United Airlines shutters worldwide Priority Pass lounge access

Priority Pass cardholders will lose access to all United Club lounges worldwide from next month when the airline pulls out of the paid lounge scheme.

"United Club lounges, one of our partners, have unfortunately chosen to no longer participate in the Priority Pass lounge access program, effective May 15th 2015" Priority Pass has advised members.

This removes all of United's 49 airport lounges from the Priority Pass roster, including its Melbourne lounge.

A paid lounge membership scheme, Priority Pass trades on the ability to access every participating airport lounge regardless of the airline you’re flying with or your seat number.

For United lounge access beyond May 15, travellers can pay a flat US$50 (A$65) per visit at the door or stump up  US$550 (A$710) for one year of United Club membership – almost 35% more than Priority Pass’ unlimited plan (A$527), and granting access only when travelling with a Star Alliance airline.

That’s a significant blow for travellers who enjoy free Priority Pass membership via their Aussie credit card.

Westpac Altitude Black, Citibank Signature/Select and American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders all receive free access to United Club lounges in Melbourne, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more via Priority Pass.

Priority Pass’ Australian footprint has dramatically shrunk over the past few years with the loss of Virgin Australia’s domestic lounges from the scheme in 2011, leaving the Reef Lounge in Cairns International Airport as the only remaining Down Under lounge still attached to the program.

Also read: The Aussie traveller’s guide to Priority Pass airport lounges

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.