What is the Priority Pass?

The Priority Pass program offers members a relaxing escape in participating airport lounges before their flights.

Applicable to over 1,600 airport lounges, you can opt into premium pre-flight dining, accommodations, Wi-Fi and more through participating credit cards and paid memberships.

What Does the Priority Pass Give You Access to?

Now that you've received a quick preview of what the Priority Pass is, let’s go over everything you’ll have access to as a member.

Airport Lounges

As mentioned, the Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,600 airport lounges and travel experiences around the world. These upscale escapes transport you from the busy departure terminal to exclusive tranquility. 

Here’s a sneak peek at how many Priority Pass airport lounges you can find across the globe:

• 440+ in Asia Pacific
• 370+ in Europe
• 150+ in North America and Canada
• 150+ in Latin America
• 90+ in Africa
• 70+ in the Middle East

Let's narrow that down a bit for Canadian cardholders. Here are all the Canadian airports with airport lounges associated with the Priority Pass:

• Edmonton International: Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic-International Terminal and US Transborder Terminal)
• Montreal Pierre E. Trudeau International: Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group, National Bank Lounge
• Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International: Aspire Salon Lounge
• Quebec Jean Lesage International: V.I.P Lounge Par Club Med
• Toronto Billy Bishop City: Aspire Lounge
• Toronto Lester B. Pearson International: Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1), Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 1), plus 2 Be Relax Spas (Terminal 1)
• Vancouver International: 2 Plaza Premium Lounges (Domestic Departures, Domestic Terminal), Sky Team Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal), Plaza Premium Lounges (US Departures, International Terminal, Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, International Terminal)
• Winnipeg J.A. Richardson International: Plaza Premium Lounge
• YYC Calgary International: Elevation Lounge (Concourse B), Aspire Lounge International Departures (Concourse D), Aspire Lounge Transborder Departures Concourse E

Amenities

Sometimes, all you need is to swap your standard terminal seating for a comfy sofa. If that’s the case, the Priority Pass has your back (literally).

Additionally, you can take advantage of some the following amenities (depending on which lounge you visit):

• Refreshments and Dining: some lounges provide complimentary snacks and drinks, plus exclusive restaurant availability.
• Free Wi-Fi: keep yourself connected with your colleagues, friends, and family. 
• Workspaces: stay focused by booking a desk, meeting room, or private office in over 80 countries.
• Spa Treatments: including Oxygen Aromatherapy, massages, manicures, and facials through Be Relax Spas packages.
• Gaming Experiences: select lounges provide access to Game Space, an area where gamers of all ages can play leading game titles and try out purpose-built gaming stations.
• Sleeping Areas: certain locations provide sleep pods so you can be well-rested before takeoff.
• Premium Service and Support: offered by the Membership Services team, access support from multilingual advisors.

Guest Access

Premium perks are best enjoyed with a plus one, or multiple companions for that matter. Guest access and limitations will vary by lounge, membership tier, and credit card issuers (if your membership was obtained through a credit card partnership). 

You can find specific lounge policies via the information pages provided on the Priority Pass website and app. Likewise, you can check your Priority Pass membership welcome package for more information on your credit card's partnered pass. Most of the time, guests are permitted to join you for a fee, which is typically charged to the card affiliated with your membership. Some premium credit cards, however, come with complimentary visits for you and a guest.

Once you arrive at a lounge, you’ll need to confirm the number of guests that will be joining you. This confirmation is completed either by paper voucher or digital screen prior to entry.

Where Can You Find Priority Pass Lounges?

The best way to search for specific Priority Pass lounges is to download the Priority Pass App, equipped with a search bar that allows you to input your departure city, airport name or code (a feature that’s also available on the Priority Pass website). This app will also provide information on all the amenities associated with each lounge, hours of operation, and access to your Digital Membership Card.

Inside each participating airport, you’ll find Priority Pass lounges near the gates after airport security. Airport maps and lounge directions are also available through the Priority Pass app. 

How the Priority Pass Works

Let’s dive a little deeper into how the Priority Pass works, starting with how to get a pass in the first place.

Ways to Receive a Pass

There are two ways to receive a priority pass, we’ll elaborate on them both below:

Become an Eligible Cardholder 

There are a few premium credit cards that come with a Priority Pass membership as one of their exclusive perks. While you won’t technically have to pay for a Priority Pass membership out of pocket, you will need to pay the annual fee associated with the participating credit card, which can be expensive. If you have an eligible credit card, then you’ll be considered a Priority Pass Select member.

In Canada, only cards offered by the American Express network carry the Priority Pass perk. Specifically, you’ll find this perk featured on the American Express Platinum Card, the American Express Platinum Business Card, the Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card, and the American Express Gold Rewards Card. 

