For those with an eligible credit card and travelling on any airline, these facilities are welcome options to grab a drink or bite to eat before your next flight.
Priority Pass has gone from having one location in Australia just two years ago (Cairns) to 22 across seven airports, encompassing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns and Darwin.
About this guide
This guide is an intro to the Priority Pass airport lounge membership program, getting into what it offers for someone who might have heard of it but has not ever really looked into it.
I explore some of the more appealing Priority Pass locations in Australia and around the world (it is updated with the newest lounges added to the Priority Pass network), along with the credit cards that include access in some form or another.
Many folks have heard of the Priority Pass lounge program as it comes with several credit cards but I would wager that few have used it to its maximum potential.
You’ll get unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges with cards like the American Express Platinum Charge, with Priority Pass memberships of different flavours coming with a range of other cards too.
Locations in Australia
Most Priority Pass facilities in these two countries are located in international terminals, however, some eateries, as well as the Rex Lounges, are located in domestic terminals.
- Adelaide: Rex Lounge
- Brisbane: Plaza Premium Lounge and three eateries (two in Domestic and one in International)
- Cairns: Reef Lounge
- Darwin: Catalina Lounge
- Gold Coast: one eatery
- Melbourne: Plaza Premium Lounge and three eateries (in International) and the Rex Lounge in T4 (for Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and some Virgin Australia flights)
- Sydney: eight eateries (four in T1, two in T2 and two in T3) and the Rex Lounge in T2
Eateries
By swiping your Priority Pass card or using the app, you and eligible guests can receive $36 per person off the total bill for food and/or drinks, including at the Velocity Expresso & Bar at Gold Coast Airport, offering ‘roasted and ground coffee, mouth-watering cakes, pastries and gourmet sandwiches’:
You can also access the following outlets at Sydney Airport:
these in Melbourne:
and these three at Brisbane Airport:
A single-use lounge pass can be used at the eateries for $36 off for one person, i.e. an eatery is considered the same as a lounge for access purposes.
Rex Lounges
Rex operates three small but relaxing lounges at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Airports.
They offer complimentary wifi, snacks and the usual hot and cold drinks, with beer and wine served from 3pm, and massage chairs.
A private meeting room can be arranged at the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, the lounge is located in domestic Terminal 2, 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 two 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 Charge card and are flying Virgin Australia, you’ll also have access to the Virgin Australia Lounges at all three airports.
The Virgin Australia Lounges are more spacious than the Rex Lounges but may get crowded
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
These aesthetically-pleasing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane are accessible to passengers departing on international flights and offer good food and drinks but are not the best places to get some work done.
Locations in New Zealand
- Auckland: Strata Lounge
- Christchurch: Manaia Lounge
- Queenstown: Manaia Lounge
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.
By attempting to offer members a premium experience, with a chance to relax and refresh before a flight, 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 before you fly.
So, if you are flying Scoot, Jetstar or Qantas, whether in Economy, Premium Economy or higher cabins, 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.
Since the start of 2015, over 150 new lounges have been introduced into the network, with many in Asia, as a response to the growing number of travellers who would rather enhance their travel by lounge access rather than in-flight upgrades.
Whether you purchase one of the three membership options or your membership comes as part of your credit card plan, there are 1,200+ lounges, in more than 140 countries worldwide, offering a range of amenities to deal with the stress that often accompanies travel.
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, they negotiate access for their members to use lounges around the world, so amenities do vary across airports.
You can get a feel for what each lounge has to offer at the Priority Pass Lounges index.
Credit cards that offer unlimited access
One neat thing about the unlimited access with the Amex Platinum Charge, Citi Prestige Visa 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.
The American Express Platinum Charge comes with full membership with unlimited visits for the Platinum Charge cardholder and a supplementary cardmember per account.
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.
The Citi Prestige Visa 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.
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.
Credit cards that offer single-use passes
The Amplify Signature Visa from St.George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA gives you two entries each year you have the card.
The Citi Signature Visa comes with a Priority Pass standard membership, including two lounge visits for the primary cardholder each cardholder year.
The Westpac Altitude Black account also comes with a Priority Pass membership entitling you to two visits per cardholder year.
Notable Priority Pass lounges globally
With so many lounges worldwide and such a wide range of operating companies, it is hard to say which may be the best, but here are lounges that could be well worth the visit.
Hong Kong
Being one of the world’s busiest airports, there are three Plaza Premium lounges in the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport. Features include 24-hour entry, showers, internet, TV, buffets and conference areas but some readers have not been impressed with the shower facilities and customer service.
The latest lounge to be added here is a Plaza Premium First Lounge, which requires a co-pay of HK$200 (= ~AU$35) for Priority Pass members to access. It is a step above a regular lounge, with à la carte dining and complimentary massage treatments. The first ‘First’ lounge to open was in Kuala Lumpur and it looks like this concept will be expanded to other airports.
