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10 of the Best Priority Pass Lounges Around the World

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The Priority Pass program has been making headlines as it continues to expand to new airports and lounges — its current network touts more than 900 lounges in 120 countries and 400 cities worldwide. And while a premium unlimited membership costs $399 annually (additional options include a $99 Standard one-year membership — plus $27 per person, per entry — to Standard Plus, which gives you 10 free visits — then charges $27 for each additional entry — for $249 per year) there are several travel credit cards that offer Priority Pass lounge access as an included benefit. Some even offer mobile passes, so you don’t have to carry the physical card around in your wallet.

The new Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for instance, comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select access for the cardholder as well as all members of their party, as does the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card.The Citi Prestige also offers Priority Pass Select membership and complimentary lounge access for the cardholder and two guests. The Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express both include Priority Pass Select membership and allow additional guests to enter for $27 per person, per visit. (Note that each of the cards mentioned carries a $450 annual fee, but the included travel credits and other benefits mean these cards generally end up paying for themselves).

We recently rounded up the 9 best Priority Pass Lounges in the US. Now, we present our list of the top 10 Priority Pass lounges around the world, listed below in no particular order.

1. SkyTeam Lounge at LHR

Location: InTerminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport, across from Gate 10 after security.

Hours: 5:00am – 10:00pm

Amenities: The staples of any good premium-level lounge, like free Wi-Fi and alcohol, as well as private shower stalls and workspaces that can be used for meetings.

A sneak peek of the dining area inside The SkyTeam Lounge at Heathrow. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

2. Airport Wellness Oasis at SIN

Location: Inside Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport, on the main level, close to gate D41 after immigration.

Hours: 24/7

Amenities: This lounge is one of the best because of its large buffet, which features a wide range of options and Singaporean specialties. Drinks and refreshments are available for guests, as well as showers, and bedroom facilities, which are available for an additional fee. Note that there is a three-hour maximum stay rule here due to space constraints.

Singapore consistently has one of the top ranked airports in the world. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=374d0d63-db4c-4b3f-b02d-fbe75eea5263">Priority Pass</a>. — A look inside the Airport Wellness Oasis. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

3. Star Alliance Lounge at CDG

Location: Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, before security and after the passport control point on Level 11.

Hours: 5:30am – 11:30pm, with restricted access between the hours of 5:30am – 11:00am and 9:00pm – 11:30pm due to the limited amount of space.

Amenities: This Paris lounge is great for business travelers, with a sleek, modern look that’s complemented by a minimalist bar and food service area, as well as large spaces for meetings. Showers are also available in case you need to freshen up before a flight. Note that there is a three-hour maximum stay required at this lounge due to space constraints.

Paris has some spectacular lounges, and this is one of them. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=08affe9c-10ba-4ae4-af5b-52eedfd71aee">Priority Pass.</a> — Paris has some spectacular lounges, and this is one of them. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

4. Almost@Home Lounge at HEL

Location: Terminal 2 at Helsinki Airport, located in the International Departures (Non-Schengen) area near gate 32

Hours: 5:30am – 8:30pm

Amenities: There’s no place like home — except maybe this lounge. You’ll find a large middle island in the ‘kitchen’ with many food options, including regional specialties, and a cooking area where guests can even make their own meals. The lounge also features showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, alcohol and soft drinks. Be aware of a three-hour maximum stay rule that’s in place due to space constraints.

Helsinki has several clubs in Terminal Two that would rival many of the worlds best ones. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=627b6ec0-b5b8-4a36-9795-6532053ad229">Priority Pass</a>. — The dining area of the Almost@Home Lounge in Helsinki. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

5. Air China First Class Lounge at PEK

Location: Terminal 3E, the International Terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport, on the left side after security.

Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm

Amenities: The Air China First Class Lounge is situated above the terminal, but with open-air access, which gives it a very spacious feel. You’ll find complimentary Western and Chinese cuisine, mixed drinks and other refreshments, plus a sushi bar with freshly made options. The lounge also features conference rooms, massage chairs and showers in case you need to freshen up.

Beijing's Terminal 3E has a separate lounge for First and Business Class customers. But priority pass members can get into both! Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=05819a0c-976e-49ac-8126-7d132d95a3ee">Priority Pass</a>. — Priority Pass members have access to both the First and Business lounges in Terminal 3E. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

6. Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at BKK

Location: At Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll find the lounge on Level 3 of Concourse E, on the west side of the International Terminal building.

