Best airport lounge memberships for occasional & frequent flyers in 2024

I am a go-airport-early person for one reason: airport lounge access. It makes long haul flights, hours of transit and unexpected delays a breeze, even if you are lugging around bags and kids. But are airport lounge memberships worth it? Are they too expensive? Do you know you could get free access?

Here’s our deep dive into all your questions about the best airport lounge programs.  It will help you understand how they work, how to get that free access and how to choose the best one based on how often you travel.

Why use an airport lounge?

Loud noise. Incessant announcements. Buzzing tension. Leave that all behind when you step into an airport lounge. They are oases of tranquillity where you can expect to find these complimentary amenities:

• Free flow of food and drink

• Free flow of beer, wine & spirits (premium options usually chargeable)

• Comfortable seating and dining areas

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Workstations

• Device charging bays

• Large screen TVs

• Shower facilities (may be chargeable)

• Sleeping facilities (may be chargeable)

Some airport lounges also feature play areas for children, spa facilities, gardens and swimming pools. If you have a few hours between connecting flights, an airport lounge is where you want to spend them.

Is airport lounge access worth the cost?

Generally speaking, an airport lounge is worth the cost simply by virtue of food and beverage prices at airports. Of course, how often you travel, the cost of the particular lounge subscription, guest passes for travelling companions and other such factors make a difference.

We cover all this in our review of the best airport lounge access programs.

Best airport lounge access programs

Here are the best airport lounge programs for both regional and global travel. We have included the main reasons that you should join each as well as why it may not be the best plan for you.

1. Priority Pass

Main Draw: Extensive global coverage.

With access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide, Priority Pass is the world’s most popular airport lounge access program. It’s especially good for frequent travellers who want to enjoy lounge facilities regardless of the airline or class of service they are flying.

Membership options are:

• Standard (US$99 annual fee) for pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each) for you and each guest

• Standard Plus (US$299 annual fee) for 10 free personal visits, then pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each) for you and each guest

• Prestige (US$469 annual fee) that gives you unlimited personal visits but maintains the pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each) for each guest

Pros:

• Huge global network.

• Flexible membership options.

• No airline or class restrictions.

• 1 member can admit several guests (each must pay).

Cons:

• Some lounges may limit access during peak hours.

• Premium amenities such as spa services and premium alcohol may incur extra costs.

• Membership fees can be high for frequent travellers who need unlimited access.

Find out more and join from S$99 a year at Priority Pass

2. LoungeKey

Main Draw: Complimentary airport lounge access with premium credit cards.

LoungeKey provides access to a network of over 1,600 global lounges, typically through premium credit cards. The program is a great option for flyers who already hold a qualifying credit card, offering lounge access without any additional membership fees.

LoungeKey’s partnership with various credit cards makes it convenient. As it is integrated into the card benefits, you don’t need a separate membership to access airport lounges for free.

Pros:

• Included with many premium credit cards.

• No need for a separate membership card.

• Global lounge network.

Cons:

• Limited to cardholders of participating banks, which have their own annual fees.

• Not all lounges in the network offer the same level of service.

• May be restricted to a specific number of visits per year, depending on the card issuer.

LoungeKey is a free service – please check your eligibility with your card issuer or verify directly on LoungeKey

3. American Express Global Lounge Collection

Main Draw: Exclusive access to Centurion Lounges and up to 2 free guest passes per entry.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection is a premium scheme for holders of Amex Platinum and Centurion cards. Cardholders get access to over 1,400 lounges such as Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (our first entry above), and other partner lounges around the globe.

This program is particularly attractive for frequent Amex users who want a seamless travel experience, and even includes fast-track security clearance at certain airports.

Pros:

• Access to exclusive Centurion Lounges.

• Up to 2 free guest passes for every member entry.

• Additional benefits such as fast-track security and dining credits.

Cons:

• Only available with high-end Amex cards, which come with significant annual fees.

• Centurion Lounges are only available in select locations.

• Priority Pass benefits may be limited compared to standalone memberships.

View all eligible cards, fees and benefits at American Express

4. DragonPass

Main Draw: Not just lounge access, DragonPass offers comprehensive airport services, including discounts on dining, shopping and concierge.

