Email in my inbox. From Priority Pass.
The world’s largest lounge network isn’t resting on its laurels, or at least it’s pretending not to. The Priority Pass+ app is here. It’s rolling out this summer in stages, replacing the old, slightly clunky app we’ve been using. If you haven’t seen the prompt yet? Don’t panic. It’s coming to everyone eventually.
I downloaded it. Wanted to see what the fuss was about.
“Planning, accessing, and paying for everything together in one app.”
That’s the pitch. And honestly? It mostly delivers.
The visual shift
First thing I noticed was the gallery view. You know, for lounges near you. It’s cleaner. Sharper. You get a complete picture of what your membership actually covers—sleep pods, spas, travel experiences. No digging through buried lists anymore.
There’s also a visit history tracker. Shows how many visits you have left. Convenient. Plus, a digital membership card, which means one less plastic rectangle in your wallet. You can even manage multiple memberships at once. Huge plus if you juggle three credit cards that all throw lounge access in as a freebie.
And no, this isn’t just for airport naps. New travel recommendations pop up. Parking. Car rentals. Fast track security. Even “meet and assist” services if you fancy being handed by staff.
Setup and security
Installation was boring. In a good way.
I clicked through on my old app. It automatically upgraded. No fuss. Then, sign in.
Security’s tight now. Biometrics? Check. One-time passwords via text or email? Also check. Extra protection for a card that effectively grants you global lounge access. Seems necessary.
The app asked me to pick a default airport. I chose John F. Kennedy International (JFK).
Why? Because I like chaos. And because the new interface actually shows you what’s happening there.
Finding a quiet spot
If geolocation is on, you get a carousel of options at your default airport. Move around, the map updates. Simple. Intuitive.
At JFK alone? Ten options. Two of them are Minute Suites. These are basically pods where you can work, rest, or sleep in silence. Free, if your membership covers it. Always confirm with your issuer, though. Rules vary.
The trip planner is the standout feature for me.
I plugged in an itinerary: Philadelphia to Prague. Return from Paris to New York. The app spat out every lounge I could use at those specific stops. Pretty neat. It feels less like a database query and more like actual concierge help.
But wait. There’s more.
Lifestyle perks
Under “Membership extras,” you’ll find stuff that has nothing to do with sitting in an airport chair.
Partnering with Bounce, you can rent lockers or workspace desks. Partnering with TrvlWell, you get guided wellness sessions. There’s a whole page for “Destination deals” featuring discounts on theme parks, Broadway shows, even the London Eye.
Why am I paying for lounge access just to see the London Eye? Because apparently, travel isn’t just about transit anymore. It’s about “experiences.” 🎢
You can reserve select lounges directly in the app now. No guessing if there’s a seat. No hoping the line isn’t longer than the security queue. Just book it.
The verdict
Is it perfect? Probably not. But it’s better.
For people like me—credit card hoarders with fragmented Priority Pass memberships—the ability to consolidate accounts is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. No more toggling between two different member numbers depending on which card you swiped with in 2023.
Priority Pass says this is just the start. More features coming soon.
We’ll see. For now, having your itinerary, your lounge passes, and your destination discounts in one pocket-sized place feels like a small victory against the chaos of modern travel.
What happens when they add dining reservations to this mix?
I’m guessing the app is already building the interface for it.
