Airline Programs: Elevate Your Layover - The Ultimate Guide to Priority Pass in 2026
- Michael Dade
- Jan 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 22
For many travelers, the airport is a gauntlet of fluorescent lights, $22 wilted sandwiches, and the undignified hunt for a functioning power outlet. But at ResortChasers, we believe the vacation begins the moment you leave your front door. What if your terminal experience felt less like a survival mission and more like a pre-arrival retreat?
That is the promise of Priority Pass, the world’s leading independent airport lounge program. With a network now spanning over 1,800 lounges and experiences across 140 countries, it has evolved from a simple "lounge card" into a comprehensive travel ecosystem. On our recent scouting trips for ResortChasers, we put the membership to the test at West Coast hubs SFO and LAX, using our favorite "secret weapon" for access: The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card.
What is Priority Pass? (2026 Edition)
In 2026, Priority Pass is no longer just a gateway to a quiet room; it is a global membership that grants travelers access to a massive network of airport lounges and "experiences," regardless of the airline they are flying or the class of their ticket.
The 2026 Evolution: The program has significantly expanded its "non-lounge" portfolio. If traditional lounges are at capacity, your membership now unlocks specialized nap pods, high-end gaming stations, and professional spa treatments. Access is managed via a sleek digital card within the Priority Pass app, which now features real-time capacity indicators and indoor terminal maps to help you navigate directly to the shortest buffet line.
The Power of the Ritz-Carlton™ Card
While the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card is no longer open to new applicants, it remains a legendary "unicorn" in the travel community. For those of us who still hold it, the Priority Pass benefits are unrivaled.
The 2026 "Nerf" and Why It Still Wins
One of the standout features of the Ritz card's Priority Pass was its legendary unlimited guest policy. However, as of January 15, 2026, Chase has standardized the guesting rules across their premium portfolio to match the Sapphire Reserve.
* The New Rule: Cardmembers and authorized users (AUs) may now enter Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire lounges with up to two guests each for no charge. Additional guests will incur a $27 fee per visit.
* The Silver Lining: Even with this change, the card remains a powerhouse because authorized users can still be added for $0. Each AU receives their own full Priority Pass membership. For a family of six, adding a spouse as an AU means you can technically bring four guests total for free.
> Pro Tip: If you're wondering how people are still getting this card today through product changes, check out our guide on [How to Get the Ritz-Carlton Card and Why It’s Still Worth the $450 Fee].
Priority Pass Select vs. Standard: The Great 2026 Divide
When researching Priority Pass, you’ll notice two distinct versions: retail and "Select."
* Priority Pass (Retail): Purchased directly. Tiers include Standard ($99 + $35 per visit for member and guest), Standard Plus ($329 for 10 free visits and additional member and guest visit is $35), and Prestige ($469 for unlimited complimentary member visits and guest visit fee is $35). Note that all retail guests now cost $35 per person.
* Priority Pass Select: This is the version bundled with U.S. credit cards. It is almost always superior to the "Prestige" tier because it typically includes those first two complimentary guests.
The Restaurant & Spa Gap
A major divide has opened up in 2026: Amex and Capital One memberships now strictly exclude "non-lounge experiences." If you hold an Amex Platinum, you cannot use your pass for a $28 meal credit at an airport bistro. Chase-issued memberships (like our Ritz and Sapphire cards) are some of the only ones left that still include these valuable restaurant and spa credits.
Other Top-Tier Favorites for Access
If you don't have a grandfathered Ritz card, these are our top recommendations for 2026, though be prepared for recent fee hikes:
* Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795/year): The annual fee recently jumped, but it remains a favorite because it includes the "full" Priority Pass (including restaurants/spas) and access to the elite Chase Sapphire Lounges.
* The Platinum Card® from American Express ($895/year): Now costing $895 annually, Amex offers the broadest overall lounge portfolio (including Centurion Lounges), but their Priority Pass version excludes restaurant and spa credits.
* Citi Strata Elite℠: A newer entrant in the premium space that includes Priority Pass with two complimentary guests. Read our review: [The New Citi Strata Elite Card: Your New Travel Essential?].
* Capital One Venture X ($395/year): A major shift occurred on February 1, 2026. Authorized users no longer get free Priority Pass access unless the primary cardholder pays a $125 annual fee per AU.
