Priority Pass: How Does the Program Work to Access Airport Lounges?

Priority Pass is a program offering access to partner airport lounges worldwide. Find out how the program works and, more importantly, how to take advantage of its benefits. To compare the cards that include it, see our ranking of the best credit cards for airport lounge access.

How Does the Priority Pass Program Work?

Priority Pass is a membership program offering privileged access to over 1,900 airport lounges and experiences worldwide, across more than 600 cities and 140 countries (as of June 2026). Designed for frequent travellers, it enables them to enjoy comfortable spaces away from the hustle and bustle of airport terminals, regardless of their ticket or airline.

Depending on the level of membership chosen – Standard, Standard Plus or Prestige – access to the lounges can be free or at a reduced price. These lounges offer a range of services: Wi-Fi, drinks, meals, showers, rest areas and work spaces.

The New Priority Pass+ App

Priority Pass is replacing its original app with a new one, Priority Pass+, which finally holds several memberships under a single login. The rollout has been running in waves since early 2026: your account switches over when its turn comes, not when you download the app. Version 1.13.0 was released on August 22, 2026.

What Does It Change for You?

The real gain goes to travellers who hold two memberships or more, one per credit card. The old app forced you to log out and log back in to move from one to the other, on every lounge visit.

How to Activate Your Membership

Your current credentials do not carry over. The old app runs on a username, while Priority Pass+ runs on an email address. You therefore have to create an account, then attach the membership your card provides, in two steps.

The switch depends on your issuer: memberships provided by a credit card were not all supported at the same time. If yours is still refused, keep the old app, which stays functional through the transition.

In Canada, this membership almost always comes from a credit card rather than a subscription you pay for yourself. The American Express Platinum Card still grants the most generous level of access.

That visit balance shown in the app will matter a great deal on January 1, 2027: American Express Canada will then cap the primary Platinum Cardholder’s complimentary access at 6 visits per year within the Priority Pass network, unless you charge at least $20,000 to the card during the calendar year. The exact terms are covered further down, in the section on credit cards.

List of Priority Pass Member Lounges

Priority Pass – In Canada

In Canada, lounges can be found in most major cities. At Montreal-Trudeau airport, for example, there’s the Banque Nationale lounge and the Air France lounge. In Quebec city, there’s the VIP Club Med Lounge and, in Ottawa, the Aspire Lounge. In Toronto, you’ll find the Aspire Lounge at Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ) and the many Plaza Premium lounges at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), such as the one in Terminal 1.

Priority Pass – In France

Priority Pass is less known in France than it is in Canada. Yet Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport is home to two lounges: the Star Alliance Lounge and YotelAir Paris Charles de Gaulle. There are eight other lounges elsewhere in France.

Priority Pass – Elsewhere in the World

In total, Priority Pass provides access to over 1,900 airport lounges and experiences worldwide, on every continent – Africa, Asia, Europe, America, Oceania and the Middle East.

How to Access Priority Pass

To join Priority Pass, you have two options: pay an annual subscription, or purchase a credit card that gives you access to the program.

By Subscription

The cost of a Priority Pass subscription ranges from USD 79 to USD 469 per holder, depending on the package selected. Three packages are available:

You can subscribe directly from the Priority Pass website. To register, simply enter your personal and credit card details.

By Credit Card

In addition to the “official” Priority Pass subscription levels, there are also “unofficial” levels offered by credit cards.

Priority Pass and Amex – In Canada

In Canada, only American Express Platinum cards offer Priority Pass membership. The American Express Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card from American Express offer the highest level of membership, with unlimited access to all lounges and the possibility of bringing a guest free of charge with each visit.

This is better than the official “Prestige” membership offered by Priority Pass at USD 469 per year, which doesn’t even allow you to invite a guest free of charge.

Priority Pass and Amex – In France

In France, too, only the American Express Platinum and American Express Business Platinum cards offer their holders a free subscription to Priority Pass. Admittedly, the price of these cards is particularly high, but with all the advantages offered to travellers, such as a wide range of insurance, concierge service and the possibility of accumulating Membership Rewards points redeemable for flights and hotel nights, they quickly pay for themselves.

Priority Pass – Bottom Line

Priority Pass is therefore a useful service for frequent travellers who don’t necessarily have a status with their airline, but who want to be able to relax before and/or after their flight. After all, it’s always nice to spend time in a lounge rather than in the hustle and bustle of the airport.

We regularly use this advantage during our travels. To stay on top of our points and lounge-access strategies, subscribe to our newsletter.

Priority Pass – Frequently Asked Questions

At Ottawa airport (YOW), the Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass. See our complete guide to Ottawa Airport YOW for full access details.