No, Priority Pass Isn’t Cutting Restaurant Access for All Members

July 11, 2019

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4 min read

No, Priority Pass Isn’t Cutting Restaurant Access for All Members

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Back in May, American Express announced that it will be cutting complimentary restaurant access for its credit and charge cards that include a Priority Pass membership starting Aug. 1, 2019. Since then, there have been concerns that it will be removed for other members as well. Fortunately, that isn't the case.

Earlier today, Priority Pass sent out an email to those who have a membership through an Amex card regarding the upcoming changes to their benefits. The email included a link to an FAQ page regarding the changes on Priority Pass' website. The page didn't specify that the changes only apply to Amex members so it sparked some concern that all members would be losing access to non-lounge airport experiences, such as restaurants.

However, as Chase, Citi and US Bank originally confirmed with TPG, as of now, no changes are being made to the benefits on either of their cards that offer a Priority Pass membership. As nerve-racking as the FAQ page appears, it notes at the top that it only applies to members who received an email with a notice about the changes and a Priority Pass representative has confirmed with TPG that this is the case.

So, those who carry cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Citi Prestige and the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card, will continue to get free access to restaurants as a part of their complimentary Priority Pass memberships. As a refresher, the Reserve and Prestige’s membership allow the primary cardholder and up to two guests unlimited entry to Priority Pass lounges, meanwhile the Altitude Reserve only gives four free lounge visits per year for the primary cardholder and one guest.

Starting Aug. 1, these Amex cards that come with a Priority Pass membership will no longer be able to receive a credit at any restaurants that participates in Priority Pass (enrollment required):

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
American Express Centurion Card
American Express Business Centurion Card

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.

Amex cardholders will continue to have complimentary access to a small number of non-lounge airport experiences, including all Minute Suites locations, Sleep’n’fly at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and The Grain Store at London's Gatwick Airport (LGW). As long as you're signed in to your account, starting Aug. 1, the Priority Pass app and website will only show you lounges you have access to so there shouldn't be any confusion. Additionally, the location staff will advise you if your Priority Pass membership card has been declined so there shouldn't be any unexpected charges on your bill at the end of the month. That being said, if you have ordered and consumed food or drink before checking in, you will still need to pay.

Despite the Amex changes, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express will continue to provide cardholders access to more lounges than any other card. In addition to Priority Pass lounges, they can enter Delta SkyClubs when flying Delta and Amex’s Centurion Lounges.

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.