Priority Pass - Is it worth it anymore ?
 

I've been a member of Priority Pass for 2 years now and up until recently I've been quite happy with it. However, recent developments are making me reconsider renewing, I'd like to get other peoples thought about this system.

I am a Delta Gold Medallion Member so most of the airports I fly through tend to have a Delta Lounge - it seems that Delta have now cancelled their agreement with Priority Pass which was the first nail in the coffin for me.

A month ago, I flew in and out of DEN and had 3 hours to kill prior to the return flight to PDX. Whilst waiting for the flight, the only lounge close enough was the American Admirals Lounge - who also told me they were not working with Priority Pass (maybe only in this location ?) and so I had to hand over $50 for use of their lounge.

On Friday I had to fly back to PDX from SNA and on checking in to the United Red Carpet Lounge, they told me they accept Priority Pass but I was excluded from the free Wi-Fi and was told I'd have to sign up to T-Mobile's day pass at $7.99 - which I didn't do as I only had an hour to wait for my flight.

So the question is, is anyone else becoming a little disillusioned with Priority Pass ? I am seriously considering signing up to Delta's lounges which will limit my options at some airports (I fly regularly to SNA, PHX, DEN, SJC, SFO, SMF).

Would be interested to hear other peoples feedback.

I agree that the loss of across-the-board access to DL was a major devaluation, especially since I spend a lot of time connecting though ORD on AA and the DL lounge was pefrect. Last year I dropped my $250 PPass membership but got the HHonors Surpass card ($75 annual fee), which includes the cheaper, pay-as-you-go version of PriorityPass at $27 per visit. It was a good compromise; now I pay only when it's useful to me.

The Wi-Fi available only to Club members is a pet peeve of mine, and AA does the same thing. We used Admiral's Clubs last month when flying in Business in an internaitonal itinerary and still didn't qualify for Wi-Fi access, so PriorityPass members aren't the only ones excluded.

I have PP due to having a CC that provides a free membership. I am only able to use it several times a year and would not buy it otherwise. For others who travel to different airports on different carriers, it may make sense.

Also, if you travel internationally, and do not have status and are not traveling in first or business, it may be useful. R+There are loads of international lounges. Either internationally or domestically, more lounges are offering day passes so that may be the way to go for the occasional user.

I'm surprised you missed the Delta announcement. They sent out emails. Also, you can go on their website to see the list of lounges or go through the book they sent you. I read the book for fun, but then again I am a lounge lizard and a travel nerd.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the CO clubs. That could be the nail in the domestic coffin if they go the same route Delta did.

I let mine lapse in June for the same reasons that you feel slightly disillusioned by it. I was also a frequenter of Delta clubs on it before it was so abruptly taken away. I'm now sitting with the unwashed masses at LAS remembering how much I liked the CO President's Club in terminal D next to the Delta gates and that it was one of my favorite domestic Priority Pass clubs.

I think I'm going to sign up for the 99 dollar pay as you go pass. I don't know anymore if I'll hit enough of them to make the 10 pass + pay as you go $250 pass worth it. Signing up for a Delta club pass is looking more like a reality lately.

On a side and more complaining note... Delta wanted so bad to clear the clubs of us Priority Pass folks and then they slap us in the face by handing out passes via Groupon for 22 bucks. Seriously? At the spoke clubs there were maybe 2 a day and at the hub airports 6 to 10 visits. It was fairly transparent as you could see all the others on the Priority Pass sign-in sheet that you had to sign each time.

It still works for me, but less so. The AS Board Rooms are all onboard, as are some useful PCs for my travels (and I don't even fly CO). It is also good for my domestic travels within Chile from time to time. But getting rid of the DL clubs was a hit.