When you have a long flight with multiple connections and layovers, waiting at a crowded airport can be stressful. Priority Pass gives travelers access to participating airport lounges and other airport experiences worldwide, where they can relax, enjoy refreshments, or get some work done before their next flight.
In this guide, you will learn how to get Priority Pass, how to enroll in the membership, what it costs, and how to activate it through a credit card.
Ways to Get a Priority Pass Membership
You can get a membership in two different ways.
- Buy a Membership Directly from Priority Pass
- Get a Complimentary Membership through a credit card
How to Apply for a Direct Priority Pass Membership
The program offers three direct membership plans for US residents: Standard ($99/year), Standard Plus ($329/year), and Prestige ($469/year).
Standard plan suits occasional travelers, Standard Plus includes 10 complimentary lounge visits, and Prestige includes all free member visits throughout the year.
Additional member visits cost $35 under Standard and Standard Plus, while guest visits cost $35 per person per visit. Check the official membership website for the latest prices and terms.
Finally, here is a step-by-step guide to purchase a membership directly from its official website even without having an eligible travel credit card.
Step 1: Visit the Official Priority Pass Website
Go to the official Priority Pass membership page to view the available plans. Select your country of residence.
Step 2: Choose a Membership Plan
Compare their annual fees and included member visits to choose the plan that best fits your travel habits and budget. Choose a membership from the Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige plans.
Step 3: Click Join
Once you have selected a plan, click the Join button to start your application. Follow the instructions on the website to continue with registration.
Step 4: Enter Your Personal Details
Complete the application form with the requested information, such as your name, contact details, and address. Make sure your information is correct before proceeding.
Step 5: Complete Your Payment
Enter your payment details and pay the applicable membership fee. Review the membership terms and any applicable charges before completing your purchase.
Step 6: Receive Your Membership Details
After your application has been processed, follow the confirmation instructions provided by the program. Your membership materials and card delivery options will depend on the current registration process.
Step 7: Activate Your Online Account
Register or log in to your membership account through the website or mobile app. Follow the activation instructions to access your Digital Membership Card if it is available with your membership.
Once your membership is active, you can use the membership website or app to find participating airport lounges and check their opening hours, facilities, and entry requirements before traveling.
How to Apply for a Priority Pass Membership with a Credit Card
You can get Select through an eligible travel credit card without purchasing a separate membership.
For example, some Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive Select as a card benefit.
The enrollment process depends on your card issuer, so check your benefits and follow the required steps to activate your membership.
Step 1: Check Your Credit Card Eligibility
Check whether your credit card offers Select. Log in to your card issuer’s website or mobile app and look for airport lounge access or travel benefits.
If you plan to apply for a new card, review its benefits and annual fee first, as not every travel credit card includes this benefit.
Step 2: Activate Your Credit Card
If you have a new credit card, activate it by following your issuer’s instructions. Then sign in to your account and check whether the benefit is available.
Step 3: Find the Priority Pass Benefit
Look for Select or airport lounge access in your credit card account. Depending on your issuer, you may find an enrollment link or be automatically enrolled if your card is eligible.
For example, eligible Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders are automatically enrolled in Select. Other credit cards may require you to activate the benefit separately.
Step 4: Complete Your Enrollment
If enrollment is required, follow the instructions provided by your card issuer. You may need to confirm your personal information and provide an email address to complete the registration process.
Step 5: Access Your Digital Membership Card
After your membership becomes active, follow the instructions to access your Digital Membership Card. Depending on your issuer, you may need to create or activate an online account first.
You can then use the membership app to find participating airport lounges and check their opening hours and entry requirements.
Step 6: Check Your Lounge Access Benefits
Before visiting a lounge, review your card’s membership terms. Check whether member visits are complimentary, whether guest fees apply, and whether any restrictions affect your access.
