Priority Pass Select: What It Is & How It Works

Members of Priority Pass get access to over 1,300 airport lounges in 130 countries. Priority Pass lounges include complimentary food and beverages, as well as free Wi-Fi and meeting spaces.

Annual memberships usually range from $99 to $429. Some travel credit cards, however, provide complimentary memberships called Priority Pass Select to regular travelers.

Consider a credit card that provides free memberships if you travel often and wish to get Priority Pass Select for free. Some travel credit cards, such as the American Express Business Platinum Card®, provide free admission to all 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges. Every purchase will also earn you travel points.

What Is Priority Pass Select, and How Does It Work?

Priority Pass Select is an airport lounge membership program offered by Priority Pass via several financial institutions in the United States, such as credit card issuers. Members of Priority Pass Select get access to over 1,300 airport lounges while waiting for a trip. In certain lounges, you’ll find complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, conference rooms, showers, and extra shopping or restaurants.

Despite the fact that each Priority Pass Select membership is free, the number of lounge visits a cardholder gets varies depending on the credit card used. Some cards, for example, may provide unlimited access while others restrict you to 10 trips per year. Annual costs for cards with unlimited visits are usually higher. Similarly, each membership category costs various yearly prices and provides varying numbers of lounge access if you buy a membership directly via the Priority Pass website.

What is Priority Pass Select and How Does It Work?

Priority Pass Select memberships are only accessible via a limited number of travel credit cards, so you’ll need to choose one that does. Within seven to ten days after you apply for a credit card and are accepted, you will get your card in the mail. To get access to Priority Pass perks and airport lounges across the globe, show your credit card or use the Priority Pass mobile device app.

To obtain and utilize Priority Pass advantages, follow these three steps:

1. Select a credit card that includes Priority Pass. Some personal and corporate credit card issuers provide complimentary Priority Pass memberships with travel credit cards. Choose a card that provides free admission to Priority Pass airport lounges if you want to enjoy this premium travel benefit.
2. Apply for the credit card: Once you’ve chosen a travel credit card that meets your needs, fill out an application online. You’ll need to submit personal information such as your Social Security number (SSN), name, address, and income details in order to get a credit card.
3. Present your card at a participating lounge: You may use your Priority Pass credit card to access any Priority Pass airport lounge once you get it. If you don’t want to wait for your membership card to come in the mail, you may use Priority Pass’s mobile device app to access your digital membership card right now.
4. Benefits of Priority Pass: When you visit a Priority Pass airport lounge, you’ll get access to a variety of perks, including complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. You may use Priority Pass restaurant credits to get free food and beverages at participating eating establishments at certain airports.

If you want to make use of Priority Pass’s advantages but don’t want to register for a new credit card, Priority Pass offers membership without a credit card. You may buy a membership on the company’s website and get the same advantages as some of the finest travel credit cards.

Who Should Use Priority Pass Select?

Priority Pass Select is designed for frequent travelers who fly inside or beyond the United States. The membership aims to improve frequent flyers’ airport experiences as they wait for their planes to leave. Additionally, certain credit cards, such as those that provide access to airport lounges, include complimentary Priority Pass subscriptions. This implies that, apart from the card’s yearly charge, you may use Priority Pass lounges for free.

Priority Pass Select is appropriate for the following situations:

• Priority Pass gives frequent passengers access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe, enhancing their airport experience. This may be useful for frequent travelers who want to make the most of their time while waiting for their aircraft to leave.
• Individuals who have credit cards that provide free memberships: Priority Pass memberships are available for free with certain personal credit cards. If you have a card that provides this advantage, check with your issuer. Furthermore, if you run a small company, there are small business credit cards that provide the same advantages.

Priority Pass can make airport travel more enjoyable by allowing you access to airport lounges that provide amenities such as complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. You may get access to premium airport lounges at more than 30 major U.S. airports if you join.

Costs

Priority Pass Select membership is a perk that certain credit card issuers provide with certain credit cards. If you have a card that has this advantage, you’ll get a free membership to Priority Pass Select. Additional visitors, on the other hand, will be charged $32 per person. It’s worth noting that cards that provide free Priority Pass memberships usually come with yearly fees ranging from $95 to $400 or more.

You may buy a Priority Pass membership via the Priority Pass website if you don’t want to apply for a credit card. Priority Pass has three membership options ranging from $99 to $429. However, not all Priority Pass memberships provide limitless free access, which may be a disadvantage for certain passengers.

Priority Pass Select Memberships on Credit Cards

Priority Pass Select is a free perk that comes with certain travel credit cards. The annual card charge, which often varies from $95 to $400 or more, is still required by issuers. Business owners may get a comparative advantage if they apply for a business travel credit card that includes this feature.

