Airport lounges aren’t just for the rich and famous. Budget and regular travellers can enjoy free Priority Pass Lounge access with the right know-how.
Looking to tick off your travel bucket list? Kudos for taking the initiative to arm yourself with knowledge on Priority Pass membership and benefits.
Like it or not, air travel can be stressful. Having access to fancy airport lounges around the world can help make things more enjoyable and comfortable at the same time, particularly so if your trip comprises a long layover or unforeseen delay.
That being said, anyone and everyone, including budget travellers, can enjoy all that Priority Pass lounges have to offer in Singapore and beyond. Read on to find out how!
Table of contents
- What is Priority Pass?
- How does Priority Pass membership work?
- Priority Pass lounges
- Priority Pass benefits
- How to get Priority Pass membership?
- How to use Priority Pass membership?
- Best credit cards for free Priority Pass lounge access
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Should you sign up for Priority Pass membership?
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is a global, independent membership programme that travellers can count on to access a network of airport lounges, restaurants, and mini-suites wherever in the world they may be, regardless of the airline they’re flying with or cabin class they’re flying in. Put simply, Priority Pass is exclusive and inclusive in different ways.
How does Priority Pass Membership work?
With the Priority Pass membership, gain access to a whole slew of exclusive travel and lifestyle perks – from dining to shopping to airport lounge relaxation, who knew your pre-flight departure could be this interesting?
Overall, there are three different Priority Pass tiers for members to enjoy:
Membership tier
|
Annual fee
|
Member visit fee
|
Guest visit fee
|
Standard
|
US$99 per year (or S$8.25 per month)
|
US$35 per visit |
US$35 per visit
|
Standard Plus
|
US$329 per year (or S$27.40 per month)
|
10 free visits, then US$35 per visit |
US$35 per visit
|
Prestige
|
US$469 (or S$39.08 per month)
|
Unlimited free visits |
US$35 per visit
|
As with most membership programmes, the base tier provides the most basic benefits, and the perks become increasingly exclusive the higher the tiers go.
For an occasional traveller, the Standard tier may be adequate as it offers a discounted airport lounge entry at US$35 per visit. In contrast, the Standard Plus tier suits more frequent travellers, offering 10 free visits per year, with each additional visit costing US$35 thereafter. Finally, for the globetrotter, the Prestige tier takes the cake with unlimited free airport lounge visits all year round, giving us a taste of what it means to be a global citizen.
List of airports with Priority Pass Lounges
For the uninitiated, Priority Pass is available in more countries and cities than any other similar programme. As of the time of writing, there are over 1,500 Priority Pass airport lounges, dining and facilities around the world, across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Canada and North America.
In Singapore, these are the airport lounges available under Priority Pass:
Priority Pass airport lounge
|
Operating hours
|
Conditions
|
Other perks
|
Changi Lounge
|
6am - 10pm daily
|
Max. 3 hours stay
All cardholders and guest must show Boarding Pass with same-day travel to access lounge
Free for children < 3 years old
|
Complimentary 1 hot meal and 1 beer per person
Subsequent drinks are subject to payment
Ala carte menu and conference facilities available upon payment
|
Located on the first floor of Jewel, opposite the early check-in terminals, the Changi Lounge is a delightful lounge with cushioned seats and velvety sofas arranged in a style mimicking that of a living room. This social space makes for a relaxing time snacking over tidbits, drinking light refreshments, and having light conversations with fellow travellers.
Source: MileLion
They even have a nap room featuring four MetroNaps EnergyPods that are specially designed for 20-minute power naps.
Source: MileLion
It also comes with meeting rooms available on demand, as well as complimentary USB charging ports, universal power sockets, and, of course, fast Wi-Fi.
Priority Pass airport lounge
|
Operating hours
|
Conditions
|
Other perks
|
Plaza Premium Lounge
|
24 hours daily
|
Max. 2 hours stay
Free for children < 2 years old
|
Premium alcoholic drinks, shower facilities, nap rooms, and sleep pods available upon payment
|
Marhaba Lounge
|
24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay Free for children < 6 years old |
|
SATS Premier Lounge
|
24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay Free for children < 2 years old Smart casual dress code required |
|
Plaza Premium Lounge
Source: Priority Pass
When it comes to airport lounges, the Plaza Premium Lounge is as standard as they come. It offers various seating pod options that are generally conducive for business discussions and leisurely conversations, but not so much for napping.
