Priority Pass, just joined.

[Petch]

Ok, it's been a while in the planning, but as part of a comprehensive move to "Best Flight on the Day" I've just joined Priority Pass. (If I am going to have to fly economy anyway, 'cause Qantas doesn't upgrade its most frequent flyers for free, then why stay loyal to just one airline's economy?)

I joined via an Amex link - http://www.prioritypass.com/tp/aecuk US$320 (+2guest visit bonus) or US$79 (pay per use +1 free visit)

Also found - http://www.prioritypass.com/freddie07 (US$319, US$199, US$99 +1 free visit) & http://www.prioritypass.com/bt (US$339, US$212, US$84 +3extra months bonus)

After spending time in the overcrowded, aged, unkempt barn of a Qantas Club in Melbourne the other day, I can't wait until my first visit to The Lounge towards the end of next month. (Their website pics look soooo good.) (I have allowed a few weeks for the PP card to arrive, plus there is a US$10 fee for postage not mentioned in the prices.)

I have done a reckie of the facilities, and note that @ MEL, The Lounge is landside, so when flying an airline other than Virgin Blue there is no need to double pass security, plus, unfortunately the Rex pier doesn't have an exit to the downstairs car park (i.e. next to T4) but there really isn't much difference, given The Lounge's location, with using the Virgin Blue arrivals area exit anyway.

I think Virgin Blue's strategy with Priority Pass is incredibly sophisticated - 1st they have got me to step foot out of the Qantas Club, 2nd they have got me (on the ground) into their facilities (where they can focus on my general conversion) and 3rd - I don't think I will like walking between T3 & T1/4 constantly, so may add a convenience buffer to Virgin Blue pricing (which I note has recently started to price better on routes where, I consider, they compete with Jetstar rather than Qantas for my dollar).


(And that's just in Melbourne, & I don't even live there.)

 

[baswitzer]

What is this priority pass? I am leaving for O/S in three weeks and would be interested in lounge privileges due to my travel arrangements. Would the card get here in time and can you take a guest in with you?

 

[Petch]

What is this priority pass? I am leaving for O/S in three weeks and would be interested in lounge privileges due to my travel arrangements. Would the card get here in time and can you take a guest in with you?

See their website for what they are - basically lounge access, in selected airport terminals.

I've given them 3 weeks to deliver my card, their website says 7-10 working days, and I assume it comes from Hong Kong.

Downside is, you pay per guest that you take in.

Upside is, lounge access is not based on the airline you are flying; just that you are flying on a scheduled service and can access the terminal the lounge is located in.

 

[straitman]

See their website for what they are - basically lounge access, in selected airport terminals.

I've given them 3 weeks to deliver my card, their website says 7-10 working days, and I assume it comes from Hong Kong.

Downside is, you pay per guest that you take in.

Upside is, lounge access is not based on the airline you are flying; just that you are flying on a scheduled service and can access the terminal the lounge is located in.

A really good setup for those who need it and if the lounges fit the itinerary.

 

[Arthur Hodgson]

Ok, it's been a while in the planning, but as part of a comprehensive move to "Best Flight on the Day" I've just joined Priority Pass. (If I am going to have to fly economy anyway, 'cause Qantas doesn't upgrade its most frequent flyers for free, then why stay loyal to just one airline's economy?)

I joined via an Amex link - http://www.prioritypass.com/tp/aecuk US$320 (+2guest visit bonus) or US$79 (pay per use +1 free visit)

Also found - http://www.prioritypass.com/freddie07 (US$319, US$199, US$99 +1 free visit) & http://www.prioritypass.com/bt (US$339, US$212, US$84 +3extra months bonus)

After spending time in the overcrowded, aged, unkempt barn of a Qantas Club in Melbourne the other day, I can't wait until my first visit to The Lounge towards the end of next month. (Their website pics look soooo good.) (I have allowed a few weeks for the PP card to arrive, plus there is a US$10 fee for postage not mentioned in the prices.)