Singapore
This airport boasts multiple lounges in each terminal, totalling 11 across the entire airport.
With so many to choose from, which you visit will depend on terminal and departure time, as certain lounges are only open at specific times.
Minute Suites and sleep pods in the US and Dubai
A nifty addition to the network, you can now get some space, privacy and shut-eye between flights in a private room or pod, currently at Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia and Dubai Airports.
Digital membership via the app
A digital membership card has been rolled out to American Express Platinum Charge, American Express Explorer and Citi Prestige cardholders, amongst others.
The app (iOS, Android) houses your membership card and allows you to search lounges, see important information about lounge access and speed up the check-in process.
Just make sure your battery is charged so that you can actually show your digital card. It is a good idea to carry your physical card with you as a backup.
Paid membership plans
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
- Per visit member fee: US$32
- Per visit guest fee: US$32
This is best for those who may travel up to five times per year.
Standard Plus: US$299 annual fee
- Per visit member fee: 10 free visits within 12 months
- US$32 for each additional visit
- Per visit guest visit fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership between 5 and 16 times per year.
Prestige: US$499 annual fee
- Per visit member fee: all-inclusive
- Per visit guest fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership more than 16 times per year.
Summing up
I have tried to highlight some of the better lounges in the Priority Pass program in this guide but there are definitely a few which you’d probably pass on too.
That’s probably the biggest downside to the program—knowing whether it is worth using up some of the limited access you might have on what might be a crappy lounge.
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, i.e. you only have single-use passes.
I’d also love for anyone who has got heaps of value out of Priority Pass to leave a comment and let us know your favourite Priority Pass lounges. Thanks!
Supplementary images courtesy Priority Pass and respective lounges.
Hi Keith
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
Hi 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.
Hi, just wondering if infants and toddlers are considered a guest (and subject to the $27 fee)?
I visited the t5 lounge at LHR and had my digital card scanned and the. We were trying to log onto the missus’app to get her card, but there was a line busing up behind us, so the receptionist said she can just put my wife’s entry into my card, which was fine since I am an Amex plat cardholder so I thought I could bring one guest in free.
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.
I have an unlimited Priority Pass with my BOQ Specialist credit card. I went to have breakfast at Mach2 at Sydney Airport and they proceeded to stamp my boarding pass. After this no other restaurant would accept the PP card saying it’s only valid at one restaurant per day. Is this correct?
I have reached out to Priority Pass on Twitter for clarification and will update you if/when they respond.
Hi, I’ve got 3 supplementary cards with my amex platinum charge, how many PP card can I apply for them? If I can only have one extra PP card, can I change the cardholder anytime? Thank you very much.
You can get a Priority Pass membership for just one supplementary cardholder. My guess would be you could only change that once a year but that is best confirmed with Amex and/or Priority Pass.
Hi Keith,
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.
Yep, you can switch up the lounges within a day!
Thanks, Matt.
That’s really cool.
I personally wouldn’t rate the HKG lounge as one of the top priority pass lounge. The shower was non-existent on two of their lounge. The only lounge you can use the shower is the one near Gate 40 which has long queue and horrible staff based on our experience recently. We love the lounge though in Madrid. The shower facility was great and the food was superb. It was not crowded and the staff were friendly.
Handy piece of plastic to have sometimes. however still not PP lounge options in Hanoi, Vietnam as i found out recently.
Yes, it is usually very handy. Currently, the only options in Vietnam are in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang but that may be expanded in the future.
I can’t believe HKG has been rated as one of the top lounges. I’ve tried using 2 of the HKG lounges on a number of occasions. All visits the lounges have been over crowded and loud with no access to the showers or a 2 hour wait. Staff unfriendly also (Premium Plaza Lounges HKG).
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 you have the complementary Reserve card with the Charge it is also worth remembering to apply for a second Priority Pass Membership with two free lounge visits per year. Handy if you are travelling in a group.
I am interested in this suggestion but cannot figure out how to benefit given the card would be under the same name as the Charge/Reserve card primary cardholder (?). Would appreciate your further advice as this would be a nice benefit that I have been missing. Cheers
I used the Star Alliance lounge in Buenos Aires last year, flying Air New Zealand to Auckland. There was a queue of about 60 people lined up outside waiting to get in, waving their PP cards and a mixture of other credit cards. A lounge attendant was walking up and down the queue, checking everyone’s cards. I showed her my Koru card and was whisked straight to the check-in desk, and then into the lounge. If the lounge is busy, it seems, PP members get waitlisted.