Priority Pass Select is available on the following personal and corporate credit cards:

1. The Platinum Card®

• After you spend $5,000 in your first three months, you’ll get 60,000 extra points.
• On flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel, you’ll earn 5x points.
• On prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, you’ll earn 5x points.
• Every month, get $15 in Uber Cash for trips in the United States, plus an extra $20 in December.
• Choose one eligible airline and get up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year.
• After applying for Global Entry ($100) or TSA Pre® ($85), you will get a statement credit every 4 years or every 4.5 years.
• Access the American Express Global Lounge CollectionSM, which gives you access to over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries.

The American Express Platinum Card® is ideal for regular travelers who desire limitless free access to Priority Pass airport lounges and Uber trip credits. On flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel, you’ll earn 5x points, and on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, you’ll get 5x points. If you’re a company owner, this card’s business variant, the American Express Business Platinum Card®, is a good option.

2. Sapphire Reserve®

• After you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after establishing your account, you will get 50,000 bonus points.
• Each account anniversary year, you’ll get up to $300 in statement credits as compensation for travel expenditures made with your card.
• Three times the points on travel and dining

Pros

• Credit for a trip each year
• When used for travel, rewards are worth 50% more.
• Access to the airport lounge is complimentary.

Cons

• There is a hefty yearly charge that is never waived.
• Merchandise redemption value is lower as a result of the lower reward redemption value

All Priority Pass airport lounges around the globe are accessible to Chase Sapphire Reserve® members. As a refund for travel expenditures made on your card, you’ll get an annual travel credit of up to $300. You may earn up to three points on travel-related purchases anywhere around the globe after you get your credit. Every four years, you may also get a refund for your Global Entry or TSA Pre® application.

3. American Express’s Business Platinum Card®

• Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on qualifying purchases with the Business Platinum Card in your first three months of card membership.
• On amextravel.com, earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels.
• Increase your Membership Rewards® points by 50%. On each qualifying purchase of $5,000 or more, you’ll get an additional half-point per dollar. Each year, you may earn up to 1 million bonus points.
• When you book on amextravel.com and pay with Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a trip with a qualified airline, you may receive 35 percent of your points back, up to 500,000 bonus points each calendar year.
• Use CLEAR® to breeze past security and earn up to $179 back each year on your membership when you use your Card.
• Enroll to get up to $200 in statement credits yearly and up to $100 in semi-annual statement credits for Dell purchases made in the United States. Terms and conditions apply.
• PAY OVER TIME OPTION: A flexible payment option for purchases of $100 or more to assist manage the financial flow.
• Terms and Conditions apply.

Pros

• Over 1,200 airport lounges across the globe are available to you for free.
• Reimbursement of membership fees for Global Entry or TSA Pre®

Cons

• The balance is payable in full every month.
• The yearly cost is steep at $595.

Choose the American Express Company Platinum Card® if you’re a business owner and want access to hundreds of airport lounges. It provides members with unrestricted free access to the American Express Global Lounge CollectionSM, which includes all Priority Pass airport lounges as well as other amenities. You’ll also get a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000 in travel and up to 5x points on travel expenditures made with American Express.

4. American Express Hilton Honors Business Card

• Earn up to 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points as a welcome bonus. Spend $2,000 on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first three months of card membership to get 130,000 bonus points. Plus, after spending $10,000 on the Card in the first six months, you may earn an extra 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
• For every dollar spent on your Card, you’ll earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points: 12X at Hilton hotels and resorts, 6X on certain business and travel purchases, and 3X on all other qualifying purchases There are certain restrictions and conditions that apply.
• With your Hilton Honors Business Card, you’ll get free Hilton Honors Gold Status.
• After spending $15,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you’ll get a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors.
• After spending an additional $45,000 on your Card in the same calendar year, you’ll get another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Pros

• Each year, Priority Pass members are entitled to ten complimentary visits to airport lounges.
• Hilton Gold Status is free.

Cons

• Other than hotel stays, there are few alternatives for redemption.
• The value of Hilton points is only half that of competing hotel reward schemes.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is ideal for Hilton Hotel guests who do not need unrestricted access to Priority Pass airport lounges. Instead, this card gives you 10 free access to Priority Pass airport lounges each year. It will cost $32 per visit after you have used your ten visits. Choose the American Express Business Platinum Card® if you want unrestricted access to Priority Pass lounges.

Benefits of Priority Pass Select Membership

Priority Pass enables frequent passengers to escape the crowded airport terminal while waiting for their aircraft. You’ll get access to perks like free Wi-Fi and food at Priority Pass airport lounges.

You’ll get the following benefits with Priority Pass:

• While you wait for your flight, you may rest or work in a peaceful environment.
• Pre-flight snacks and beverages are complimentary.
• Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available.
• Showers and conference rooms

Different facilities may be available at each Priority Pass airport lounge. Check out which lounges and facilities are available at the airport where you’ll be flying. Priority Pass has a website and a mobile app where you may discover more about its airport lounges.

