Quick Points: Add your Priority Pass membership card to your digital wallet
The Priority Pass Select membership included with many premium credit cards is one of my favorite card benefits. It grants you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, regardless of which class of service or airline you're flying. So, even if you are flying economy class on a low-cost carrier like Frontier Airlines, you can still enjoy a bite to eat in a quieter space than the airport terminal.
As part of your Priority Pass membership, you'll generally get a physical card mailed to your address. However, sometimes you may forget to carry it (or choose to leave this card at home). Under these circumstances, having a digital backup to access any lounges you come across during your journey can be useful.
Why having a digital Priority Pass membership card is important
Say you're flying from my home airport of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) nonstop to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on American Airlines. Austin has no Priority Pass lounge, so you may be inclined to leave your membership card at home.
However, if there is a change in your itinerary, perhaps due to inclement weather, and you are rerouted through Miami International Airport (MIA) with a lengthy layover, it would be useful to spend that time in the Turkish Airlines Lounge, which is a Priority Pass-affiliated lounge.
Note that most — but not all — Priority Pass lounges and facilities accept digital membership cards, so it's important to try and carry both your physical and digital cards. If you do forget your physical card, the digital option can be a lifesaver.
Related: The 10 best Priority Pass lounges around the world
How to access your digital Priority Pass membership card
There are two ways to access your digital credentials for Priority Pass.
First, download the Priority Pass mobile app for iOS or Android, log in to your account and navigate to the "Card" tab at the bottom of the screen.
From there, taking a screenshot of the QR code is a good idea in case of any connectivity issues when entering a lounge.
You can also add your card to a digital wallet like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access.
Related: 13 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access
Bottom line
Priority Pass lounges can be great respites from crowded, noisy airport terminals. While you're not always guaranteed access to a Priority Pass lounge due to capacity restraints, it's nevertheless a valuable perk on many premium credit cards.
Thankfully, you may not need your physical Priority Pass card to get in, as a digital card works for most lounges. In case of connectivity issues, it's best to take a screenshot of your membership card's QR code in the Priority Pass mobile app and add it to your digital wallet for easy access.
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