Priority Pass is an airport lounge membership program, offering travellers access to more than 1,000 independent and airline-affiliated lounges around the world. Memberships can be purchased, but do also come included with certain high-end credit cards such as the American Express Platinum Card.

There are different membership options available: the most expensive options include unlimited yearly visits, while the cheapest one is merely access to the Priority Pass network, with each visit being chargeable at US$35 a pop.

But not only does your membership unlock lounges – it can also be used for access to certain specialty locations, such as spas. Feeling hungry? You could even receive an A$36 credit at participating restaurants (although this credit is not offered through memberships obtained via the American Express Platinum Card).

Step inside Adelaide’s newest international lounge, now accessible with Priority Pass.

Background on Priority Pass

Since its launch in 1992, Collision Group’s Priority Pass has become the most prominent independent airport lounge access plan. The idea behind Priority Pass is that it doesn’t matter what class your ticket is or what airline you fly – you can still enjoy premium facilities during your journey.

So, whether you’re flying Scoot, Jetstar, or Qantas, even in Economy, you can enjoy the same comforts of lounge access when you travel. It’s handy for those travellers who fly on a range of airlines, primarily in Economy or Premium Economy and are not (or can’t be) loyal to a particular alliance.

Some of the benefits of lounge access might include:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Snacks, soft drinks, and complimentary alcoholic beverages
  • Access to power or charging stations
  • TV and comfortable seating (ideally!)
  • Showers and spa facilities (often with an additional fee)

Priority Pass does not operate the lounges themselves. The program negotiates access for their members to use lounges worldwide, so amenities vary across airports. Some can be very good, and some (particularly in places like Bali) can be decidedly… subpar.

You can get a feel for what each lounge offers at the Priority Pass Lounges index.

Where can I use Priority Pass in Australia and NZ?

Last checked: 13 January 2025

Most Priority Pass facilities in Australia (and all three lounges in NZ) are located in international terminals. However, some eateries, as well as the Rex Lounges, are located in domestic terminals.

Using Priority Pass at eateries

Note that American Express Card Members no longer have access to eateries – only lounges. (Citi Prestige cardholders, those with single-use passes, and those who purchase memberships from Priority Pass directly still have access to eateries).

If you have an eligible Priority Pass membership, show up at the eatery with your membership card and boarding pass. The restaurant will swipe your card, and you will receive A$36 per person for food and drinks. Each $36 credit is charged as a visit to your Priority Pass card. For example, if you and a guest turn up at the eatery, you could get a combined $72 credit to spend.

We happily used up two Priority Pass visits for A$72 to spend at Urban Provodore, Melbourne T2.

However, your Priority Pass account will reflect your visit and your guests. If you have unlimited visits and a guest allowance, that’s fine. But if you pay for guest visits, you’ll be charged US$35, which is not worth the A$36 in dining credit. Be sure to check if your plan allows free guest visits or not.

Using Priority Pass at Rex Lounges

Rex operates three small lounges at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Airports. These regional lounges offer complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks and the usual hot and cold drinks, beer and wine served from 3 pm, plus massage chairs. A private meeting room can be arranged at the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.

Rex Lounge Sydney
Rex Lounge Sydney Food

If you have the Amex Platinum Card and are flying Virgin Australia, you’ll also have access to the Virgin Australia Lounges at all three airports, in addition to your Priority Pass benefits.

Virgin Australia Adelaide Lounge 1
Virgin Australia lounges are higher-end compared to Rex lounges.

Note that eligible American Express Card Members also have access to the Centurion Lounges in the international terminals in Sydney and Melbourne.

Using Priority Pass at Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounges in Australia are available to Priority Pass members. Read more about the lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide in our dedicated guide.

Ad – Scroll down to continue reading.Minimum spend, terms & conditions apply.

Which credit cards offer unlimited access?

Unlimited access is the way to go, especially if eateries are included. One neat thing about the unlimited access with the Amex Platinum Card and Citi Prestige Mastercard is that in an airport with multiple lounges, you can just walk out of a lounge if you don’t like it and find another.

The American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card comes with a full membership granting unlimited visits for the Card Member and one supplementary cardholder per account.

One complimentary guest is also permitted per enrolled Platinum Card Member, with additional guests charged US$32 per visit. The Business version of the card also provides unlimited entries, but no complimentary guesting privileges, with each guest charged the guest fee.

The Citi Prestige Mastercard

The Citi Prestige Mastercard has a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder. You are entitled to unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges and may bring one guest per visit. Additional guests will be charged. Eateries are included, so graze away to your heart’s content.

Credit cards that offer single-use passes

These credit cards offer two complimentary Priority Pass visits a year. They can be used for lounges or eateries, but only for the primary cardholder.

The BOQ Specialist Signature Visa also includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder, with four free entries into the network’s lounges every year.

Buying access through a membership

There are some paid membership plans if you don’t have access to Priority Pass through your credit card.

Standard membership: US$99 annual fee

  • Included visits: None
  • Per visit member fee: US$35
  • Per visit guest fee: US$35

This is best for those who may travel up to six times per year.

Standard Plus: US$329 annual fee

  • Included visits: 10 visits
  • Per visit member fee: US$35 for each additional visit
  • Per visit guest visit fee: US$35

This is best for those who will use the membership between seven and thirteen times per year.

Prestige: US$469 annual fee

  • Included visits: Unlimited
  • Per visit member fee: N/A
  • Per visit guest visit fee: US$35

This is best for those who will use the membership more than fourteen times per year.

Summing up

It’s probably not worth paying for a Priority Pass membership unless you often travel internationally. But if you have it included with a credit card, it’s good to know where you can use it domestically and overseas.

Remember that not all lounges are created equal – some Priority Pass lounges may be better than others. One way to get around this is to research lounges before you visit using the free LoungeBuddy app, TripAdvisor or Google, and choose carefully where you use your access if it is limited.

Supplementary images courtesy of Priority Pass and respective lounges.

This content contains affiliate links from which Point Hacks may earn commissions from transactions generated from new customers, bookings and general enquiries. Find out more here.

Guide to the Priority Pass lounge program was last modified: January 16th, 2025 by Brandon Loo