Hours: 5:00am – 8:30pm

Amenities: Several large fish tanks throughout the lounge give the space a cool, underwater feel. There’s also dedicated service and a full buffet with refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Wi-Fi is available for free, as are showers and a separate prayer room. Note the three-hour maximum stay rule.

Bangkok's airport is home to one of the most unique lounges in the world. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=bdc7bbd8-cf2c-403f-91ff-598c921467ac">Priority Pass</a>. — Bangkok’s airport is home to one of the most unique lounges in the world. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

7. The Al Dhabi Lounge at AUH

Location: Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport; turn right after going through immigration and head up to the first floor. Those coming from Terminal 3 should visit the Transit Desk before over heading to Terminal 1.

Hours: 24/7

Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, refreshments and alcoholic drinks (although it’s limited to bottled beer). Note that smart casual dress is required and you can only stay in the lounge for up to four hours.

Often overshadowed by it's bigger brother city, Abu Dhabi has rapidly improved it's airport and infrastructure. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=87e47a47-6e7e-44b2-8ab1-bf4832c0eb2b">Priority Pass</a>. — Abu Dhabi has rapidly improved its airport and lounge infrastructure. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

8. The Mashonzha Lounge at JNB

Location: International Terminal A at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, near the Emirates Business Lounge and the duty-free shops. Turn left once you get to the top of the stairs, the lounge is on the right side.

Hours: 7:00am – 10:00pm

Amenities: This lounge features a contemporary South African motif that also pays homage to the country’s many safari parks and chic designer hotels. You can expect to find free meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and Wi-Fi. Note that you can only stay in the lounge for a maximum of four hours.

Johannesburg's best lounge is accessible for most departing passengers. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=1bed886b-c488-4b33-bc18-266dd2033608">Priority Pass</a>. — JNB’s best lounge is accessible to most departing passengers. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

9. Lounge at B in DXB

Location: In Concourse B of Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, next to gate B26 — the actual entrance is inside the Cadiz Tapas Bar. Those flying out of Concourse A or C should plan ahead and leave an extra 15-20 minutes to get back to their designated gates.

Hours: 24/7

Amenities: The Lounge at B enjoys the perks of being located inside a tapas bar, like access to its full wine cellar. Note that alcoholic beverages are only available between the hours of 8:00pm and 3:00am during Ramadan, smart casual attire is required at all times and offsite showers are available upon request. You’ll also only be able to stay here for five hours due to space constraints.

Dubai's lounge goes above and beyond, with features that you can't find at most full service resorts. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=b9444fc9-b62f-4c52-aeae-55d8f1cff116">Priority Pass.</a> — Hungry travelers, rejoice! The Lounge at B is actually located inside the Cadiz Tapas Bar. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

10. Aspire Lounge at ZRH

Location: Inside the main International Terminal at Zurich Airport after security, on the third floor above Gate E45

Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm

Amenities: There’s a nice airy feel here, with windows on both sides and a great food selection to go with the view. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are available free of charge, although complimentary Wi-Fi is limited to one hour and you’ll need to pay an additional fee for extra time.

Zurich has one of Europe's most central, and convenient, airports. Image courtesy of <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/loungesearch?entity=92380004-6a54-4bc0-92d7-b8c1396b2910">Priority Pass.</a> — Next time you’re transiting through Zurich, stop by the Aspire Lounge. Image courtesy of Priority Pass.

Bottom Line

While the $450 annual fee for the credit cards mentioned does seem steep, if you plan to take advantage of all the benefits, they can be a great deal for anyone who travels, even just a few times each year. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, includes a $300 travel credit that’s applied automatically to anything from air travel and hotels to Uber rides and commuter rail tickets. The Citi Prestige and the Platinum Card from American Express both offer similar discounts that effectively bring the annual fee down to $150 or $200, respectively. Since unlimited Priority Pass membership costs $399 a year, these travel credit cards are a great value since they end up giving you so much more than just lounge access. Nearly every major airport in the world now has a Priority Pass lounge, and relaxing in one before your flight can make your travel experience a remarkably better one.