Pay for Your Membership

If your credit card isn’t one of the few listed in the previous section and you don’t plan on applying for either of them anytime soon, you can still get your hands on a Priority Pass membership by purchasing one directly through the Priority Pass program.

Memberships come in the following tiers at different price points depending on how often you travel:

• Standard: suitable for the occasional traveler, this tier comes with a member and guest visit fee. It’s the most affordable membership option.
• Standard Plus: catering to more regular travelers, this plan includes 10 complimentary member visits, an additional member, and a guest visit fee. The cost is significantly higher than the Standard tier.
• Prestige: designed for frequent travelers, this tier offers the ultimate Priority Pass experience. Complete with complimentary member visits, yet still a standard fee for guest visits. It's the most expensive membership option.

For an exact breakdown of each membership price, visit the Priority Pass official website.

The Application Process

Regardless of whether you purchased a Priority Pass or have one partnered with your credit card, you’ll still need to apply for and activate your Priority Pass.

If you’re purchasing a membership plan online, you need to select your desired tier and follow an enrolment process that asks for personal details (name, email, residence), your delivery address (for the physical card), your billing information, and confirmation before submission.

To activate your membership account in either circumstance, you’ll need to provide either a membership number (located on your membership card), or your payment card number. 

In some cases, when your credit card comes with the Priority Pass, your card issuer may automatically mail your Priority Pass membership card to you, otherwise you’ll need to enroll online using the process above or call your issuer to set everything up. Other times, you’ll be able to find a link to enroll in the pass under the benefits section of your online credit card account. 

Membership cards are also available digitally for user convenience, accessible through the Priority Pass app, which may help speed up the activation process.

Using Your Priority Pass

Once you’re all set with a membership, you can put your Priority Pass to use by visiting a reception desk and presenting your same-day boarding pass and your membership card (either physically or digitally depending on the location). If you don’t have complimentary visits, or if you’re accompanied by a guest, this is when you’ll pay for lounge access. 

Sometimes, you can also pre-book your lounge passes online – for a price.

Benefits of Using the Priority Pass

So far, most of the benefits of having a Priority Pass are probably pretty clear, but we’ll still go ahead and point out this program’s notable perks:

• A Premium Escape: as we’ve previously stated, your Priority Pass provides a place for you to avoid the stress inside your terminal, transporting you to a haven of relaxation.
• Unlock Exclusive Airport Perks: whether your idea of luxury is complimentary treats, spa treatments, comfortable seating, or a quiet space to complete your work, there’s a Priority Pass lounge that meets every expectation.
• No Airline-Affiliations: while many airport lounges are linked to specific airlines and flight classes, meaning you can only use those lounges if your booking is with that particular carrier and class, the Priority Pass gives you access to multiple global lounges no matter what airline you’re using or what type of ticket you have. All your need is an active membership.

Drawbacks of Using the Priority Pass

Naturally, the Priority Pass also has some shortcomings, which is specifically something you might want to consider if you're looking to pay for a membership. If you're already an owner of an eligible credit card, you automatically already have this perk, so it might still be worth using, despite some minor annoyances.

• Overcrowding: lately, some lounges have been known to be overcrowded which may result in wait times, stricter lounge time limits, and less tranquility.
• Quality Varies: each lounge is different, which means the amenities will vary. You can't expect the same services you experienced at one lounge to extend to every lounge. To avoid disappointment, always take a look at the lounge at your departure airport in advance through the Priority Pass website or app.
• Cost: the annual fees on Priority Pass memberships can be pretty steep. The cheapest Standard tier, while more budget friendly, has its own downfalls, like no complimentary lounge access for members. Even if you have a credit card with a Priority Pass Select membership, you'll still be paying an annual fee for that card, and since this perk is offered on premium cards, that cost can also be expensive.

Priority Pass vs Dragon Pass

Both the Priority Pass and the Dragon Pass offer access to networks of airport lounges across the globe, with similar amenities, through membership tiers that cater to how frequently you travel.

Here are some of the key aspects in which the two passes differ:

1. Seniority: the Priority Pass has been around longer than the Dragon Pass, beginning in 1992, whereas the Dragon Pass started up in 2005.
2. Network Sizes: while the Dragon Pass has a network of 1,300+ airport lounges around the world, the Priority Pass has over 1,600. Therefore, the Priority Pass has a larger network than the Dragon Pass.
3. Lounge Location: the Priority Pass is more geographically focused in North America and Europe, whereas the Dragon Pass has more lounges in Asia. For Canada specifically, both passes feature varying lounge access at the same 9 Canadian airports.
4. Membership Pricing: beyond the standard tier on both passes, the Priority Pass becomes slightly more expensive in terms of annual cost.
5. Credit Card Partnerships: the Priority Pass is more prevalent on premium credit cards than the Dragon Pass, which might be more widely accessible on lower-tier, sometimes less expensive cards.