I have done a reckie of the facilities, and note that @ MEL, The Lounge is landside, so when flying an airline other than Virgin Blue there is no need to double pass security, plus, unfortunately the Rex pier doesn't have an exit to the downstairs car park (i.e. next to T4) but there really isn't much difference, given The Lounge's location, with using the Virgin Blue arrivals area exit anyway.

I think Virgin Blue's strategy with Priority Pass is incredibly sophisticated - 1st they have got me to step foot out of the Qantas Club, 2nd they have got me (on the ground) into their facilities (where they can focus on my general conversion) and 3rd - I don't think I will like walking between T3 & T1/4 constantly, so may add a convenience buffer to Virgin Blue pricing (which I note has recently started to price better on routes where, I consider, they compete with Jetstar rather than Qantas for my dollar).


(And that's just in Melbourne, & I don't even live there.)

Thanks for the heads up on this. Based on your comments, I will definitely apply for the Priority Pass "Prestige Membership" today. I am travelling around the world starting on 18 May, so hopefully plenty of time to receive the card.

I have been considering whether to join the UA RCC or Priority Pass for some time, and now my mind is made up. Cost appears to be fairly similar for each membership, but PP wins hand down in terms of coverage.

Thanks once again for the info (any insights as to where you found it?).

 

[NYCguy]

I know several folk who use Priority Pass, and none of them have any complaints. It seems to be pretty good value if you travel frequently in economy class.

(If I am going to have to fly economy anyway, 'cause Qantas doesn't upgrade its most frequent flyers for free, then why stay loyal to just one airline's economy?)

Why would they upgrade people for free when they can sell the seats, or extract points for upgrades? The occasional OPUP makes people feel important, but filling every unsold seat in F and C/J with FF's just to fill the cabin cheapens the product.

 

[Arthur Hodgson]

I know several folk who use Priority Pass, and none of them have any complaints. It seems to be pretty good value if you travel frequently in economy class.

Well I did the deed, handed over my USD 320 via the Amex link (just as well I have an Amex card), the other 2 links didn't seem to work, probably now out of date.

I should get quite a bit of use out of my new Priority pass this year, starting next month with 3 visits to DJ Lounges, and the RCC in HNL which I otherwise couldn't enter on this trip. I'll also use it at LAX for the free wifi.

Later this year I will be using my PP card in such places as Atlanta, Las Vegas, Tampa, Bombay and Istanbul, where otherwise I would probably have had to sit with the great unwashed.

 

[tofufactory]

Hey, probably this is a bit too late to post this but Priority Pass is offering 20% off to all 3 membership plans until 30 Nov 08 -

prioritypass*com*hk/intmkt/HKPPCGLAU08 , it's a pretty good deal I think so if you want one, act fast!
(can't post the direct link...)

 

[Foreigner]

See their website for what they are - basically lounge access, in selected airport terminals.

I've given them 3 weeks to deliver my card, their website says 7-10 working days, and I assume it comes from Hong Kong.

Downside is, you pay per guest that you take in.

Upside is, lounge access is not based on the airline you are flying; just that you are flying on a scheduled service and can access the terminal the lounge is located in.

Not quite. Some lounges in the USA allow all immediate family members and/or 2 business associates. That's my understanding anyway.

I received my card gratis courtesy of AMEX. I suppose the lounges recover some costs from AMEX.

On another issue, I will be transitting SFO over the next 2 weeks. Which of the following are better lounges? Northwest Worldclub, United Red Carpet Club, Alaska Airlines Board Room, Continental Presidents Club, Delta Crown Room Club. Of course, there's AA's lounge avaailable to me as a QF gold. I could go to any or all of them, if time permits.

f

 

[Flashback]

Just an update as I'm looking at this for a mate; http://www.prioritypass.com/bt still works although it doesn't seem to include the free visit that the standard $99 does?

