Priority Pass or Dragonpass: which is better, and should you get an airport lounge membership?
Priority Pass and Dragonpass offer all-in-one access to thousands of airport lounges worldwide. We compare the costs and perks of the passes and consider whether it’s worth getting one.
If you’re a frequent flyer, having an airport lounge membership like Priority Pass or Dragonpass can make travelling significantly more comfortable.
Rather than waiting at a crowded terminal, airport lounge access can mean complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces and even shower facilities.
You can get lounge passes with certain packaged bank accounts or credit cards with airport lounge access, but that’s not the only way. You could book one-off visits to some airport lounges, for instance, or access global lounge networks by buying a membership – such as with Priority Pass or Dragonpass.
Try 6 free issues of MoneyWeek today
Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is an airport lounge programme that gives members access to more than 1,900 lounges across 856 airports in 142 countries.
Your membership may also include benefits such as complimentary Wi-Fi, meals and drinks, shower facilities and dining credits at select restaurants.
The lowest membership tier doesn’t give you free access to lounges – instead, you pay an annual fee and discounted rate on visits. However, no matter what membership you have, you will need to pre-book your slot for an extra £6 to guarantee a space when it gets busy.
Here’s a complete breakdown of membership fees.
Priority Pass tier | Annual fee | Member and guest fee | Pre-booking fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard | £69 | Both: £24 each | Around £6 per visit |
Standard Plus | £229 | Members: 10 free visits, then £24 Guests: £24 | Around £6 per visit |
Prestige | £419 | Members: All visits complimentary Guests: £24 | Around £6 per visit |
What is Dragonpass?
Dragonpass is an airport lounge programme that offers access to more than 1,400 lounges, over 200 fast-track security lanes and around 2,500 travel experiences worldwide.
While Priority Pass gives you access to more airport lounges, Dragonpass is more focused on offering a premium experience, whether it’s meet-and-greet services, dining discounts, spa treatments or fast-track security.
The lower membership tier only gives you one free visit, after which you have to pay for entry. However, you will need to pre-book your slot for around £6 per visit to guarantee a space during busy periods, no matter which membership tier you’re on.
Here’s a complete breakdown of membership fees.
DragonPass tier | Annual fee | Member and guest fee | Pre-booking fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic | £68 | Member: 1 free visit, then £26 Guests: £26 | Around £6 per visit |
Preferential | £168 | Members: 8 free visits, then £26 Guests: £26 | Around £6 per visit |
Should you buy a Priority Pass or Dragonpass membership?
For many travellers, Priority Pass offers better overall value thanks to a significantly larger lounge network globally. If your priority is finding a lounge wherever you fly, it’s generally a better option.
However, when it comes to costs, Dragonpass is cheaper and a better choice if you regularly travel through airports where you can take advantage of its fast-track security and premium services like spa and wellness centres.
Features | Priority Pass | Dragonpass |
|---|---|---|
UK lounges | 54 lounges | 44 lounges |
Global lounges | 1,900+ lounges | 1,400+ lounges |
Annual fees | £69 – £419 | £68 – £168 |
Per-entry fees for each membership tier | Standard: £24 for members and guests Standard Plus: 10 free visits, then £24 for members and guests Prestige: All visits complimentary and £24 for guests | Classic: One free visit, then £26 for members and guests Preferential: 8 free visits, then £26 for members and guests |
Complimentary Wi-Fi, food and drinks | Available | Available |
Meet and assist services | Available | Available |
Fast-track security services | Not available | Available in 75+ locations |
Before buying either membership, it’s worth checking which lounges are available at the airports you typically go to. It might be that some airports support Priority Pass or Dragonpass but not both.
Is an airport lounge membership worth it?
Whether an airport lounge membership is worth paying for depends on your travel habits. If you only take a handful of flights a year, paying for individual lounge access can be more cost-effective than buying an annual membership.
However, if you fly several times a year, particularly on long-haul or international trips, and want to access an airport lounge, you could save with a membership. Lounge entry usually costs between £35 and £50 per visit, so frequent travellers could save money while enjoying a quieter and more comfortable airport experience.
It’s worth considering whether you already have access through another financial product. Many premium credit cards, travel reward cards and packaged current accounts include Priority Pass or Dragonpass membership as a benefit, meaning you may not need to buy a separate membership.
