Priority Pass is an airport lounge membership program, offering travellers access to more than 1,000 independent and airline-affiliated lounges around the world. Memberships can be purchased, but do also come included with certain high-end credit cards such as the American Express Platinum Card.
There are different membership options available: the most expensive options include unlimited yearly visits, while the cheapest one is merely access to the Priority Pass network, with each visit being chargeable at US$32 a pop. But not only does your membership unlock lounges, but it can also be used for access to certain specialty locations (such as spas), and even for a A$36 credit at participating restaurants (although this credit is not offered through the American Express Platinum Card).
Unfortunately, at least 57 Plaza Premium lounges (a separate chain of independent lounges) will be leaving the Priority Pass program from 1 July 2021 onwards – including those in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Still, after taking into account the exit, Priority Pass has gone from having one location in Australia many years ago, to more than twenty lounges and restaurants across Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast as of June 2021.
Background on Priority Pass
Since its launch in 1992, Collision Group’s Priority Pass has grown to be the biggest independent airport lounge access plan. The idea behind Priority Pass is that it doesn’t matter what class your ticket is or what airline you fly: you can still enjoy premium facilities during your journey.
So, whether you’re flying Scoot, Jetstar or Qantas, even in Economy, you can enjoy the same comforts of having lounge access when you travel. It’s handy for those travellers who fly on a range of airlines, primarily in Economy or Premium Economy, and are not (or can’t be) especially loyal to a particular alliance.
Some of the benefits of lounge access might include:
- Free WiFi
- Snacks, soft drinks, and complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Access to power or charging stations
- TV and comfortable seating (ideally!)
- Showers and spa facilities (often with an additional fee)
Priority Pass does not operate the lounges themselves. The program negotiates access for their members to use lounges around the world, so amenities do vary across airports. Some can be very good, and some (particularly in places such as Bali) can be decidedly… subpar.
You can get a feel for what each lounge has to offer at the Priority Pass Lounges index.
Where can I use Priority Pass in Australia and NZ?
| Last checked: 24 June 2021 |
Most Priority Pass facilities in Australia (and all three lounges in NZ) are located in international terminals – and hence, may not be open or will have limited opening hours. However, some eateries, as well as the Rex Lounges, are located in domestic terminals.
- Adelaide: Rex Lounge
- Brisbane: three eateries (two in Domestic and one in International)
- Canberra: two eateries
- Gold Coast: one eatery
- Melbourne: Rex Lounge in T4 Domestic, and the Marhaba Lounge in T2 International along with five eateries
- Sydney: Rex Lounge in T2 Domestic along with three eateries, another two eateries in T3 Domestic, and four eateries in T1 International (some before and some after security)
- Auckland: Strata Lounge
- Christchurch: Manaia Lounge
- Queenstown: Manaia Lounge
Perth is slated to get its first two independent lounges, the Aspire Lounges in T2 Regional and T1 International, in July 2021 and the end of 2021, respectively. Priority Pass members may get access to those lounges but is yet to be confirmed.
How do I use Priority Pass at eateries?
Note that American Express Card Members do not have access to eateries anymore — only lounges. (Citi Prestige cardholders and those with single-use passes, as well as those who purchase memberships from Priority Pass directly still do have access to eateries.)
If you have an eligible Priority Pass membership, simply show up at the eatery with your membership card and boarding pass. The restaurant will swipe your card and you will receive A$36 per person to use on food and drinks. Each $36 credit is charged as a visit to your Priority Pass card. For example, if you and a guest turn up at the eatery, you could get a combined $72 credit to spend.
But your Priority Pass account will reflect your visit as well as your guests’. If you have unlimited visits and a guest allowance, that’s all fine. But if you pay for guest visits, then you’ll be charged US$32 for that, which is A$42. So you’re essentially over-paying for the eatery credit then.
Rex Lounges
Rex operates three small but relaxing lounges at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Airports. Those locations are set to be refurbished and expanded in 2021 as Rex focuses on domestic city flights.