They also have a decent selection of local and international cuisine options available like Laksa, Chicken Rice, Char Siu Bao, Aglio Olio, and more.
SATS Premier Lounge
Source: Priority Pass
If you're a solo traveller, the SATS Premier Lounge does not disappoint. As you can see, the lounge provides a slew of single leather armchairs, perfect for some shuteye and chill time before your flight's departure.
For greater privacy, there's even a dedicated quiet area towards the back of the lounge – complete with a calming water feature in the centre. This space truly exudes a serene spa-like ambience.
Source: theshutterwhale
Priority Pass airport lounge
|
Operating hours
|
Conditions
|
Other perks
|
Ambassador Transit Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 6 years old
Alcoholic drinks only available between 6am - 12am daily
Bedrooms and gym are available
|
|
SATS Premier Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 2 years old
Smart casual dress code required
|
Access to TranSpa (11am - 9pm daily)
Select cardholders are entitled to 1 treatment option per lounge visit (within 24 hours):
(Inclusive of shower and welcome drinks) |
Ambassador Transit Lounge
Source: Priority Pass
Located on the Mezzanine Level (level 3) beside the Sunflower Garden, the Ambassador Transit Lounge is a Departure Transit Lounge open 24 hours daily.
It's a pretty standard airport lounge with plenty of armchairs and private sofa benches. Perhaps what makes the space more expansive and welcoming too is its floor-to-ceiling windows that help flood the area with natural light.
SATS Premier Lounge
Source: Plaza Premium Lounge
Although this lounge does not offer napping facilities, the SATS Premier Lounge does offer a wide array of amenities, such as massage chairs, shower facilities, as well as a delectable buffet spread.
Priority Pass airport lounge
|
Operating hours
|
Conditions
|
Other perks
|
Ambassador Transit Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 6 years old
|
Alcoholic drinks, interstate/international phone calls, fax facilities, bedrooms, gyms are available upon payment
|
Marhaba Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 6 years old
Beverages only provided between 2am to 5am daily
|
Separate smoking room available outside lounge
|
SATS Premier Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 2 years old
Smart casual dress code required
|
|
Priority Pass airport lounge
|
Operating hours
|
Conditions
|
Other perks
|
Blossom Lounge | 24 hours daily |
Max. 3 hours stay
Free for children < 2 years old
Complimentary alcoholic drinks limited to beer and house wine only
Smart casual dress code required
|
Separate smoking area available
Premium alcoholic drinks are subject to payment
|
Blossom Lounge
Source: Priority Pass
Located in a private corner in Terminal 4, the Blossom Lounge is a SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge designed with comfort at the forefront. In addition to staple amenities like comfy lounge chairs and shower facilities, it also offers therapeutic massages to weary travellers looking for some respite.
On top of that, they even have a Tapas Bar to accompany your daytime drinks.
Although Priority Pass is the most common lounge network worldwide, it's notable to point out that ever since it lost its partnership with Plaza Premium Lounges to Dragon Pass. As a result, there are now network gaps in airports where Plaza Premium is the sole lounge operator (if you only have a Priority Pass membership).
Examples of affected airports include Brisbane, Cebu, Hong Kong Terminal 2, Langkawi, Kuching, London Heathrow Terminal 2, and more.
Things you can do with Priority Pass Membership: Benefits
#1: Airport lounge access
Priority Pass members can look forward to enjoying complimentary refreshments, small bites, meals and drinks in the lounge. Most lounges also offer alcoholic beverages.
Apart from filling up your tummy pre-flight, most travellers will appreciate the free Wi-Fi, comfortable recliners and seats, charging ports, magazines and newspapers, and private working spaces available within the lounge.
Some Priority Pass lounges even offer guests the opportunity to indulge in extra perks like showers, massages, sleeping areas, and spa treatments.
#2: Convenience
Priority Pass lounges and facilities are available worldwide, and guests can enter the lounge of their choice —subject to capacity limits—easily with their Digital Membership Card via the enhanced Priority Pass mobile app. There’s no need to fuss around with traditional plastic membership cards!
That’s not all. The Priority Pass mobile app also allows guests to navigate through the terminal using their bespoke indoor maps and airport guides with ease. Plus, all Priority Pass members enjoy 24/7 premium service and support year-round.
