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

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

Couple seated at a table in an airport lounge, with a meal, a suitcase nearby and a view of the runway

The New Priority Pass+ App

Priority Pass is replacing its original app with a new one, Priority Pass+, which finally brings several memberships together 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.

What Changes for You?

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

  • Several memberships tied to one account, with no juggling between two sets of credentials.
  • Digital membership card you can add to Apple Wallet, with contactless entry at the lounge.
  • Advance booking at selected lounges, instead of showing up without knowing whether there is room left.
  • Trips saved in the app and tagged as business or leisure, with the lounges available at each stop.
  • Your visit history and the balance of visits included in your membership, useful with cards that cap the number of visits.

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 need to create an account, then attach the membership provided by your card, in two steps.

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

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

That visit balance shown in the app will matter 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. You keep unlimited access by charging at least $20,000 in purchases 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.

Travelling through Ottawa? See our complete guide to Ottawa YOW Airport for all the access details.

CityAirportLoungeAirport section
CalgaryYYCAspire Lounge Transborder DeparturesInternational
CalgaryYYCElevation LoungeHome
EdmontonYEGPlaza Premium Lounge (USA Transborder)International
EdmontonYEGPlaza Premium LoungeInternational
MontrealYULNational Bank Lounge 
MontrealYULAir France lounge: MontrealInternational
OttawaYOWAspire Salon LoungeInternational and domestic
QuebecYQBV.I.P. Lounge by Club MedInternational and domestic
TorontoYYZKLM Crown LoungeInternational
TorontoYTZAspire LoungeHome
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) 
TorontoYYZBe Relax SpaInternational and domestic
TorontoYYZBe Relax Spa (Transborder Departures)International
TorontoYYZBe Relax Spa (Domestic Departures)Domestic
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (USA Transborder) 
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)Domestic
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)Domestic
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) 
TorontoYYZPlaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) 
VancouverYVRPlaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures) 
VancouverYVRPlaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)Domestic
VancouverYVRSkyTeam Lounge (International Departures) 
VancouverYVRPlaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)International
VancouverYVRPlaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)Domestic
WinnipegYWGPlaza Premium Lounge 

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.

CityAirportLoungeAirport section
MarseilleMRSCezanne LoungeInternational
MontpellierMPLLounge by FDI
NiceNCEThe Levity LoungeInternational and domestic
NiceNCEThe Canopy LoungeInternational and domestic
NiceNCEThe Infinity LoungeInternational
NiceNCEThe Library LoungeInternational and domestic
ParisCDGYotelAir Paris Charles de GaulleInternational
ParisORYPremium Traveller LoungeInternational
ToulouseTLSLa Croix Du SudInternational and domestic

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 99 to USD 469 per holder, depending on the package selected. Three packages are available:

  • Standard Membership: For USD 99 per year, you’ll be entitled to Standard membership. This means that, in addition to your annual subscription, you must pay for each of your visits and those of your guests.
  • Standard Plus Membership: For USD 329 per year, you’ll be entitled to the Standard Plus Membership, with ten visits per year. To invite guests, you’ll have to pay USD 35 per person.
  • Prestige Membership: For USD 469 per year, you can enjoy unlimited access to all the lounges with the Prestige membership. To invite guests, however, you’ll still have to pay USD 35 per person.

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

A discount applies to the entry-level plan: Standard is offered at USD 74 for the first year instead of USD 99, or 25% less, on the Priority Pass membership page. Standard Plus and Prestige remain at full price.

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, Priority Pass membership comes mainly with the American Express Platinum cards, as well as the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. The Platinum Card from American Express and the 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.

