- Mr Plane Guy
- May 30, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access, Was It Worth It?
By travel expert and airport lounge Champagne sampler, Mr Plane Guy
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support!
Let’s be honest – airport terminals these days can be a bit of challenge to get thru, security lanes, constant rule changes, stressing about your bags size, delays, screaming kids, £7 bottles of water. So last year, I finally did what any self-respecting frequent flyer should: I got myself a Priority Pass.
Fast-forward 12 months, and I’ve used it around three times a month. I’m here to give you the unfiltered and highly mathematical breakdown of whether Priority Pass is actually worth it in 2026, from a man who has spent far too much time in airports.
I’ve now used Priority Pass over 30 times across multiple airports, so this review is based on real-world experience, not just theory.
Is Priority Pass Worth It in 2026? (Quick Answer)
Yes, if you travel more than a few times a year, Priority Pass can be cheaper than paying for airport lounge access each time. It gives you access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide, with visits often costing significantly less than walk-in prices.
What is Priority Pass?
In case you've been living under a baggage carousel, Priority Pass is a global airport lounge membership (often called an airport lounge pass) that gives you access to over 1,800 airport lounges and experiences, regardless of which airline or class you’re flying.
Think comfy chairs, decent Wi-Fi, free snacks (yes, actual food), and drinks – including the boozy kind. All that, without needing a business class ticket or a secret handshake.
How Does Priority Pass Work in the UK?
Simple. You pick a membership level, download the app, and walk into a lounge like you own the place (after they scan your QR code, obviously). In the UK, you'll find lounges in all the big airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow… even Luton!
Once inside, you can enjoy everything from full English breakfasts to sparkling wine and cheeky biscuits.
I’ve used it at least 36 times this year – and not once have I been turned away. I feel like I’ve beaten the system.
(Which probably means next time I try to enter, they’ll body-scan me and push me back into Pret.)
Let's Do the Maths: Is Priority Pass Worth It?
My Usage:
Average visits: 3 per month
Price per visit with Priority Pass: £24
Normal lounge entry: approx £45
Cost Without Priority Pass:
3 lounges x £45 x 12 months = £1,620
Cost With Priority Pass:
3 lounges x £24 x 12 months = £864
Standard Airport Visit
Pret £7
Meal £34
Drinks £24
Flight Snacks from WhSmiths/Boots £12
=£77 (WTF) x average 3 flights per month £2772 WOW!
Not to mention, if you go with the Standard Plus plan, which includes 10 free visits for £183 (with the 20% discount), you can tailor the maths even further to your flying habits.
This is where Priority Pass really starts to make sense financially…
Compared to paying £40–£45 per visit, a Priority Pass effectively turns airport lounge access into a much cheaper per-flight upgrade.
Priority Pass Membership Options (2026)
Priority Pass offers three main membership plans depending on how often you travel. These are often referred to as airport lounge passes, and each option gives different levels of access.
Standard
Standard Plus
Prestige
These Priority Pass membership plans (also known as airport lounge passes) are designed for occasional travellers through to frequent flyers who want unlimited lounge access.
My Favourite Priority Pass Lounges This Year
No1 Lounge, Heathrow Terminal 2
This one feels like a proper treat. Stylish, spacious, with hot food thats fresh and delicious yet light.They even have their own signature cocktail! No 1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2: Is This the Swankiest Spot Before Take-Off?
🇮🇹 Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge
Italian pasta, espresso followed by an aperol or two. It’s giving “first class” without the price tag. A must if you’re flying out of Rome. Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge Review
Not Every Lounge is a Winner…
Let’s address the one dud in the pack: the Escape Lounge at Manchester Terminal 1.
Dull food, tired furniture, and a layout that made it feel like a hospital waiting room.
What Lounges Can You Access With Priority Pass?
Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide, including lounges at major UK airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
These include well-known lounges such as Plaza Premium, No1 Lounge, Aspire Lounges and Escape Lounges, many of which normally charge £35–£45 for entry.
👉 You can see my full guides here:
If you’re flying from London, check my full guide to the Best Heathrow Airport Lounges or see which Gatwick Airport Lounges are actually worth it before you travel.
Here are my Best UK Airport Lounges along with Manchester Airport Lounges.
Can You Take a Guest With Priority Pass?
Yes, and that’s one of my favourite features. I’ve brought my partner in with me a bunch of times, and it only costs £24 per guest. Trust me, it’s way cheaper than feeding them airport meal deals and pretending the Wetherspoons bar is “romantic.”
Do You Get Free Drinks with Priority Pass?
You bet. In most lounges, you can expect complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, though some have restrictions (e.g. no bottles, one champagne glass per visit, etc). In Rome and Vienna, I had Prosecco.
