Traveler's Essential: A Comprehensive Guide to Priority Pass Select
In the world of premium travel credit cards, one of the most sought-after perks is Priority Pass Select. This membership offers complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of airports. Let's take a closer look at what Priority Pass Select entails and the cards that offer this benefit.
Popular Cards Offering Priority Pass Select
Some of the popular cards that include Priority Pass Select are the American Express Platinum, Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard, and Capital One Venture X. These cards generally provide free entry for the cardholder plus up to two guests, although guest policies and enrollment processes may vary by card issuer.
Enrollment and Access Scope
To make use of your Priority Pass Select membership, you typically need to activate it through your credit card issuer’s portal before use. For example, Capital One and Bank of America cards require enrollment via their respective Priority Pass sign-up pages. It's worth noting that Priority Pass Select from credit cards usually provides access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide, but may not include access to non-lounge experiences like airport spas, shopping, or other special amenities that full-paid Priority Pass memberships offer.
Welcome Offers and Annual Fees
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $395 and a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles, equivalent to $750 in travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an annual fee of $795, but its $300 travel credit offsets a portion of the cost, and it offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase TravelSM promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Other Notable Features
Priority Pass lounges offer a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and alcoholic beverages, and sometimes additional benefits like showers, private rooms, and spa treatments. However, it's important to note that some Priority Pass lounges can be overcrowded, particularly in the U.S., and there have been reports of issues with food quality and amenities in certain lounges, such as the Wingtips Lounge STL.
To maximize your Priority Pass membership, it's recommended to check lounge availability in advance, arrive early, and look beyond basic lounges for unique amenities. For instance, The Club SFO at San Francisco International Airport is one of the best Priority Pass lounges but can have long wait times.
Pricing and Guest Fees
Applying for a Priority Pass card typically takes a week or so after application, and the annual fee for Priority Pass Select membership is usually around $99. Guests are generally allowed free of charge, but if more than two guests are needed, a $35 guest fee may apply.
It's worth mentioning that purchasing a Priority Pass membership directly is generally a poor value compared to getting it through a premium travel credit card.
Finally, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, which helps offset the $650 annual fee down to $350.
In conclusion, Priority Pass Select offers a valuable perk for frequent travellers, providing access to airport lounges worldwide and a range of amenities. By understanding how it works, you can make the most of this benefit and enhance your travel experience.
- When considering travel credit cards, one of the most desirable perks is Priority Pass Select, which provides complimentary access to airport lounges globally.
- The American Express Platinum, Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite, Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard, and Capital One Venture X are some popular cards offering this perk.
- To utilize a Priority Pass Select membership, activation through the issuer's portal is typically necessary before use, and enrollment processes may vary among card issuers.
- While Priority Pass Select often grants access to lounges worldwide, it may not include non-lounge experiences like spas or shopping typically offered with full-paid Priority Pass memberships.
- Education-wise, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card entails an annual fee of $395, a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles worth $750 in travel, and has additional features like technology-driven benefits and a personal finance plan.
- Comparing finance options, purchasing a Priority Pass membership directly tends to be economically unwise compared to acquiring it through a premium travel credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which includes $300 in annual dining credits, thus reducing the annual fee from $650 to $350.
