Editorial note: This story has been updated with the latest information.
While your favorite airport lounge may not quite look the same, there are many that have begun reopening their doors to travelers. A handful of U.S. airline lounges have already opened, and now, you can add independent Priority Pass lounges to that list.
In recent weeks, Priority Pass unveiled new safety and sanitation requirements for its vast network of 1,300 independent airport lounges (most of which are found outside of the U.S., however). That includes health checks and new training for lounge staff, contactless entry, social distancing and frequent sanitization inside lounges and other health-focused changes.
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Each lounge operator still must assess state regulations as well as their own business needs before deciding if it's worth rolling out the welcome mat.
Two major lounge companies, both of which accept Priority Pass entry, have announced reopening plans. Here's the latest.
Related: Best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
Minute Suites
Minute Suites bills itself as a retreat post-security to nap, relax and work. It's less of a full-fledged lounge and more of a private area to rest or be productive (or escape the crowds). Priority Pass members get the first hour for free, and a discounted rate of $28 per hour thereafter.
The company has increased its safety and cleaning protocols to include plexiglass barriers at reception, mandatory masks and enhanced sanitizing between each visit. A Minute Suites spokesperson told TPG the suites will be a "hospital-grade clean place to escape the crowds at the airport." Interestingly, locations will remain open 24 hours, despite the reduction in flights and passenger traffic.
As of October 4, Minute Suites has reopened at the following locations:
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal A
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal D
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Atrium location
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) Concourse B
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Related: Tips for using Minute Suites via Priority Pass
The Club lounges
The Club operates 24 lounges across the US and UK with complimentary access to most locations for travelers with Priority Pass membership. Employees will be required to be temperature screened before working and wear face coverings and gloves. Social distancing will also be encouraged and capacity will be restricted.
Related: Here's what to expect at Delta Sky Clubs during the pandemic
Thankfully, food and snacks will continue to be available with a selection of pre-packaged items.
For breakfast, continental style with fresh fruit, yogurt and pastries will be available. At lunch and dinner hours, there will a mix of protein options as well as two soups and a selection of sweet and savory snack or dessert items. All food will be handled by a dedicated attendant to assist guests.
Reopened U.S. clubs as of October 4:
- The Club DFW
- The Club MCO (Airside 1)
- The Club LAS (Terminal 1)
- The Club SEA (S Gates)
- The Club JAX
- The Club ATL
- The Club BWI
- The Club CVG
- The Club CHS
- The Club MSY
- The Club PIT
All other locations not mentioned remain closed. There are also reduced hours with most clubs, check here for the latest on club operating hours.
Related: 'The Club' lounges add time restrictions for Priority Pass members
There are also some other Priority Pass-accessible lounges that have reopened, including the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington-Dulles (IAD), one of our favorite Priority Pass lounges in the network.
You can also check Priority Pass's website and search by airport for the latest lounge reopening information.
