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—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 get 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 1,700+ airport lounges; 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.

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.

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. Perks vary by location, but you can check everything in the app before arriving at the airport.

How to get Priority Pass for business travel in 3 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 get started in just a few steps.

1. Choose the right membership option

The fastest way to get 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.

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. 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.

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.

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 Spark Travel Elite: Includes Priority Pass Select with restaurant benefits. It’s a good choice for companies offering flexible travel perks to employees.
• 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.

Book with Engine to get the most out of business travel

Priority Pass makes your airport time better. And Engine takes care of the rest.

With Engine, you get exclusive hotel rates, flight deals, and rental cars, all in one place. You can stay organized, skip extra fees, and book faster, with no contracts, no minimums, and no booking fees—just a streamlined platform built for business travelers like you.

Book with Engine today to simplify every part of the journey, so you can focus on where you’re going, not how you’re getting there.

FAQs

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.

How many times can you use Priority Pass in a day?

There’s no limit. If your plan includes unlimited visits, you can visit multiple lounges in one day—even during the same trip.

Is Priority Pass worth it?

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. And if your plan includes restaurant partners, you may get a credit of up to $30 at certain airport eateries.