Are you thinking of getting a Priority Pass? Does lounging at the airport, with good food, good drinks, some rest, and luxurious amenities tickle your fancy? Well, I have been a Priority Pass member for more than two years. And before you test the waters of a Priority Pass, hear me out on some of the best and worst airport lounges that I have been to around the world.
You are bound to benefit greatly from my experience with the airport lounge membership network.
How To Avail A Priority Pass?
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With the Priority Pass, my experience, on average, has been good. I am a sucker for access to the airport lounges while I travel around the world, although some are comparatively better than others. Some of the airport lounges I have had the pleasure of visiting are in Atlanta, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Istanbul, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Paris.
The priority pass gives you access to electricity, free food, beverages, and drinks. Priority Pass does charge for drinks in certain lounges. What gives these lounges their allure is their additional benefits that go beyond lounging.
For instance, in Atlanta, you can book one of their “Minute Suites”– a private room where you can take a nap or work in privacy. There are some restaurants where you receive a credit of about $30 towards food and drinks, like the Corona Beach House in Miami International Airport.
This lounging network is constantly adding new lounges to its membership fleet. I keep getting emails every other week with a list of their new additions. If you don’t find your local airport, keep checking in because it could get added anytime.
Priority Pass Restaurant, Spa, And Suite Deals
There are some airports that do not have a Priority Pass lounge, but it offers vouchers and discounts for certain restaurants. Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Corona Beach House at The Miami International Airport are examples of such.
If you want to redeem a voucher or credit, talk to the server before placing an order. Some restaurants will ask upfront, whereas others will ask for the Priority Pass membership card once it’s time to pay the bill.
These passes also have partnerships with airport spas, which could be free or discounted. Their apps will give you all the information you require to know about their services, treatments, and hours of availability.
How To Avoid Lounge Crowds?
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Are priority pass lounges usually crowded? This is one of the most asked questions by travelers looking to get one of these memberships. Priority Pass lounges tend to limit entry during specific crowded hours. Sometimes, the lounge might be very full when you do get an entrance. One of the downsides of this membership is you do not have much control over when you get to visit the lounge because the visit depends on the time of your flight.
All you can do is predict the crowd based on the departure schedules around the time of your visit. For instance, many hub airports in the US have international red-eye flights. Usually, the lounges get a thick crowd in the evenings in those parts of the airport. Sometimes, due to the crowd, you may have to put your name on a waiting list or simply get turned away.
Priority Pass Airport Lounges
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Here are some of the Priority Pass Lounges I have visited that you would want to know before you invest in a membership or visit the particular airports.
SkyTeam Lounge International Departures At Vancouver International
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Location: International Terminal, near gate 53
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
This one is an intimate, 5,600-square-foot lounge that is open to Priority Pass members who are flying internationally. They serve business and first-class passengers of SkyTeam airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. The international rule, however, exempts travelers flying to the United States.
The venue is sleek, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and minimalist interiors. The food and drinks here are locally inspired, including freshly caught Pacific salmon, dumplings, and noodle soup. The best part is the free-flowing Pacific Northwest wines that are available at the self-service bar. They also serve beers from Vancouver’s various microbreweries.
Las Vegas
This one is probably the last one that you should visit. It is as small as its food supply. I found them offering apples, bananas, chips, and ramen. Ramen noodles, though, were what surprised me the most. It’s a lucky coincidence that I do not take flights through Vegas too often.
IGA Lounge At Istanbul International
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Location: International Terminal, on the mezzanine floor on the right-hand side
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Istanbul is not a pinchpenny when it comes to its lounge size. When you are flying business via Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, the vast 60,000-square-foot business-class lounge will treat you like royalty. This lounge takes up the entire upper level of the main foyer.
If you are flying economy or non-Star Alliance international flights, you will be more than happy to relax in the 48,000-square-foot IGA Lounge located in the International Terminal. You will find on this floor amenities like a pool table, a cinema room, a kid’s playroom, and a quiet room with sleeping pods. It obviously houses a cocktail bar, supersized food spreads, and lots of seating options.
Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Boston Logan International
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Location: Terminal B to C Connector, between gates B40 and B39
Opening Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
This lounge is open to the public since May 2023. This is the first Chase Sapphire lounge to be opened in the United States. It is packed with amenities, spacious with an area comprising 11,640 square feet. It is teeming with design-driven nooks for preflight relaxation and layover rejuvenation. Located in Boston, Logan’s newly opened Terminal B and C Connector.
The central bar anchors its midcentury modernist-inspired area with many dining areas. They feature self-service, as well as service via the Club’s app. Its cuisine is supervised by Chef Douglass Williams, who owns the forever favorite restaurant of Boston’s South End, Mida.
There are two wellness rooms with antigravity massage chairs, a private nursing room, and two dual-head shower rooms when you move deeper into the lounge.
Dulles Airport, Washington DC: Air France Lounge
This lounge is great overall. It does get busy, but it makes up for it with its French food and drinks that make it all too worth visiting. I visited this lounge before one of my Paris flights, and the lounge was positioned just across my departure gate. The convenience of it won me over. It was probably one of my best flying experiences. They also offered me one of those French Michel et Augustin chocolates.
Turkish Airlines Lounge At Washington Dulles International
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Location: International Terminal, Concourse B, near gate B43
Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
This lounge kind of eases the otherwise rough experience of flying out of Washington Dulles in comparison to the centrally located DCA. The layover, too, is long and exhausting. But it is one of those experiences you still look forward to because of its delicious food options. If you visit them, you must try their mezze with pita. They also have a speedy bar service and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the tarmac. With Dulle’s airside connectivity, it is also accessible to travelers moving from other concourses by train or walkway.
Turkish Airlines Lounge At Miami International
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Location: South Terminal Concourse H; take the elevator located midway between Concourses H and J to the third floor. The lounge is on the left.
Opening hours: 4 a.m. to midnight daily
It is one of the two Turkish Airlines Lounges that is accessible to Priority Pass members at the Miami airport, but the other one, located in the Central Terminal, is pretty basic and disappointing. The amenities available in the 10,000-square-foot lounge comprise a full-service bar, a buffet with hot and cold items, two shower suites, a kid’s area, and seating spaces to accommodate both single and group travelers.
The lounge is also used by business and first-class passengers of all the Star Alliance flights that depart from the terminal. Priority Pass users are asked to arrive earlier, packing some patience in order to enjoy the services this lounge has to offer. It gets periodically restricted in case of overcrowding.
Barajas Airport, Madrid: Cibeles Lounge
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I have come to love this lounge. It is highly spacious, with three of its walls made of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A long bar in the middle of the lounge offers all kinds of snacks for you to enjoy. I had to visit the lounge for a morning flight, and it got me a nice little breakfast to go. There are lots of seating arrangements and electrical outlets to work if you have spare time.
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Atlanta – Club At ATL
This could easily be your favorite lounge, given its high comfortability. It does get busy, but the lounge is expansive and has a delicious selection of food and snackables to enjoy. I have been here for various layovers as well as visits to Atlanta. They have a solid coffee machine paired with the fanciest newspapers and magazines you could think of. There are quite a few bars where the bartender will likely make you a curated mix or just simply pour you a glass of wine. Despite the crowd, you can manage to squeeze in some work while you are here.
Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Hong Kong International
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Location: Terminal 1 West Hall, near gate 40
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to midnight daily
Chase opened its first branded lounge in October 2022 at the Hong Kong International Airport. This Airport boasts the world’s best lounges, including many top-tier Cathay Pacific lounges and the notable American Express Centurion Lounge. Although Chase does not offer what Cathay Pacific and AmEx offer, it is the best option accessible through Priority Pass, and it does not fall short of its reputation.
The 12,000-square-foot Chase Sapphire Lounge is a mix of a huge dining area and small nooks, including a beautiful triangular bar, booths, and a relaxation zone. There are dim sums available all day, complemented by a range of Chinese dishes (it includes congee) and international cuisine. You can self-serve or order via the Club’s app.
This lounge is available to both Priority Pass holders and non-Reserve Priority Pass members through the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The regular membership rules apply.