How to Get Priority Pass for Free (or Cheap)
There are a few clever ways to get a free or discounted Priority Pass:
Premium Credit Cards
Many UK premium credit cards offer Priority Pass access as part of the perks:
Amex Platinum: Unlimited access + guest access (included in the high fee)
HSBC Premier World Elite: Includes some free visits
Revolute Metal: Lounge access with discounted passes
Discounted Plans
Right now, you can get up to 30% off direct through my Priority Pass link, meaning:
Standard Plan: £48/year
Standard Plus: £183/year
Prestige (Unlimited Access): £377/year
Not bad when you consider the average lounge visit is £45 without it.
What Are the Drawbacks of Priority Pass?
Nothing’s perfect – not even my lounge selfies – so here’s the real talk:
Not All Lounges Are Created Equal! Some lounges are better than others. You might get sushi in Tokyo and stale crisps in Stansted.
Why Priority Pass Is Still Worth It
Lounge access is a game changer when travelling frequently. And a Priority Pass gives you flexibility, you’re not tied to one airline or one terminal.
Access to over 1800 lounges worldwide
Often includes free guest passes
Great for long layovers and delays
Can be bundled with premium credit cards
And, right now, you can get 30% off membership
Even if you only fly four or five times a year, the cost per visit quickly becomes worth it especially at airports like Heathrow where food and drink prices are eye-watering.
Airport Lounge Capacity Issues
While I’ve never personally been turned away, I’ve heard of others being refused during peak hours.
Plane tip: use the app to check live lounge capacity or pre-book when available.
Did you Know You can Pre Book Most Lounges
I sometimes pre booked my visit, this is really easy to do on the Priority Pass website, I put down an approximate time around 3 hours before my flight.
Guest Fees Add Up
Bringing guests is fab, but if you do it often, the £24 fee per person can add up. That said, still cheaper than buying two airport meals and coffees.
Is Priority Pass Worth It in 2026?
For me? 100% yes.
I fly a lot, both for content and my never-ending quest to find the world’s best airport croissant. I used to waste money on overpriced snacks and noisy waiting areas. Now? I relax, refuel, and sometimes sneak in a power nap before boarding.
Even if you fly once a month, you’ll start to see savings and the quality of life upgrade is immense. Honestly, just being able to charge your phone without lurking near a bin is priceless.
Still Wondering, “Is Priority Pass Worth It?”
I get it – it’s not a small expense up front. But for me, Priority Pass has paid for itself three times over, and then some.
Whether you’re looking to escape the chaos of departures, sneak in a spa treatment, or save money at airport restaurants – this little card (or app) unlocks a lot more than you think.
And with perks extending well beyond the lounge, Priority Pass isn’t just for the terminal. It’s your full-on travel wingman.
Here are some of the Airport Lounges I've visited in the last 12 months, thanks to my Priority Pass, just look at this value!
Is There a Priority Pass Discount Code?
Priority Pass doesn’t usually offer public discount codes, but you can often get up to 30% off through selected partner links.
Final Boarding Call: Should You Get Priority Pass?
If you travel semi-regularly, like good food, and hate airport chaos – Priority Pass is a no-brainer.
Priority Pass Review 2026
Feature | Verdict |
Price | Starts at £48/year with 30% off |
Lounge Access | 1,800+ lounges globally |
Guest Access | Yes, for £24 each |
Drinks & Food | Mostly free and decent quality |
Value for Money | Excellent if you fly 10+ times a year |
Favourite Lounges | Vienna, Rome, Heathrow T2 |
Least Favourite | Manchester T1 (goodbye forever) |
Is It Worth It? | Absolutely, yes. |
Got questions? Drop them in the comments – or better yet, catch me in the lounge. I’ll be the one sipping Prosecco at 9am like it’s completely normal.
London Gatwick Lounge Reviews
London Heathrow Lounge Reviews
Plane Related Articles
10 Essential Tips for Dealing with Flight Delays and Cancellations
Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London
Is this the BEST Airport Lounges at London Gatwick South Terminal
The Perfect Cabin Bag for Travelling with Low Cost Airlines. Cabin Max carry on Luggage
Happy travels, and see you in the lounge! I’ll definitely be back, with that 30% Priority Pass deal in my carry-on. Get yourself one, breeze through the airport, and take off in style!
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access – Was It Worth It?
Airport lounges, free upgrades, travel chaos and the occasional meltdown. Real travel, not influencer nonsense.
Plane Extras
The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off
Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne.
🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75% at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →
🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?
Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1800+ lounges worldwide.
🌍 Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions.
🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront →
📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Arlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required.
💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral →
or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.
Comments