Oh, lucky! I had a similar experience at a lounge in Lima in March 2018, when there was a separate line for Priority Pass cardholders (lower priority) and ticketed Business and First passengers (higher priority). We waited about 20 mins to get in.
So just to confirm
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?
Correct. One (and only one) supplementary cardholder will receive a complimentary membership to Priority Pass, plus you can both bring a guest into Priority Pass lounges at no additional cost.
Thanks Matt
That has just made this card a hell of a lot more attractive!
Just one point on the Barcelona Lounge it only has one shower so you need to book it on entry.
Great tip! I’ve added that in.
Definitely a must for frequent travellers. It’s getting better and better in Australia too. I checked in yesterday and had to wait for someone in Sydney International and so had a full massive breakfast in Mach2 which was sensational. I’ve got a huge layover now in LAX and the Alaskan lounge while basic is still great and the Korean lounge is also good which I’ll go to soon. PP just gives so much extra flexibility and ease of use and is now a definite part of my annual expenses as a full membership. Although being Gold/Platinum with a couple of different alliances it’s not always possible to fly with these to various destinations or it can also give an extra option or two at different airports. It’s for sure to me worth every cent
Agreed! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi Keith,
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.
Hi there,
Looks like Prioritypass is now accepted in Melbourne Airport too, Bar Pulpo by MoVida and Urban Providore.
Regards,
Jack
Thanks, Jack! I’ll get onto an update!
Just to note that I get my priority pass through my BOQ specialist signature card. I mainly travel domestically. I use it for meals in the terminal and I would say the food at the available outlets is better than at the Virgin/QANTAS lounge (which is more important to me). I also value a decent coffee.
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.
If I have two separate credit cards each providing the basic membership and the two free annual visits, can I…?
…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?
I’d say no and no. Generally, you can only use one card per day at each place (but you can visit multiple restaurants/lounges in the same day) and you have to be present to guest other people in.
This is something i would definitely recommend. I use this extensively throughout each and every year when i am not flying an airline or partner airline that gives me access to lounges in an airport that i am a Gold or above Frequent Flyer. It is an excellent program and while a bit of an expense for unlimited use for me it is a vital expenditure. While it could be seen as a luxury if you are travelling all the time and in and out of airports and flying on legs that dont have service or good itineraries serviced by airlines you can access lounges and other benefits, it is more a necessity and makes constant regular travelling much more bearable. The benefits of having food and drink plus wifi and often showers and other amenities available to you easily outweighs the costs and i often think for me saves me money in the 12 month period. It is something i would not be without and cannot recommend it highly enough. Of course there are some excellent, good, average and below par lounges but for me an excellent spend of money each and every year! Some of the best include Singapore’s mulitple, one in Abu Dhabi – the second of the Priority Pass lounges that you can access is far superior to the first one which is also the one available to Etihad Gold Members. In Abu Dhabi i will always use my PP card to access the second rather than my EH Gold to access the one i can use as a Gold Member, London Heathrow and Gatwick are good and as i am in India a lot, these are a life saver here even though not always very special in some of the smaller hubs, like Bangalore BLR. Having more access within Australia in the past 18 months has made it even better with a great Brisbane International Lounge and also recently Sydney’s additions with not lounge access but food and drink allowances which is excellent.
If you cancel a AMEX Platinum Charge Card, does the Priority Pass membership automatically and immediately get cancelled as well?
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’ve had the Priority Pass (via my Westpac card) since the Altitude Black card came out (5-6 years ago?).
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.
As someone who has tried dozens of the lounges now, I couldnt disagree more. Qantas and Virgin lounges now are the ones that are inferior (I was in both these types these last 2 months and the food was very basic indeed compared to many Priority Pass ones). I enjoyed $108 of free top quality food and drinks at Brisbane the other day (3 of us ….. the US Platinum AMEX card comes with a Priority Pass membership that allows two free guests so I think the AU one probably allows 2, not 1, now as well – a recent change). The lounges I have tried in London, Christchurch, many US airports and endless places around the world are excellent. The AMEX Centurion lounges in the US are second to none. Fly any airline you like and use these amazing lounges. Only the ones in China have disappointed a bit but then again they are simply using other lounges there anyway like Air China lounge so I would blame the airline lounge not Priority Pass per se.
Hmmm… OK. It seems it’s country specific. They were certainly terrible where I was, although I imagine they are probably better in the US and Europe.
So, does this mean you get your $36 pp off at Mach 2, even if you’re not flying?
No, they ask for boarding passes
They don’t ask for boarding pass in my experiences. I have been there 4 times and they really don’t care if you are flying or not.
With unlimited access (Platinum Charge) is there anything stopping me dining at one restaurant then moving onto a bar/another restaurant?