Select Restaurant Credits with Priority Pass

Depending on your credit card, Priority Pass Select also provides restaurant credits at a number of major US airports. Members may spend their restaurant credits for meals and beverages at participating places, which usually range from $28 to $30. This credit usually applies to one visitor, which means you might receive up to $60 worth of free food and beverages, with just the tip to pay.

Priority Pass Select members who use an American Express card will no longer get credits to spend at restaurants or bars as of August 1, 2019. The Priority Pass airport lounges are still available, however, the non-lounge benefits have been withdrawn from the issuer’s Priority Pass Select program. Restaurant credits are still available from Chase and US Bank.

Priority Pass Select Airport Lounges in the United States

Priority Pass offers over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe. In addition, these airport lounges may be found at over 30 major US airports, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (JFK). View the Priority Pass map to discover whether your chosen airport has Priority Pass airport lounges.

Priority Pass Select vs. Priority Pass

Priority Pass and Priority Pass select both provide passengers access to a limited number of airport lounges throughout the globe. Priority Pass Select is a perk that certain travel credit cards provide as part of their program. Priority Pass is the name of the business that sells memberships to Priority Pass airport lounges. If you don’t have a credit card that provides Priority Pass Select, Priority Pass memberships may be purchased straight from the website for $99 per year.

The following are the costs for joining Priority Pass through its website:

• Standard: $99 per year—you will not get any free tickets and will be charged $32 for each visit.
• Standard Plus: $299 per year, which includes 10 free visits and then $32 each visit after that.
• Prestige: $429 per year, which includes unlimited free visits.

Although all memberships are expensive, only one—Prestige—provides free unrestricted access to Priority Pass airport lounges. In addition, each extra visitor costs $32 at all membership levels (Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige). Some credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card ($95 per year), provide 10 free visits and levy annual fees that are cheaper than the cost of a membership with the same number of visits per year.

Priority Pass Select’s Advantages and Disadvantages

Priority Pass Select is designed for travelers who currently have or are looking for a top-tier travel credit card that provides this benefit. You’ll get access to a private airport lounge with complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, among other perks. However, not all travel credit cards provide this benefit for free, and those that do usually have hefty annual fees.

Advantages of Priority Pass Select

Priority Pass Select has the following advantages:

• Enhances entire airport experience: Priority Pass airport lounges are designed to improve a traveler’s overall airport experience. Members will have access to quiet lounges located away from the main airport, as well as complimentary food and beverages and free Wi-Fi.
• Priority Pass offers over 1,300 airport lounges globally and is available at more than 30 major US airports. These airport lounges are also available at more than 30 major US airports. To find out whether your chosen airport has a Priority Pass airport lounge, go to the Priority Pass website.
• Priority Pass features are available for free with certain travel credit cards. The membership is free, however, these cards usually levy yearly fees ranging from $95 to $400 or more.

The Disadvantages of Priority Pass Select

The following are the disadvantages of Priority Pass Select:

• Only available with certain travel credit cards: These airport lounge memberships are not available from all credit card companies. It’s not certain that you’ll get this membership if you already have a travel credit card. Check with your chosen issuer to see whether they provide this benefit.
• Travel credit cards with complimentary Priority Pass memberships usually have hefty annual fees. Some of the finest travel credit cards charge up to $550 a year for this perk, which might be a deterrent for many travelers.
• Priority Pass Select memberships are restricted in certain ways: If you select a travel credit card that provides a complimentary membership, be sure to ask your credit card provider what it entails. Some memberships offer just 10 free visits per year before charging $32 for each visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of Priority Pass Select?

Priority Pass Select is a premium travel perk offered by certain top-tier travel credit cards. It grants cards access to more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges in 130 countries around the globe. You’ll have access to free food and beverages, as well as free Wi-Fi, showers, and conference rooms.

Priority Pass is available with which credit cards?

Priority Pass airport lounge access is available via a variety of high-end travel credit cards, including the American Express Platinum Card® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Priority Pass Select memberships are provided through credit card companies and give the same advantages as memberships bought through the Priority Pass website.

How long will Priority Pass Select take to arrive?

Your card will come in seven to ten days after you’ve been accepted for a card that includes Priority Pass Select.

Conclusion

Some top-tier travel credit cards provide Priority Pass Select as a perk to customers. If you have Priority Pass Select, you will have access to Priority Pass airport lounges while waiting for your trip. Free food and beverages, as well as Wi-Fi and charging stations, and conference spaces, are common features of these lounges. Annual fees for credit cards that provide this benefit often start at $95.

If you travel often, a travel credit card with a complimentary Priority Pass membership is a good choice. The American Express Business Platinum Card®, for example, gives cardholders access to all Priority Pass airport lounges. Additionally, on travel-related transactions made with American Express, you may earn up to 5x points. In just a few minutes, you may apply online.