Priority Pass is a membership scheme that gives users access to airport lounges at discounted rates.
Read on to find out more about the difference between Priority Pass and lounge access so you can decide what the best option is for you.
What Is The Difference Between Priority Pass And Lounge Access?
What Is The Difference Between Priority Pass And Lounge Access?
Priority Pass is a membership scheme that gives members access to airport lounges at reduced rates. Members can access over 1700 lounges throughout the world. Lounge access is generally something you buy occassionally – pay as you go access to airport lounges.
When thinking of airport lounges it is important to remember that there are two different types of airport lounges.
The first are airline lounges.
These are open to passengers flying on certain types of tickets i.e business and first class.
Airline lounges are not open to the general public and you cannot buy access to these lounges (other than with the appropriate ticket).
The other type are airport lounges.
These are open for anyone to use, no matter what airline or type of ticket you have.
Access can be bought directly, and many lounges also allow walk ins, which means you can just buy access at the door.
You can access airport lounges by paying at the door, paying online, or using a membership scheme such as Priority Pass.
Airport Lounge Access and Priority Pass Video
Airport Lounge Access
There are several ways that you can access an airport lounge.
You Might Also Like;
- My comparison of buying Airport Lounge Membership vs. Pay As You Go Access
- My comparison of the various Airport Lounge Membership Schemes
You can find lots more information including tips to get the most from your membership in my Priority Pass Ultimate Membership Guide
Buy Access on the Door (Walk In)
Some airport lounges allow visitors to buy access at the door by paying an entry fee.
This is usually the most expensive way to access an airport lounge.
If lounges are full with pre-booked guests then lounges will not sell access to walk in guests.
That means this type of lounge access isn’t guaranteed to be available as it depends how busy the airport lounge is.
Buy Airport Lounge Access Directly
You can go onto the airport lounge operator website and buy access directly with the lounge operator.
Lounge operators in the UK include;
Sometimes you can book airport lounge access through the website of the airport you are travelling to or from.
What is the Difference Between Priority Pass and Lounge Access?
Book Airport Lounge Access Through a Travel Website
There are several travel websites where you can book extras such as car hire, travel insurance and airport lounge access including;
Your Travel Extras – they specialise in UK airports for parking and lounge access. There is a special 20% discount for you if you book a UK lounge through them
What is the Difference Between Priority Pass & Lounge Access?
Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access
Priority Pass is an airport lounge access membership scheme.
You choose your membership level (based on their travel plans) and then get access to airport lounges at reduced rates.
Membership is for one year.
Priority Pass has one of the largest networks of airport lounges available for it’s members to use – there are over 1600 lounges available.
Here are the membership costs (all prices are in Pounds Sterling)
| Membership Level | Membership Costs | Membership Costs with My Special Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard – all visits 24 pounds each | 69 | 48 |
| Standard Plus – 10 visits included then 24 pounds per visit | 229 | 183 |
| Prestige – all visits included | 419 | 377 |
Difference Between Priority Pass and Lounge Access
Points to Consider When Buying Lounge Access or Priority Pass Membership
Extra Benefits
If you buy airport lounge access directly – either through the airport’s own website or through the lounge operator direct you may get some extra benefits.
The most common benefit is delay cover which enables you to stay in the airport lounge for as long as your flight is delayed.
Duration Differences
The amount of time you can access an airport lounge before your flight can vary depending on where you buy your lounge access from.
For example, buying lounge access directly may give you 3 hours of airport lounge access
Buying lounge access online, using a holiday deals site, may give you 2 hours of airport lounge access.
Guaranteed Booking
Buying lounge access directly through the airport or with the lounge operator directly also gives you the benefit of a guaranteed booking.
This means that you will be guaranteed entry to the lounge with your booking.
This is important because if airport lounges are busy they may turn away people from airport lounge membership schemes. However, Priority Pass offers members the ability to guarantee entry at the busiest lounges by paying a small booking fee.
What is the Difference Between Priority Pass and Lounge Access?
Priority Pass Vs Lounge Access
If you are going to be using an airport lounge less than 4-5 times a year then getting the best deal online is going to be the best value option. Check out my guide to airport lounge pay as you go access versus airport lounge membership to see what’s best for you.
If you plan to use an airport lounge more than 4-5 times a year then an airport lounge membership scheme is going to be the best value. Check out my airport lounge membership scheme comparison guide to find the best option for you.
What is the Difference Between Priority Pass and Lounge Access? – Conclusion
- There are many different ways to access airport lounges including buying access on the door, through voucher and coupon sites, directly through the lounge or airport website and through an airport lounge membership scheme.
- Buying access through an airport lounge membership scheme is going to be better value if you are using airport lounges more than 4-5 times a year.
- When buying airport lounge access online make sure you are comparing like with like when it comes to the amount of time you can use the airport lounge for.
- You can get up to 30% discount on Priority Pass Membership – Standard Plus is particularly good value with 10 included lounge visits working out to 18.30 each
- Your Travel Extras is great if you just need occassional access to UK airport lounges and you get 20% off too
You Might Also Like;
If you have found my article about ‘what is the difference between Priority Pass and lounge access?’ useful you might also like;
- My comparison of buying Airport Lounge Membership vs. Pay As You Go Access
- My comparison of the various Airport Lounge Membership Schemes
You can find lots more information including tips to get the most from your membership in my Priority Pass Ultimate Membership Guide
#prioritypass #airportlounges #frequentflyer #boardingperks
Further Reading
Selected posts title
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How to Use Priority Pass at UK Airport Lounges
If you are wondering how to use Priority Pass at UK airport lounges you are in the right place. Read on for everything you need to know including; If you haven’t got your membership yet then make sure to check out my exclusive reader discount. It makes Priority Pass membership even better value. How to… Read More »How to Use Priority Pass at UK Airport Lounges
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Does Priority Pass Give Free Meals? Find Out Here
Are you thinking of visiting a Priority Pass lounge? Wondering if they give free meals? Well the answer to that is yes and no. Some lounges include meals in the lounge access price – but remember you need to pay to access the lounge. Read on for all you need to know about Priority Pass… Read More »Does Priority Pass Give Free Meals? Find Out Here
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Are Drinks Free At Priority Pass Lounges? Yes and No!
