Priority Pass, the service offering access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, has announced to its customers the increase in the cost of access.
32 US$ instead of 27 US$ per visit
Starting October 1, 2018, access to Priority Pass member airport lounges will cost US$32 / visit instead of US$27 / visit. At the end of the article, you will find all the questions and answers provided by Priority Pass about these changes.
Remember thatyou have to be a Priority Pass member to be able to access the show with this “preferential” rate.
With this fare change, it will be more and more interesting to have several Priority Passes(with additional access as explained in this article), or to go for cards offering unlimited access if you travel frequently!
Cards offering Priority Pass membership
In Canada, there are 3 levels of card offerings that offer Priority Pass:
- Cards offering only the Priority Pass subscription: then each visit must be paid for at a rate of US$32 as of 1/10/2018
- The cards offer Priority Pass and a certain number of annual admissions. Beyond the offered quota, it will be necessary to pay US$ 32 per visit from 1/10/2018
- Cards offering Priority Pass membership and unlimited annual admissions for the cardholder AND one guest. For more than 2 people, it will be necessary to pay 32 US$ per person from 1/10/2018
These are the cards that offer Priority Pass:
| Card | Name | Annual fee | Minimum income | Number of annual visits | Persons admitted |
 |
American Express Platinum Card | 699$ | – | Unlimited | Holder + 1 guest |
 |
American Express Business Platinum Card | 499$ | – | Unlimited | Holder + 1 guest |
 |
American Express AeroplanPlus Prestige Card | 899$ | – | Unlimited | Holder |
 |
la Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia | 399$ | – | 10 | – |
 |
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* | 139$ | 60 000$ | 6 | – |
 |
TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 399$ | 200 000$ | 6 | – |
 |
The CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 399$ | 200 000$ | 6 | – |
 |
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Preferred card | 399$ | 200 000$ | 6 | – |
 |
The Odsysée Visa Infinite Privilege credit card | 395$ | 200 000$ | 6 | – |
As of August 8, 2018, World Elite cards offered by BMO no longer offer Priority Pass.
In return, they provide access to LoungeKey member lounges, of which the National Bank Lounge in Montreal-Trudeau is a member.
| Card | Name | LoungeKey subscription | Annual access included |
 |
BMO World Elite MasterCard | Offered | 4 |
 |
the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard®* card | Offered | 2 |
 |
The BMO® CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* card | Offered | – |
Access to the National Bank World Elite Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau
Most milesopedia readers are familiar with this show. To access it, you must either:
- have a credit card that offers Priority Pass
- have a credit card with LoungeKey
- Have the American Express Platinum Card, which provides access to the Cardmember, spouse and two children under the age of 21
- own the National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard®
Priority Pass’ Q&A on this change
Why are you increasing the salon visit fees?
It’s been over 10 years since we’ve raised our tour rates, and during that time we’ve done everything we can to absorb the rising costs of providing our members with access to airport lounges. We have reached a point where we need to adjust our pricing to maintain the quality of Priority Pass’ offerings.
When will the new tour rates go into effect?
New tour rates for members who enjoy their Priority Pass membership as an American Express benefit will go into effect on October 1, 2018. Any paid visits prior to this date will be charged at the previously published show visit rates.
I don’t want to pay the new visiting fees, what are my rights?
New tour rates for members who enjoy their Priority Pass membership as an American Express benefit will go into effect on October 1, 2018. As a member of the program, you have agreed to pay the prevailing rates for tour fees. If you are not happy with the new rates and wish to cancel your Priority Pass membership, you should contact your American Express card issuer directly. Unfortunately, the Priority Pass support team will not be able to assist you with this request.
Why wasn’t I informed of the increase in visiting fees?
We have communicated the increase in rates when the member’s email address is on file. If you did not receive an email, please contact your American Express card issuer to provide your current contact information. Unfortunately, the Priority Pass support team will not be able to assist you with this request.
How do I know what I will be charged for a recent visit?
Any visits made on or after October 1, 2018 will be charged at the new rates. Visits prior to this date will be charged at the previously published show visit rates.
Where can I see what visit fees have been charged for a recently completed visit?
Log in to your online account on the website and view your visit history
OR
Log in to your app and view your visit history.
I recently received a denial of payment for a recently completed visit, will I be charged the new visit rates?
This will depend on when the visit took place. Any visits after October 1 will be charged at the new show visit rates. Any visit made before this date will be charged at the previous rates.
Does this increase in visitor fees apply to all trade shows?
Yes, the new visit rates will apply to any visit, by a member or guest, enjoying a salon or experience (dining, spa and relaxation) worldwide.
Does the new rate increase apply to Guest visits?
Yes, the new tour rates apply to all paid tours conducted. For more details on how the new rates will affect your program, please contact your American Express card issuer directly.
With the increase in lounge visit fares, does this mean that the equivalent value of credit available at Priority Pass partner airports (cafes and restaurants) will increase correspondingly?
When members pay for their visit or their guests’ visit, these particular promotions may not represent the best value for money. We advise members to check our app or website for all access requirements prior to the show visit.
Can I cancel my membership?
We’re sorry to see you go, but if you really want to cancel your membership, please contact your American Express card issuer, as unfortunately our Priority Pass support team cannot handle this request.
Will you open other salons?
With Priority Pass you gain access to more than 1,200 airport lounges and dining experiences worldwide, with new lounges added every month. Details on new lounges are added to our lounge search on the Priority Pass website or app.
What new or additional benefits can I expect?
We strive to improve and expand the Priority Pass offering, giving our Members access to the best possible experiences whenever they travel. New technologies, in the background, allow us to improve your travel experiences. Look for new features and benefits in the coming months.
My membership program includes free tours. Does this rate increase mean I will receive fewer visits as part of my membership?
No, the number of free visits included as part of your membership will not change. However, any visits beyond the free visit quota will be charged at the new visit rates in effect as of October 1, 2018.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