These regional lounges offer complimentary WiFi, snacks and the usual hot and cold drinks, with beer and wine served from 3pm, plus massage chairs. A private meeting room can be arranged at the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, the lounge is located in T2 Domestic, which is used by all airlines except Qantas. Qantas passengers departing from T3 can also use this lounge but as you will have to re-clear security for your flight, you are probably best just dining at one of the two Priority Pass eateries in T3. Note that there are also three eateries in T2.
In Melbourne, the lounge is located in Terminal 4, used by Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and some Virgin Australia passengers.
And, in Adelaide, the lounge is located in the domestic section of the airport — international passengers should leave enough time after visiting the lounge to clear passport control and a liquid security check.
If you have the Amex Platinum Card and are flying Virgin Australia, you’ll also have access to the Virgin Australia Lounges at all three airports, in addition to your Priority Pass benefits.
Note that eligible American Express Card Members also have access to the American Express Lounges in the international terminals at Sydney and Melbourne.
Plaza Premium Lounges
Unfortunately, the Plaza Premium Lounges in Melbourne and Brisbane are leaving Priority Pass from 1 July 2021 onwards. The newer Sydney Plaza Premium lounge will also be unavailable for Priority Pass members.
Credit cards that offer unlimited access
Unlimited access is the way to go, especially if eateries are included. One neat thing about the unlimited access with the Amex Platinum Card, Citi Prestige Mastercard and BOQ Specialist Signature Visa is that in an airport with multiple lounges, you can just walk out of a lounge if you don’t like it and go find another.
Using the American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card comes with a full membership with unlimited visits for the Card Member themselves, and one supplementary cardholder per account. Note that American Express Card Members do not have access to eateries — only lounges.
One complimentary guest is also permitted per enrolled Platinum Card Member, with additional guests charged at US$32 per visit. The Business version of the card also provides for unlimited entries but there are no complimentary guesting privileges, with each guest charged the guest fee.
Using the Citi Prestige Mastercard
The Citi Prestige Mastercard has a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder. You are entitled to unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges and may bring one guest per visit. Additional guests will be charged for. Eateries are included, so graze away to your heart’s content.
Using the BOQ Specialist Signature Visa
The BOQ Specialist Signature Visa also includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder, with unlimited entry for you and a guest into the network’s lounges, with eateries also included.
Credit cards that offer single-use passes
These credit cards offer two complimentary Priority Pass visits a year. It can be used for lounges or eateries, but bringing a guest will use up one of those passes.
- Amplify Signature Visa from St.George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA
- Citi Premier Mastercard from Citi
- Westpac Altitude Black from Westpac
Buying access through a membership
There are some paid membership plans if you don’t have access to Priority Pass through your credit card. You can get a 10% discount for being a Point Hacks reader.
Standard membership: US$99 annual fee
- Included visits: None
- Per visit member fee: US$32
- Per visit guest fee: US$32
This is best for those who may travel up to six times per year.
Standard Plus: US$299 annual fee
- Included visits: 10 visits
- Per visit member fee: US$32 for each additional visit
- Per visit guest visit fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership between seven and fourteen times per year.
Prestige: US$429 annual fee
- Included visits: Unlimited
- Per visit member fee: N/A
- Per visit guest visit fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership more than 15 times per year.
Summing up
It’s probably not worth paying for a Priority Pass membership against the backdrop of COVID-19 at this time. But if you do have it included for free with a credit card, then it’s good to know where you can use it domestically and overseas.
Remember that not all lounges are created equal – some Priority Pass lounges may be better than others. One way to get around this is to research lounges before you visit using the free LoungeBuddy app, TripAdvisor or Google, and choose carefully where you use your access if it is limited.
If you have an unlimited paid (Prestige) membership, or one from the Citi Prestige or BOQ Specialist, then you can certainly make use of it by hitting up different lounges and/or eateries as time permits.
Supplementary images courtesy Priority Pass and respective lounges.
