Priority Pass Expansion
There are some big changes coming to Priority Pass, though it may be a while before we see all of them. The program is planning a major expansion that includes more airport lounges, fast-track security, travel services and a redesigned app. The Priority Pass expansion is backed by Collinson Group’s £500 million five-year investment program, although not all of that funding will go directly toward Priority Pass. While some updates could eventually improve the airport experience, many will roll out gradually. They may also cost extra, rather than becoming complimentary benefits. But if you have multiple Priority Pass memberships from different credit cards, the new Priority Pass+ app may be the most immediate improvement.
Priority Pass Plans to Expand Its Lounge Network
Priority Pass now includes more than 1,900 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide. According to Collinson Group’s announcement, the network grew by 6.7% over the past year and handles more than 6 million guest visits each month. Part of Collinson’s investment will add lounge capacity through Airport Dimensions, which operates brands including The Club and Club Aspire. More locations could help address overcrowding and capacity restrictions, but the announcement does not identify specific new lounges or opening dates. Since the investment spans five years, travelers should not expect the entire Priority Pass expansion immediately.
The New Priority Pass+ App Manages Multiple Memberships
Ahead of the Priority Pass expansion, the new Priority Pass+ app may be the most useful update. Many travelers receive Priority Pass memberships from multiple credit cards. Each membership can have different guest policies, visit limits and access to non-lounge experiences. Benefits vary by card, so compare the best cards for Priority Pass lounge access before deciding which membership to use.
Until now, switching between memberships often required separate accounts and logins. Eligible members can activate or import multiple Priority Pass memberships and manage them through one account. The memberships remain separate, so travelers still need to select the correct one when entering a lounge. However, the new app should eliminate much of the frustration of repeatedly logging in and out.
The Priority Pass+ app also offers:
- Digital membership cards for eligible members
- Biometric authentication
- One-time verification by email or mobile device
- Saved payment cards
- Membership visit and entitlement tracking
- Easier membership activation
- Trip planning and personalized lounge recommendations
Eventually, eligible primary cardholders may also be able to share lounge visit entitlements with authorized users through the app, even when the authorized user travels independently. Availability will depend on whether the card issuer supports the feature.
Priority Pass+ is a separate app rather than an update to the existing Priority Pass app. Priority Pass is rolling it out in phases based on the member’s location, card issuer and membership. Members should wait until Priority Pass confirms their eligibility before deleting the existing app.
Other Priority Pass Changes
Priority Pass Expands Fast-Track Security, but Access May Cost Extra
Priority Pass currently offers bookable fast-track security at 28 airports. The Priority Pass expansion includes a plan to add more than 170 bookable lanes across more than 150 terminals and more than 130 airports within the next year. This could be especially useful internationally, where TSA PreCheck does not apply. Fast-track access is not necessarily complimentary, though. Fees vary by airport, and members cannot exchange lounge visits for access, so travelers should not assume their credit card’s Priority Pass membership will cover the cost.
Priority Pass Is Moving Beyond Lounges
Priority Pass is expanding beyond lounges with airport parking, luggage storage, sleeping pods, spas and other travel services. The app will eventually provide personalized recommendations and more booking options, but availability and pricing will vary—and appearing in the app does not mean a service is complimentary.
Recent Changes Include Shower Fees
The news comes on the heels of other recent changes that reduced some Priority Pass benefits. Showers now cost extra at select The Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse locations, while the recently opened Plaza Premium Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth has already left the network. Check the app before traveling for current access rules and fees, or use our guide to see which airport lounges you can access.
Priority Pass Expansion: ToP Thoughts
The Priority Pass expansion sounds promising, but much of it remains a long-term plan. More lounge capacity could reduce overcrowding, while expanded fast-track security may add convenience even when it costs extra. For now, the Priority Pass+ app offers the most immediate improvement. Being able to manage multiple memberships in one account solves what has previously been a frustrating process for those who have several premium credit cards. Whether Priority Pass becomes more valuable will ultimately depend on which services are included, which cost extra and whether members can reliably access the lounges already in the network. What do you think of these changes? Let us know over in the ToP Facebook group.
