Priority Pass and LoungeKey are the two dominant independent airport lounge access programs worldwide. If you hold a premium credit card, there is a good chance it includes membership in one or both. But which is actually better?
We pulled real data from the LoungeFindr database -- 1,670 lounges across 500+ airports -- to compare these programs on the metrics that actually matter: network size, lounge quality, geographic coverage, credit card availability, and guest policies.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Priority Pass | LoungeKey |
|---|---|---|
| Lounges in LoungeFindr | 704 | 489 |
| Claimed global network | 1,500+ lounges | 1,100+ lounges |
| Countries covered | 140+ | 100+ |
| Standalone membership | $99-$469/year | Varies by bank |
| Per-visit fee | $32 per visit | $32 per visit |
| Guest fee | $32 per guest | $32 per guest |
| Restaurant access | Yes | Limited |
| Mobile app | Full-featured | Full-featured |
| Primary card partner | Visa, Amex, various | Mastercard |
| Children policy | Under 2 free | Under 2 free |
Network Size and Coverage
Priority Pass has the clear advantage in raw numbers. In the LoungeFindr database, 704 lounges accept Priority Pass compared to 489 for LoungeKey. That is a 44% larger network. Priority Pass also has stronger coverage in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, while LoungeKey holds its own in Europe thanks to its Mastercard partnerships.
There is significant overlap between the two networks. Many third-party and independent lounges accept both programs. However, some airline-operated lounges may accept only one, so having access to both through different credit cards maximizes your options. Use our Card Stacker tool to find the optimal card combination.
Browse all Priority Pass lounges or LoungeKey lounges in our directory.
Lounge Quality
Both programs primarily partner with the same tier of third-party lounges (Plaza Premium, Aspire, Primeclass, etc.), so average quality is comparable. The real differentiator is that Priority Pass has secured access to some higher-end airline lounges and airport-operated facilities that LoungeKey has not.
Neither program gives you access to the very best airline lounges (Cathay Pacific's The Pier, Singapore Airlines SilverKris, or Qatar's Al Mourjan). Those remain reserved for business/first class passengers and airline elite status holders.
Quality tip
Use LoungeFindr's ratings and reviews to identify the best lounge at each airport before you travel. Not all lounges in either network are created equal -- some score 4.5+ while others barely reach 3.0. Check our Best European Lounges guide for top picks.
Credit Card Availability
This is where the two programs diverge significantly. Priority Pass is bundled with a wider variety of credit cards across different issuers and networks, while LoungeKey is primarily tied to Mastercard's premium tiers.
Popular Priority Pass credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve (unlimited visits)
- American Express Platinum (unlimited visits)
- Capital One Venture X (unlimited visits)
- Citi Prestige (unlimited visits)
- HSBC Premier Mastercard (select markets)
Popular LoungeKey credit cards:
- Mastercard World Elite (varies by bank)
- HSBC Premier Mastercard World Elite
- Standard Chartered Priority Banking cards
- Various bank premium Mastercards worldwide
Use our Card Matcher to see which of your existing credit cards already include lounge access, or browse all 1,868 credit cards in our database.
Guest Policies
Both programs charge roughly the same for guest access ($32 per guest per visit as of 2026). However, the actual guest policy depends heavily on which credit card provides your membership. Some cards include 2 free guests, while others charge for every additional visitor.
Children under 2 years old are generally free on both networks. Children aged 2-12 are typically charged at the same rate as adults, though some lounges have reduced child rates.
Use our Guest Calculator to estimate the total cost of bringing guests with your specific card and program combination.
Restaurant and Non-Lounge Access
Priority Pass has taken the lead here with its "Select Restaurants" feature, which lets members use their visit entitlement at participating airport restaurants instead of traditional lounges. This is particularly valuable at airports where the lounge options are limited or overcrowded.
LoungeKey has started adding dining options as well, but the selection is smaller. Priority Pass also offers access to select airport spas, sleeping pods, and gaming areas at some locations.
This restaurant access benefit can be a genuine differentiator. At airports like LAX, SFO, and JFK, the Priority Pass restaurant credits (typically $28-$36 per person) can cover a full sit-down meal.
Digital Experience
Both Priority Pass and LoungeKey offer well-designed mobile apps for iOS and Android. Key features include:
- Digital membership card (no physical card needed)
- Lounge search by airport with real-time status
- Visit history tracking
- Directions to lounges within airport terminals
Priority Pass has a slight edge with better user reviews and a more polished interface. LoungeKey's app is functional but has been slower to update. For a more comprehensive search experience, LoungeFindr covers both networks and more in a single interface.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Priority Pass if:
- You want the largest network
- You value restaurant access
- You travel frequently to the Americas/Asia
- You already hold a Visa/Amex premium card
Choose LoungeKey if:
- You hold a Mastercard World Elite
- Your bank already includes it free
- You primarily travel in Europe
- You want simple, no-extra-cost access
Best strategy: Carry cards that give you both. Many travelers combine an Amex Platinum (Priority Pass + Centurion Lounges) with a Mastercard World Elite (LoungeKey) to maximize coverage. Use our Card Stacker to find the optimal combination for your travel patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Priority Pass or LoungeKey bigger?
Priority Pass has the larger network with 704 lounges tracked by LoungeFindr compared to 489 for LoungeKey. Priority Pass claims 1,500+ lounges globally while LoungeKey claims 1,100+.
Can I use both Priority Pass and LoungeKey?
Yes. Many travelers carry credit cards that include both programs. Having both maximizes your lounge access since some lounges only accept one program. Use LoungeFindr's Card Stacker tool to optimize coverage.
Which credit cards include Priority Pass?
Popular cards include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and many international premium credit cards. Use LoungeFindr's Card Matcher to find all cards with Priority Pass in your country.
Which credit cards include LoungeKey?
LoungeKey is most commonly bundled with Mastercard World Elite cards. Many international banks include LoungeKey with their premium Mastercard products. Check LoungeFindr's Card Matcher for a complete list.
Do Priority Pass and LoungeKey have the same lounges?
There is significant overlap, but not complete. Many lounges accept both programs, while some are exclusive to one. Priority Pass has more unique lounges overall. Both programs also offer restaurant access at some airports.