CardAnnual feesAnnual visitsAdditional benefits
American Express Platinum Card$799

Unlimited for the holder and one guest

Free, unlimited access to the Centurion, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, Swissport Executive and VIP Club Med lounges at Jean-Lesage International Airport in Quebec*
Business Platinum Card from American Express$799Unlimited for cardholder and one guestUnlimited free access to the Centurion, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, Swissport Executive and VIP Club Med lounges at Quebec * Jean-Lesage International Airport
Scotiabank®* Platinum American Express® Card$39910

No conversion fee for foreign currency transactions

2 points per dollar on all purchases

Premium insurance

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$799Welcome offer
Up to 120,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$799Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now
Annual fee$399Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

The RBC Option for Lounges

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege opens another door to airport lounges: 6 passes per membership year, for a $399 annual fee, half the cost of the Platinum Card.

One distinction matters before you choose: these passes go through DragonPass, not Priority Pass. The two networks do not cover the same lounges, and a Priority Pass membership cannot stand in for them. RBC also requires a personal or household income of $200,000.

Annual fee
$399
Our valuation
$1,500

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,500Total$1,500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points

Ends Nov 25, 2026

Apply Now

on RBC's website

  • Start travelling today with 25,000 welcome points
  • Earn 1.25 RBC Rewards points for every dollar you spend
  • Enjoy luxury travel benefits and exclusive privileges

For a limited time, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 Avion points, representing a travel value of up to $2,375.

  • 35,000 points upon approval of your application
  • 20,000 points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your account within the first six months
  • 45,000 points on your account’s first anniversary

With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card, you also receive 6 complimentary airport lounge visits each year.

You can redeem your Avion points for flights on over 500 airlines, with no blackout periods or seat restrictions, or transfer them to partner programs such as American Airlines AAdvantage, The British Airways Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and WestJet Rewards.

The card also gives you access to priority lanes, security services, and reserved parking at select Canadian airports.

You earn 1.25 Avion points per dollar on all your purchases, and the card includes comprehensive insurance coverage: emergency medical care, trip cancellation and interruption, and mobile devices up to $1,500.

Annual fee

Primary card$399
Additional card$99

Annual income required

Individual$200,000
Household$200,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,607
2nd Year Value$321

Transfer partners

  • American Airlines AAdvantageAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • WestJet RewardsAirline

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Included
Travel medical (55-64)Included
Travel medical (65+)Included
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $2,500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $3,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,500 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $85,000 / 48 days

Priority Pass and Amex – In France

In France, the American Express Platinum and American Express Business Platinum cards offer their holders a free Priority Pass membership. 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.

CardAnnual feesAnnual visitsAdditional benefits
American Express Platinum Card€708Unlimited for cardholder and one guest, and for additional cardholder and one guestFree unlimited access to Centurion, American Express, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Escape and Airspace lounges
American Express Platinum Business Card€708Unlimited for cardholder and one guest, and for additional cardholder and one guestUnlimited free access to Centurion, American Express, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Escape and Airspace lounges

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

How can I access airport lounges with Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a program offering access to over 1,900 airport lounges and experiences worldwide. To get in, you need an annual membership or a credit card that includes one among its yearly benefits.

How much does a Priority Pass membership cost?

A Priority Pass membership costs between USD 99 and USD 469 per year, depending on the plan. Standard, at USD 99, charges you for each of your visits and those of your guests. Standard Plus, at USD 329, includes ten visits per year, and Prestige, at USD 469, gives unlimited lounge access; with both plans, guests still pay.

Does Priority Pass give access to Air France lounges?

Priority Pass gives access to some Air France lounges, including the Air France lounge in Montreal and the Air France lounge at New York JFK. At Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France lounges are not part of Priority Pass.

How can I get a free Priority Pass membership?

The best way to get a Priority Pass membership without paying for it is to receive one with a credit card. In Canada, the Platinum Card from American Express and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card both include one among their benefits.

Do I have to replace the old Priority Pass app?

Yes, but only once your account is called up. Priority Pass+ has been replacing the original app in waves since early 2026, and both apps coexist during the transition. Until your membership is supported, the old app keeps working and gets you into lounges as usual.

Can I combine two Priority Pass memberships?

This is the main change in Priority Pass+: several memberships can be linked to a single account, with one email address. It is aimed at people holding two cards that each come with a membership, who previously had to log out to switch from one to the other. Support still depends on the issuer of each card.

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