Star Alliance Lounge At Paris Charles de Gaulle
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Location: Terminal 1, after passport control but before security on level 11
Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (though hours vary according to flight schedules)
Assuming you spent your life’s worth of money in Paris, this lounge is where you can have some premium drinks, light snacks, and pre-flight relaxation without any charges. If the low ceilings make you feel out of breath, head to the outdoor terrace for some fresh air. This is also where others go for a smoke break. The lounge is placed after passport control and before security check-in. This is where most Star Alliance flights depart. If you are flying some of the flights that depart from terminal 2, like Air France or American Airlines, you won’t be able to visit this lounge because the terminals are not connected airside.
Can You Use Priority Pass On Arrival?
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In most cases, the answer is no. A boarding pass is required when you enter the lounge, which is only possible for outbound travelers. You can not expect to head into a lounge after a long flight. The whole idea is to get travelers some rest before the long haul of a flight. So, the benefit is given to those who have a pending flight rather than those who got off one.
Forget about a priority pass on arrival. They expect you to go home after a flight!
Wrapping Up
A Priority Pass makes your travel a little less exhausting with all the lounges you can avail of at your terminal. All you have to do is show them your digital card on the app and the boarding pass. They allow you in within minutes. In case they want to check you in with the physical membership card, keep the card on you. They usually do not make such a fuss, but if they do, having the card comes in handy.
Is it worth it? Well, the $500 price tag is definitely too high, and I could honestly live with saving some bills on that. But I do enjoy being treated to good food and exclusive service at airports amid the uncomfortable hassle of long flights.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask “on are priority pass lounges usually crowded” please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
If you are someone who intends to travel soon, one thing you need to focus on is making your trip stress-free. Traveling the world is a great way to experience new cultures and to open our minds to new concepts. It is also a great way to learn more about the world and to become more experienced from personal and professional perspectives.
However, it is still possible to run into more than a few headaches as you travel. How, then, can you avoid disasters as you travel around the globe?
Always Understand Local Weather
A common mistake for many people is to arrive at a location without truly understanding the weather and climate of the region. Arriving in a nation that is about to move into monsoon season could see your suitcase filled with shorts and t-shirts rendered obsolete!
So, try and focus on understanding local weather. This gives you a better chance of properly planning out an itinerary that is not going to get ruined because you arrived in the wrong seasonal time of year. Weather plays a huge role in any traveling, so focus on understanding local weather patterns before your arrival.
Always Research The Local Situation
Many of us choose to travel to more exotic countries today as we look to find the next golden spot for travel and tourism. However, this can mean arriving in a nation that is on the cusp of major political unrest.
As such, you should try to understand the local situation before you arrive. It can be hard to escape easily if a country goes into a lockdown or an emergency. For research on the local situations, it is always better to go through the local news channels and newspapers.
So, do as much reading as you can before leaving and ensure your chosen traveling destination is not about to fall into disarray. The more you do the research, you will understand the local challenges in a more profound way.
Always Know How To Get Out Of An Emergency
One thing to focus on when traveling is understanding how to get out of an emergency. For example, if you rent a vehicle when traveling, you should always ensure you know how to get auto repair support. First off, it pays to run a Google search for terms like ‘diesel repair near me with your location turned on so you can find local auto repair solutions in the event of an emergency.
Many people choose to use platforms such as this when they are traveling for secure, safe, private coverage. Most countries have stringent rules for emergencies, and lockdown does follow the rules. And avoid making mistakes.
Never Assume The Local Law
A big mistake for many traveling people can be to assume you know local laws and regulations. All it takes is one short trip to a different region, though, and the laws can change entirely. Always look to thoroughly understand the laws and customs of anywhere you are going.
The best reason is that it can help you to avoid making a culturally insensitive remark or a similar faux pas. In the worst-case scenario, it could stop you from doing something that is seen as highly illegal that, where you come from, is perfectly harmless.
Never Flaunt Your Tourism
Tourists can often walk around showing off their fancy clothing and accessories bought to enjoy on their journey. However, flaunting wealth is flaunting the fact you are a tourist; sharp-minded criminals can easily take advantage of that naivety. So, do all that you can to avoid showing people that you are obviously a tourist – it can stop preying types trying to leverage you into sticky traveling situations.
Conclusion:
Traveling can be hugely enjoyable, but a little bit of awareness can avoid a potentially dangerous situation unfolding for you. Keep the above tips in mind, and avoiding disaster can become so much easier for you in the trips to come.
