Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Here Is My Experience With The Priority Pass Lounges!

Oct 6, 2023

Last Updated on: Feb 13, 2025

Travel Blog

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?

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?

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

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

SkyTeam Lounge International Departures at Vancouver International
Image Source: www.lingonomad.com
  • 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

IGA Lounge At Istanbul International
Image Source: cdn.onemileatatime.com
  • 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

Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Boston Logan International
Image Source: thriftytraveler.com
  • 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

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

Turkish Airlines Lounge At Washington Dulles International
Image Source: cdn.onemileatatime.com
  • 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

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

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

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

Chase Sapphire Lounge By The Club At Hong Kong International
Image Source: dannydealguru.com
  • 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

Star Alliance Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle
Image Source: morepremium.com
  • 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?

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!

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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.

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Plan A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It 

BY  Sibashree Jul 10, 2024

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park can be the best staycation plan in Miami. Like the Biscayne National Park, it also witnesses a handsome footfall yearly. In 2023, 84,285 people visited this National Park despite its remote location.   Located around 70 miles west of Key West, it sits pretty at the end of the reef that stretches from Miami to the gulf.   The first time I heard about this place from a friend and went through the photos she had clicked, I got goosebumps. I know it sounds hackneyed, but how can I not give in to the tranquility of the turquoise ocean and the quaint appeal of the small islands?  Further, the best thing is that it is less crowded than many other national parks, such as  Everglades National Park, which had more than 8 million visitors in 2023, according to the National Park Service data. So, much of its pristineness is still there.  However, they say you have to put a little extra effort into taking the path less trodden by. So, planning a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park will be elaborate, and there will be a lot of factors to consider.  Should we start planning? Let’s begin with a discussion of why a visit to this National Park is absolutely worth it!   Know Dry Tortugas National Park: Why Is It Famous?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ3G7GB8DnI Dry Tortugas is a group of seven small coral islands in the Mexican Gulf. Juan Ponce de León discovered this bunch of islands, and he named them as Tortugas or turtles.   He got the idea from the large number of sea turtles that were habitating there. He got to see a hundred of them there. The “Dry” part was added to the name because of the unavailability of fresh water there.   So, when you visit the National Park, you get a whiff of history, a close encounter with wildlife, and the most unadulterated experience of life in the water.   Sooty terns and brown noddy terns regularly nest on these islands, especially on Bush Key, making the National Park a must-visit for birders. However, you may experience a seasonal closure from July to August to not create any disturbance to the breeding birds. The best time to visit this National Park is from November to April.   Also, you will have sea turtles, colorful schools of fish, and various water creatures as your host as you step into the National Park.  Further, you cannot just miss the best fusion of artificial and natural architecture in the forms of Fort Jefferson and colorful coral reefs.   So, despite a remote location and some concerns regarding connectivity, a visit to this National Park is completely worth it.   How To Reach Dry Tortugas National Park?  You can reach Dry Tortugas by boat or seaplane. You will first arrive at Garden Key. From there, you can take a ride to Dry Tortugas National Park in your personal boat or through charters and permitted tours, such as The Yankee Freedom Ferry or Key West seaplane charters.   If your budget is not a constraint, you can choose the private boat or seaplane options. The first one will give you more flexibility, and you will be in charge of how you want to explore the National Park. Further, traveling by seaplane for wildlife spotting and sightseeing will save you time in transportation.  The most cost-effective mode of traveling, however, is taking the Yankee Freedom Ferry.   Planning The Perfect Day Tripping To Dry Tortugas National Park  You need to know the places you can visit and the things to do if you want to plan a perfect day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Let’s know the wonders waiting for us at the National Park.  Places You Can Visit At Dry Tortugas National Park  Various places in Dry Tortugas National Park await to offer you a rich cultural and wildlife experience. Be it the Fort Jefferson or the swimming beaches, there is much for you to explore!  Fort Jefferson  Fort Jefferson on Bush Key Island houses the National Park visitor center. Built in the 1800s, it is a tell-tale symbol of the historical importance of the National Park and its islands. Very few people know that in that era, it was the largest fortification  in the US.   The fort also shows how it has stood the passage of time, hit by storms and waves.   Garden Key  Garden Key is the go-to place for snorkeling and scuba diving at Dry Tortugas. It also has campgrounds, a visitor center, and the park headquarters.   The historic Fort Jefferson is on this island, and you already know how important it is as a landmark at Dry Tortugas and in Florida.   