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If you hold a premium American Express card, you may have access to Priority Pass Select, a lounge membership benefit that grants entry to airport lounges worldwide. Understanding how enrollment works, what's included, and whether it fits your travel patterns will help you make the most of this premium benefit.
Priority Pass Select is an independent lounge membership program that provides access to a network of airport lounges across the globe. American Express includes this benefit with select premium travel and business cards as a way to enhance the travel experience for cardholders who fly regularly.
The benefit isn't automatic—you must actively enroll to activate it. Amex partners with Priority Pass to issue memberships to eligible cardholders, but the enrollment step falls on you.
The basic enrollment process:
Confirm your card includes the benefit. Check your card agreement, the Amex website, or call customer service to verify Priority Pass is included with your specific card.
Access the enrollment link. Amex typically provides an enrollment URL through your account dashboard, welcome materials, or customer service.
Register with Priority Pass directly. You'll create or link a Priority Pass account using your personal information.
Receive your membership number and digital card. Once confirmed, you'll get access to the Priority Pass app and digital membership card for lounge entry.
Activate before your next trip. Some memberships require activation within a specific window. Don't assume it's active until you receive confirmation.
Timeline varies. Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on Amex's processing queue and Priority Pass's verification steps. Plan ahead rather than waiting until your travel date.
Several factors shape what you'll actually get from the benefit:
| Factor | How It Affects Your Benefit |
|---|---|
| Card tier | Different Amex cards include different Priority Pass tiers (Select vs. Prestige levels); some offer unlimited visits, others include a set number annually |
| Guest policy | Some memberships allow you to bring companions; others require them to pay separately |
| Airport coverage | Priority Pass lounges vary in quality and amenities; not all airports have lounge locations |
| Membership duration | The benefit usually lasts as long as you hold the card; cancellation ends access |
| Lounge partnerships | Access depends on Priority Pass's current contracts; lounges open and close regularly |
Eligibility depends on your card. Not all Amex cards include Priority Pass. Business cards, entry-level travel cards, and general-purpose cards typically don't. Premium and business elite cards are more likely to include it.
Timing matters. New cardholders sometimes receive Priority Pass access automatically upon card approval, while others must request it within a specific window. Existing cardholders who add a card may need to re-enroll separately for each card.
Multiple card enrollment. If you hold multiple Amex cards with Priority Pass benefits, you'll typically need to enroll each one separately, and your membership benefits may be linked to a single Priority Pass account.
Companion access rules vary. Some Priority Pass memberships allow unlimited guest access (companions enter free with you), while others may limit guests per year or require guests to pay a lounge fee.
Lounge quality isn't guaranteed. Priority Pass lounges range significantly in amenities—from full meals and premium beverages to basic snacks and seating. Airport location and lounge operator both influence quality.
Not all airports participate. While Priority Pass has an extensive network, smaller airports may not have participating lounges. Check the Priority Pass app or website to see what's available at airports where you fly.
Dynamic access fees may apply. Some Priority Pass lounges charge access fees even to members, depending on your membership tier. The benefit may cover it, or you may owe out-of-pocket fees.
Guest policies affect travel parties. If you frequently travel with family or colleagues, clarify your card's guest policy before relying on Priority Pass as a benefit for them.
Once enrolled, keep your membership active by:
The real value depends entirely on your travel frequency, the airports you use, and whether you prioritize lounge access. Someone flying once annually to a hub airport with excellent lounge options sees different value than a frequent regional traveler at smaller airports with limited lounge presence.