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Imagine a world where your travel companion can fly with you for almost nothing—an aviation enthusiast's dream come true. The Southwest Companion Pass opens the door to such a realm, revolutionizing the way frequent travelers experience air travel.
What Is The Southwest Companion Pass?
In essence, the Southwest Companion Pass is a golden ticket that allows a chosen companion to fly for free whenever you purchase a ticket. Unlike traditional airline loyalty programs, this pass extends beyond the individual, making it a game-changer for those who love to explore the skies in pairs.
How To Earn The Southwest Companion Pass
Earning this coveted pass requires accumulating a set number of points within a calendar year. We'll delve into the strategies for meeting these requirements and explore how you can swiftly amass the necessary points to unlock this incredible benefit.
Benefits Of The Southwest Companion Pass
The perks are not limited to just free flights for your companion. We'll uncover the full spectrum of advantages, including unlimited use for a designated companion and the extension of pass validity, ensuring you get the most out of your travel experiences.
Unlocking The Perplexities: Understanding Points System
To truly appreciate the Companion Pass, one must first comprehend the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and how points play a pivotal role. We'll break down the intricacies of the points system, providing you with a roadmap to maximize your rewards.
Burstiness Of Savings: Real-life Scenarios
Let's bring theory into practice with real-life scenarios showcasing the burstiness of savings. Through illustrative examples, we'll demonstrate how the Companion Pass can turn your travel dreams into budget-friendly realities.
Strategic Planning For Maximum Value
To extract the maximum value from your Companion Pass, strategic planning is key. We'll guide you in planning your travels around the pass's validity and offer insights on combining its benefits with other travel perks.
Common Misconceptions And Clarifications
In the journey to understanding the Companion Pass, there are common misconceptions that need clarification. We'll debunk myths and clear up any confusion surrounding the pass's features and limitations.
Southwest Companion Pass Vs. Competing Programs
Is the Southwest Companion Pass truly unique, or are there comparable programs? We'll conduct a comparative analysis, highlighting the distinctive advantages that set the Companion Pass apart in the competitive landscape.
Tips And Tricks For Companion Pass Optimization
For those seeking to make the most out of their Companion Pass, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks. From earning points faster to optimizing the pass's perks, these insights will elevate your Companion Pass experience.
Keeping Up With Changes: Southwest's Policies Updates
Airline policies evolve, and so does the Companion Pass program. Stay informed about any modifications that may impact current and potential pass holders. We'll guide you on staying ahead of the curve.
User Testimonials: A Closer Look At Satisfaction
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of those who have embraced the Companion Pass. We'll gather user testimonials, providing you with firsthand insights into overall satisfaction and potential pain points.
Future Prospects Of The Southwest Companion Pass
As the travel landscape evolves, what does the future hold for the Companion Pass? We'll explore predictions, potential enhancements, and adjustments that could shape the future of this sought-after travel benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I change my designated companion for the Southwest Companion Pass? No, you can only change your designated companion three times per calendar year. 2. Are there blackout dates for using the Companion Pass? No, there are no blackout dates, providing flexibility for travel plans. 3. Can I earn Southwest Companion Pass points through credit card spending? Yes, credit card spending is a significant avenue for earning Rapid Rewards points towards the Companion Pass. 4. How long is the Southwest Companion Pass valid once earned? The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. 5. What happens if I don't earn enough points for the Companion Pass in a calendar year? Any unused points from the previous year do not carry over, and you must start accumulating points anew for the pass.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Southwest Companion Pass is more than just a travel perk; it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences. The benefits, coupled with the ease of earning and using the pass, make it a must-have for avid travelers. Consider unlocking the benefits of the Companion Pass and elevate your travel adventures.
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Summer in Rome: Every traveller knows Rome is one-of-a-kind; no wonder it is widely recognised as the Eternal City.
Aside from the timeless architecture and history that lives in all of its paths, one cannot get over its ethereal beauty. And can you blame?
The city is charmed with an eternity of times you may explore and still discover something new for yourself. You never know what you will find in its most notable landmarks because there’s so much to see and do.
Let us now start our guide on things to do, locations to see, and spots you may enjoy during your Roman summer break.
Exploring Rome: It All Begins With A Plan…
First, we will explore the remains of the Roman Forum and visit the Colosseum. It is the most famous symbol of the city of Rome worldwide.
