Let me tell you about my travel game-changer: Priority Pass. This little gem lets you access Business Class airport lounges, even if you’re flying economy. It doesn’t matter which airline you’re with or how much your ticket cost, if you’re a Priority Pass member, you’re in!
Imagine this: you’re flying with a budget airline, your ticket cost $20, and yet you’re sipping champagne in the airport lounge, rubbing shoulders with Business Class passengers who paid $4k for their ticket. Sounds unreal, right? But it’s possible with Priority Pass. They have over 1300 lounges in more than 130 countries.
So, how do you get your hands on this magic pass? There are two ways. You can either sign up directly with Priority Pass and choose one of their yearly membership options, which range from $150 to $400. Or, you can get a premium Credit Card that includes a Priority Pass membership as part of the yearly fee.
Now, if you’re new to the high-flying lifestyle, you might be wondering what an airport lounge is. These are exclusive areas where passengers can wait between checking in for their flight and boarding. They offer free-flow alcohol, huge food buffets, and comfy chairs. Some even have sleep pods, movie theatres, spas, and gyms!
Anyone flying business or first class can access a lounge tied to their airline. Anyone with a Priority Pass can access a lounge that Priority Pass has a partnership with. Some lounges also let people enter if they pay on the spot. Lounge access varies from $30 to $150, usually around $75.
There are three types of Priority Pass Memberships: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. The Standard membership costs around $100 a year and offers discounted lounge access. The Standard Plus membership costs between $250-$300 a year and includes 10 free lounge passes. The Prestige membership costs $400 a year and offers unlimited free lounge passes.
If you’re a frequent flyer, I’d recommend the Prestige membership. I used it to visit over 50 lounges a year for two years, which was worth well over $5000. If you don’t fly often, the Standard Plus membership should suffice.
The cost of Priority Pass varies depending on the type of membership you choose and the country you live in. Sometimes, Priority Pass offers discounts on their website.
In my opinion, the best Priority Pass lounges are the Petra Lounge in Amman Airport, the Oman Air lounge in Bangkok Airport, the SkyTeam Lounge at London Heathrow, the Star Alliance Lounge at Paris (Charles De Gaulle), and the Concourse B lounge in Dubai.
In some busy airports, Priority Pass gives you $20 credit to spend at restaurants instead of lounge access. If you have the unlimited option, you can hop between all the restaurants on the list!
So, is Priority Pass worth it? Absolutely! I used to struggle in airports, but now I stroll into the business class lounge like I belong there. It never gets old!
Just remember, never travel without travel insurance. I use HeyMondo, which offers instant quotes and covers almost everywhere. If you’re a digital nomad or work remotely, I recommend SafetyWing for insurance. It’s just $10 a week and covers me while I live overseas.
And if you’re thinking about starting a blog, I’d love to help you! Email me at [email protected].
So, are you ready to change your life, travel the world, get paid to travel, create a positive influence on others, and be free of offices and ‘real world’ rubbish? Then let’s get started!