This guide was previously written by Matt Moffitt.
Does anyone know if it’s required to register your guest if you’re dining together, or you can just use a single cardholder’s visit and pay the rest in cash? I’d happily just get the $36 bucks off and pay the rest in cash, rather than spend an extra ~$47 on top of that (at which case I’d probably just eat at the food court haha – after all, I’m points-chasing to try and save money!)
Anyone have any experience with this?
On top of the price increase, devaluation, loss of express entry last year… I’m struggling to think of what’s left to keep…
Despite the high prices in Airports, $36 is a big spend for just food, so would I get away with ordering what is obviousy 2 x Meals and getting it paid for with the PP $36 credit?
or is the eatery going to refuse on the basis its for one person only.
Not sure if you able to answer this question or the bank – but I took out the St George Amplify card last year and went with the Amplify Rewards. I also enrolled myself into the Priority Pass membership (which has been very useful so far)
If I cancel the card this year, do you know if that effectively cancels my Priority Pass membership too?
Or are they exclusive?
Cheers
Deej
It is likely that your Priority Pass membership will also cancel once the Amplify card is cancelled.
I don’t have direct experience with St. George so welcome other readers experience here. However I have cancelled a competing bank’s card and my Priority Pass membership was immediately cancelled.
When I got home I saw 2 separate charges for lounge entries in LHR and in Milan, where I only signed in using my card for both of us. Called Amex and they said email PP. I did that and they said no free entry for guess as per email below.
Thank you for your e-mail.
Please kindly be informed that Mrs Xxxx and your Priority Pass membership is offered to you as a supplementary benefit of your American Express Australia Platinum Card and is valid until 24 Jul 2020.Both of you are entitled to have unlimited free member visits (for member use only) during the membership year. However, all your accompanying guests (including family members, children and friends) are subject to a lounge visit fee of US$27 per guest per visit.
Per the lounge visit record we received from the Aspire, The Lounge at LHR T5 at London Heathrow International Airport and Club S.E.A. Sala Leonardo at Milan Linate, you signed in one guest to the lounge on 31 Jul 2018 and 12 Aug 2018 accordingly. As we do not have records of Mrs. Xxxx xxx visiting the lounge on the same date at the same time, we will specially arrange to reallocate the guest visit record from your membership account to Mrs. Xxxx xxx personal membership account under the member number 143 5430285. The guest visit fee of US$27*2 in your account would be refunded against your charged credit card.
Please note this was a reply to my second email clarifying if I was allowed free guest. Seems like different rules to what Amex has stated. I don’t really want to ask them a third time as its probably a waste of time.
Thanks for providing this detailed guide on priority pass. I got my membership through Amex Plat Card and have following questions want to ask:
1/ are there any restrictions on how many times I can use the lounges/eateries per day?
2/ if no such restriction, does that mean, if I travel with a friend, we can go with the eateries first, then relax in lounges before every departure?
Thanks in advance.
That’s really cool.
Korean Air and Alaska lounges at LAX are ok but again so over crowded.
Dnata lounge terminal 1 SIN changi is fantastic but apart from that other quite average.
I’m at the point of almost cancelling my membership as it would be more quiet and less crowded sitting in the terminal.
If I get the $1200 AMEX card – I can have 2 priority pass memberships if I nominate a supplementary card holder?
And we could each bring a guest on that priority pass and travel seperatley?
And we would each have a Priority Pass with our own names?
That has just made this card a hell of a lot more attractive!
As per the Amex website, the PriorityPass membership from the Platinum Charge card allows both the primary and supplementary card holders to bring in a guest at no extra cost. I personally have never been charged for bringing in a guest.
Looks like Prioritypass is now accepted in Melbourne Airport too, Bar Pulpo by MoVida and Urban Providore.
Regards,
Jack
The Brisbane Plaza lounge at the international is fine and basic, much the same as the Auckland lounge. More importantly, decent internet and quiet work spaces as I usually need to do some catch up.
