U.S. Escape Lounges Affiliate with Priority Pass Lounge System
In a significant development for travellers seeking lounge access, particularly in airports with limited options, eleven Escape Lounges across the United States have joined the Priority Pass network. This expansion makes these airport lounges, typically found in midsized airports, more accessible to a large number of travellers due to the many credit cards that come with Priority Pass membership.
However, this increase in accessibility may lead to increased crowds in some Escape Lounges, as Priority Pass membership is easier to obtain compared to the previous entry requirements. For those who previously accessed Escape Lounges with American Express cards, this change might not be beneficial, as the increased crowds could detract from the lounge experience.
Before this change, Escape Lounges and Centurion Lounges had the same entry requirements. The Escape Lounges were previously considered "little brothers" to Centurion Lounges. Escape Lounges offer a quiet place to sit, drinks (with and without alcohol), and a small buffet of food, but do not offer many additional amenities compared to some high-end lounges.
The eleven Escape Lounges now accessible through Priority Pass are located at Bradley International Airport (BDL), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Terminal A and Terminal B, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
It's important to note that Priority Pass itself does not specifically offer access to all Escape Lounges. However, some credit cards that include Priority Pass membership, such as The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card, might indirectly provide access if the Escape Lounges are included in the Priority Pass network.
For those specifically looking for access to Escape Lounges, it is often included with American Express cards that offer Centurion Lounge access, rather than through Priority Pass. However, some Escape Lounges might be accessible via Priority Pass if they participate in the network, though this is less common compared to other types of lounges.
Despite the potential for increased crowds, the addition of these Escape Lounges to the Priority Pass network is great news for travellers who previously couldn't access them, especially considering many of these locations are in airports with few other lounge options. However, it's worth noting that many Escape Lounges do not have in-lounge bathrooms, which could be a consideration for some travellers.
Overall, the expansion of the Priority Pass network to include these Escape Lounges offers more options for travellers seeking a quiet place to rest and refresh before their flights, particularly in airports with limited lounge choices.
- This expansion of the Priority Pass network to include Escape Lounges could also influence the food offerings in these lounges, as more travellers might need to be catered to.
- For those interested in enjoying the lifestyle aspects while travelling, these newly accessible Escape Lounges offer opportunities to read the latest travel news or local news publications during their waiting time.
- Discerning travellers who value exclusive business spaces might find the crowds in these Escape Lounges after joining the Priority Pass network a downside to their experience, as high-end lounges typically offer fewer people and a more private environment.
