- Mr Plane Guy
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Priority Pass Review 2025: One Year of Lounge Access – Was It Worth It?
By travel expert and airport lounge Champagne sampler, Mr Plane Guy
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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 2025, from a man who has spent far too much time in airports.
What is Priority Pass?
In case you've been living under a baggage carousel, Priority Pass is a global membership programme that gives you access to over 1,700 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.
My Favourite Priority Pass Lounges This Year
No1 Lounge, Heathrow Terminal 2
This one feels like a proper treat. Stylish, spacious, with hot food that doesn’t make you feel stodgy and bloated, it's fresh and delicious yet light!
Also, the staff don’t look like they’re one flat white away from a breakdown – always a win.They even have their own signature cocktail and all drinks are included except the top brand champagnes.
🇦🇹 Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport – Lounge of the Year 2025
Yes, it actually won Lounge of the Year and I can see why. Massive windows, loads of space, classy design, and the kind of food is exquisite. I had schnitzel and sparkling wine while watching planes take off from the little outside terrace.
🇮🇹 Rome Fiumicino Airport Lounge
Honestly, this lounge made me emotional. Italian pasta, espresso followed by an aperol or two and huge windows flooded with sunlight and tarmac views. It’s giving “first class” without the price tag. A must if you’re flying out of Rome.
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. Fortunately, Terminal 1 is closing, and so is this lounge – may it rest in peace (preferably under a pile of lukewarm pastries).
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 1700 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.
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1700+ lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries! From just £69 for an annual pass.
The lovely people from Priority Pass have offered me a 30% discount code making it just £48! Be quick this won't last long!! Use my link below.
Take a Look Here ( I get a small kickback, which helps keep this blog cruising at 35,000 feet. Thanks for your support! )
Capacity Issues
While I’ve never personally been turned away, I’ve heard of others being refused during peak hours. Pro 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 2025?
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.
More Than Just Lounges: The Hidden Perks of Priority Pass
You might think Priority Pass is just about lounges – but honestly, that’s just the beginning. Here’s what else I discovered in my year of using the service:
Airport Dining Discounts? Yes Please.
There are now over 200 restaurants and bars worldwide where you can use your Priority Pass for discounts – or even a fixed credit (like £15–£23) towards your bill.
I’ve used this a few times when lounges were full or when I was craving something specific. From Wagamama at Heathrow T5 to proper sit-down spots in the US and Australia, the coverage is surprisingly good.
You just show your digital membership card (in the app), and boom – money off your meal. Ideal for when you want food, but not the lounge vibe.
Spa Access at Select Airports
Feeling frazzled from a red-eye or just want to look less like you’ve been dragged through Duty Free backwards? Priority Pass now includes access to airport spas at select locations.
You can get everything from express facials and massages to nail treatments – often for a heavily reduced rate or even complimentary services depending on location. I spotted these at places like Dubai International, JFK, and Bangkok.
Because nothing says “ready for a 12-hour flight” like a pre-boarding neck massage.
Free Fitness Membership with WithU
Here’s one most people miss: a complimentary fitness membership with the WithU app is included in your Priority Pass membership.
WithU is an audio-based fitness app that gives you guided workouts wherever you are – great if you’re constantly travelling and hotel gyms are more ‘meh’ than motivating.
No faff. No extra fees. Just log into the Priority Pass app and activate your free access.
Global Airport Transfers & Car Rentals
Need a lift? Priority Pass can help organise airport transfers and car rentals worldwide, directly through their app.
This includes everything from private transfers to car hire in over 145 countries. I haven’t personally booked this yet, but having the option available in the same app where I check lounge availability is super convenient – especially when landing in a new city.
Perfect for taking the stress out of arrivals, whether you're flying into Paris or Phuket.
An App That Actually Improves Your Airport Experience
Priority Pass isn’t just a fancy QR code – the mobile app is packed with smart features that made my year of travel smoother:
Indoor airport maps – so you can actually find the lounge without walking 2km the wrong way.
Dining and spa listings – updated in real time.
Pre-booking options at select lounges – pay a small fee and guarantee your spot.
Easy access to perks like WithU fitness, car hire, and restaurant discounts.
It’s genuinely become my most-used travel app – and considering I also have Ryanair installed, that’s saying something.
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!
Final Verdict: Should You Get Priority Pass?
If you travel semi-regularly, like good food, and hate airport chaos – Priority Pass is a no-brainer. The flexibility to use it at over 1,700 lounges worldwide, the chance to bring a guest, and the comfort it brings? Chef’s kiss.
( I get a small kickback, which helps keep this blog cruising at 35,000 feet. Thanks for your support! )
Priority Pass Review 2025
Feature | Verdict |
Price | Starts at £48/year with 30% off |
Lounge Access | 1,700+ 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.
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.
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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 travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.
I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
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