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In 2019, my overall travel experience was significantly elevated after I discovered the world of airport lounges. For those who don't know, airport lounges are separate spaces inside terminals, and those with access can enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, private bathrooms, comfortable chairs and other amenities. Though some lounges require you to have a specific fare class or airline elite status, my Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers me a free Priority Pass Select membership.
Priority Pass has a worldwide network of airport lounges that will often allow you and two additional guests access. In the past four years, I have frequently used my Priority Pass membership across various U.S. and international lounges. Though being granted access inside this exclusive space in the airport may sound glamorous, not all airport lounges are created equal.
Sometimes, these lounges are not quiet spaces to relax in but are instead overcrowded areas with an influx of travelers. And in some airport lounges, the food is mediocre at best.
Though having airport lounge access is a great travel rewards credit card perk, the unsung hero of Priority Pass is definitely the restaurant food credit. Here's why.
Take advantage of the Priority Pass airport food credit
To be honest, I use airport lounges when I travel to take advantage of the complimentary food and drinks. Hello, free food, anyone?
Priority Pass doesn't just offer lounge access but also non-lounge experiences, such as restaurant credits. Previously, I always prioritized my lounge access over the restaurant credits, but that has recently changed.
In November 2023, I had a three-hour layover at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). I used Lounge Buddy to check for lounges I could access while waiting for my next flight. There are a few Minute Suites in the terminal, but these private mini-rooms are better suited for napping or working. Plus, you have to pay for water and snacks, and I was looking to capitalize on getting free food.
On the app, it said that Priority Pass was available to use at the Harbor Grill. According to Priority Pass, my membership would allow me to receive $28 off the bill and $56 off if the cardholder (aka me) registers one guest, which worked perfectly for me as I was traveling with someone.
Sitting at the bar at Harbor Grill, my partner and I ordered two hot meals and drinks that cost less than the $56 credit. We sat at the Harbor Grill for two hours, enjoying our food and watching college football.
Overall, I had a great experience using the Priority Pass restaurant credit for the first time. The food was delicious, which is not always the case at airport lounges, and we had plenty of room to sit, relax and watch TV while we waited for our flight. Seriously, why have I not used this credit before?
Currently, there are almost 40 Priority Pass restaurants at 25 U.S. airports. From steakhouses to popular restaurant chains such as Chili's Grill & Bar, your Priority Pass membership may let you enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks before your flight.
Related: Skip the lounge and get free food: Use your Priority Pass at 37 US airport restaurants
Who can use the Priority Pass airport food credit?
Unfortunately, not all Priority Pass members have restaurant access as an added perk. While several rewards credit cards offer Priority Pass memberships, only certain cards have this restaurant benefit, including the, the UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card. American Express cardholders and most Capital One cardholders do not have access to Priority Pass's non-lounge experiences and restaurants.
The information for the UBS Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
However, even if you have a credit card that offers the Priority Pass restaurant benefit, it's always best to check with the hostess or waitress before dining. Since Priority Pass policies can change, we recommend you let a staff member know you plan to use your Priority Pass.
When I dined at Harbor Grill, I immediately told the bartender that I wanted to use this benefit. The waitress confirmed that I was using a Priority Pass membership through a Chase card, as they did not accept Amex or Capital One memberships.
At the end of my meal, the waitress asked for my Priority Pass card; my food and drinks were free since my meal was less than the $56 credit. However, you cannot add a tip when paying with a Priority Pass credit. I asked the waitress if she could charge $.01 to my credit card to leave the tip, to which she obliged.
Related: Which cards offer Priority Pass restaurant access?
Bottom line
Let's face it: Food and drinks at the airport are expensive. And as a frequent traveler, I value getting snacks, meals and drinks at the airport before my flight over sitting in a lounge with less-than-stellar amenities. Plus, if I'm traveling with a group of people or family members, the Priority Pass food credit is a great way to spend time at the airport without having to pay additional fees for everyone to get into a lounge. Remember, Priority Pass typically only allows you and two guests to visit a lounge for free.
With this food credit, I'm able to pick the meal and drinks I want without being limited to the set menu in a lounge. What can I say? I like to have options, and this Priority Pass restaurant credit personally ticks more boxes when it comes to maximizing my membership than most U.S. lounges offered through the program.
