How to Get Priority Pass Lounge Access For Business Travel

Airports aren't built for focus or comfort. Outlets are scarce, seats fill up fast, and getting decent coffee usually means waiting in line, which is especially inconvenient if your flight's delayed and you have work to do.

If you travel for work (even just a few times a year), knowing how to apply for Priority Pass lounge access can solve those headaches. This guide covers how Priority Pass works, what it costs, and why it's becoming a go-to for business travelers.

What's Priority Pass and How Does It Work?

Priority Pass gets you into 1,778+ airport lounges worldwide; no need for a business class ticket or airline status. Even if you're flying economy or booked with miles, Priority Pass lounge access gives you a quiet space with Wi-Fi, snacks, and room to recharge.

In 2024, Priority Pass recorded 120 lounge visits happening every minute around the world—that's a 31% jump from 2023. Business travelers are catching on fast.

The Priority Pass app makes it easy to find lounges, check hours, and see what's included. You just show your ID and membership card at the door, and you're in. Some plans even let you bring a guest.

If you travel for work and pass through different airports often—especially on multi-city trips—Priority Pass can help you stay comfortable and focused wherever you are.

Key Benefits of a Priority Pass Membership

A lounge membership like Priority Pass can add comfort, convenience, and consistency to every trip. Here's a look at the benefits.

Lounge Access No Matter Your Airline or Ticket Class

You don't need to fly business class or stick to one airline—Priority Pass works no matter who you fly with or where you're sitting. That's a big win when your travel plans change often or you're booking based on budget, not loyalty points.

Membership or Pay-Per-Visit Options

If you don't fly often, you don't have to commit to a full-access plan. Priority Pass offers different tiers, including pay-per-visit options. You might even already get lounge access through your business credit card.

Comfort and Convenience Before Your Flight

Lounges offer what the terminal lacks: quiet space, solid Wi-Fi, and room to stretch out before a long flight. Whether you need to prep for a meeting, hop on a call, or just grab a snack without standing in line, Priority Pass makes a big difference.

66% of travelers say airports are getting more crowded, so lounges give you essential breathing room from packed terminals.

Saving Options With Airport Restaurant, Spa, and Retail Discounts

Some memberships and credit cards include credits for airport restaurants or discounts at shops and spas. However, many credit card providers, including American Express, Capital One, and Chase, have all removed restaurant benefits in recent years. Perks vary by location, but you can check everything in the app before arriving at the airport.

How to Apply for Priority Pass: 3 Simple Steps

Whether you travel a few times a year or every week, there's a Priority Pass option that fits your schedule. Here's how to apply for Priority Pass membership in just a few steps.

1. Choose the Right Membership Option

The fastest way to apply for Priority Pass is to buy it directly from the program's site. There are three membership levels, each with different prices and visit limits. If you travel often and don't have a card that includes lounge access, this is the most straightforward route.

Once you've signed up, you'll receive your digital membership in the app right away, and the physical card will arrive in the mail a week or two later.

2. Check Your Business or Credit Card Benefits

Before spending money on a membership, check if your business credit card already includes Priority Pass—many premium travel cards do. They call it "Priority Pass Select," and while it's almost the same as a paid plan, some lounge or restaurant perks may be limited depending on the card.

Priority Pass Select is only available through U.S. credit cards and typically gives you unlimited lounge access.

This is how most travelers get Priority Pass—especially since the card's annual fee is often offset by travel points and other benefits.

3. Enroll and Activate Your Membership

Don't forget to activate the Priority Pass membership included in your cardholder benefits, which you can do in your credit card's online portal or by calling support. Each card issuer handles this differently:

• Chase cardholders: Log into your Chase account, go to Ultimate Rewards, and activate your Priority Pass benefit
• American Express cardholders: Visit the Amex benefits portal or call the number on your card to enroll
• Capital One cardholders: Access your online account to register for Priority Pass Select benefits

After that, log into the Priority Pass app to get your digital card, which is what most lounges will scan for entry.

Priority Pass Membership Levels

Each membership tier works a little differently depending on how often you travel and how much flexibility you need. Here's how they break down.

Standard Membership

• Cost: $99 per year
• Visits: $35 per lounge visit
• Best for: Occasional travelers who only need lounge access a few times a year

Standard is the entry-level membership. You pay a small annual fee, then another $35 only when you use a lounge. It's a good option if you want access in your back pocket but don't expect to travel more than a few times a year.

Standard Plus Membership

• Cost: $329 per year
• Visits: First 10 visits free, then $35 each
• Best for: Travelers who take about one trip per month

If you fly once or twice a month, this middle-tier plan is probably the best value. Ten free visits cover most of the year for moderate travelers—after that, you only pay for what you use.

Prestige Membership

• Cost: $469 per year
• Visits: Unlimited for the member
• Best for: Frequent travelers who fly at least twice per month

If you're constantly in and out of airports, the Prestige plan will quickly pay for itself. You get unlimited access to lounges year-round. Guests still cost extra, but for solo business travelers, this is the easiest way to guarantee a better airport experience every single time.

Day Pass Option

Some lounges allow one-time visits without full membership, but entry isn't guaranteed, and pricing varies. This option can work if you just need access once or want to try out Priority Pass before committing.