💡 Pro-tip: Select Priority Pass members can redeem a free membership to WithU, a premium fitness app offering personalised training experience.
#3: Complimentary airport dining
Priority Pass lounges aren’t available at all airport terminals. For example, London Heathrow’s Terminal 2 has an English pub/restaurant available for Priority Pass members to enjoy while there are two lounges available at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and one lounge available at Terminal 5.
To check whether or not there are lounges or restaurants available at the airport terminal that you would be passing through, simply launch the Priority Pass mobile app. It’s super convenient, and you may even pre-book your lounge access spot for select airport lounges.
#4: Airport dining, retail and spa discounts
Priority Pass offers more than 800 airport dining, retail and spa options globally that members can redeem easily through the Priority Pass mobile app, if they have access to these extra perks.
It’s worth noting that I don’t see any of such offers available to me after scouring the Priority Pass mobile app — my Priority Pass membership is the complimentary version tagged to my credit card.
💡 Pro-tip: At the Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3, Priority Pass holders can access the Game Space, an ultimate gaming lounge open 24/7. Equipped with 40 PCs and even consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S, the gamers in your travel crew will be spoilt for choice, gaming their heart away.
How to get Priority Pass membership?
Priority Pass has three distinct membership plans to suit different types of travellers — (i) Standard; (ii) Standard Plus; and (iii) Prestige.
For the discerning ones amongst us keen on enjoying Priority Pass benefits, consider applying for the few credit cards that offer complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Best credit cards to get Priority Pass membership
If you or your travel companion hold certain credit cards, you'll enjoy a complimentary number of Priority Pass lounge visits per year:
Credit card
|
No. of free visits per year
|
Citi PremierMiles Card
|
2 visits
|
DBS Altitude Visa Card
|
2 visits
|
Standard Chartered Journey Card
|
2 visits
|
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card
|
If ≤ S$200,000 in average deposits and/or investments: 2 visits
If ≥ S$200,000 in average deposits and/or visits: 12 visits
If ≥ S$1.5 million (Priority Banking member): Unlimited visits
|
DBS Vantage Card
|
10 visits
|
Citi Prestige Card
|
Unlimited visits + 1 guest
|
AMEX Platinum Charge Card
|
Unlimited visits + select number of guests
|
Lounge access is also available at no extra charge if you’ve subscribed to:
- Priority Pass Standard Plus Plan: 10 free lounge passes per year
- Priority Pass Prestige Plan: Unlimited lounge passes per year
See also: Cheap and Free Ways to Access Changi Airport Lounges
SingSaver's Exclusive Offer: Receive the following rewards when you sign up for a Citi Credit Card:
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*📣For Citi PremierMiles Card: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Samsonite Straren Spinner 67/24 + 2X AirTag (worth S$690.80) or 18K Heymax Miles or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. This card offer is exclusively available on SingSaver. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
Get an additional S$100 eCapitaVoucher when you simultaneously open a Citi Citigold Account. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
*📣For Citi Prestige Card: Get a Samsonite Straren Spinner 67/24 + 2X AirTag (worth S$690.80) or 18K Heymax Miles (worth S$300) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. This card offer is exclusively available on SingSaver. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
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Other Citi Credit Cards: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Hinomi H1 Classic V3 Ergonomic Office Chair (With Headrest) (worth S$659) or an Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 + Magsafe Charger (worth S$408) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
For Citi SMRT Card and Citi M1 Platinum Visa Card: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Dyson Micro 1.5kg Vacuum (worth S$599) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending (min. S$500 spend) within 30 days of card approval. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
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- S$200 for an Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) 41mm (worth S$604.50)
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- S$980 for a Macbook Air 13" 256GB M3 (worth S$1,599.00)
- S$1,200 for an Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB (worth $1,664.25)
- S$1,786 for a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Gray 12+512GB 5G (worth $2,128.00)
How to use Priority Pass?
- Obtain a membership either by applying via website or through your credit card.
- Wait for either your physical membership card or digital card via the Priority Pass app.
- Use the Priority Pass website or mobile app to locate participating Priority Pass airport lounges at your departure or transit airports.
- Present either your Priority Pass Membership Card (digital or physical) or credit card together with your valid same-day travel boarding pass to access the lounge.
