Back in the day, when I used to plan for an international trip, I would intentionally choose routes with more layovers. Why? Because I could experience more airport lounges. How? Thanks to the complimentary Priority Pass benefit that comes with most premium credit cards in India.
If you’re into premium credit cards and have a lifestyle that includes a fair amount of international travel, chances are you’re already familiar with Priority Pass membership.
With airports getting increasingly busy these days, Priority Pass is one of the most sought-after benefits when choosing a premium paid credit card in India.
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Overview
As of 2025, a single Priority Pass membership gives access to 1,700+ lounges and travel experiences across 725 airports in 145 countries. This includes 57 airport lounges and experiences globally under Priority Pass’s sister brand, Airport Dimensions.
When I first received a Priority Pass with unlimited access, I imagined swiping it left, right, and center with the dream of visiting lounges in every corner of the world.
Fast forward to today, I do end up visiting many airport lounges, accessed both via Priority Pass and Business Class tickets from time to time.
Unique Lounges
I’ve visited ~20 countries in the past ~2 years, and every now and then, I come across lounges that truly stand out. Here are some unique ones that are worth exploring:
1. Tyrol Lounge (Innsbruck, Austria)
Tyrol Lounge is one of the most beautiful lounges in Europe that I came across during my first Europe trip, and the mountain views from inside the lounge were breathtaking.
It’s no surprise that it has received multiple design awards. Not to mention, the takeoff views from this airport are among the best in the world.
2. LHV Lounge (Tallinn, Estonia)
Located at Tallinn Airport, the LHV Lounge features stylish lounge chairs and thoughtfully designed interiors. It also offers beautiful views of the airside and even has an open area if you want a breath of fresh air.
I’ve visited this lounge in both 2024 and 2025, and it remains one of my favourite airport lounges in Europe.
3. Capsule Transit MAX Lounge (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
The Capsule Transit MAX lounge at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 is a hidden gem that offers a comfortable 24-hour retreat with a variety of amenities, including a side buffet and a fully plant-based à-la-carte menu.
Entry through Priority Pass also includes complimentary access to the gym and steam bath facilities, along with a free cocktail per visit.
While I haven’t been to this lounge, a few of my friends do say that it does live up to the expectation.
Beyond Lounges
Beyond airport lounges, Priority Pass also offers access to other airport experiences such as dining in at restaurants, select airport spas and sleeping pods.
Airport Restaurants
Priority Pass Members can also enjoy a meal at select airport restaurants globally. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) alone has 15+ such eateries and there is one in Bali (DPS) too, named Flight Club.
This cozy Cafe style dining experience at Colombo Airport is located landside, which is rare to find, as most lounges are located airside.
It’s a wonderful option to spend some time if you arrive too early for check-in or when the queues are so long.
I had a quick look at the lounge during my recent trip to SriLanka, and is definitely a great one to check out if you have extra time before clearing security.
Airport Spas
While XpresSpa is the known name in the US when it comes to airport spas there is also one interesting outlet in Asia, called TranSpa in Singapore that not only offers spa services but also a haircut.
Nap Rooms
Capsule Transit Sleep Lounge at KLIA is a noteworthy one in this segment with access to proper single bed (~2.5K INR value) for 3 hours. There are two Capsule Transit lounges at KLIA T2: one on the Landside and the other on the Airside.
sleep ‘n fly stands out as the premier option at both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Hamad International Airport (DOH), with all four locations in DXB accessible to Priority Pass Members and open 24/7.
There are many more interesting airport lounges and travel experiences in India and beyond. To explore more, visit the Priority Pass website or download the Priority Pass app.
Getting Priority Pass
There are two ways to obtain the Priority Pass membership in India:
- Through premium credit cards that offer complimentary access, or
- By subscribing to a paid plan directly on Priority Pass website.
If you’re based in India, getting Priority Pass through a credit card is by far the easiest and most cost-effective option.
Cards with Priority Pass
There are many credit cards in India that comes with complimentary Priority Pass membership to access international lounges and here are some of the most popular credit cards with limited/unlimited lounge access benefit:
| Credit Card | Complimentary Limit | Joining Fee |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia | Unlimited | 10,000 INR |
| HSBC Premier | Unlimited | 20,000 INR |
| Axis Magnus Burgundy | Unlimited | 30,000 INR |
| Amex Platinum | Unlimited | 66,000 INR |
| ICICI Times Black | Unlimited | 20,000 INR |
| ICICI Emeralde Private | Unlimited | 12,499 INR |
| HDFC Regalia Gold | 6/Yr | 2,500 INR |
| Axis Atlas | 2/Yr | 5,000 INR |
* The list above does not include all cards that offer Priority Pass benefit. Do refer to the bank’s website to check the eligibility for your card.