 

[Flashback]

Found one with more discount, that definitely includes the free visit: Small Business Savings

 

[DeKa]

Found one with more discount, that definitely includes the free visit:

Thanks for this. I just bought a membership using the above link. It doesn't include a free visit, but it will be still be worth it.

 

[Isochronous]

So is there a consistent policy on bringing guests or does it depend on the particular airline lounge you're trying to access?

 

[Friends of None]

Thanks heaps for this.
I've spent days and days working out whether to change from QFF to SIA Krisflyer (changing credit cards in the process) and how to get lounge access when I travel ex Mel to France during Tour de France time (via HKK, Changi, DXB, CDG, TLS, GVA etc) and this has made it easy

AWESOME

 

[yohy?!]

So is there a consistent policy on bringing guests or does it depend on the particular airline lounge you're trying to access?

yes indeed - $27USD per guest

 

[trippin_the_rift]

yes indeed - $27USD per guest

I have a letter saying my first guest is included, and that $27 USD only applies from my 2nd guest.

Do you have to actually be flying to use PP?

 

[ChrisFlyer]

I have a letter saying my first guest is included, and that $27 USD only applies from my 2nd guest.

Do you have to actually be flying to use PP?

Officially, yes - when you enter the lounge and hand over a PP card, you're usually asked for your boarding pass too (even if you've cleared security & immigration - I now just hand them over together)... the only place I haven't been asked for a BP when giving the card only was in HKG, when entering with 3 guests.

I haven't tried visiting a landside lounge before checking in, though if that situation ever arises, I'd just try with a printed flight itinerary, or most likely, with a boarding pass printed before arriving at the airport if I didn't want to risk it.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

We used PP twice in the US in November. Firstly in LAS (not Admirals Club there) at the UA Lounge which was CO Presidents Club in another life. They scan the PP card which gives them the green light to admit you & made a note on their clipboard that one guest was taken in.

The second time we used PP was at DFW & at reception they asked "just one guest" & SO signed a chit which did not have any amount on it nor did they say there would be a $27.00 charge for admittance & SO finds a day or so later a USD27.00 charge on his Amex which obviously has a direct link to PP.

In DFW we weren't allowed to use AC as SO's Amex Platinum Card was a replacement card so didn't 'look' like a normal Platinum card so it was a no go (despite showing them a print out the Amex Card statement that said "Platinum" on it). We were both NB at the time so didn't have access to AC on status. Apparently AA staff scan the Amex card which must bill Amex a fee for allowing their cardholders to use AC.

So in short, be careful out there!

 

[ChrisFlyer]

The second time we used PP was at DFW & at reception they asked "just one guest" & SO signed a chit which did not have any amount on it nor did they say there would be a $27.00 charge for admittance & SO finds a day or so later a USD27.00 charge on his Amex which obviously has a direct link to PP.

Did Amex not provide the Priority Pass membership pack that includes a print-out of your PP details and associated fees?? Seems a bit shocking!

I had to pay for my PP membership (prestige level), but the US$27 charge for guests was made very clear before I joined the program, and also again when they sent my card out... perhaps they just need to work on their communication for those using the program due to their AMEX cards!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Did Amex not provide the Priority Pass membership pack that includes a print-out of your PP details and associated fees?? Seems a bit shocking!

I had to pay for my PP membership (prestige level), but the US$27 charge for guests was made very clear before I joined the program, and also again when they sent my card out... perhaps they just need to work on their communication for those using the program due to their AMEX cards!

Bit of a saga as we didn't have a letter box at our home but couldn't put a PO Box on Amex Application so original pack would've been sent to street address then returned to sender. SO advised a PO Box subsequently but & they said they'd send new pack to that address but didn't so when he chased that one up they said "we don't send the initial card out to a PO Box". He had to go into the city to pick up the emergency card so they probably didn't have all the packs etc that would've come with the original kit.