Reader question: Can I use multiple Priority Pass memberships to bring in extra guests?
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Airport lounges provide a comfortable place to relax before your flight or during a layover. You don't need to fly in business or first class to get airport lounge access, though. Instead, you can use the Priority Pass membership provided by several travel rewards credit cards to access more than 1,300 lounges worldwide.
The Priority Pass membership provided by credit cards usually only offers complimentary access for the cardholder plus two guests. You can bring in additional guests, but you'll need to pay $35 per guest. Looking to avoid this extra fee, TPG reader Ken recently asked whether he could stack multiple Priority Pass memberships he'd obtained as perks of his Chase Sapphire Reserve and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (enrollment required):
[pullquote source="Ken]If I already have Priority Pass membership through Chase Sapphire Reserve, can I use the extra membership through the Aspire card and bring in three more guests when I visit a lounge with my two family members?[/pullquote]
Today, I'll answer Ken's question and present some other ideas for getting your family and friends Priority Pass lounge access.
The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex 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.
Using multiple Priority Pass cards at one lounge
Unfortunately for Ken, the Priority Pass conditions of use are pretty straightforward. Specifically, the last section of point 12 of the conditions of use states:
Means of Access may not be used by any person other than the named Customer and only one Means of Access may be used for each visit to a Lounge or Merchant location.
So, based on the conditions of use, you can only use a Priority Pass card carrying your name. And you can only use one Priority Pass card per visit.
You usually need to provide your boarding pass and Priority Pass card when you check-in to a Priority Pass lounge. And, in some cases, you may be asked to show photo identification. So, a friend or family member can't use your second Priority Pass card to access a lounge unless they happen to share your name.
Luckily, there are still several methods you can use to unlock additional Priority Pass lounge access.
Related: How valuable is a Priority Pass lounge membership?
How to get more Priority Pass lounge access
As discussed earlier, most Priority Pass memberships provided as a credit card benefit only provide complimentary access for the cardholder and two guests. Unfortunately, the policy regarding children isn't consistent across Priority Pass lounges. So, at some lounges, even young children will count as guests.
As such, some travelers may frequently need Priority Pass lounge access for more than just two guests. If you are in this situation, I recommend encouraging the other adults in your group to apply for one of the best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access. This way, they'll have their own lounge access and guest privileges.
Likewise, if anyone in your group has The Platinum Card® from American Express, they can add others as Platinum Card authorized users. Doing so will cost just $175 per year for up to three authorized users (see rates and fees). This could be worthwhile since Platinum Card authorized users get perks like American Express Global Lounge Collection access (which includes Priority Pass membership) and Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Finally, if you don't frequently need Priority Pass lounge access for more than yourself and two guests, you may be willing to pay the $35 per guest fee occasionally.
Related: The 8 do's and don'ts in an airport lounge
Bottom line
Priority Pass membership is a great credit card perk, particularly since you don't have to fly a particular airline or class to get lounge access. And there are some excellent Priority Pass lounges. I've enjoyed Priority Pass lounges worldwide, from The Club at ATL in Atlanta, GA, to the Leeli Lounge in Male, Maldives and the SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore.
Guest limits can be a problem for travelers with many travel companions or large families. But, many cards offer Priority Pass membership as a card benefit. As such, you could encourage your travel companions to apply for a new card and activate their Priority Pass membership before your next trip.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.