DragonPass has developed a versatile program offering access to a global network of lounges and additional airport services like dining discounts and spa services. Membership is available to both individuals and through partnerships with certain credit cards.

DragonPass is best for travellers who want more than just lounge access, as it also offers perks like fast-track security and discounts at airport restaurants.

There are 3 membership options:

• Standard (US$99 annual fee) for 1 free personal visit, then pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each) for you and each guest

• Preferential (US$259 annual fee) for 8 free personal visits, then pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each) for you and each guest

• Prestige (US$429 annual fee) that gives you unlimited personal lounge visits but guests still have pay-per-visit access (USS$35 each)

Head-to-head, this new player on the block is the closest rival of Priority Pass. Both have very similar price structures; DragonPass’s Tier 2 and 3 plans are both US$40 cheaper. However, the Tier 2 plan gets you 2 fewer free visits.

To decide, consider whether you need the shopping and dining discounts outside the lounge that you get with DragonPass.

Pros:

• Access to lounges and additional airport services.

• The 2 non-basic plans are each US$40 cheaper than Priority Pass’s equivalent plans

• Offers dining discounts and fast-track options.

Cons:

• The lounge network is not as extensive as Priority Pass.

• Additional services may not be available at all airports.

• Some features are only accessible with premium membership tiers.

• The Tier 2 plan gives you 2 fewer free visits than the Tier 2 plan from Priority Pass.

You can find more information on DragonPass

5. Priority Pass (Corporate Program)

Main Draw: Tailored for business and corporate flyers.

The corporate version of Priority Pass offers similar benefits to the individual membership but is designed for companies looking to provide lounge access to their employees.

It includes bulk access options and additional benefits, making it a cost-effective way for businesses to offer premium travel experiences to their staff. It’s a convenient option for companies that want to enhance their corporate travel policies. Speak to your boss and tell them you need this. I’m telling Seth also.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for businesses.

• Provides consistent lounge access for employees.

• Potential for additional corporate benefits.

Cons:

• Not available for individual purchase.

• Benefits and access may vary depending on the corporate agreement.

• Employees may have limited control over membership details.

This is a corporate perk – please contact your HR department about whether you qualify.

6. KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club

Main Draw: Premium lounge access with Singapore Airlines.

Tailored for loyal Singapore Airlines passengers, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club members enjoy access to SilverKris Lounges and other partner lounges of our national carrier. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like priority boarding, baggage handling, and extra baggage allowance.

It’s an excellent option for frequent Singapore Airlines travellers who value consistent and high-quality service.

Pros:

• Exclusive access to SilverKris Lounges.

• Additional airline-related benefits like priority boarding.

• Access to partner lounges on the Star Alliance network.

Cons:

• Limited to Singapore Airlines and partner airline flights.

• Requires significant travel (and cost) to achieve and maintain status.

• Benefits are tied to the loyalty program and are not transferable.

Find out more at Singapore Air

7. Travel Credit Cards

Main Draw: Comprehensive travel benefits, including lounge access.

Many premium travel credit cards offer lounge access as part of their benefits package. These cards typically include membership in programs like LoungeKey or Priority Pass and often come with additional perks like travel insurance, better forex rates, rewards points, and discounts for shopping and dining.

Travel credit cards are a great option for those who want to bundle lounge access with other travel-related benefits.

Pros:

• Access to multiple lounge networks.

• Additional travel benefits like insurance and rewards.

• No need for separate lounge membership fees.

Cons:

• High annual fees for premium cards.

• Lounge access may be limited to a certain number of visits.

• Benefits are contingent on maintaining the credit card account in good standing.

Summary

Choosing the right lounge access program in Singapore depends on your travel habits and needs.

• Priority Pass stands out for its extensive global network and flexible membership options.

• LoungeKey is a convenient choice for those with premium credit cards, offering easy access without additional fees.

• American Express Global Lounge Collection is ideal for those seeking luxury and exclusivity.

• DragonPass offers comprehensive airport services beyond lounges.

• Corporate Priority Pass is tailored for corporate travellers.

• KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club are best suited for loyal Singapore Airlines passengers.

• Travel Credit Cards provide a well-rounded option with multiple travel benefits, including lounge access.

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