Bush Key  Are you a lover of pristineness? Bush Key should be on your mind thanks to its unadulterated sub-tropical vibe. It is also the home to the rarest snooty terns and brown noddy terns.   Loggerhead Key  Loggerhead Key is the largest island or key at Dry Tortugas. You cannot miss the lighthouse and the previous site of the Carnegie Laboratory for Marine Ecology. Also, the sea turtles will welcome you as you visit the island.   Swimming Beaches   Getting in the water is the best pursuit at Dry Tortugas National Park. Along with scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing, you can also indulge in swimming.   However, there is no lifeguard facility available. So, you have to be careful of the current and coral reefs.   Things To Do At Dry Tortugas National Park  You are bound to get dumbstruck when you visit a place that is kind of a miniature of the entire universe. It has the historic Fort Jefferson, serene blue water, rare and vibrant birds, coral reefs, and the most amazing marine life.   So, once you are at this National Park, you can paddle through the open water, take part in snorkeling and scuba diving, go kayaking, and explore wildlife. Are you looking for something leisurely? How about fishing?  Another thing that makes the trip to Dry Tortugas National Park amazing is the Junior Ranger Program. It is for kids and people who are young at heart. This program includes snorkeling and many other activities that allow you to be a member of the National Park Service as a junior ranger.   The Perfect Dry Tortugas Day Trip: Make A Note Of These Things   Thanks to the remote location of Dry Tortugas National Park, your trip planning to the place will require a lot more emphasis on your food, accommodation, and safety measures. If you are especially traveling with your family or kids, these are the aspects you need to be particular about.  My friend was saying how even an ill-fitted pair of shoes can create major issues in outdoor activities or, specifically, pursuits in the water. I think that it’s true for a visit to Katmai National Park or any other National Park for that matter.  Nonetheless, for now, Dry Tortugas National Park is the focus. So let’s prepare well to make the most of the adventures there.   Food And Accommodation   A trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is not your regular luxury vacation. So, you will get very limited services there. You will not even find any food and beverage stall or service at the National Park.   Bring your own meal and water! It’s as simple as that! Amenities YOU WILL NOT GET at this National Park are:  Restaurants  Hotels  Fuel Centers  Gas Stations  Marine Supplies  Other Gear  However, once your ferry is docked at Garden Key, you can buy some sodas and snacks onboard. You can set up your accommodation in the primitive areas of Garden Key. Also, if you have a private boat, you can spend your night in the vessel, anchored in the right place.   Safety Measures   You must not compromise with your safety while indulging in the beauty of ocean wilderness. Remember, you will have to travel around 68 miles through the open sea by seaplane or boat.   Further, the conditions at this National Park are primitive, with no facilities for snacking, restrooms, or public telephones. So, commit to a day trip if you are physically fit and able to bring all the essentials with you. Be particular to carry your medicines, protective clothing, gears, sunscreen, etc.   In addition, there will be various safety guidelines for various activities like snorkeling, kayaking/ canoeing, and exploring wildlife and marine activities. Also, there will be seasonal restrictions due to weather changes and other natural conditions. As a responsible visitor, you must abide by all these.   Moreover, if you want to plan ahead, you can visit the National Park Service website to be familiar with the safety guidelines.   Make Your Plan Right!   Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the newest American National Parks, earning the designation in 1992. In terms of experience, it offers a mixed bag as you can encounter history and the most exotic marine life at this park.  Visitors love day trips to this National Park, and this needs a lot of planning regarding the safety measures, food and accommodation, and places and activities. However, if you are in for more excitement, you can stay overnight at Dry Tortugas National Park by camping at Garden Key.   That’s it! You know what you can expect at the National Park and what should be on your itinerary plan. It’s time to gear up and set in for Dry Tortugas.   Dry Tortugas National Park FAQs   Why Is Dry Tortugas National Park Famous?  Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for the diverse experiences and activities it offers. You will meet sea turtles, rare sooty terns, and various aquatic creatures here.   Further, the coral reefs and Fort Jefferson add to the allure of this mesmerizing place.   What Country Owns The Dry Tortugas?  The United States of America owns the Dry Tortugas. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico, around 70 miles from the West Key.  Why Are Dry Tortugas Not Visited?  Dry Tortugas National Park has fewer visitors because of its remote location and primitive conditions. You can only take a boat or a seaplane to get there.  Also, you have to carry your food, snacks, gear, and all other essentials, as the park does not have snacking or beverage services. Further, camping is the only way out if you want to stay there as there are no hotels or lodges around.   Who Was The Most Famous Prisoner At Dry Tortugas?  Dr. Samuel Mudd was the most famous prisoner at Dry Tortugas. The US army abandoned him in 1878.   Can You Swim In Dry Tortugas?   Yes, you can swim Dry Tortugas along with taking part in other water pursuits like scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Loggerhead Key has the calmest water around. So, it can be the best place to enjoy your time in the water.   You can also take the North, South, and East Beach of Garden Key to access open water for swimming. However, there is no lifeguard facility at Dry Tortugas. So, beware of how far you are going into the water. Further, you must be aware of the current and coral reef positions.   Also Read Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2023! Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023! Sky Harbor Airport Parking Made Easy: Insider Tips For A Smooth Journey.