I have emailed PP on this when I havd received the promo. They had advised me that there isn’t a limit set for Amex Charge PP Program so yes you can move around those eateries as per their email. I quote (sensitive info are removed):
“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 the American Express Airpoints Platinum Card (NZ), says “Enjoy 2 complimentary passes per year into VIP lounges6 with Priority Pass™”. Was looking forward to using the lounge at BNE tomorrow, but it seems I should have a PP membership card, but I can’t find any info saying I need to apply for this. I’ll be so disappointed if I can’t get in. (But luckily have Koru passes too).
I think people need to be clear that these aren’t lounges run by Priority Pass, but ones they have arranged access to, on a space available basis.
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.
Wondering if any one know about the complimentary access that come with credit card. If I have both citi signature and Westpac black cards, will I get 2+2 = 4 visits per year?
I believe so – but you may need to manage two different Priority Pass memberships (with different email addresses I assume) to gain the 2+2.
I first got a PP via Citibank years ago but it’s only been the last few years we’ve got any value out of it. Not sure if that’s because the range of lounges is now improving, or simply because of where we’re travelling. Over all, most of the lounges are quite good, but not up to the standard of Domestic Qantas Club. Still, it’s good to get a comfy place to sit, have a drink and plug in your devices.
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.
I disagree that they are not as good as Qantas Clubs. Now that you and guests can enjoy $36 of free food and drinks at several good restaurants too, I for one got far better value from a delicious meal at Brisbane Airport the other day. Unlike the Qantas Club where Qantas decided what food to offer (and it was not good), I picked off the menu anything I wanted at the restaurant! My card is through AMEX and as it is a US AMEX Platinum ($450 annual fee), I get to take 2 guests free each visit so that is over $100 of free food and drink for 3 of us. I can fly any airline I like and use this benefit. Add in $2oo per year of free Uber credit, $100 of airline charge rebates and endless money-back offers each month, the $450 fee is quickly covered. Sure, some of the lounges are better than others but come on, there are thousands of them whereas Qantas only has relatively few clubs in the world and require a membership that is not cheap as well as a same day flight with them. And I think no access when flying inbound – i.e. when you arrive. I occasionally use Qantas Clubs and also Virgin lounges as I have access to them too, but the current Priority Pass offerings are generally much better now they are raising the bar so high.
I have used the PP card for about four years now after it came included with my Citibank card.
* 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.
My partner and I recently visited Venice, Italy. We made use of the Marco Polo lounge and were there early AM. Great food and drink with buffet spread. Unlimited good coffee, alcoholic beverages free if desired. Would give it a 3/5 rating. Was spacious , good views and entertainment with Wifi, TV, papers etc staff were very friendly also.
I’m very disappointed with the lack of Lounge access within Australia. Priority Pass needs to do something about this.
LAX TBIT uses the KAL Lounge for it’s Priority Pass and it was fine. Tired looking furniture and carpet but fits lots of people. Food was sandwiches, muffins, fruit and cookies, corn chips and salsa and pretzels. Coffee, tea, instant noodles in styrofoam cups. fridge had soda and beer, I can’t remember if they had any wine? Whole lot was self-service. Lots of charging stations and good lighting, but no private spaces for meetings or Facetime calls etc.
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).
I get the top level card free with my AMEX Platinum Charge, although I fly primarily with Emirates as a Gold member so find myself using the Priority Pass card less these days, but it is still handy on occasion when I fly outside my normal Emirates route for business. One drawback for me is there are currently (or wasn’t last time I checked) any available member lounges in Australia.
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.
I recently passed through Christchurch airport on a business class ticket and thus spent most of my time in the AirNZ Koru Club lounge (Not a priority pass lounge!). On the way to my departure flight, I stuck my head in the Priority Pass accepting Manaia Lounge (Right behind the Koru Club) just to see what it was like.
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).
Olbia Airport Lounge in Sardina is a real gem! Very quiet, brand new, with great snacks and drinks!
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.
Thanks for contributing!
Beijing Air China First class lounge is quite decent. Dining room with a selection from a Chinese buffet. Small selection in serve yourself bar. A very large area to relax with free wifi, showers etc…
They all just seem poor to me. Luckily I get Priority Pass access through a credit card, and use it in situations where I don’t have access to any airline lounge and the airport is low quality, but most of these lounges wouldn’t be worth anywhere near a $27 entry fee.
Agree that a lot of them look not so appealing – backed up by your experience obviously. Which was the worst you’ve seen?!
However there has been a resurgence in the quality of lounges on offer, especially in some Asian cities it would seem.
I’ve been to three Priority Pass lounges in the last year.
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.
Thanks Frank!
I can add a few more of my experiences:
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.
I’ve been to 2 this year
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
Nice, thanks for sharing.
My priority pass experience so far this year:
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.