Last updated on August 2nd, 2026 at 04:41 pm
Are you considering an airport lounge pass?
Not sure whether it is good value?
Don’t worry! This article will help you decide if an airport lounge pass membership is right for you.
- I’ve used Priority Pass membership to access airport lounges for years now. They help me to have a calmer, comfortable and more productive airport visit. (There are affiliate links on my website – I only recommend things I use). About Me Page & Editorial Policy
- Real reviews from a Priority Pass member and lounge lover
Airport Lounge Pass Vs Pay As You Go – Quick Answer
- If you are going to be using an airport lounge 2 or 3 times pay as you go access is usually the best option (always best to check both options for 3 visits a year)
- For 4 or more visits a year membership through a scheme such as Priority Pass is likely to be your best option.
Airport Lounge Pass
Airport Lounge Pass vs Pay as You Go – Cost Comparison
To compare a membership scheme such as Priority Pass with pay-as-you-go access it is easier to use the same airport lounge for ease of comparison.
One of the most popular lounges in the UK is the No 1. Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal, so I will use that as the comparison.
Airport Lounge Pass
Costs to Access the Number 1 Lounge, Gatwick Airport
Here are the prices for the different ways you can pay to access the Number 1 Lounge at Gatwick (South Terminal).
- If space is available you can pay at the door, without the need to book in advance. The cost is £40 per visit. (3 hours)
- You can book online through Gatwick Airport/No1 Lounges. The cost is £32 per visit. (3 hours)
- You can use Priority Pass. The cost is £24 pounds per visit after you have paid a one-off joining fee of £69 for a Standard membership. Standard Plus membership is £229 pounds per year and includes 10 visits.
Airport Lounge Pass
How Does Membership Compare With The Best Value Pay As You Go Access?
Now, this comparison is a little unfair on Priority Pass because generally, people that have an airport lounge pass are visiting more than one airport and more than one airport lounge.
However, the overall approach kind of works the same.
As a general rule, you can say that if you are using lounges 4 times or more per year then a Priority Pass should provide a saving compared to pay-as-you-go access.
However, that depends on where you are travelling to and from and who you are travelling with.
Lounge Pass Airport
Airport Lounge Pass Compared to Different Membership Levels
If you are travelling more regularly then you need to consider whether pay-as-you-go access is the better option by comparing this to a different Priority Pass membership level.
We’ve already compared the price of pay-as-you-go access and standard membership.
For more frequent travel let’s look at pay-as-you-go airport lounge access and Standard Plus membership.
Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership
I have based these costings on my reader rate which gives a membership saving of 10% because why would you want to more than you need to?
- Priority Pass Standard Plus membership is £206 pounds and this gives 10 free visits with members and guests paying £24 pounds thereafter.
- This makes the cost per visit for 10 visits £20.60 per visit.
- Paying at the door for 10 visits at No 1 Lounge would come to £400 pounds in total (3 hour visit)
- Booking online at Gatwick No 1 Lounge for 10 visits would come to £320 pounds in total (3 hour visit)
- Booking at Holidayextras for 10 visits would come to £240 pounds in total (2 hour visit)
| Cost for 10 Visits | |
|---|---|
| Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership | £206 |
| No 1 Lounges Booking Direct | £400 |
| Gatwick No 1 Lounge Visits | £320 |
| Holidayextras (2 hour visits) | £240 |
Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership
The cost per visit for 15 visits with Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership is £326
Paying at the door for 15 visits would cost £600 pounds in total
Booking online at Gatwick No. 1 Lounge for 15 visits would cost £480 pounds
Booking online at Holidayextras for 15 visits would cost £360 pounds
| Cost for 15 Visits | |
|---|---|
| Priority Pass Prestige Membership | £419 |
| No 1 Lounges Booking Direct | £480 |
| Booking Online | £600 |
| Holidayextras (2 hour visits) | £360 |
Airport Lounge Pass – Final Verdict
- Airport lounge membership is worth considering if using lounges more than 6 times a year
- Priority Pass Standard Membership is a good option for up to 6 visits a year.
- Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership is a good option for 7 or more visits a year.
- Priority Pass Prestige Membership is a good option for over 19 visits a year.
Related Airport Lounge Resources
- Are Airport Lounges Worth It? – Here’s How to Work It Out
- Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – compare the schemes to find the best one for you
- Airport Lounge Pass vs PAYG Access – Which is Better?
- Cheap Airport Lounges – Find Your Best Deal Quickly
You can find lots more information on my Airport Lounges page
