Why Priority Pass is your ticket to more than just airport lounges

Priority Pass is an essential tool in the kit of savvy business and leisure travellers, with the program’s annual membership unlocking over 1,500 airport lounges and experiences worldwide, including right here in Australia.

With that card tucked safely in your wallet, or accessed via the Priority Pass app, you’re never short of an inviting base to begin or continue your domestic or international journey in style.

But did you know its benefits extend outside airport lounges too?

In fact, and it may even surprise some long-time devotees, there’s so much more than wine and nibbles on offer, from pre-flight massages to sleep pods and even dining vouchers redeemable at a vast number of restaurants.

Luke's Bistro & Bar at Sydney Airport is among the participating restaurants.

That’s before you get started on the program’s other benefits, of which preferential car hire rates and free membership to the WithU premium fitness app (exclusive only for Priority Pass membership purchased through the website) are on the list. 

In Australia, Priority Pass members can sidestep the crowds at lounges across most major hubs. On that list are The House in Sydney and Melbourne, Plaza Premium Lounges in Brisbane and Adelaide, Marhaba Lounge in Melbourne plus many more. 

Inside the sleek Plaza Premium Lounge at Adelaide Airport.

Within you’ll find a smorgasbord of buffet bites and tended bars ready to pour your preferred tipple, not to mention free WiFi.

For locations without lounges, or when you’re just looking to shake things up, Priority Pass offers some enticing arrangements with restaurants and bars, such as an entitlement to get AUD$36 off the bill, where each $36 credit is classed as a single lounge visit on your account, or a special set menu for members.

As a brief explainer, the program has three tiers: Standard, which allows lounge entry at a reduced rate of US$35 (AUD$52); Standard Plus, where members enjoy 10 free visits per year, with the reduced rate kicking in for subsequent stops; and Prestige, which unlocks an unlimited number of visits.

The House Sydney is among the lounges welcoming Priority Pass members.

In addition, Priority Pass is also available as a cardholder benefit across many different credit card brands, making it worthwhile to pay closer attention to your inclusions.

There’s an eclectic list of participating restaurants Down Under, each giving you that $36 off your bill, including Luke’s Bistro & Bar at Sydney Airport domestic Terminal 3 and Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall at Melbourne Airport T3 (the first airport bar brewing its own beers), plus Noodles XO in Canberra and the new Sand Bar at Gold Coast Airport.

Stomping Ground embraces a casual atmosphere, with windows looking out into the tarmac.

It’s a similar story across Asia Pacific, where you’ll find a tasty array of restaurant partners on top of premium airport lounges in Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and more.

Take Tokyo-Haneda, for example, where you can stop into Haneda Airport Garden – a landside retail, hotel and hot springs precinct linked to Terminal 3 – for a buffet meal at All Day Dining Grande Aile, before checking in and making your way to another lounge.

All Day Dining Grande Aile has both buffet and á la carte options.

In Singapore, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck at Changi T3 is among your go-tos beyond the lounges, which counts the Marhaba, SATS Premier and Blossom Lounges among its ten offerings. It’s all about freedom and choice. 

Also at Changi is TranSpa in T2, where Priority Pass cardholders can enjoy one of three wellness options: a 20-minute head, shoulder or foot massage, haircut and blow dry, or an express manicure/pedicure, with a welcome drink to enhance the vibe.

Priority Pass members receive 25% off all TranSpa treatments. 

Travellers in Kuala Lumpur are in good company too. Complementing lounges such as Travel Club and Plaza Premium, members can access Sky Suite Lounges at Terminals 1 and 2 – both of which offer a complimentary self-walk fast lane past immigration exclusively for Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and Lounge Pass members. 

Members get SGD33.50 off burgers, pizza, pasta and Asian delicacies at Changi's The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck.

Given Priority Pass is accepted at over 1,500 lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa – in over 700 airports in 145 countries, no less – it’s easy to elevate your journey into something special.

There’s no shortage of traditional lounges either, be it the Concordia Lounge in Bali, Strata Lounge in Auckland, or the Miracle First Class lounge and Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon) at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International with services and facilities such as shoulder massage, shower and in-lounge cinema available (subject to availability). 

Strata Lounge is noted for its commitment to locally-sourced produce, including drinks and dining.

Hong Kong’s brand-new Kyra Lounge is another accessible highlight – and it’s destined to be a traveller favourite, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu spanning Cantonese classics such as BBQ Char Siu buns and Hong Kong street food favourites, like Fish Siu Mai. 

Kyra boasts a show-stopping bar, sound-proof booth, modern work stations and more.

In other words, it’s not your typical lounge, and Priority Pass is your key to experiencing it. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve brushed up on your Priority Pass perks, or you’re looking to test the waters outside your usual lounge network, now is the time to take a closer look.

For more information on Priority Pass, visit prioritypass.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. 

This article was produced in collaboration with Priority Pass.