Lounge Membership
 

Well, it's time that I look at purchasing a lounge membership. My problem is that I don't travel to any one place regularly. The closest thing to a regular run to changing in Atlanta, Memphis, and going to DC.
Most of my miles are with NW and AA.
Any suggestions as to which is better (i.e., access to more lounges across the country)? What about Priority Pass? Since my distinations vary would this be a better investment? Any input would be helpful.
I've read over all the info on the sites, but I admit to being confused :0

[This message has been edited by Library Dragon (edited 07-08-2000).]

I just joined Priority pass, they have a 6 month offer at the moment, instead of 12 months. The number of lounges offered seems very good, and i haven't been disappointed yet. I think it paid for itself when i was at EWR last weekend and there didn't seem to be standing room anywhere. The NW lounge seemed an oasis of calm http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

My Gold Mastercard comes with a free Priority Pass card (two years running now.) I find it works almost at every airport. The club they use may not be the best at the airport, but I have a place to go. Recently they have added a bunch of DL Crown Rooms. I am DL PM so I usually stay at DL, but I think Priority pass would be a good deal if it is not too much $. Certainly would be cheaper then joing 2 or 3 airline clubs.

Can you tell us what Gold Master Card comes with a free Priority Pass and how to contact the issuer??
Thanks
Ed

The quality of the lounges that can be accessed via Priority Pass (PP) vary so greatly that the "bad" ones make me wonder whether PP is worth it, while the "good" ones make me believe it's worth it.

Generally speaking, the lounges in the US are good. They're either DL, TW, US, and/or NW lounges.

But some lounges overseas - such as the one in Narita - leaves me wondering why to even bother. The Narita lounge is in some hidden upstairs-or-downstairs-I-don't-know-which location that is *beyond* passport control.

However, the Plaza Premium lounge at HKG is fantastic: 5 internet-connected PC terminals (free of charge to use), showers, and best of all, ice cream available even during the breakfast hours.

I am coming up on renewal time in a few months, and I am seriously considering a switch to CO's Presidents' Club. But the limitation there - as with most of the US airline clubs - is that access to lounges outside of the US is severely limited in comparison to PP.

So if you'll be flying mostly domestic, I'd suggest a US airline. If your destinations require you bring your passport, then I'd suggest seriously considering Priority Pass.

Now if PP would only get their lounge directory into a Palm computer format with live updates instead of a booklet to lug along...

JRF:

Yes, please do advise what MasterCard offers the free PP membership.

Thanks.

The Mastercard that comes with the free Priority Pass is, Bank of Ireland Gold Plus Card. In the brochure it says you have to pay per use, but so far (2 years now) I have never recieved a bill. When I checked with BOI they told me it was free. The gold MC cost IEP 60.00 per year but also includes very good life and medical travel insurance. I don't know if this helps as it is an Irish card. If you live in an EU country, you can get a credit card from any other EU country and elect to be billed in Euros (except for the 2 or 3 non member Single Currency Countries - and then you have to pay for FX fees.) If you are still interested I will try and find out more info for you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif JRF

The Amex Platinum card gives you access to NW Worldclubs and CO Presidents Clubs and there is no charge per visit. Diners have an extensive lounge program for most major non-North American airports, but not much in the U.S. or Canada. Priority Club is useful if you don't have appropriate status in oneworld or STAR, but the per visit charge makes it a costly alternative. U.S. airlines require separate club membership to access their domestic lounges, so elite status isn't much of a benefit (except for status and upgrades) in this regard.

Remember, though, the Amex Platinum lounge benefit only applies if you are flying that airline.

[This message has been edited by QuietLion (edited 07-09-2000).]

A couple of times in the past if I have been in the vicinity of, say, a TW lounge (though flying another carrier), I have made a dummy reservation so that I could get access with my AMEX PLAT card. The agent might ask if I want to be ticketed. I often say I am waiting for a friend that I will meet soon at the ticket counter.

If you can move your address to Asia and have at least a Gold elite with NW, you will have access to all the WorldClub lounges in North America and some Asian cities.

If you are a NW Platinum Asia-Pacific member, you will also have access to the KL lounges all over the world.

zrs70, that's classic! I'm almost surprised they let you in on just a reservation, but, hey, if it works, way to go! Though I suppose it's only a matter of time until someone buys a $2.000 refundable ticket just to gain lounge access when actually flying on another carrier! One way to make your name on FT, I guess!

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm going to double check my Platinum Mastercard to see if one of the travel perks has any connection to lounges. See I wouldn't have thought of it without you folks http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif
I'll admit to not having made my mind up yet...Surprise! But, I now have better information to base a decision.

Hi Library Dragon,

Another point to keep in mind is guest use of the clubs. The credit card or Priority Pass routes apply only to the member, not to family and guests (or with an additional charge). At least for WorldClubs and PCs, one is allowed to bring two guests or unlimited number of immediate family members. A chilling thought to a business traveler, but quite nice when you are the one doing the National Lampoon vacation thing http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. I've been happy with the NW/CO alliance as it expanded my WC membership use, for however long this lasts.