Both the Pantheon, which is well-known for its dome, and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City offer a panoramic view from its dome. These are evergreen destinations that never fail to leave a lasting impression and have a strong and timeless historical aura.
1. The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, which is housed at the Vatican Museums, is another must-visit location. However, pay attention – reservations are required in advance. Then, take in the views from the Spanish Steps and see the Trevi Fountain.
Art lovers might visit the Galleria Borghese, which features paintings by Bernini and Caravaggio, and the Capitoline Museums, which are home to antique Roman artefacts. The National Gallery of Ancient Art is situated at Palazzo Barberini as well.
2. Catacombs of San Callisto
For an experience like no other, visit the Catacombs of San Callisto and walk or ride along the Appian Way. The Orange Garden will offer breathtaking sunset views of Rome, and the Baths of Caracalla will provide insight into ancient Roman public baths.
Rome also has an outstanding food scene. Crispy and thin Roman pizza and classic pasta dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia are examples of its traditional cuisine. Notable dishes are Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, and Supplì, fried rice balls filled with cheese.
3. Relish The Roman Delicacies
Also, take a chance to savour Saltimbocca alla Romana, which is veal cooked in butter and white wine with prosciutto and sage. Desserts not to be missed are classic tiramisù and maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with cream.
Take a chance to enjoy a meal at classic trattorias like Da Enzo al 29 or Armando al Pantheon, or venture to Michelin-starred restaurants like Il Pagliaccio or La Pergola for a premium experience.
4. Extraordinary Stays
Of course, there are plenty of places to stay in Rome. For reasons related to transit, goods, and services, we advise selecting places close to the city centre.
Furthermore, the majority of the most well-known, highly regarded lodging options with top-notch service are found in Rome's historic centre. You may, for instance, consider the wonderful VRetreats hotels.
Rome may be chaotic, so pay attention to this step to ensure that you have the greatest holiday possible with excellent service and the ability to see all the places you want to see in less time.
Here’s Your Rome Itinerary…
Whether you are in the city for three days, five or a week, you need an itinerary to visit places that deserve priority. If I were to give an honest opinion, three days is fine for a tour of this ethereal destination. Here’s why:
1. Day 1 at the Palatine Hill
Are you back from the Colosseum already? If so, it’s time to visit Palatine Hill and, of course, the Roman Forum. Count on me when I say this: Palatine Hill is absolutely unmissable!
Sure thing, everyone loves the Colosseum, and they’re most likely to hit their destination when they reach Rome. But why not go that extra mile to discover a not-so-hidden-gem?
If you are dying for some epic views across the forum, this one destination should be on your bucket list. Welcome, home Christmas card photos dwelled with tour images.
2. Day 2 at Pane e Salame
It is obvious that you should stop at a food destination with all that extra vacation stress you are carrying. I have found an incredibly amazing lunch spot in Rome, Pane e Salame. It is a paradise for those looking to gulp fresh cheese and delectable meats.
I saved some serious money on their charcuterie tray, which was the wanderer’s reward! It has got so many delicacies that you can share without feeling guilty to your friends. Also, add Aperol Spritz for that extra kick!
While Venice and other north Italian cities are quite popular for their finger food-serving styles, this place does something unique. Have an amazing time at Pane e Salame and taste the authentic Italian culture in the form of food.
3. Day 3 is for a Walking Tour
I will not immediately name the places, but nothing pays off like an accomplished walking tour of Rome. Art flows through every single vein of the city, and you are never going to be secluded!
On this walking tour, you are most likely to cover Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. This tour shouldn’t take you more than an hour!
Important Consideration: These places are jam-packed with tourists. So, you can book your tickets for months with fewer tourists arriving, say during winter or autumn. Follow these tips, and you’ll be good to go!
The Bottom Line
So, what’s stopping you from discovering the gem of Italy? There’s literally so much to see and do in the city that boasts of art and culture.
Get ready to see something special and dine in the best places in Rome. Thank you for reading this article till the end!
We really hope we were helpful on your way to planning your vacation. Wishing you the best stay in Italia!
Also read
Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy!
Find Hotels Near Rome’s Top Attractions And What Parts Of The City To Stay In.
The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites.
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