Deciding whether you want a Priority Pass or a Dragon Pass will ultimately come down to what type of credit card works best for you, how much you're willing to spend, what types of specific amenities your looking for, where you're travelling to and from the most, and how much global accessibility you want.

Best Credit Cards Equipped with the Priority Pass

We briefly mentioned which credit cards come with the Priority Pass above, but now it's time to go into more detail about these cards and their Priority Pass Select memberships.

American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card offers comprehensive coverage, flexible reward redemptions, and more perks than any other credit card in Canada, including the Priority Pass.

Platinum cardmembers get a complimentary Priority Pass membership with their card, but you'll still need to enroll in the program by calling the Platinum Card Service hotline. Once you're properly enrolled, you'll receive a welcome package, your Priority Pass card, plus a list of participating lounges. Use your pass by presenting it along with your same-day boarding pass at lounge reception.

At participating lounges that admit guests, cardmembers can bring up to one complimentary companion, additional guests come with a fee.

While the Priority Pass is a package deal with the American Express Platinum Card, it still technically comes with a price, the hefty Platinum Card annual fee.

American Express Business Platinum Card

The American Express Business Platinum Card is the business alternative to the American Express Platinum Card. Like its counterpart, it features comprehensive insurance and premium travel perks (like the Priority Pass), plus an interest grace period.

Like the American Express Platinum Card, the American Express Business Platinum Card also allows for one free guest at lounges that admit guests, any additional guests are charged an entry fee. Additionally, cardholders will need to enroll in the program to activate their membership and will receive the welcome package, the Priority Pass card, and the list of participating lounges. As per standard, American Express Business Platinum Card owners will need to present their Priority Pass and their same-day boarding pass for lounge access.

This card also has an expensive annual fee, which is always something to consider. You'll want to make sure you're taking advantage of all the card's perks and rewards, not just the Priority Pass program, to make it worthwhile.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

For about half the annual fee of the American Express Platinum Card and the American Express Business Platinum Card, you can opt for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. You'll want to note, however, that this card has an income requirement (although low), less benefits (yet some rare inclusions like no foreign transaction fees), and earns Scene+ points instead of American Express Membership Reward points (which are slightly less valuable most of the time).

That said, this card has some extensive coverage (including the valuable emergency medical over 65 insurance), and of course, the Priority Pass. This Pass comes with 10 complimentary visits, plus 4 visits for a secondary card in combination with its Plaza Premium airport lounge perk.

As always, you'll need to enroll in a Priority Pass membership, and so will the supplementary cardholder. To do so, you can enter specified codes to the link provided on the official Scotiabank website.

American Express Gold Rewards Card

You don't have to go platinum for your Priority Pass, you can also go gold with the American Express Gold Rewards Card. This card is the least expensive option on this list, and it's ideal for someone who wants to take a premium trip here and there, and take advantage of a few travel benefits balanced with the annual cost, without paying as much as they would for a Platinum Card.

With the American Express Gold Rewards Card, you'll receive the Priority Pass alone, without any complimentary visits for you or your guests. All visits will be charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.

Again, you'll need to enroll in the Priority Pass program, then you'll receive the welcome package, your Priority Pass card, and the list of participating lounges. Once you have the card, present it at lounge reception, along with your same-day boarding pass, and pay your entry fee.

Conclusion: Is the Priority Pass Worth it?

If you travel often and want to experience premium pre-flight comfort, or if you have a credit card that already comes with the Priority Pass as a perk, then this program is absolutely worth it.

Those without a partnered credit card will want to make sure they're traveling enough to offset the annual cost of their preferred tier, and verify that the eligible lounges they'll typically be using offer the amenities they desire.

Those looking into applying for a partnered credit card will want to ensure they're making use of all the corresponding card's perks, not just the Priority Pass. It's most important that the card complements your overall spending habits, the Priority Pass is simply a plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Priority Pass?

Anyone who can front the Priority Pass's tiered annual fees can pay for a membership out of pocket. If you're obtaining the Priority Pass through a partnered credit card, you'll want to make sure you meet any income requirements, can cover the card's annual cost, and are responsible with your credit.

How much is a Priority Pass per year?

If you're receiving a Priority Pass through a partnered credit card, then the annual cost of that pass is technically the annual fee of the corresponding card. That said, you're also paying for the card's reward program, coverage, and other premium perks through that same yearly charge.

If you're planning to purchase a Priority Pass membership on its own, the price will depend on which membership tier you want to buy. You can find updated pricing for each tier on the Priority Pass official website.

How do you get a Priority Pass for free in Canada?

Technically, you can't get a Priority Pass for free in Canada. But, you can strategically choose a credit card that satisfies your financial needs and comes with the Priority Pass as an added perk. This way, the cost of the Priority Pass is absorbed by the credit card's annual fee, something you might've been willing to pay for anyway for the accompanying perks.