From Delta Sky Club’s 10–15 visit limits for Amex and Reserve cardholders, to United Club removing Star Alliance access unless you spend $50,000 annually, the pattern is clear: guest access is no longer a free-for-all. And that trend continues in early 2026, with major changes from Capital One and Chase’s Ritz-Carlton card.
January 15, 2026: Unlimited Guests Gone for Priority Pass via Ritz-Carlton Card
One of the most generous Priority Pass benefits, unlimited free guests, is coming to an end:
- New policy: Limit of 2 free guests per visit.
- Additional guests: ~$27 per person (Priority Pass standard fee).
This change affects both access to Priority Pass lounges and the Chase Sapphire Lounges.
How to keep the benefit: The Ritz-Carlton card still allows free authorized users, each of whom gets their own Priority Pass card. That means each AU can also bring 2 guests of their own. It’s one of the best workarounds left for families or frequent group travelers.
February 1, 2026: Capital One Lounges Introduce Guest Fees
Capital One is ending complimentary guest access at both its lounges and Priority Pass locations:
- Capital One Lounge guests: $45 per adult, $25 per child (2–17).
- Priority Pass guests: $35 per person.
Authorized user access: Ends unless you pay a $125 fee per AU, per year, to grant them lounge privileges. Previously, AUs had full access for free.
How to keep the benefit:
- Spend $75,000 per calendar year to unlock:
- 2 free guests at Capital One Lounges
- 1 free guest at Capital One Landings
- Venture X Business cardholders keep 2 free Priority Pass guests without the spending requirement.
What This Means Going Forward
As we enter 2026, it’s clear: lounge access is becoming a benefit you earn, not just a perk that comes bundled with a card.
These changes follow a broader trend of airlines and card issuers adding spend requirements, reducing free guest counts, and charging extra to maintain lounge quality amid overcrowding.
How to adapt:
- Spend strategically: Most programs now offer “unlocked” guest access when you hit $75,000+ in annual spend.
- Use authorized users wisely: The Ritz-Carlton Visa still gives each AU their own Priority Pass membership with 2 free guests.
For families or frequent flyers, these two options may be the only way to continue enjoying airport lounges without added fees. The golden age of unlimited guest access is over — but with smart planning, it’s still possible to travel in comfort.
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