Priority Pass is included with specific premium credit cards, not all of them

Priority Pass is a membership program that gives you access to airport lounges around the world. A handful of premium credit cards bundle Priority Pass membership into their annual benefits package — you get the lounge access as part of the card itself, not as a separate purchase. The cards that offer it tend to be in the $300 to $550 annual fee range, and the lounge benefit is designed to offset some of that cost.

The catch is that Priority Pass comes in different tiers. Some cards give you the standard membership (access to most lounges but with per-visit fees), while others give you the more expensive tier that includes unlimited visits at no per-visit cost. Which tier you get depends entirely on which card you hold.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Citi Prestige are the main cards that include Priority Pass membership as a standard benefit.
  • The tier of Priority Pass you receive varies by card — some include unlimited lounge visits, while others charge per visit or have visit limits.
  • Priority Pass covers thousands of lounges globally, but not all airport lounges participate, and some lounges charge additional fees beyond the membership.
  • You can use Priority Pass at the same airport lounge multiple times in one day if you have the unlimited tier, which matters for long layovers or delayed flights.

Cards that include Priority Pass membership

Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select membership, which is the unlimited tier. This means you can visit participating lounges as many times as you want with no per-visit fees. The card costs $550 per year and is aimed at frequent travelers.

American Express Platinum also includes Priority Pass Select (unlimited tier). The annual fee is $695, and like the Chase card, it's designed for people who travel regularly and want lounge access as part of a broader travel benefits package.

Citi Prestige includes Priority Pass Select membership as well. The annual fee is $495. This card has been repositioned several times over the years, so if you're considering it, check the current benefits directly with Citi because the card's features have changed.

Beyond these three, some regional or co-branded cards may include Priority Pass, but these are the primary consumer cards that consistently offer it. The landscape shifts occasionally — cards are discontinued, benefits are added or removed, and annual fees change — so it's worth checking the current benefits page for any card you're considering.

What Priority Pass membership actually covers

Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges in more than 1,400 locations worldwide. The lounges vary widely in quality and amenities. Some are full-service lounges with hot meals, showers, and quiet work areas. Others are basic lounges with snacks and seating. The membership itself doesn't may provide a specific standard — it just means that lounge will accept your Priority Pass card.

Not every airport lounge participates in Priority Pass. Some airports have lounges run by individual airlines or by other lounge networks, and those lounges may not accept Priority Pass. Before you book a flight to a specific airport, you can search the Priority Pass app or website to see which lounges are available at that airport.

Some Priority Pass lounges charge an additional fee on top of your membership — usually $25 to $35 per visit — even if your card includes the unlimited tier. These are called "pay-per-visit" lounges within the network. The unlimited tier covers the membership fee but not these extra charges, so you'll still pay out of pocket at those specific lounges.

How the unlimited tier differs from standard membership

Priority Pass comes in two main versions: standard membership and Priority Pass Select (unlimited). If your card includes the standard tier, you typically get a certain number of free visits per year (often 10), and additional visits cost money. If your card includes Priority Pass Select, you get unlimited visits at no per-visit cost.

The three cards mentioned above all include the unlimited tier, so you won't face per-visit charges at most lounges. However, you should still check the Priority Pass app before your trip to confirm which lounges are available at your departure and arrival airports, because availability varies by location.

Using Priority Pass on the same day or during layovers

If you have the unlimited tier, you can visit a Priority Pass lounge multiple times in a single day. This matters if you have a long layover, a delayed flight, or if you're traveling with connections. You're not limited to one visit per day — the unlimited membership means you can use it as many times as you need.

You'll typically need to show your Priority Pass card (physical or digital in the app) and a valid boarding pass for the same day to enter. Some lounges may ask for ID as well. The rules can vary slightly by lounge, so it's worth checking the specific lounge's entry requirements in the Priority Pass app before you arrive.

Whether Priority Pass is worth the card's annual fee

Whether the lounge benefit justifies the card's annual fee depends on how often you travel and how much you value lounge access. If you fly multiple times per year and would otherwise pay for lounge day passes (which can cost $25 to $50 each), the membership can pay for itself quickly. If you rarely fly, the annual fee is harder to justify based on lounge access alone.

The cards that include Priority Pass also come with other travel benefits — travel credits, airline fee reimbursements, concierge services, and points earning rates — so most people who hold these cards are evaluating the entire package, not just the lounge access. The Priority Pass benefit is one piece of a larger travel benefits ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a guest into a Priority Pass lounge with me?

Most Priority Pass lounges allow one guest to accompany you at no additional charge. Some lounges charge a fee for additional guests beyond one. Check the specific lounge's rules in the Priority Pass app before you arrive, because policies vary by location.

Does Priority Pass work at airline lounges like United Club or American Airlines Admirals Club?

No. Priority Pass is a separate network and does not grant access to airline-branded lounges. Those lounges are run by individual airlines and require their own memberships or elite status. However, some of the premium credit cards (like American Express Platinum) include access to certain airline lounges as a separate benefit.

What happens if a lounge is full when I arrive?

Some lounges have capacity limits and may turn people away during peak travel times. If a lounge is at capacity, you won't be able to enter, even with Priority Pass. This is more common at popular airports during busy hours. The Priority Pass app sometimes shows real-time capacity, but not at all locations.

Can I use Priority Pass if I'm not the cardholder?

No. You must be the person whose name is on the credit card to use the Priority Pass membership. The card itself is required for entry, along with a valid ID and boarding pass for the same day.

Do I need to set up Priority Pass after getting the card?

Most cards automatically enroll you in Priority Pass when the card is approved. However, you should read the Priority Pass app and register your membership to access the lounge directory and make reservations where required. Check your card's welcome materials or the issuer's website for specific set up steps.