Differences between Chase & AmEx Priority Pass Select?
 

I get Priority Passes from both Chase and AmEx. The only differences I see are that the ones from AmEx have few numbers and last longer. Not sure if there is any other difference. Not sure what forum I should ask this question.

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Thread transferred to Airport Lounge forum.

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The only material difference is that American Express (USA) will pay for two guests per visit, while Chase will pay for any number of guests.

The difference in the numbering may be because American Express deals directly with Priority Pass, while Chase outsources management of the benefit to another company. Originally this prevented Chase members from using the virtual card feature of the Priority Pass smartphone app, but this has changed.

This is cool. Then I'll get back to Chase Priority then. Too much over-coverage.

My understanding is that the Amex PP includes two guests, while the Chase PP includes unilimited guests. It is also my understanding that the Chase PP product does not work with the PP app, while the Amex PP does. My advice? Carry the Chase PP card in your travel wallet when you have guests, and use the Amex PP via the app when you don't want to have to dig through your travel wallet.

The Chase CSR PP does work with the app now, though it didn't for the first year or so. The Amex and Citi PP cards have always worked with the app.

American Express pays for two guests, while Chase pays for any number of guests, but nether membership creates the entitlement to bring guests.

Since November 2017 the Chase Sapphire Reserve memberships work with the virtual Priority Pass card.

https://www.prioritypass.com/chasedmc

And to be technically correct, neither card entitles entry to Priority Pass customers; it is lounge operators that make the final determination as to whether they will accept Priority Pass in a particular time/date/location..

Have PP from CSR and AMEX, but never used either. However, curious why lounge would turn down someone with the pass? Are you saying if it's too busy, they'll tell PP holders to take a hike?

From my perspective lounge operators view Priority Pass as marginal revenue for when not otherwise busy. Airports that sponsor a lounge (e.g. Escape in Reno/Oakland/etc.) want to attract international traffic, independent lounge operators (e.g. Club America at MIA) have their own prerogatives, and financial institution-connected lounges like the National Bank lounge in Montreal have their own business models. When PP customers reduce quality for the core business, it is in the best interest of the operator to restrict access.

Alaska Airlines famously denies Priority Pass entry when the lounge is busy. Other lounge operators have hours open when they won't allow PP customers, e.g. a bunch of AF lounges. The caveat: once you are granted access, they won't send a bouncer to kick you out. (Unless you're otherwise misbehaving.)

PP can be a great deal---but don't assume that because you hold the black and gold card you're guaranteed access.

Korean Air lounges in ICN(main terminal), KIX, FUK have semi-permanent signage outside that says Priority Pass members cannot use them as they are "full", even when you visit at opening time in the morning. Have never been able to visit any of these regardless of time of day.

https://enrol.prioritypass.com/Conditions/

" All participating lounges are owned and operated by third party organisations. ..... The cardholder accepts that the Priority Pass group of companies has no control over the lounge operator’s decision whether to admit any cardholder, the number of people allowed in any lounge at any time ...."