Company Priority Pass for Multiple Employees

If your company has lots of business travelers, you can get Priority Pass for multiple employees instead of handling individual memberships.

Companies with 20+ employees who travel regularly can get company accounts that include:

• One invoice: All employee memberships on a single bill instead of separate charges
• Better rates: Volume pricing that can beat individual membership costs
• Easy management: HR can add or remove employees and track who's using lounges
• Direct support: Dedicated rep who knows your account instead of general customer service

To set this up, contact Priority Pass through their business portal to discuss how many employees need access. The sales team will quote rates based on your volume, then Priority Pass issues digital or physical cards for your designated employees. HR teams can track usage and adjust employee access through company dashboards.

This works well for companies managing travel expenses across multiple employees and projects.

Managing Priority Pass Expenses for Business Travel

When you're traveling for work, tracking Priority Pass costs is part of smart travel expense management. Most companies consider lounge memberships a legitimate business expense, especially when they help employees stay productive during travel delays or long layovers.

If you're using a company credit card with Priority Pass benefits, these costs typically appear automatically in your travel expense reports. For direct memberships, save your Priority Pass receipts and annual membership fees as part of your travel and expense process.

Many companies find that Priority Pass memberships pay for themselves by reducing meal costs and keeping employees comfortable during unexpected delays—especially valuable when you're managing corporate travel expenses across multiple trips.

Other Considerations for Priority Pass

From lounge availability to company reimbursement policies, here are a few things to double-check before your next trip.

Lounge Availability

Not every airport Priority Pass lounge is always open or has space. Some fill up fast, especially during red-eyes or overbooked travel days. Always check the app first to make sure the lounge can accommodate you.

Priority Pass now lets you book ahead at over 140 lounges in more than 100 airports to avoid getting turned away during busy periods.

Review Your Company Card Benefits for Priority Pass

If your company gives you a credit card, it might already include Priority Pass, but it's important to check that the membership is activated. It's not uncommon for travelers to assume activation is automatic, only to get turned away when they try to enter a lounge.

Check if Lounge Passes Are Reimbursable

If you're paying out of pocket, see if your company reimburses the Priority Pass cost or lounge fees. Many teams allow reimbursement, especially if lounge access helps you stay productive on the go.

Review Guest Access Policies

Some memberships let you bring one or two guests for free, while others charge around $35 per guest. If you're meeting a client or traveling with a colleague, check the details of your Priority Pass plan before arriving.

Best Credit Cards That Include Priority Pass Access

Some airport lounge access credit cards make it easy to get into Priority Pass lounges without paying for a separate membership. If you travel often for work, these cards are worth a look:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Includes Priority Pass Select (excluding restaurant credits) and Amex Centurion Lounge access. Make sure to enroll before your trip.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Offers unlimited Priority Pass access and includes authorized users at no extra cost, with each getting their own Priority Pass membership.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card: Provides Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits. The card has an annual fee of $795, but its $300 travel credit helps offset the cost.
• Chase Ink Business Preferred® credit card: Doesn't include lounge access, but the rewards help offset the Priority Pass cost. If you already use this card, you can use points to cover the membership.

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FAQs

How Do I Apply for Priority Pass Membership?

You can apply for Priority Pass membership in three ways: directly through the Priority Pass website, through an eligible credit card that includes membership as a benefit, or by purchasing a day pass at participating lounges. The easiest way for business travelers is usually through a premium travel credit card.

What's the Difference Between Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select?

Priority Pass Select is the version that comes with U.S. credit cards. It usually gives you unlimited lounge access but might exclude some restaurant or spa perks that direct-purchase members get.

Can You Bring a Guest With a Priority Pass?

It depends on your membership or credit card. Some plans include guest access, so check your details in the app before you arrive. Most credit card memberships allow 2 guests for free, while direct Priority Pass memberships typically charge $35 per guest.

Is Priority Pass Worth It for Business Travelers?

If you travel for work a few times a year, Priority Pass is probably worth it, even more so if membership is included in your cardholder benefits. You'll save money on airport food, get a quiet space to work (or sleep on red-eye layovers), and avoid the chaos of crowded terminals.

Can I Eat for Free With Priority Pass?

Most lounges offer free snacks, drinks, and light meals. Some even have buffets or coffee bars. However, restaurant credits that some Priority Pass memberships used to include have been removed by most major credit card providers in recent years.

Can I Bring My Kids Into the Lounge?

Yes. You must be 18 or older to get a Priority Pass membership, but members can bring guests of any age. Kids under 2 enter free at most lounges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Priority Pass Membership After Applying?

Digital membership is available immediately through the Priority Pass app after enrollment. Physical membership cards typically arrive within 1-2 weeks by mail. Most lounges now accept digital cards, so you can start using your membership right away.

Can I Cancel My Priority Pass Membership?

Direct-purchase members have a 14-day cooling-off period for full refunds (minus any used services). After that, memberships auto-renew annually unless cancelled 30 days before renewal. Credit card-linked memberships terminate when the card is closed or downgraded.

What Should I Do if I'm Denied Lounge Access?

First, verify your membership is active and check that you have a same-day boarding pass, as this is required for entry. If lounges are at capacity, try returning later or visiting an alternative lounge. For technical issues, contact Priority Pass support or your credit card issuer for assistance.

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