Priority Pass vs LoungeKey: Complete Network Comparison 2025
Compare Priority Pass and LoungeKey lounge networks. Coverage, costs, benefits, and which membership is better for your travel needs.
Priority Pass vs LoungeKey: Complete Comparison 2025
Priority Pass and LoungeKey are the two largest independent airport lounge networks, offering access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. While they share many of the same lounge partners, there are key differences in availability, pricing, and access policies.
Network Coverage Comparison
| Feature | Priority Pass | LoungeKey |
|---|---|---|
| Total Lounges | 1,300+ | 1,200+ |
| Countries | 148 | 140+ |
| Cities | 600+ | 500+ |
| Direct Membership | ✅ Available | ❌ Partner Only |
Priority Pass Membership Options
Direct membership available with three tiers:
- Standard: $99/year + $35 per visit
- Standard Plus: $329/year + 10 free visits + $35 per additional visit
- Prestige: $469/year + unlimited visits
Guest Policy: $35 per guest across all tiers
LoungeKey Access
Available exclusively through partners:
- Premium credit cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, etc.)
- High-tier bank accounts
- Corporate travel programs
- Select airline partnerships
Costs: Typically included with partner benefits, no direct purchase option
Key Differences
Availability
Priority Pass offers direct membership purchase, making it accessible to anyone willing to pay the fees. LoungeKey operates exclusively through partner relationships, requiring a qualifying credit card, bank account, or other partnership to access.
Lounge Network
Both networks share approximately 80% of the same lounges, but each has exclusive partnerships. Priority Pass tends to have slightly more locations, while LoungeKey sometimes offers different guest policies at shared lounges.
Guest Policies
Priority Pass charges $35 per guest consistently. LoungeKey guest policies vary by issuing partner - some cards include complimentary guests, others charge fees, and some restrict guest access entirely.
Access Restrictions
Both networks may have capacity restrictions during peak times, but LoungeKey members sometimes face additional limitations based on their issuing partner's agreement with specific lounges.
Which Network Is Better?
Choose Priority Pass If:
- You want direct membership control
- You travel frequently enough to justify the Prestige membership
- You prefer consistent guest policies
- You don't qualify for premium credit cards with LoungeKey
Choose LoungeKey If:
- You already have a qualifying credit card or bank account
- Your partner offers complimentary guest access
- The partnership provides additional value beyond lounge access
- You prefer not to pay separate membership fees
Bottom Line
For most travelers, the choice between Priority Pass and LoungeKey comes down to availability and cost structure. If you already have access to LoungeKey through a credit card or bank, it often provides better value. However, Priority Pass offers more control and predictable pricing for frequent travelers.