Are you planning on visiting a Priority Pass lounge? If you are wondering whether drinks are free at Priority Pass, the simple answer is that most drinks are free. However, there are some things to know when drinking in airport lounges. Read on for all the information you need to ensure you can enjoy a… Read More »Are Drinks Free At Priority Pass Lounges? Yes and No!
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Full Details of Which UK Airports Have Priority Pass Lounges
Here’s a list of all the UK airports that have Priority Pass lounges that members can access. Check it out for a quick guide to all the lounges you can use with your membership. Which UK Airports Have Priority Pass Lounges? Which UK Airports Have Priority Pass Lounges? UK Airport Priority Pass Lounge List Airport… Read More »Full Details of Which UK Airports Have Priority Pass Lounges
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Is Priority Pass Worth It? Here’s How to Work it Out
Wondering whether Priority Pass is worth it? Wonder no more! Read on to help you decide if Priority Pass is worth it for you Is Priority Pass Worth It? To decide if Priority Pass is worth it for you there are a few things to consider. How Many Flights Are You Likely to Take in… Read More »Is Priority Pass Worth It? Here’s How to Work it Out
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My Top Priority Pass Tips For Maximum Membership Value
These Priority Pass tips will help you get the maximum value from your airport lounge membership. Check them out to start enjoying that extra value now! Priority Pass Tips You Can Use Multiple Airport Lounges a Day One of the great features of Priority Pass membership is that there is no limit on how many… Read More »My Top Priority Pass Tips For Maximum Membership Value
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How To Get Priority Pass – Here’s All You Need to Know
Wondering how to get Priority Pass? There are several ways to get membership; Read on to find out about how to apply for Priority Pass. How to Get Priority Pass How to to Apply for Priority Pass Buying Membership Directly from Priority Pass You can buy Priority Pass membership directly via their website. It’s easy… Read More »How To Get Priority Pass – Here’s All You Need to Know
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Priority Pass Guest Policy – Here’s All You Need to Know
Are you thinking of taking guests into Priority Pass lounges when you visit? It’s lovely being able to share the benefits of membership with friends and family. I’ve enjoyed taking my family into a lounge before a flight and sharing a new experience together. There are some things to be mindful of, so read on… Read More »Priority Pass Guest Policy – Here’s All You Need to Know
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Priority Pass Benefits – Here’s What You Need to Know
Do you want to know more about Priority Pass benefits? There’s much more than just great value airport lounge membership. Read on to find out all you need to know so you can get the best value from your membership. Priority Pass Benefits Priority Pass Benefits Flexibility About Lounge Use For me the main benefit… Read More »Priority Pass Benefits – Here’s What You Need to Know
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Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Find Out Here
If you have ever asked ‘Are priority pass lounges usually crowded’ this article is for you. This article covers what you need to know about Priority Pass lounges and how busy they might get. Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Do Airport Lounges Get Crowded? Every airport lounge will… Read More »Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Find Out Here
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Priority Pass UK Lounges – Find The Complete List Here
Thinking of using Priority Pass UK lounges and want to know what lounges are available? Check out this list of all the lounges available in the UK to Priority Pass members. It includes details of all the locations and opening times. Priority Pass UK Lounges Here are all the lounges that Priority Pass members can… Read More »Priority Pass UK Lounges – Find The Complete List Here
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Dragon Pass vs Priority Pass: Which is Best in 2025?
Are you paying £30 or more for airport lounge access every trip? Both Dragon Pass and Priority Pass promise savings, but which actually delivers better value for your travel style? Read my comprehensive comparison to find out which is your best option. Use my quick Dragon Pass Vs Priority Pass decision tool if you are… Read More »Dragon Pass vs Priority Pass: Which is Best in 2025?
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What Is Priority Pass? Find Out All You Need to Know
Have you ever wondered – what is Priority Pass? In the simplest terms, Priority Pass is a membership scheme that gives access to airport lounges for members. I like to think of Priority Pass as one of my travel essentials that lets me cope better with the busy, noisy environments of airports. It also helps… Read More »What Is Priority Pass? Find Out All You Need to Know
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Compare All The Priority Pass Lounges Gatwick Quickly
Do you want to know which Priority Pass Gatwick lounge you can use? There are quite a few available and I am lucky enough to have used most of them. Check out this guide so you can choose the right lounge for you. Priority Pass Lounges Gatwick – Quick Comparison Lounge Which Terminal? Opening Times… Read More »Compare All The Priority Pass Lounges Gatwick Quickly
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What Does Priority Pass Cost? Here’s All You Need to Know
The Priority Pass cost you pay depends on the membership level you select. However, you need to know what the right membership level is to choose. Read on for my easy guide to help you find the best membership level, so you don’t pay more than you need to. Priority Lounge Pass Costs Priority Pass… Read More »What Does Priority Pass Cost? Here’s All You Need to Know