Apart from the complimentary access to primary cardholders as above, most cards also comes with “guest access” through supplementary cards. Refer to my detailed reviews of respective cards mentioned above for more info.
While I’m sure you use Priority Pass, is there any unique airport lounge/eatery that you’ve accessed recently with Priority Pass?
If you a flying out of Bangkok DMK (Don Mueang International Airport), you can get a free 15 minute Thai massage (Neck and shoulders). The food selection is very average if you are a vegetarian but delectable cocktails will compensate for it.
Quite a valuable tip, thank you.
Best one right now through PP is Miracle first class lounge. PP & Diners black, both are same only, no difference. they will verify boarding pass name & priority pass name. You can add as guest if you have complimentary guest access
Can someone please suggest which is the best airport lounge in Bangkok (BKK -Suvarnabhumi Airport) which can be accessed with both priority pass and diners black card. Also can I swipe my card for parents will it be accepted. Travelling Thai Airways departure is often gate C4.
Coral lounge near C1 , PP works , in case diners club not accepted (keeps changing) , just see if guest on PP is cheaper or buying via klook (currently 25usd) is cheaper to acess
Tokyo Narita also has lot of options for priority pass. I have used it to have a fixed meal at a restaurant and also accessed the lounge as the flight was delayed. You can also use it for the capsule at Narita (I have not used). You can check the availability of access on their app.
Ah, interesting! Good to see a few at NRT. I missed these a few months ago since I had access to the Business Class Lounge and didn’t look beyond. Looks like it’s time to get back to some lounge and eatery exploration after quite a while.
At Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, for a Priority Pass holder who is a pure vegetarian Indian, which lounge is best from these three:
1) Ambassador Transit Lounge
2) Marhaba Lounge
3) SATS Premier Lounge
— and also, can the complimentary lounge-visit entitlement via Priority Pass be redeemed instead at the Kaveri Express Indian Vegetarian restaurant at T3 free of cost as it is mentioned in priority pass app or will it be chargeable?
I have priority pass, but not able to track about remaining or allotted free lounge access. Though I used one in my last international trip and fortunately lounge visit didn’t came as a bill in Credit card.
Can someone guide me?
Venice Marco Polo Club – This one is too good
Here’s a brilliant travel h*ck that come to my mind: Use your Priority Pass (PP) at the Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant in Prague to buy sparkling new Pilsner Urquell Beer Mugs. You basically get EUR23/CZK550 credit for each PP card you have. I purchased two beer glasses for CZK 450 and paid it off using the PP CZK550 credit.
On a side note, if you’re in Prague, you can order beer in these mugs in any restaurant and, if you politely ask the waiter, they’ll usually give you the mugs for free. They’re very generous. (Sssh, don’t tell this to anyone. Not sure how long this will last)
kotak solitaire credit card can make it to the list too for its unlimited lounge access (Domestic & International)
Not a popular option in reality though.
Used the airpods in dubai recently..it was 2 hrs in the night and 4 hrs in the day which was complimentary….however..the lounge at nice was well..very nice !!
Nice also had a restaurant which looked interesting but we passed on it since we were not hungry.
Soo Ceylon Café and Tea Lounge: the greenery and water body make it feel so serene.
Will explore Regalia Gold and Atlas. PP access is more universal and a great fallback in case Diners decides to betray.
My priority pass has been expired. How can I renew it . Can you guide me ? Renewing the priority pass is a chargeable?
I received priority pass through my credit card.
That depends on the issuer.
if bank’s credit card provide complimentary international airport lounge facility, then if any other payment is required for priority pass for using airport lounge facility at international airport.
No, not required and that’s the whole point of using a Priority Pass.
Axis Atlas shows 12/ year
Yeah, but my online PP a/c linked to Atlas reflected only 2, which maybe per quarter, not sure, hence used that number.
Are all the experiences like spas and nap rooms free with priority pass?
Yes, these are complimentary with Priority Pass.