Access Over 600 Airport Lounges With Priority Pass

I must admit, when I first heard of this lounge access program, I was a bit skeptical. The idea of a company selling day-use access to airport lounges at a discounted price brings unwelcoming visions: families with kids running around as if the lounge was some sort of playground; a single tray of refreshments only to be swooped up by the vultures; herds of people jockeying their way through the masses for access to the bar. In fact, Priority Pass isn’t that – at least usually.

This past year I had the pleasure of trying out a standard membership to the Priority Pass network. The plan normally costs $99 a year plus a pay-per-visit fee of $27, which enables access to over 600 airport lounges throughout the world, including select airline-branded ones such as United's Red Carpet Club, Singapore's Kris Flyer and Delta's Sky Club Lounge – to name a few.

The amenities vary at each lounge. Soft drinks, light refreshments, Internet, and a wide variety of magazines are pretty standard. Some lounges even provide hot food, cocktails, resting rooms, and shower facilities. Best of all, lounges are often a quiet (though not always) break away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfare and boarding area of airport terminals. And with Priority Pass, you need not fly that particular airline to access their lounge – often a restriction with airline-branded memberships. For example, if you are flying United Airlines through Tampa, Florida, you have access to the Delta Sky Club Lounge with your Priority Pass membership.

Families who travel infrequently may find the $99 annual fee plus day use fees a bit to steep to justify the purchase. This probably goes a long way in preventing the lounges from overflowing with guests, allowing for a more relaxing visit.

If you travel frequently, consider a membership with Priority Pass. Different levels of membership are available depending on the frequency of your travels and how often you wish to have guests accompany you (for a fee) into the lounges. Click here for more information on the Priority Pass Airport VIP lounge access

Relax Inside Airport Lounges of the World

By Mike Grasso

Airport lounges are typically complimentary to travelers flying in Business or First Class, those who pay an annual club fee of $250-$500, or in some cases being an elite member of an airline. Depending on the airline and location of the lounge, anything from finger foods right on up to full world-class fine dining is offered. Some lounges include made to order drinks, hot showers (great for those long international flights) and full body massage. Probably the biggest benefit though is the escape from the masses of the airport, relaxing in quiet comfortable seating, and soaking up the pampering of services offered.

I've personally visited lounges around the world, and am particularly fond of international airlines' offerings. Malaysia and Singapore Airlines, especially in their home cities, provide top-notch food and amenities to lounge guests.

One of the best kept secrets in the airline industry is using frequent flier miles for business class tickets (often a better deal point-for-dollar than redeeming for a domestic airline ticket) usually scores you complimentary lounge access for the entire trip. So if you're flying from San Francisco to Shanghai, you can treat yourself to lounges in San Francisco, Shanghai and any other connection city.

Be sure to check out Travel and Leisure magazine's, "Most amazing airport lounges from around the world" collection of photo show. Click here to see the show.