If you are tired of dealing with the hustle and bustle of waiting in a public space at an airport prior to boarding the airplane for your flight, you are in luck: you can save up to 25 percent on Priority Pass membership 2023 for your first year — depending on which of three plans you choose — to enjoy access to the sanctuary of greater than 1,400 lounges and restaurants at airports around the world regardless of airline flown or class of ticket. However, you must purchase your membership plan by Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11:59 in the evening to take advantage of these discounts.
Priority Pass offers three types of annual membership plans: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. The regular annual fee for the Standard plan is $99.00, but with a 25 percent discount, you can get it for $74.00 in the first year. The Standard Plus plan has a regular annual fee of $329.00, but with a 20 percent discount, you can get it for $263.00 in the first year. The Prestige plan does not offer any discount, and you will have to pay the full annual fee of $469.00 in the first year.
The benefits of Priority Pass membership are numerous. Members can enjoy complimentary drinks, including alcoholic beverages, refreshments, and pre-flight bites to eat. Digital entry through a dedicated mobile software application allows for instant access to lounges, making it easier to find them with wayfinding technology. The lounges themselves provide a quiet and comfortable space in which to relax, access to Wi-Fi, free newspapers and magazines, and shower facilities. Members also have access to offers and discounts at over 800 additional dining, spa, and retail facilities around the world, as well as access to greater than 80 airport guides to help plan their time in the airport terminal.
For those who frequently travel and value lounge access, premium credit cards may be worth considering. Some premium credit cards include unlimited complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and restaurants at airports worldwide. If lounge access is important to you and you have not earned elite status in a frequent travel loyalty program that offers this benefit, the cost of Priority Pass membership may help justify the annual fee of a premium credit card.
However, it’s important to note that access to Priority Pass lounges will be discontinued for most cardholders of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card as of Thursday, February 1, 2024. If you are not interested in applying for another premium credit card that offers this benefit, taking advantage of the current Priority Pass membership discount could be a good alternative.
While Priority Pass offers access to a wide range of lounges and restaurants at airports around the world, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The lounges in the Priority Pass network are generally not as good as those found in hotel and resort properties or many airline lounges, in my opinion. Additionally, some lounges may restrict access during peak hours to prevent overcrowding. Furthermore, not all lounges in participating airports allow access upon arrival after the conclusion of a flight. Finally, there are airports, such as Keflavik International Airport in Iceland, where no lounge accepts the Priority Pass card.
In conclusion, if you are tired of waiting in crowded airport spaces, Priority Pass offers a solution. With access to over 1,400 lounges and restaurants at airports worldwide, you can enjoy a quiet and comfortable space to relax, complimentary drinks and refreshments, and access to various amenities. While there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind, the discounted membership plans for 2023 offer a great opportunity to enhance your travel experience. Remember to purchase your membership plan by December 30, 2023, to take advantage of the savings.