Priority Pass — The World's Largest Lounge Network
Priority Pass is a membership programme giving access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide — regardless of which airline or class you fly. It is the most widely accepted lounge access card in the world and works at virtually every major airport.
Priority Pass Membership Options
| Tier | Annual Cost | Per-Visit Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~£99/yr | ~£32/visit | Occasional travellers (2–3 trips/yr) |
| Standard Plus | ~£199/yr | ~£24/visit after 10 free | Regular travellers (4–6 trips/yr) |
| Prestige | ~£429/yr | Unlimited free visits | Frequent flyers (7+ trips/yr) |
The smarter way to get Priority Pass: Many premium credit cards include complimentary Priority Pass membership — meaning you get unlimited lounge access for free as a card benefit. See the credit cards section below.
UK Credit Cards That Include Lounge Access
This is the most cost-effective route for most UK travellers — a premium credit card that includes complimentary Priority Pass or equivalent lounge access as a card benefit.
American Express Platinum
£650/yr feeComplimentary Priority Pass Prestige membership (unlimited visits) for card holder + one supplementary card. Also includes Centurion Lounge access. If you regularly travel 4+ times per year, the card's £650 fee is typically offset by lounge access value alone, plus travel insurance and hotel benefits.
Barclays Avios World Card
£20/month feeIncludes Priority Pass membership. Earn Avios points on spending. Good for BA frequent flyers who want lounge access plus miles.
NatWest/RBS Reward Platinum / Black
£20–£31/month feeIncludes travel insurance and some tier includes lounge access through DragonPass or equivalent. Check current benefits as these change.
HSBC Premier World Elite
Fee varies (requires Premier banking)Includes Priority Pass membership for qualifying accounts. Good if you already bank with HSBC Premier.
Day Passes — Pay as You Go Lounge Access
If you don't have a Priority Pass card or premium credit card, day passes let you purchase single lounge visits. Prices typically range from £25–£45 per person depending on the airport and lounge.
How to Buy Day Passes
- Lounge Pass / LoungeBuddy: Online platforms to pre-book day passes at hundreds of UK airport lounges. Book in advance for the best rates.
- DragonPass: Similar to Priority Pass, offers day passes and annual memberships across UK and European airports.
- Directly at the lounge: Walk up and pay on the day — but this is often the most expensive option, and popular lounges do fill up during peak hours.
What Day Pass Typically Includes
- Complimentary hot and cold food buffet
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, spirits at most)
- Comfortable seating (much quieter than departure hall)
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Newspapers, magazines
- Showers (at some lounges, may require additional fee)
- Flight information screens and departure gate announcements
Airline Status & Frequent Flyer Cards
Most major airlines offer lounge access to frequent flyers who have achieved a certain status level:
- British Airways Executive Club: Gold cardholders and above get access to BA lounges. Silver gets access on long-haul. Oneworld Sapphire status (BA Silver or equivalent) gives access to partner airline lounges worldwide.
- Emirates Skywards: Gold and Platinum members access Emirates lounges and partner lounges at Dubai.
- Virgin Flying Club: Gold status grants access to Virgin Clubhouse and partner lounges.
- Frequent flyer credit cards: Some co-branded airline cards include a limited number of lounge visits per year — e.g., British Airways American Express cards sometimes include supplementary lounge passes.
Building airline status takes time and regular flying — it's most relevant for business travellers who fly frequently with one carrier. For leisure travellers, Priority Pass via a premium credit card is usually the better route.
Best Lounges at UK Airports
Heathrow T5 — BA Galleries First
BA's flagship lounge. Outstanding — spa, excellent a la carte dining, extensive bar. Access: BA First/Business class or Oneworld Emerald. One of the best airport lounges in the world.
Heathrow T2/T3 — No. 1 Lounge
Premium independent lounge. Accepts Priority Pass. Good food, cocktail bar, shower rooms. Recommended for non-BA travellers at Heathrow.
Gatwick — No. 1 Lounge (North Terminal)
The standout lounge at Gatwick. Good food buffet, cocktails, showers. Priority Pass accepted. Book in advance during peak times.
Manchester — Escape Lounge (T1)
One of Manchester's better lounges. Priority Pass, day passes and DragonPass accepted. Good for pre-holiday relaxation.
Edinburgh — No. 1 Lounge
Edinburgh's best lounge — good food, Scotch whisky selection (naturally), Priority Pass accepted.
Birmingham — Aspire Lounge
Decent mid-size lounge. Priority Pass accepted. Good option for long pre-flight waits at BHX.
Is Airport Lounge Access Worth It?
The honest answer: it depends on how often you travel and how you spend your time at airports.
Lounge access is excellent value if you:
- Travel 3+ times per year (a Priority Pass pays for itself very quickly)
- Often have layovers or long pre-flight waits
- Value quiet, comfortable seating over the departure hall
- Drink alcohol at airports (free drinks in the lounge vs £7+ per drink in a bar)
- Use airport food (free food vs £15+ for a departure lounge meal)
Lounge access is less worthwhile if you:
- Only travel once a year on a low-cost airline with a minimal pre-flight wait
- Prefer the energy and variety of the departure hall
- Don't drink or eat much at airports
Bottom line: A day pass at ~£30 is excellent value for a couple (2 passes = £60 of drinks and food for most lounges). A Priority Pass via a premium credit card is the best long-term approach for regular travellers. It consistently makes the pre-flight experience significantly more enjoyable.