Summary Priority Pass offers 1500+ lounges globally, costing $469 for unlimited access.
Dragon Pass has 1300+ lounges, costing $429 for unlimited access.
Lounge Pass, with 600+ lounges, offers pay-as-you-go access for infrequent travelers.
The airport lounge is a coveted space to enjoy before taking a flight. These days, there are many different types of lounges and ways to gain access. Third-party-operated lounges sit alongside airline lounges, and with the growth of these have come a number of access programs.
Programs such as Priority Pass and DragonPass offer subscription packages that provide different levels of lounge access. These programs have key differences that set them apart. There is no overall standout best program, with the choice really dependent on each traveler and their expected usage. This guide looks at each of the main programs, lounge options, prices, and who they will likely most appeal to.
Accessing airport lounges
Airport lounges are great places to relax, eat, or work when waiting for a flight. They are a welcome space away from the hustle of the airport—at least in most cases.
Photo: Jo Panuwat D | Shutterstock
There are many different ways to access lounges at airports. The standard way has always been to purchase a business or first class ticket. But these days, there are many more options, including:
Paid access, or memberships, to the airline lounge is possible with some airlines.
Elite status with airline loyalty programs usually provides access for mid and top-tier members.
Third-party lounges can usually be accessed with one-off fees or through several different lounge access programs.
Access is included as a perk with many top-level credit cards.
Priority Pass
The largest network and most established program
Priority Pass Number of lounges worldwide Over 1500 Global coverage Strong in all regions Price for unlimited access $469 Price for limited access $329 with ten visits included Price for one-off access $35 (with paid membership) Inclusion with credit cards Yes, Several, including American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Best option for Frequent travelers wanting a wide global range at most airports. Those prepared to pay for high-end credit cards.
Priority Pass is the largest global lounge access program and is probably the best-known one for many people. It is also the oldest, having been established in 1992.
Photo: Priority Pass
In total, there are currently over 1500 lounges available in 145 countries. These are well spread around the world, including at least:
150 locations in North America and Canada
150 locations in Latin America
370 locations in Europe
440 locations in Asia-Pacific
90 locations in Africa
70 locations in the Middle East
There are also some non-lounge facilities on offer with Priority Pass. Partnerships are in place with several cafes and restaurants to give a certain level of spending as a lounge visit credit. Note that this is only available in most cases to direct Priority Pass subscribers – those that get passes through credit card programs have different terms for this.
Priority Pass offers a number of membership options. Prices given here are in USD for US members.
Standard . This membership is directed towards occasional travelers, with no visits included. For an annual fee of $99, you can make visits to any lounge for $35 per visit (and $35 per guest).
. This membership is directed towards occasional travelers, with no visits included. For an annual fee of $99, you can make visits to any lounge for $35 per visit (and $35 per guest). Standard Plus . This costs $329 per year and includes ten lounge visits. Further visits and guest visits are priced again at $35.
. This costs $329 per year and includes ten lounge visits. Further visits and guest visits are priced again at $35. Prestige. This is for the more frequent traveler. An annual membership of $469 includes unlimited lounge visits, but guest visits are still charged.
Photo : Priority Pass
Read more about the three different Priority Pass membership levels in our guide
There are different memberships and pricing structures on offer with several premium credit cards as well. The examples below are again for the US market, but many cards are available in other markets, with different pricing. These general include a Priority Pass membership with unlimited visits and guest visits:
The Platinum Card from American Express. With an annual fee of $695.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express. With an annual fee of $695.
Chase Sapphire Reserve. With an annual fee of $550.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. With an annual fee of $395.
Dragon Pass
A slightly cheaper option, but a bit weaker in North America and Europe
Dragon Pass Number of lounges worldwide Over 1300 Global coverage Stronger in Asia, weakest in Europe Price for unlimited access $429 Price for limited access $259 with eight visits included Price for one-off access $35 (with membership) Inclusion with credit cards Limited Best option for Mid-level travelers with travel plans that match the network
Dragon Pass came to the lounge market much later than Priority Pass (only starting in 2005) but has grown quickly. It started in China with a focus on Asian travel but has become a global offering. It now has over 30 million members and offers partnerships with over 1300 lounges.
The provider also tries to offer more than just lounges (arguably getting ahead of Priority Pass here). They also work with several airport restaurants, spas, limousines, and meet-and-greet services.
Global coverage is not as strong as Priority Pass. In particular, there are fewer options in the Americas and Europe (225 vs. 370 lounges in Europe) but more in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania.
Related Everything You Need To Know About The DragonPass Lounge Program With a base fee of $89 annually, what does the program have to offer?
The US pricing structure for Dragon Pass is very similar to that of Priority Pass. There are fewer additional membership options or credit card partners with Dragon Pass – especially in the US market.
Classic . This costs $99 per year and includes one lounge visit. Additional visits are priced at $35 (the same as Priority Pass).
. This costs $99 per year and includes one lounge visit. Additional visits are priced at $35 (the same as Priority Pass). Preferential . This costs $259 per year and includes eight lounge visits. Additional visits and guest visits are priced at $35.
. This costs $259 per year and includes eight lounge visits. Additional visits and guest visits are priced at $35. Prestige. This costs $429 per year and includes unlimited visits for the member.
Photo: Dragon Pass
Lounge Pass
A good option for occasional use
Lounge Pass Number of lounges worldwide Over 600 Global coverage Stronger in UK and Europe Price for unlimited access – Price for limited access – Price for one-off access $22 to $99 (varies) Inclusion with credit cards No Best option for Infrequent travelers wanting easy app-based access to a few lounges
Lounge Pass is a UK-based company offering a smaller lounge program. It has access to over 600 lounges in 100 countries.
Importantly, there is no membership or subscription option with Lounge Pass. It is simply a pay-as-you-go program. Prices vary by lounge. For example:
London Heathrow Terminal 5 costs £40 ($51) for the Club Aspire Lounge, £47 ($60) for the Plaza Premium Lounge, or £77 ($99) for an extended stay at the Plaza Premium Lounge.
In New York JFK, the Primeclass Lounge in Terminal 1 costs £42 ($54).
Photo: Lounge Pass
Lounge Key
Only available through MasterCard
Lounge Key is another program you will often hear about, but this works differently. It has a good lounge network but is only available as a credit card benefit from MasterCard. You cannot sign up separately for this program. It offers over 1000 lounges worldwide.
Love learning about points and miles? Read more of our loyalty news and guides here
Getting the best value
The value you get from any of these lounge programs depends on choosing the best package for your expected travel. Some tips and pointers here:
Think about how many lounge visits you will realistically make in a year. And for how long – it is not worth paying an entry if you only have a few minutes spare!
Research available lounge locations. If you use certain airports regularly, focus on the choice there.
If you are regularly using certain airports, look at lounge review experiences. Quality varies, and so does occupancy. Some lounges at key airports are known to be very restrictive on pass holder access.
Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here
Which Third-Party Airport Lounge Program Offers The Best Value?
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