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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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The 10 best Priority Pass lounges around the world
Benji Stawski is a former reporter for the site, covering all things points, miles, credit cards, travel and aviation.
April 29, 2024 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Priority Pass provides access to a global network of airport lounges, with quality and amenities varying by location.
Top lounges highlighted include standout options in Vancouver, São Paulo, Bangkok, Washington D.C., Dubai, Quito, Singapore, Paris, Nadi and Istanbul.
Amenities range from gourmet food, showers and massage chairs to unique features like outdoor terraces, wine cellars and children's play areas.
Access rules, such as maximum stay limits and entry restrictions, differ by lounge and airport.
What to consider
Some lounges restrict access based on flight type (e.g., international only) or limit the length of stay, typically between two and five hours.
Certain amenities, such as showers or spa services, may incur additional charges or have limited availability.
Restaurant access is not available to members whose lounge access comes from select premium cards.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of the best Priority Pass lounges worldwide, including specific amenities, access tips and unique features at each location.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
For many travelers, the Priority Pass membership offered by popular rewards credit cards is one of the best value-added perks. If you don’t have elite status with an airline or the ability to travel in business class on your company’s dime, the extra value of a predeparture lounge can really add up.
Since Priority Pass doesn’t own or operate the lounges itself — but rather contracts with them to give its members access — the quality can vary significantly.
Some lounges are little more than a small room with bottled water and dubious-looking food, but some are as good as (or better than) what you’d get if you were flying in a premium cabin.
Here's a look at some of the best Priority Pass lounges around the world.
SkyTeam Lounge at Vancouver (YVR)
Space constraints shouldn’t be an issue at the spacious YVR SkyTeam lounge. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Airside in the international departures area, near gate 53. This lounge is not accessible to passengers departing on Canadian domestic or US transborder flights—only international flights to countries other than the U.S.
Amenities: The SkyTeam lounge in Vancouver checks all the standard boxes (showers, Wi-Fi and a good food and alcohol selection) but really goes above and beyond that. Between a multitude of spacious and private seating options, a self-serve wine bar and dining options from around the world — including made-to-order dumplings and noodle soups — this is the ideal place to relax before boarding a long-haul flight.
Important notes: Maximum four-hour stay.
Espaço Banco Safra at São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU)
RYAN SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Airside in the international departures area in Terminal 3. Follow the signs to the 2nd floor near the duty-free stores and restaurants.
Amenities: Previously named the Star Alliance Lounge, the Espaço Banco Safra Lounge has a bar, showers (for an additional charge), hot and cold foods and quality Wi-Fi. It shines in two areas, however: ample outlets for charging your devices and numerous seating areas with different offerings. There are chairs with individual trays, family-sized tables, workspaces and even a quiet area with lounge chairs.
Important notes: Access is only permitted up to two hours before departure.
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Bangkok (BKK)
BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: International concourse D at BKK, near gate D8.
Amenities: BKK is a massive airport, but the Turkish Airlines lounge is worth the walk if you have time. The lounge features plenty of seating options, including comfortable loungers if you need a nap before your flight. However, the highlight of the lounge is the complimentary 15-minute massage, available in the afternoons and evenings. As with other Turkish lounges, there’s also an impressive food spread.
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington Dulles (IAD)
This is hands down the best Priority Pass lounge in the U.S. JT GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Airside, near gate B43. It is accessible from other terminals.
Amenities: Closer to home, the Turkish Airlines lounge at Washington Dulles is the best Priority Pass lounge in the U.S. and one of the best around the world. It boasts an elegant and upscale design, an appetizing buffet with plenty of hot and cold options and model airplanes sprinkled throughout the lounge to enhance the decor. The best part, though, is the giant floor-to-ceiling windows that face out over the international concourse at Dulles, giving plane spotters plenty of live entertainment to keep them occupied.
Location: Terminal 3 at DXB, concourse B, near gate B26 inside the ‘Cadiz Tapas Bar.’
Amenities: This speakeasy-like lounge is an oasis in the busy terminal. There’s a hearty buffet, massage chairs and complimentary access to the shower facilities at the Dubai International Hotel.
Important notes: Maximum five-hour stay. Alcoholic drinks are served only late at night during Ramadan.
Sala VIP International at Quito (UIO)
The Sala VIP lounge offers sleeping areas, massage rooms and more. COURTESY OF PRIORITY PASS
Location: Airside after security and passport control on the departures level. The lounge is in front of the Duty-Free Shop. International flights only.
Amenities: Quito’s Sala VIP International lounge has been a repeat winner of both regional and international awards for the best Priority Pass lounge. It’s easy to see why, thanks to its outdoor terrace, private workspaces, sleeping areas, massage rooms and showers for guests. The lounge even has its own private wine cellar. While beer is complimentary, note that spirits and wines are limited to two per adult.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore (SIN)
The SATS Premier Lounge is a good option for those looking for a 24-hour lounge. JT GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Airside in Terminal 1 at SIN.
Amenities: Singapore Changi Airport offers an astounding eight Priority Pass lounges to choose from, but it’s also home to the SATS Premier Lounge, which has been voted the best Priority Pass lounge in Asia. Our review found that it was indeed one of the best Priority Pass lounges around — including an excellent hot food buffet, speedy Wi-Fi, surprisingly good massage chairs and spotless showers.
Star Alliance Lounge at Charles de Gaulle in Paris (CDG)
COURTESY OF STAR ALLIANCE
Location: Terminal 1 at CDG, after passport control but before security on level 11. Access is granted to the business lounge only.
Amenities: The Star Alliance Lounge at CDG is a great way to say au revoir to Paris, with an appropriately impressive selection of French wines and gourmet food. However, the real highlight is the outdoor terrace that gives you a chance to suck in one last gulp of fresh, non-pressurized/recycled air before you board your flight.
Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi (NAN)
A Priority Pass membership gets you into Fiji Airways' flagship lounge. FIJI AIRWAYS
Location: International terminal departures area at NAN. After duty-free, take the escalator or elevator down to the ground level.
Amenities: Although Nadi Airport hasn’t historically been known for its lounge offerings, Fiji Airways’ flagship lounge is a great option. Guests will enjoy chef-inspired menus, baristas, spa (charges apply), nanny service, a children's playroom and the exclusive ‘Fiji Bean Cart.’ The lounge's locally-inspired design — including a live greenery wall and constellation lighting representing the Fijian summer and winter skies — will help stretch your vacation out until the last possible minute.
IGA Lounge at Istanbul (IST)
LOUNGEBUDDY.COM
Location: Airside in the international flights area, located on the mezzanine level.
Amenities: If you're looking for a large, spacious lounge, this is it. There are two separate buffets, multiple seating types, quiet areas and an exclusive duty-free store inside the lounge. You'll also enjoy complimentary billiards, private rooms for phone calls and a children's play area.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select memberships
Several premium credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership. Just note that enrollment is required in advance.
You can receive a Priority Pass membership with the following best credit cards for lounge access:
The information for the Citi Prestige and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Most major international airports have at least one Priority Pass lounge or affiliated restaurant. Many even have lounges that are open around the clock. It’s important to do your research and read lounge reviews whenever possible to make sure you spend your layover at the most pleasant lounge possible and not get turned away because you showed up outside of the hours that Priority Pass members are admitted.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
