#priority pass

so this was my view of the rumble!! i don’t have any pics of me there because i went alone and didn’t wanna ask anybody, but a friend is going with me to raw so yall can see pics of me there 😗

Airport lounges were once seen as a luxury reserved for first-class travelers and elite frequent flyers. That is no longer the case.

In 2025, lounge access is considered an essential part of travel for remote professionals, business consultants, solo travelers, and families alike. And with the rising cost of airport food, Wi-Fi, and basic comfort, lounges now offer real savings and convenience.

But Priority Pass, the most expansive airport lounge network in the world, comes at a price—unless you know how to get it for free.

This article shows exactly how to get Priority Pass for free with an Amex card, who qualifies, how to activate it, and what to expect inside these lounges. The goal is simple: increase awareness for travelers who already qualify for free lounge access but have not claimed it yet.

What Is Priority Pass and What Does It Offer?

Priority Pass is a global membership program offering access to 1,300+ airport lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries.

These lounges are not operated by airlines but are part of a third-party network. That means travelers flying in economy or on low-cost carriers can still access premium lounge facilities.

Typical lounge benefits include -

Complimentary food and beverages (including alcohol)

Quiet seating areas away from crowded gates

Business amenities like Wi-Fi, printers, and power outlets

Showers and nap areas in select lounges

A much calmer, cleaner, and safer space

Many travelers do not realize they are eligible for this pass for free through their American Express credit card. That oversight is costing them both money and comfort.

Why So Many Travelers Overlook This Free Benefit

There is a simple reason most cardholders do not use their Priority Pass membership. They never enrolled.

Although Priority Pass is included with several premium Amex cards, enrollment is not automatic. You must manually register via your Amex account. The membership kit and digital access are issued only after this step.

For a benefit worth $429 per year, it is one of the most underutilized perks in the American Express ecosystem.

According to a 2024 travel insights report, only 42% of eligible Amex cardholders activate their Priority Pass membership, despite more than 90% reporting that they would use a lounge if given the option.

How to Get Priority Pass for Free Amex: Cards That Offer It

The following American Express cards include complimentary Priority Pass Select membership -

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Free access to Priority Pass lounges

2 guests admitted for free

Must enroll manually via Amex dashboard

Annual card fee: $695

Also includes Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta) access

2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Same benefits as personal Platinum

Tailored for business travelers

Annual card fee: $695

3. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Includes Priority Pass for the cardholder

Up to 2 guests free

Annual card fee: $550

Particularly valuable for frequent Hilton hotel guests

These cards also offer additional travel protections, hotel upgrades, and airline credits that further enhance value. But the Priority Pass Select benefit alone offsets a large part of the annual fee—if you use it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activate Your Free Priority PassEven if you already hold an eligible card, you are not enrolled until you follow these steps -

Step 1: Log in to Your Amex Online Account

Go to the American Express website or mobile app and log in using the credentials associated with your eligible card.

Step 2: Find the 'Benefits' Section

Select your card, then navigate to the “Benefits” or “Membership” section. Look for “Priority Pass Select.”

Step 3: Click 'Enroll Now'

You will be taken to a form to activate your membership. Once completed, your physical card will be mailed to you, and you’ll receive digital access as well.

Step 4: Download the Priority Pass App

You can use the digital card in the app for lounge access. Some lounges may still require a physical card, especially internationally, so it’s smart to carry both.

What Makes Amex’s Priority Pass Different From Other Banks?

While several premium cards offer lounge access, not all programs are the same. Travelers often compare Priority Pass vs LoungeKey, especially when deciding between American Express, Visa, or Mastercard premium cards.

Amex’s version of Priority Pass requires manual enrollment and excludes partner restaurants, unlike some LoungeKey memberships, which allow access directly through your credit card and may still include dining option

Restaurant lounges are not included.

In 2023, American Express stopped including access to Priority Pass-affiliated restaurants. That means lounges offering full meals at partner restaurants—typically found in smaller airports—are not part of your Amex-linked membership.

However, standard Priority Pass lounges, including those in international terminals and major airports, remain fully accessible.

What Travelers Say: Firsthand ExperiencesCase 1: A Solo Consultant on the Road

Jacob H., a remote business consultant, flies 20 to 30 times a year. After activating his Priority Pass through Amex Business Platinum, he immediately noticed an improvement in his work travel routine.

“I used to burn $25 per airport stop on food and bottled water alone. Now I’m in a lounge with a full buffet, quiet space, and reliable Wi-Fi. The difference is night and day,” he says.

Case 2: A Family of Four Flying Internationally

Lauren and her husband took their two young kids on a trip to Europe. With their Hilton Aspire Amex card, they accessed lounges in Atlanta, Amsterdam, and Paris.Makes Amex’s Priority Pass Different From Other Ban

“It saved us so much stress. We had space to feed the kids, let them nap, and board the plane relaxed. I didn’t expect lounge access to be family-friendly, but it really was.”

Value Breakdown: What You Actually Save

Here’s a basic cost comparison for a traveler using Priority Pass via Amex -

Best Practices: Make the Most of Your Membership

To fully benefit from Priority Pass with your Amex -

Always carry your card or use the app: Some lounges will not let you in without it.

Check hours and access rules: Not all lounges are open 24/7. Use the app to confirm hours and entry conditions.

Know your guest policy: Most Amex Priority Pass cards include 2 guests, but some lounges restrict access during peak times.

Use it internationally: The true value shines at global hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and London, where lounge quality is highest.

Enroll as soon as you get your card: Do not wait for your next trip—processing can take 2–3 weeks.

Final Word: Unlock the Value Already in Your Wallet

If you are holding one of the eligible American Express cards and have not activated your Priority Pass benefit, you are leaving hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in unused value on the table.

Understanding how to get Priority Pass for free Amex is not about finding a loophole. It is about claiming a right that is already yours. From business travelers juggling meetings across time zones to families managing jetlag and connections, lounge access changes the way people experience airports.

TL;DR: Priority Pass membership offers access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide, providing amenities like complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Ideal for frequent travelers, it enhances the airport experience but may not be cost-effective for occasional flyers. If you enjoy reading this, please subscribe to my blog by selecting the follow button on the top right hand side. Thanks!! I…