Get Priority Pass Select Through a Credit Card
Select is a membership offered through eligible US financial institutions, usually as a credit card benefit. It provides access to participating lounges, but the exact benefits depend on the card issuer and your specific card.
For example, some cards include complimentary lounge visits and allow you to bring guests. Others may limit the number of visits or charge fees for additional guests.
Select is not automatically included with every travel credit card. You must check your card’s benefits and complete enrollment if required.
It is also important to understand that complimentary lounge access does not always mean every airport experience is included. Some credit card programs have different rules for airport restaurants and other non-lounge locations.
Activate Your Priority Pass Select Using a Credit Card
If your credit card offers Priority Pass Select, you may be able to get lounge access without purchasing a separate membership. However, you usually need to activate the benefit first.
Step 1: Check your credit card benefits
Log in to your credit card account and look for airport lounge access or Priority Pass benefits. Confirm that your specific card is eligible.
Step 2: Enroll through your card issuer
Follow the enrollment link provided by your bank or card issuer. Depending on the program, you may need to complete registration online or through another supported method.
Step 3: Complete registration
Follow the instructions to activate your membership. Check whether additional cardholders can enroll and whether they receive their own membership cards.
Step 4: Review your access rules
Before traveling, check how many complimentary visits you receive, whether guests are included, and what charges may apply. These rules vary by card.
For example, eligible Chase and American Express cards may provide Priority Pass benefits, but the enrollment process and access rules are not identical across all cards.
You can review the details through Chase’s Priority Pass guide and your card issuer’s official benefits page.
How to Use Priority Pass After Joining
Once your membership is active, you can start looking for participating airport lounges.
Find a lounge at your airport. Use the Priority Pass website or app to search by airport or destination. Check the terminal location, opening hours, and available facilities.
Check the entry requirements. Some lounges have restrictions on how early you can enter before departure. Others may limit entry when they are full, even if you have a valid membership.
Present your membership card. At the lounge entrance, show your accepted Priority Pass membership card or digital credentials, along with your boarding pass and any other required identification.
Check guest charges before entering. If you are traveling with family or friends, confirm whether your membership includes guests or whether an additional fee applies.
Priority Pass provides access to more than 1,900 airport lounges and experiences across over 600 cities in 143 countries.
However, the locations and facilities available to you depend on your airport, terminal, membership, and individual lounge rules.
You should check the latest lounge information and access rules on the Priority Pass website before your flight to avoid surprises at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get Priority Pass for free?
Some eligible travel credit cards include Priority Pass Select without an additional membership fee. However, the credit card itself may have an annual fee, and enrollment may be required. Check the card’s terms before applying.
Can I buy Priority Pass without a credit card?
Yes. You can purchase a direct membership through the official Priority Pass website without having an eligible travel credit card.
How long does it take to get Priority Pass?
Processing and delivery times depend on how you apply and whether you receive a digital or physical membership card. Usually, your Priority Pass membership card and confirmation letter will be prepared within three business days of receiving your application and mailed to your preferred address.
Can I use Priority Pass immediately after signing up?
Not necessarily. If your membership includes a Digital Membership Card, you can use it once your online account is activated. To check if you have one, visit the Account section in the app or My Priority Pass on the website.
Can I get Priority Pass through my existing credit card?
Yes, if your current card includes the benefit. Check your account’s travel benefits section or contact your card issuer to confirm eligibility and enrollment instructions.
Can I use Priority Pass regardless of my airline or ticket class?
Priority Pass access is generally independent of your airline and ticket class. However, you must meet the participating lounge’s entry requirements, and access is subject to availability and your membership terms.
Conclusion
Getting Priority Pass is straightforward once you know which option suits your needs. You can purchase a membership directly or enroll through an eligible credit card that offers Priority Pass Select.
Before paying for a separate membership, check your existing card benefits, compare the available plans, and confirm that participating lounges are available at the airports you use most often. This will help you choose a membership that fits your travel habits and offers real value.