync up your membership to the app and use that to gain entry.

In the past there have been lounges what didn’t honor the app but I think more and more lounges are getting on board with the technology.


How do I check my visits total?

If you’re not sure how many visits you’ve used up, you can check on your remaining complimentary visit balance by contacting Priority Pass. Their phone number is: 1 (800) 352-2834.

Keep in mind that your lounge passes do not roll over to the next year — any unused complimentary lounge visits will be forfeited at the end of each Priority Pass Membership year.


Do I have to re-enroll?

Once you have enrolled int eh program your Priority Pass Select membership automatically renews on the anniversary date of your enrollment in the Priority Pass Select program. So you don’t have to worry about doing anything on your end.


What if I cancel my Amex card?

If you cancel your Amex card, your Priority Pass membership will  be cancelled and you will likely be billed for any lounge visits that you take after that cancellation.


How do I access a Priority Pass lounge?

To access a lounge, you must show your valid Priority Pass Select card and an airline ticket for travel on the same day for you and each of your guests.


Do authorized users get the benefit?

The Priority Pass lounge access benefit is limited to the basic cardmember so authorized users don’t get the 10 lounge visits. However, a complimentary visit may be applied to a guest visit. So if you’re okay with using some of your 10 annual lounge visits, they can get in for free.

In theory you could bring in 9 guests with you and use all of your guest passes but many airport lounge impose limits on the number of guests you can bring in. So you might be limited to bringing in only two guests, for example.

If you have no complimentary visits available, you and each guest will be charged the amount equal to the guest visit fee of the Priority Pass Standard program per person, per visit.


Final word

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a solid hotel credit card with a great welcome bonus, bonus earning, and elite status. The Priority Pass membership is also a bargain considering the annual fee is only $95 for this card. It’s the perfect membership for those people who only visit airports a hand full of times each year and don’t need unlimited access that they may never take advantage of.

Priority Pass Adds Virgin Atlantic Lounge at LAX

Priority Pass has been adding lounges to its network left and right over the past year. New additions are much needed given that so many more credit cards are offering Priority Pass memberships and many of their lounges are experiencing crowding issues. Priority Pass just announced its newest addition which will be the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX. 

Three total options at LAX

Surprisingly, LAX only offered two options for Priority Pass members. There is the Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6 and the Korean Air Lounge in the in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. So now there will be three options to choose from with the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse found at Terminal 2 (Level 4, above the departure gates). (Terminal 2 is used by the following airlines: Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet.)  The Clubhouse will be open to Priority Pass guests beginning November 20th.

Image courtesy Virgin Atlantic.

Lounge restrictions

The big thing to note here is that the lounge hours for Priority Pass members will be limited to 5am – 12:30pm daily. This is because this is a smaller lounge and Virgin Atlantic flies up to three daily flights to the UK in the later afternoon, which would result in crowding issues if Priority Pass members were allowed access at all hours.

This also means that Priority Pass members won’t get the full service experience, such as the fancy cocktails and dining that Virgin Atlantic offers to its passengers. Instead, complimentary alcohol will consist of beer and wine, though I believe a cold buffet will also be available.

Overall, it’s a slight bummer the full bar and dining options won’t be available (or at least not complimentary) at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse for Priority Pass guests but it’s great to see another Priority Pass option at LAX. What’s more, it’s encouraging to see Priority Pass step up its game over the past few months and continue to add lounges all around the US. Maybe overcrowding won’t be as big of an issue as many people have experienced in the past?

H/T: VFTW