For many travelers, the Priority Pass membership offered by popular rewards credit cards is one of the best value-added perks. If you don't have elite status with an airline or the ability to travel in business class on your company's dime, the extra value of a predeparture lounge can really add up.
Since Priority Pass doesn't own or operate the lounges itself — but rather contracts with them to give its members access — the quality can vary significantly.
Some lounges are little more than a small room with bottled water and dubious-looking food, but some are as good as (or better than) what you'd get if you were flying in a premium cabin.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Priority Pass program
Note that Priority Pass also offers members free meals at a number of airport restaurants, but those aren't being considered in our list of lounges. Those also aren't available to those who get their Priority Pass membership from American Express or Capital One.
Here's a look at some of the best Priority Pass lounges around the world.
SkyTeam Lounge at Vancouver (YVR)
Location: Airside in the international departures area, near gate 53. This lounge is not accessible to passengers departing on Canadian domestic or US transborder flights—only international flights to countries other than the U.S.
Amenities: The SkyTeam lounge in Vancouver checks all the standard boxes (showers, Wi-Fi and a good food and alcohol selection) but really goes above and beyond that. Between a multitude of spacious and private seating options, a self-serve wine bar and dining options from around the world — including made-to-order dumplings and noodle soups — this is the ideal place to relax before boarding a long-haul flight.
Important notes: Maximum four-hour stay.
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Espaço Banco Safra at São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU)
Location: Airside in the international departures area in Terminal 3. Follow the signs to the 2nd floor near the duty-free stores and restaurants.
Amenities: Previously named the Star Alliance Lounge, the Espaço Banco Safra Lounge has a bar, showers (for an additional charge), hot and cold foods and quality Wi-Fi. It shines in two areas, however: ample outlets for charging your devices and numerous seating areas with different offerings. There are chairs with individual trays, family-sized tables, workspaces and even a quiet area with lounge chairs.
Important notes: Access is only permitted up to two hours before departure.
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Bangkok (BKK)
Location: International concourse D at BKK, near gate D8.
Amenities: BKK is a massive airport, but the Turkish Airlines lounge is worth the walk if you have time. The lounge features plenty of seating options, including comfortable loungers if you need a nap before your flight. However, the highlight of the lounge is the complimentary 15-minute massage, available in the afternoons and evenings. As with other Turkish lounges, there's also an impressive food spread.
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington Dulles (IAD)
Location: Airside, near gate B43. It is accessible from other terminals.
Amenities: Closer to home, the Turkish Airlines lounge at Washington Dulles is the best Priority Pass lounge in the U.S. and one of the best around the world. It boasts an elegant and upscale design, an appetizing buffet with plenty of hot and cold options and model airplanes sprinkled throughout the lounge to enhance the decor. The best part, though, is the giant floor-to-ceiling windows that face out over the international concourse at Dulles, giving plane spotters plenty of live entertainment to keep them occupied.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
For more details, check out TPG's full review of the lounge.
Ahlan Lounge B at Dubai (DXB)
Location: Terminal 3 at DXB, concourse B, near gate B26 inside the 'Cadiz Tapas Bar.'
Amenities: This speakeasy-like lounge is an oasis in the busy terminal. There's a hearty buffet, massage chairs and complimentary access to the shower facilities at the Dubai International Hotel.
Important notes: Maximum five-hour stay. Alcoholic drinks are served only late at night during Ramadan.
Sala VIP International at Quito (UIO)
Location: Airside after security and passport control on the departures level. The lounge is in front of the Duty-Free Shop. International flights only.
Amenities: Quito's Sala VIP International lounge has been a repeat winner of both regional and international awards for the best Priority Pass lounge. It's easy to see why, thanks to its outdoor terrace, private workspaces, sleeping areas, massage rooms and showers for guests. The lounge even has its own private wine cellar. While beer is complimentary, note that spirits and wines are limited to two per adult.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
SATS Premier Lounge at Singapore (SIN)
Location: Airside in Terminal 1 at SIN.
Amenities: Singapore Changi Airport offers an astounding eight Priority Pass lounges to choose from, but it's also home to the SATS Premier Lounge, which has been voted the best Priority Pass lounge in Asia. Our review found that it was indeed one of the best Priority Pass lounges around — including an excellent hot food buffet, speedy Wi-Fi, surprisingly good massage chairs and spotless showers.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
To learn more about the SATS Premier Lounge, read TPG's full review.
Star Alliance Lounge at Charles de Gaulle in Paris (CDG)
Location: Terminal 1 at CDG, after passport control but before security on level 11. Access is granted to the business lounge only.
Amenities: The Star Alliance Lounge at CDG is a great way to say au revoir to Paris, with an appropriately impressive selection of French wines and gourmet food. However, the real highlight is the outdoor terrace that gives you a chance to suck in one last gulp of fresh, non-pressurized/recycled air before you board your flight.
Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi (NAN)
Location: International terminal departures area at NAN. After duty-free, take the escalator or elevator down to the ground level.
Amenities: Although Nadi Airport hasn't historically been known for its lounge offerings, Fiji Airways' flagship lounge is a great option. Guests will enjoy chef-inspired menus, baristas, spa (charges apply), nanny service, a children's playroom and the exclusive 'Fiji Bean Cart.' The lounge's locally-inspired design — including a live greenery wall and constellation lighting representing the Fijian summer and winter skies — will help stretch your vacation out until the last possible minute.
IGA Lounge at Istanbul (IST)
Location: Airside in the international flights area, located on the mezzanine level.
Amenities: If you're looking for a large, spacious lounge, this is it. There are two separate buffets, multiple seating types, quiet areas and an exclusive duty-free store inside the lounge. You'll also enjoy complimentary billiards, private rooms for phone calls and a children's play area.
Important notes: Maximum three-hour stay.
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select memberships
Several premium credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership. Just note that enrollment is required in advance.
You can receive a Priority Pass membership with the following best credit cards for lounge access:
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Citi Prestige® Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
The information for the Citi Prestige and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Card cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: 10 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access
Bottom line
Most major international airports have at least one Priority Pass lounge or affiliated restaurant. Many even have lounges that are open around the clock. It's important to do your research and read lounge reviews whenever possible to make sure you spend your layover at the most pleasant lounge possible and not get turned away because you showed up outside of the hours that Priority Pass members are admitted.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