As an added benefit, I get decent value for something that is very much a bonus as it is a work credit card.
…stack one visit from each to get twice the credit at a restaurant?
…use visits solely for other people without myself entering, in the event that (say) I have status- or travel-based access to a different lounge in the same airport?
For example, my PP membership (enrolled as a result of my Platinum Charge card) expires in 2020. If I cancel my Platinum Charge account now, what’s happens to my PP membership? Will it still expire in 2020? Thank you.
I have to say, I’ve found it to be basically useless after trying to use it on several international trips (Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, a few others) for two main reasons:
The lounges are nothing compared to what most Australians would consider a lounge (such as Qantas and Virgin lounges – domestic or international). They range from OK to something that might be mistaken for a regular sitting area at the airport. I had the most tasteless laksa of my life in a Singaporean lounge – a country where you should be able to get a world class one quite easily.
As the card holder, whilst get 2x free passes per year, my fiancé costs $27 USD – which totally not worth it given the standard of the lounges. Much better for us to just go to a nice restaurant and spend this on a quality meal instead of a cheap buffet.
This restaurant deal is a welcomed improvement, however unfortunately Melbourne (and other Australian cities) have missed out. Hopefully the expand this offering to Melbourne.
“Dear Mr. XXX,
Thank you for your e-mail.
Your Priority Pass membership under member number xxxxxxxxxxxxx is offered to you by American Express Australia as a supplementary benefit of your Platinum card and it is valid until xxxxxxxxxx. Under which, you can enjoy unlimited free lounge visits, which can be used by member only, and you can bring 1 guest per visit for free. Guest visits in excess of 1 will be charged against your credit card at the current prevailing rate of US$27 per person per visit.
For outlet/dining options, members can use their eligible membership cards to receive a AUD$36 credit (per person) off the final bill at each outlet, for themselves and their guests. Each AUD$36 credit will represent a single lounge visit within their existing lounge visit allocation. For example, if you take 1 guest to the dining option, you will receive AUD$72 credit off the final bill, which will show on your account as 1 Member + 1 Guest visit. Each AUD$36 credit will represent a single lounge visit within your existing lounge visit allocation (unlimited free member visits during the membership year + 1 free guest per visit). The AUD$36 offer is valid for any type of meal and/ or drink and there is no minimum spend.
Please be kindly informed that in general there is no limitation of number of visit. However, participating lounges/outlet/dining options may reserve the right to enforce a maximum number of guest access to prevent overcrowding. Please kindly refer to our website http://www.prioritypass.com for details information.
Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us.”
I have used the No 1 Lounge at LHR only once out of 4 attempts to use it over a year. A lot of that time they were guesting in Cathay Pacific first and business passengers while it’s own lounge was referbushed. It’s a nice lounge with mediocre food. No 1 at Gatwick South has the same food set up but a nicer view over the runway. Be warned that in the early morning on a clear day you will fry in the sun.
No 1 lounges offer a scheme where they guarentee access for GBP5 booked in advance. To make it worthwhile, they also give you booked access if you pre-order a glass of champers for GBP7.50. Worth doing IMHO.
I’ve used the Maharaba lounge in DXB. Hard to find. Not much in the way of food and drinks poured by a bar tender. Showers are an extra and they aren’t very good. You come out sweatier than you went in as the ventalation is non-existant. Now I just pay for the shower and avoid using up a lounge visit.
The Premium Plaza lounge in HKG is how a lounge should be run. Lots of space. Fantastic views. Excellent food. Excellent staff. I’d happily route my flights between UK/ Australia to stop here. Very good showers although at times there is a weight, but at least it’s not like the BA/QF Singapore lounge showers where you had to queue. You’re given a time and you can enjoy the lounge while waiting. Would like to try their new BNE lounge, but it shuts an hour before the Cathay Pacific flight leaves currerntly.
