What to know about the Amex Priority Pass?

The term Amex Priority Pass refers to a Priority Pass that is purchased in conjunction with American Express credit cards. The Priority Pass offers travelers worldwide access to over 1,400 exclusive airport lounges, regardless of the airline or booking class.

There are different membership levels to suit different travel frequencies and budgets: Prestige, Standard Plus, and Standard.

The decisive advantage of getting a Priority Pass via an Amex card is the significant discounts and additional benefits.

What does the Priority Pass offer?

The Priority Pass is a prestigious global program that offers travelers the opportunity to significantly enhance their travel experience at airports. With access to an impressive network of over 1,400 airport lounges around the globe, Priority Pass allows its members to distance themselves from the hustle and bustle of crowded airport terminals.

The lounges offer guests a range of amenities, from comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of drinks and snacks to more luxurious facilities such as showers, private rest areas, and spa services. The aim is to immerse yourself in an oasis of peace and relaxation at the airport. For many, it’s not just a question of comfort but also of efficiency, as business travelers often use the quiet atmosphere of the lounge to get work done or hold important meetings.

The Priority Pass is independent of airlines and ticket classes. This means that members can enjoy the luxury of these lounges regardless of which airline they are flying with or which booking class they are in.

Can I take guests with me with my Priority Pass?

If you wish to bring a guest into the exclusive world of airport lounges with your Priority Pass, you will be charged an additional fee of 28 euros per guest.

This is where the luxury of an Amex Priority Pass comes into play. If you get your Priority Pass through American Express, special conditions apply to guests.

What are the membership levels?

The Priority Pass program offers three different membership levels: Prestige, Standard Plus, and Standard. The levels are aimed at different travel frequencies and budgets. Below is a comprehensive overview of the individual Priority Pass membership plans. Prices are quoted in euros and converted to francs using the current exchange rate.

1. Prestige 🥇

Prestige, the highest level of Priority Pass membership, grants its members unlimited access to all Priority Pass lounges without incurring fees for individual visits. This premium membership is particularly suitable for travelers who are often on the move and frequently find themselves at airports.

For an annual price of 459 euros, Prestige members enjoy the luxury of these unlimited lounge visits.

2. Standard Plus 🥈

The Standard Plus Priority Pass plan is an intermediate level and offers a balance between the Prestige and Standard levels. Members in this category are entitled to up to ten free lounge visits during their membership year. After these ten visits, a fee of 28 euros per lounge entry is charged.

For an annual subscription fee of 289 euros, members enjoy the ten lounge entries. After that, the special price of 28 euros comes into effect automatically.

3. Standard 🥉

The simplest Priority Pass tariff, Standard, offers members the privilege of using the lounges at a fixed price of 28 euros per visit.

This level costs 89 euros per year.

How can I get a Priority Pass?

Many people purchase Priority Pass membership directly by opting for one of the various levels on offer, which can vary in price depending on the number of annual visits and other factors.

Others gain access to Priority Pass through premium credit cards or business program benefits. This is where the Amex Priority Pass comes in.

What are the benefits of getting the Priority Pass through Amex?

The advantage of an Amex Priority Pass compared to a direct purchase lies in two main points.

1. Membership is free of charge, whereby the membership level depends on the card.
2. With Amex Platinum, you can take guests with you free of charge (or at a reduced price).

What are the benefits of the Amex Platinum Priority Pass?

Amex Platinum cardholders receive a Priority Pass Prestige for both the main card and the partner card. When applying for the Platinum credit card in Switzerland, two people can enter the lounge free of charge (cardholder and additional cardholder), and two guests can enter at a reduced rate. Read our detailed review of the Amex Platinum Switzerland credit card if you want to find out about the card’s other benefits.

What are the benefits of the Amex Gold Priority Pass?

The Amex Gold card also offers benefits related to the Priority Pass. When you apply for the golden credit card in Switzerland, you get the standard membership for free, plus two free lounge visits per year. Read our detailed review of the Amex Gold Switzerland credit card if you want to find out about the card’s other benefits.