How one of my go-to airport lounge access apps just got even better
Editor's Note
I was super excited when I recently saw an email from Priority Pass hit my inbox, announcing a big update from the world's largest lounge network.
The new Priority Pass+ app is being rolled out this summer.
Priority Pass+ is the company's redesigned app, set to replace the existing Priority Pass app, with new planning tools, membership management features and a refreshed interface.
The staged rollout is underway, so don't worry if you haven't received the email yet. It is on the way for everyone in stages.
I was eager to try out the latest version of the Priority Pass app and see what's new. Among the cool new features are:
- An easy-to-see gallery of lounges near you.
- A more complete view of everything that is included in your membership, including access to sleep pods, spas and travel experiences.
- A visit history, including remaining available visits.
- A digital membership card.
- The ability to manage multiple memberships.
- New travel recommendations.
- Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,900 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide.
Once available in your country's App Store, the new app will be your go-to guide to it all.
Installation is easy
I clicked through to my old Priority Pass app on my phone, it automatically opened the new and improved Priority Pass+ app experience. Note that users will see this window once available in their region or market from their specific bank or credit card issuer.
After a welcome screen, I was prompted to sign in, with a separate option available for new members.
Security features include biometric sign-in and one-time password verification via email or text for an extra layer of protection.
The app is more intuitive to use, and I appreciated being able to view my digital membership card and make in-app payments.
I got a congratulatory message that I was set up and concluded with a prompt to select a default airport — I chose John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
A new and improved PP+ experience
Now that I have the new app, I can see just how much of an improvement it is over previous versions.
If you've activated geolocation services, a carousel displays all lounges and experiences available at your default airport, updating automatically to show nearby options when you're on the move.
The redesigned interface makes it much easier to browse all available lounges and experiences at an airport, rather than having to dig through lists.
There are 10 options at JFK alone, including two Minute Suites, where you can grab a quiet space to work or rest for free. That's one of my favorite perks of Priority Pass. Just be sure to confirm availability of access with your bank or card issuer before visiting.
The PP+ app also has a trip planning section where you can build an itinerary that includes lounge and other travel experience options from Priority Pass.
I put in an upcoming trip from Philadelphia to Prague and back from Paris to New York, and Priority Pass showed me all the lounges available to me at those airports. Pretty neat!
The app also groups additional perks under 'Membership extras,' covering travel services and destination and lifestyle offerings.
You can find airport parking, rent cars, book airport fast track service and even book and pay for "meet & assist" services at select airports via the app.
Under "Destination & lifestyle services," you'll find guided wellness sessions with TrvlWell, the ability to book workspaces and luggage storage through a partnership with Bounce.
There's even a "Destination deals" page that lets you book theme parks, musicals and iconic attractions like the London Eye at discounted prices.
Other new features
You'll find the new app is also great if you have Priority Pass through a credit card. The PP+ app allows you to consolidate memberships from various cards if you are like me and have multiple credit cards that offer Priority Pass access.
Finally, you can also now reserve select lounges directly from the app, where available.
Bottom line
Priority Pass+ gives me several valuable new features that make my travel experience better, including the ability to plan, access and pay for everything together in one easy-to-use app.
It's an easy upgrade for existing users like me, and it's simple to set up for those of you with new memberships.
Priority Pass tells TPG this is just the beginning. More features will roll out over the coming months.
Planning airport stops, tracking visits and discovering experiences are now built into one app, and with more features promised in the months ahead, it's a meaningful upgrade for frequent travelers.
I'm excited to see what's next for the app and this incredible lounge network.