Beyond the Buffet: More Membership Perks
In 2026, the amenities have expanded to include wellness, entertainment, and even transportation:
1. The Wellness Pivot: Be Relax Spas
If the lounges are full, your Priority Pass card holds a "hidden" power at Be Relax Spa. Instead of a lounge entry, you can use a "visit" to claim a high-value wellness treatment. At LAX (Terminal 1 and Tom Bradley), we opted for the 30-minute Lounger Massage. Other options often include oxygen aromatherapy or a professional polish change.
* Digital Wellness: The app now features TrvlWell, offering guided meditation and "in-seat" stretching videos designed to combat the physical toll of long-haul flights.
* Pro Tip: While the treatment is covered, your membership does not cover the tip for the therapist—don't forget to take care of those who take care of you!
2. Private Sanctuaries: Minute Suites & Sleep Pods
For those navigating hubs like CLT, PHL, or DFW, Priority Pass offers a literal breath of fresh air via Minute Suites. Your membership grants you one hour of free access to a private, soundproof suite featuring a daybed (perfect for a power nap), a workstation, and high-speed Wi-Fi. In 2026, keep an eye out for Sleep 'n Fly pods in international hubs, which offer similar "micro-stay" privacy for a quick reset.
3. GameWay Lounges & Car Rentals
For gamers, hubs like DFW and LAX offer GameWay lounges where a "visit" gets you an hour of play on high-end consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X). Outside the terminal, your membership now includes Avis Preferred Plus status, offering priority service and car rental discounts of up to 30%.
The International Advantage: Elevated Perks
The real value of Priority Pass often shines once you leave the U.S. International lounges typically offer more robust amenities, including full hot meal buffets and premium open bars. Here are a few international lounges we've just visited plus other examples:
Club Aspire at London Heathrow (LHR)
On our last trip through Terminal 5, we visited the Club Aspire Lounge. While LHR can be chaotic, this lounge offers a peaceful retreat with fantastic views of the runway.
* The Experience: It features a "Business Zone" and a full "British" spread including hot breakfast items.
* Pro Tip: This lounge is incredibly popular. You can now pay a small reservation fee (approx. $8) via the Priority Pass app to guarantee a seat during peak hours.
Plaza Premium Rome (FCO)
If you’re traveling through Italy, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome Fiumicino is a masterclass in modern comfort. Located in Terminal 3 (Extra Schengen Area), this expansive space feels less like an airport terminal and more like a high-end Roman piazza with a sleek, contemporary edge. We've visited the location at Terminal 1 (Schengen Area Departures Terminal 1) and even though smaller, it was still a great experience.
* The Perks: Indulge in an interactive live cooking station where chefs prepare authentic Italian pasta dishes on demand. The lounge also features a stylish buffet and a full-service bar offering premium Italian wines and barista-made espresso.
* Refined Comfort: For those on long layovers, the lounge offers private shower suites and dedicated workstations, making it easy to freshen up and stay productive before your flight.
Global Flagships: IST and DXB
IGA Lounge (Istanbul - IST): A 48,000-square-foot masterpiece featuring live cooking stations (try the Turkish Pide!), a pool table, and a duty-free shop inside the lounge.
G-Force Health Club (Dubai - DXB): Stuck in Dubai for a long layover? Your pass can grant you access to the gym, showers, and even the swimming pool and jacuzzi. It’s the ultimate way to wash off a 14-hour flight.
Luxury Access: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses
One of the most prestigious "gets" in the Priority Pass network is access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. Known for their ultra-chic design and high-end cocktail bars, these are a significant step up from standard contract lounges.
* SFO & JFK Access: In San Francisco (Terminal A) and New York (Terminal 4), Priority Pass members can often access the Clubhouse during morning and early afternoon hours (typically 08:30 - 12:30 at SFO and 05:00 - 13:30 at JFK).
* The Experience: Expect à la carte dining, "Peel" spa services (at select locations), and some of the best airport furniture in the world. Note that access is strictly limited by capacity and specific time windows, so always check the app before walking over.
The Bottom Line
Priority Pass remains an essential tool for "chasing" the resort lifestyle before you even leave the airport. Whether you’re utilizing the legacy power of the Ritz-Carlton card, getting a massage at Be Relax LAX, or swimming in Dubai, it turns the airport into a destination rather than an obstacle.
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