Lounge access is one of the best travel perks out there—but it can also be one of the most confusing. I’ve spent time in lounges across the country and overheard plenty of travelers being denied entry. Sometimes it’s due to a valid rule, but other times it’s because neither the traveler nor the front desk agent knew the correct policy.
It doesn’t help that lounge rules vary by location, airline, and membership program. Factors like the time of day or how early you arrive can impact whether you’re allowed in. If you use a program like Priority Pass, there are a number of reasons you could be turned away—even if you think you’re eligible.
Here are the most common reasons lounge access might be denied and what you can do to avoid surprises.
Entry Is Usually Only for Departing or Connecting Flights
Many lounges restrict entry to passengers who are about to depart or who are in transit on a connecting flight. If you’ve just landed and aren’t continuing to another destination, you may not be granted access.
This is a fairly common policy, though it’s not always listed on the lounge’s website or app. Always assume lounges are for departing and connecting passengers unless you find a specific rule saying otherwise.
There May Be Time-Based Restrictions on Entry
Some lounges only accept Priority Pass and other membership programs during limited hours—usually outside of peak times. You might see restrictions like “access allowed only from 5AM to 3PM,” meaning you won’t be able to get in during the busier late-afternoon and evening hours.
This is a way for lounges to reduce crowding and prioritize airline elite members or business class passengers during high-traffic periods. If you show up outside the designated window, even with a valid Priority Pass membership, you could be turned away.
Check the Priority Pass app or website for specific lounge hours, including any limitations on third-party access.
Some Lounges Limit How Early You Can Enter
Even if you depart that day, you can’t always arrive five or six hours early and expect lounge access. Many lounges only allow entry a certain number of hours before your scheduled flight—typically three hours, though this can vary.
Some lounges enforce this policy strictly by checking your boarding time and turning away passengers who arrive too early. Others are more relaxed about it, but it’s not something you want to find out at the door.
Capacity Can Lead to Denied Entry or Waitlists
Even when you follow all the rules, lounges can hit capacity and limit access. This is especially true with Priority Pass and other non-airline-issued memberships.
When lounges fill up, staff may:
- Add you to a waitlist
- Ask you to return later
- Deny entry altogether
This often happens at popular locations or during peak travel hours. Unfortunately, Priority Pass members are usually the first to be cut off when things get crowded.
If lounge access is important to your travel day, try to arrive early or have a backup option in mind.
Not All Lounges Participate in Priority Pass—Even If They Look Like They Should
One mistake I see far too often is travelers trying to use Priority Pass at lounges that aren’t part of the program at all.
For example, the American Airlines Admirals Club at Orlando Airport (MCO) put up a sign outside asking people to stop trying to use Priority Pass for entry. You can see that story here.
And it’s not just that location. I’ve heard similar confusion at the Capital One Lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), where travelers kept trying to use Priority Pass cards to get in—despite being a Capital One-exclusive lounge.
Before heading to a lounge, double-check that it’s part of your access program. Just because it’s a lounge doesn’t mean your card will get you through the door.
Guest Policies Vary by Card Issuer
One of the most confusing aspects of Priority Pass is the guest policy—it depends entirely on which credit card issued your membership.
Rather than listing each one here (since these policies can change), we keep a regularly updated breakdown on our site. You can check it out here: How Many Guests Can You Bring Into a Lounge With Priority Pass?
If you’re traveling as a family or in a group where multiple people have their own Priority Pass memberships, be sure to check in separately. Don’t swipe just one card for everyone—otherwise, that person might get charged unnecessarily for extra guests.
Priority Pass itself even states in its terms and conditions that each cardholder should check in individually to avoid extra charges when traveling together.
Check the Lounge Details Before You Travel
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to memorize the policies for every lounge on Earth. You need to know the rules for your particular membership and the lounges you plan to use.
Here’s how I prep for lounge visits:
- I use the Priority Pass website or app to look up lounge hours, guest policies, and entry restrictions.
- I check LoungeReview for additional lounge info, including photos and traveler tips.
If you’re relying on airline status for entry, know which alliance your status belongs to and which lounges you can use. For example, having status with a OneWorld airline won’t help you get into a Star Alliance lounge. Make sure you understand how your status works.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been there—standing at the lounge door, confident I had access, only to find out I didn’t. It’s a frustrating experience but totally avoidable with a bit of research.
You don’t need to learn every rule for every program. Just focus on what applies to you. Know your credit card benefits, your lounge hours, and how your guest access works.
A few minutes of planning can save you a lot of stress at the airport.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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