Originally Posted by
tj722
Thanks, as a PDX based flyer that values lounge access as well, I'm now trying to figure out what my strategy should be for 2026. Would Lounge+ access trigger similar waitlists/priority in other OW/AA lounges? I do get how they would want to prioritize their "top tier" credit card holders, but obviously in PDX they are not quite ready for them. I myself would have preferred a higher fee card with real club membership. The Atmos program in general is problematic (and they seem to be making things up as they go!), but it is really the only game in town for direct flights.
I have never hit a problem at other lounges allowed under Lounge+, but I'd hate to see this lead to "parity" elsewhere. But I also understand if they just sold a bunch of credit cards they need to prioritize that over someone else's credit card benefit. For PDX OW elites on international flights will really just be BA, right? And they also contract with United for their lounge.