If you have a premium credit card, you likely also have a Priority Pass card. This card gives you, and a limited number of travel companions, access to lounges that are members of the Priority Pass network.
Here’s a link to our article about the card, how to get one and what lounges it gives you access to.
What’s Changing?
If you have a Priority Pass membership through American Express by having a personal or business Platinum AMEX card, you’ll need to pay more if you want to bring additional guests into a lounge with your Priority Pass card. Here’s an excerpt from the email I received from Priority Pass:
On the 1st October 2018 we will be increasing the fee for chargeable lounge visits to US$32 per visit per person. Any complimentary visits included as a part of your membership will not be affected by this fee increase.
It’s interesting to note that the price change only affects those who pay to purchase a membership and those who get the membership from AMEX. If you have a Priority Pass card from another bank, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Ritz-Carlton Rewards or Citi Prestige, you’ll only need to pay the $27 price for additional guests. I’m guessing this will eventually change but involves some contractual obligations.
Who Will Need To Pay The Increased Price?
With an American Express Platinum card, your Priority Pass membership includes access to member lounges for yourself and two guests. You can bring additional guests but now the price for those guests will be $32. You will not pay the admission price at the club as the charge goes automatically to your Platinum card.
How Can I Avoid The Higher Fee?
If you have a Priority Pass card from another bank, it would make sense to use that for admission if you are bringing more than your free allotment of guests. The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to bring two guests for free and the Citi Prestige allows either two guests (or immediate family). If you have a membership from the Ritz-Carlton Rewards card, you have no limit on the number of guests allowed with you.
If you’re going to be paying for additional guests, it would make sense to check out the reviews of the lounge to see if it’s worth the $27-$32 for admission. You might get a nice lounge like The Club MCO at Orlando Airport,
Or you could end up paying to enter the dreary The Club at LAS
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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