- Ta-da! Enjoy your lounge amenities and facilities before your flight departure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are Priority Pass lounges usually crowded?
To be honest, this depends. There’s no guarantee that the Priority Pass lounge you’re visiting will be crowded, quiet, or even accessible.
Just to put things into perspective, the Priority Pass lounges at Changi Airport T3’s transit area were being used to accommodate passengers from SWISS at the time my husband and I wanted to pop by for ‘free breakfast’, before our morning flight to Malé, Maldives. This happened just last month!
Before our flight back to Singapore, we had some time to kill and managed to get into Moonimaa Lounge at Velana International Airport in Malé, Maldives after about an hour’s wait as it was filled with fellow travellers. Be that as it may, we enjoyed a light buffet dinner and self-serve hot tea on the house — thanks to the complimentary Priority Pass membership that came with my DBS Visa Altitude Credit Card.
Is there a limit to Priority Pass visits? Can I use my Priority Pass twice in a day?
No, there is no limit to the number of lounge visits usable in a day or year as long as you have a same-day boarding pass. However, if we're talking about free lounge visits, that's a slightly different story.
For instance, if you're visiting a Priority Pass lounge using a DBS Altitude Visa Credit Card and Citi PremierMiles, you're entitled to two complimentary visits per year. As a result, you'll have to pay a fee of US$35 for subsequent visits. The same applies to folks under the Standard Plus plan which offers 10 lounge passes annually.
There is no limit to how many Priority Pass visits you can make if you hold more premium credit cards (read: Citi Prestige) or if you sign up for the Prestige Plan. Just FYI, Citi Prestige cardmembers can enjoy unlimited Priority Pass lounge access and bring one guest along per visit at no extra charge.
How to get Priority Pass for free?
The only way to gain free Priority Pass membership would be to sign up for one of the aforementioned credit cards.
Should you sign up for Priority Pass membership?
You should sign up for Priority Pass membership if you’re a frequent traveller. Now that borders are opening and travel’s rebounding, having access to lounges worldwide is a huge plus in my book.
Apart from getting a place to have a free meal or drink, airport lounges let guests freshen up, rest, work, socialise or even take a shower if the lounge has shower facilities. But of course, I would recommend you sign up for the right credit card to get complimentary Priority Pass access, if possible, instead of shelling out your hard-earned money on lounge visits.
If you make at least S$120,000 per year, I highly recommend you get your hands on the Citi Prestige Card. Unlimited Priority Pass and a whole slew of exclusive travel perks await!
SingSaver's Exclusive Offer: Receive the following rewards when you sign up for a Citi Credit Card:
🚀Fastest Rewards Fulfilment🚀: Get the cash rewards within four (4) weeks after successful application — the fastest rewards fulfilment yet! T&Cs apply.
*📣For Citi PremierMiles Card: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Samsonite Straren Spinner 67/24 + 2X AirTag (worth S$690.80) or 18K Heymax Miles or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. This card offer is exclusively available on SingSaver. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
Get an additional S$100 eCapitaVoucher when you simultaneously open a Citi Citigold Account. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
*📣For Citi Prestige Card: Get a Samsonite Straren Spinner 67/24 + 2X AirTag (worth S$690.80) or 18K Heymax Miles (worth S$300) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. This card offer is exclusively available on SingSaver. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
*📣ONLY AVAILABLE ON SINGSAVER📣
Other Citi Credit Cards: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Hinomi H1 Classic V3 Ergonomic Office Chair (With Headrest) (worth S$659) or an Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 + Magsafe Charger (worth S$408) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
For Citi SMRT Card and Citi M1 Platinum Visa Card: Receive an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.9 wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30) or a Dyson Micro 1.5kg Vacuum (worth S$599) or S$320 FairPrice Vouchers or S$320 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending (min. S$500 spend) within 30 days of card approval. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
⬆️Reward Upgrade Campaign⬆️: Upgrade your rewards when you top up as low as S$200. Valid until 31 October 2024. T&Cs apply.
- S$200 for an Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) 41mm (worth S$604.50)
- S$800 for an Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm (worth S$1,210.10)
- S$980 for a Macbook Air 13" 256GB M3 (worth S$1,599.00)
- S$1,200 for an Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB (worth $1,664.25)
- S$1,786 for a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Gray 12+512GB 5G (worth $2,128.00)
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