A warning with Priority Pass. When you sign up they say they will auto renew your membership. Very easy to forget that but if you don’t catch it in time you may be stuck with a membership you no longer require. You need to email them to say you don’t want to renew which is what I advise you all to do. There is usually some offer going on somewhere for new members but of course you’ll renew at the going rate. Don’t be a fool and email them now and cancel. Renew when you are ready and not them.
Last twelve months we’ve been to:
Zurich (ZRH) Aspire Lounge. You have a choice of lounges here, all in the one place managed by the same check-in. We were told Aspire was the better. Nice soup that not much in way of food. Self-serve alcohol.
Helsinki (HEL) Aspire Lounge. Very funky lounge. Bright colours and chair swinging from the ceiling. More food choices than Zurich too.
Riga (RIX) Primeclass Business Lounge. We were flying to Dublin, so automatically went to the non-Schengen lounge. We walked in (no-one to check us in) and the place was totally empty. We helped ourselves to some drinks and then a lady came in who’s services both lounges. Seems the Schengen area lounge is the happening lounge but since we’d passed through Customs it was now too late to go back. She was nice and brought us some sandwiches from the Schengen lounge. The alcohol section had a full selection of various types of Balsam, a traditional Latvian liqueur, which was a nice touch. However we were the only travellers in there the whole time.
Mexico City (MEX) Salon Premier. Very crowded and not much in way of food options. We now get our PP from Amex Platinum and there are two Centurion lounges (why they are separate I don’t understand) next to the Aeromexico lounge and these are much better. They have table service and charge a nominal cost for food, but much more relaxing atmosphere. We tried both Amex lounges and the one directly next to Aeromexico was the largest but very similar otherwise.
Puerto Vallarta (PVR) VIP Lounge. Very basic, but then I was surprised to see a lounge at such a small airport. Table service for drinks and they’ll toast a pre-made sandwich for you.
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Alaskan Airlines Board Room. Nice enough. They had very lovely tortilla soup but I don’t remember much else. There was a full bar, but we didn’t use it.
Los Angeles (LAX) KAL Lounge. We visited this lounge 2 years ago and everything, including the food, is exactly the same. Selections of three sandwiches, all nice. Cup noodles and some corn chips and salsa. Also some random sliced vegetables. Self-serve alcohol. It’s a big lounge with a balcony overlooking the duty-free area. Chairs on the balcony aren’t as comfortable as the ones inside. Wifi a little weak on the balcony because you’re away from the receiver. It’s in the Tom Bradley International Terminal so suitable for travellers leaving on Qantas, although we also tried to use it leaving LA on an morning AA flight and it was closed.
Bangkok (BKK) CIP First Class. Again basic food offering but self-serve alcohol and power outlets in the floor so it was better than sitting in the terminal.
Over all, it’s a good perk to have with the Amex Platinum both my partner and I can have a membership each and the visits are unlimited. Some of the lounges on the PP app say there is a maximum time we can visit, but as someone that rocks up early, we’ve never found that enforced in practice.
* The No. 1 Lounge at Heathrow T3 was the best with comfortable seats and great food. We didn’t use the spa room or private bedroom but I’m sure they would have been a welcome retreat.
* The Aspire Lounge at Helsinki was also great, with a birdsong soundtrack piped into the toilets and blistering fast internet.
* The Airportclub Lounge at Tegel was the worst – by far. It’s small and hidden out of the way in Terminal A when all of our flights were from Terminal C. Due to its restricted size, there is nowhere to stretch out for a nap. The food and drink choices were limited and the free internet was restricted to 2 hours of use. This lounge can be missed – indeed try to avoid flying into/through Tegel at all. The sooner they finish Brandenburg and close down Tegel the better.
* I have also visited the Avia Lounge at Fiumicino, Sala Monteverdi at Malpensa and the Neptuno Lounge at Madrid Barajas. All of these lounges were a welcome and comfortable retreat from the main terminal waiting areas.
I also have Qantas Captains which works for any QF or AA flight but falls into a hole when travelling through Asia and Europe. The PP fills that gap and works well, especially considering I get the annual membership paid by Citibank.
