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

Oct 6, 2023

Last Updated on: Dec 13, 2024

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
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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

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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Despite being close to the California mainland, these islands offer tranquility, and with many places to visit and activities to do on the five islands, you will surely be spoilt by the choices at this national park.  On all the islands, you can trek, fish, camp, and take part in many water sports. However, two of the most coveted activities in these parks are hiking and exploring marine life. The variety you find here in whales and other marine mammals can be a close match to the vibrant marine ecosystem of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  In this guide, I have highlighted trekking through the trails in this national park. Do you want to know more about its wildlife and marine ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comment below.  Channel Islands National Park FAQs  Which Island Is The Best To Hike In Channel Islands National Park? Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are great for hiking in the Channel Islands. However, if I am to share my opinion, Anacapa will be my silent favorite.  The trekking trails here are way easier in Anacaopa than in Santa Cruz. So, irrespective of your expertise level, you will be able to hike the entire island in a day.  Also, as the trekking journey here is less arduous, you will be able to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty even more. You will meet the most adorable sea birds, sea lions, and seals. Also, if you are lucky enough to be in these mountains during spring or late winter, you will find the mountains replete with colorful wildflowers. 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The largest island in the Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz, which is also known as the epitome of California. Its size is 96 square miles.  Its geology is versatile, with Transverse Ranges, fault systems, springs, streams, and canyons. You will also come across sea caves, beaches, and coastline cliffs. Among the sea caves, the Painted Cave is the most prominent one with lichens, algae, and colorful rocks. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

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Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?

BY  Nabamita Jul 19, 2022

Question: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Options: A.Chilka Lake ( Surface area  347 sq mi) B.Wular Lake ( Surface area 12 to 73 sq mi ) C.Naini Lake ( Surface area 4.53 sq mi) D.Periyar Lake (Surface area 2,084 sq mi)  Answer: Wular Lake Lake Wular is declared India's largest freshwater lake and Asia's second largest.                                  "Wular Lake is still in floods, The North Wind howling strong;                                 The shore is far away, and you    Must steer your course with care." — Kashmiri poet Mahjoor (1885-1952) Which Is The Largest Natural Freshwater Lake In India? Bandipora, Kashmir, and Wular Lake are formed in the lap of paradise due to tectonic activity. Jhelum River is the lake’s main source of water. At an altitude of 1,580 Km, Lake Wular is 24 Km in length. According to popular belief, the lake is the remains of the Satisar Lake.  The lake has willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among India's most beautiful sites of natural heritage. History Of Lake Wular Sultan Zainul-Abi-Din gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444. Based on folklore, a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen was once on the border of the lake. But as a punishment for his crimes, the lake's water rose and drowned the king, his subject, and the city with him. During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to the folklore. Zainul-Abi-Din constructed a huge barge in the Lake and built a brick wall that rose to the water level. Wular Lake: History Amongst Nature Lake Wular is among the 49 other wetlands of India; all are a part of the Ramsar Site. Although it falls under “The Conventions of Wetlands”, established by UNESCO in 1971, Lake Wular faces certain environmental threats. They include threats like fertilizer pollution, waterfowl & migratory bird hunting, agriculture, and also animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before. Wular has a number of fish habitation, which includes rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and also Schizothorax. The fish from lake Wular make up the diet of thousands of people living in the area and everywhere in Kashmir. About eight thousand fishermen depend on lake Wular for their livelihood. 60% of fish in Kashmir comes from the lake itself. People from the nearby villages also harvest the plants like the Nymphoides and the Phragmites for animal fodder. The lake is home to thousands of birds. A few of them are the short-toed eagle, alpine swift, common cuckoo, golden eagle, and also the Himalayan monal. Lake Wular Tourism: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India Lake Wular is not only a perfect tourist attraction for Indian tourists but also recognized by International tourists as well. Wular lake plays a very important role in further expanding the tourism of Kashmir. When people ask, “which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India” this is what they refer to. To improve the tourism industry better in Kashmir, the Government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in a joint collaboration with J&K and Kashmir tourism.  Sports such as water skiing and boating. The contract for this project was awarded in September 2011.  In 1986, lake Wular was made a part of the Wetland of National importance. This project was carried out under the Wetlands Programme by the Ministry of Environment & Forestry.  The lake was added was included due to its diverse hydrological, biological, and also socio-economic values. According to the Ramsar Convention project, the area surrounding the lake was a garbage dump. The inclusion in the Government project is for management purposes and also intensive conservation. Restoration Of Lake Wular A development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched to restore the former beauty of the lake. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down. The Ministry of Environment and Forest already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. And the work is estimated to take about 5 to 10 years of time. The schedule started in December 2011. The SAVE organization, or South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists, took an interest in this initiative and joined the project. Their aim is to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular. Restoring such an enormous lake, the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir will be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with. Wular Lake: The Biggest Freshwater Lake In India And Its Maintenance Concerns (A Sneak Peek Into The Latest Developments)Keeping the Wular Lake clean has been a concern for the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee. On 3rd August 2024, Atal Dulloo, the state's Chief Secretary, met WUCMA, the JK Pollution Control Committee, and other concerned authorities to keep the lake clean.  Wular Lake has always been important in the tourism landscape of Baramulla and Kashmir at large.So, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial to boost tourist footfall in the area. The main agenda of the meeting was to ensure:Cleanliness of the lakeTake.strict measures against encroachers.Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake.Development of the surrounding area for tourism with Wular Lake at the core.Earlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the adoption of 30 villages around India’s largest freshwater lake. Saderkoot, Garoora, and Payeen are the first three villages to run the pilot project on solid waste management around the lake. Currently, the lake gathers the wastage of the Jhelum River and the lake’s surrounding villages. Solid waste management is crucial to keep the lake clean, maintain hygiene, and maintain tourism activities in the area.   Places To See Near Wular Lake: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India  Wular Lake, India's largest freshwater lake, has many nearby tourist attractions. The lakes within 50 Km of the lake will soothe your eyes and offer you moments of tranquility.  The nearby Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes have mystical charm. Further, the Vishankar Lake is the source of the Neelum River. Krishnasar Lake is more popular as a fishing spot, and anglers visit here for trout.  Other lakes near Wular are: Alpather Lake Gangabal Lake Gadsar Lake Mansabal Lake Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can visit Apharwat Peak, just around 20 Km away from Wular Lake. It is a popular skiing destination.  The best time to visit Wular Lake is June to April. So, plan your trip accordingly!  Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia.  Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds, fish, and underwater plants. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Which Is The Largest Lake In India? The largest lake in India is the Wular Lake which is in Kashmir. It is also one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the whole of Asia. 2. Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In The World? The largest freshwater lake in the world is Lake Baikal which is in Russia. Its length is 31,500 sq. km and has a depth of 1,632 meters. 3. Is Vembanad Lake The Largest In India? Also known as the Punnamada, it is the longest lake in India, situated in Kerala. Vembanad is also the largest lake in India. It has a length of 2033 sq. km. Wrapping Up! So, now you know the answer to which is the largest freshwater lake in India. India is known as a land of wonders, and Lake Wular is definitely one of the wonders of India. Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia. The lake inspired many poets to write about its former glory, so restoring it is important. Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds and fish and underwater plants as well. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India