Overall, I felt it was worth the $27USD entry fee and would use it again if I was travelling on an airline I don’t have status with (majority of the time I fly SQ/NZ/VA/DL so I don’t need to use Priority Pass, but sometimes it’s handy).
The quality does vary but all the lounges still beat sitting in the airport concourses hands down. I haven’t been to one yet that comes anywhere close to the Emirates lounges. IF I didn’t have the Emirates lounge access and didn’t get the card for free, I would probably still pay for the card given the amount of travel I do. For someone who travels only a couple of times a year it would, for me, be a waste of money.
It seemed fine. More open-plan and brighter than the Koru lounge. I didn’t really have much time to do a full investigation. If you have a choice of the two though, I’d go with the Koru lounge (Unless it’s really packed) – design and ambiance is much better there (and I think the food and beverages might be a bit better too).
Rome – I Mosaici in terminal 3 is horrible! Avoid if you have to pay the fee to visit.
Vancouver – Plaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures) is ok – nothing flash, it’s quiet and does the job.
However there has been a resurgence in the quality of lounges on offer, especially in some Asian cities it would seem.
1) Star Alliance Lounge at Sao Paolo Garrulhos:
Very spacious with various seat types. Food was ordinary but the ambience is overall very nice, with TVs, wifi, showers. I’d imagine this one was above average but not in the top tier of Priority Pass lounges.
2) Aspire Lounge London Gatwick North Terminal
This lounge was crowded and crammed. It had a decent drink selection but very limited food. Still better than being out in crappy Gatwick airport but not as good as the other two Priority Pass lounges I’ve been to. This one is below average.
3) Skyview Lounge Basel-Mullhouse Airport, Switzerland
Best of the three and had an award as the Priority Pass lounge of the year. Extensive drink selection, I took quite a few as my easyJet flight had a lengthy delay. Don’t fly those guys. Very spacious, showers were out of order. The lounge was quite hot on an unusually hot day for the Swiss. Again, I’d say this one would be above average but not elite. In a limited airport though, it’s a great upgrade over what the general populace experience.
Alaska Boardroom LAX
Nice lounge with a good bar but limited food. Views are nice and the wifi is very good quality.
The Club ATL
Nicest lounge I’ve seen in the US PP network. It’s spacious, has a very good drink selection and decent food as well. Excellent views.
The Club DFW
This one is quite limited and small with only a limited drink selection, no bar. The wifi is good though.
1. Heathrow T5 Aspire Lounge – I thought the views were awesome, the food was actually pretty good, there is a bar and you can have beer/spirits. Also you can order afternoon tea as well for 2. There are also these sun lounges you can book prior to relax on as well. Showers you need to pay which is a downside. and it is a little bit small the lounge.
2. Amsterdam Aspire Lounge 41- Food spread and drinks were excellent. big lounge, great views. Beats BA lounge next door which totally sucks
LGW:
– No. 1 Gatwick. Quite homey with nice couch. Food wise is a bit lacking. You can order one complimentary hot food from the menu, the rest is just cold salad bar. Soft drinks are free but you need to pay for alcoholics. It’s an OK lounge if you just want rest and have a bit of nibble. But if you need to have your main meals there, then you will be disappointed.
GRU:
– Star Alliance lounge. A very nice lounge featuring similar star alliance theme as LAX. It has a little area where it offers Z shaped chair for you to lie down and snooze. Good food and drink option. IMO it is the best lounge in GRU. Please note, as a priority pass user, shower is subject to a fee of $20.
– Executive Lounge. Not as good as Star Alliance lounge. Very industrial like and seats are limited. Food wise about the same as Star but drink not as good. Shower is also subject to a fee. If you have limited access, I would choose Star alliance over Executive lounge.
I have yet to experience all 11 lounges in SIN. I have tried the oasis wellbeing and the fish spa is fun. But food and drinks are very limited. So it is for the fish spa, but not for food. Stay tuned, more to come as I am heading to SIN again in 2 weeks.