There have been so many devaluations in Priority Pass that it makes us question the viability of the program and if it makes sense to care.

Priority Pass used to be awesome

Back in the day, Priority Pass had an excellent model when fewer people had the card. It began as a way for American Express to place outsized emphasis on lounge access for its Platinum cardholders. Simplistically, you can think of Priority Pass as a collection of mostly unrelated lounges that will grant you access for flashing your credentials. The credit card issuer would pay Priority Pass for everyone who signed up for a card, and Priority Pass would pay the lounge when it’s used.

Many lounges welcomed Priority Pass members with open arms when it first launched. There were also more lounges to choose from (such as Alaska lounges or Air Canada lounges). Other credit card issuers started jumping in on the fun, and soon it became chic for an issuer to have multiple credit cards that grant you access.

Then it jumped into the wild west when Priority Pass expanded beyond just lounges and allowed you to dine at airport restaurants. Lounge food wasn’t all that appealing at many of the lounges accepting Priority Pass. (Just take a look at what’s at the Copa Club or The Club at SEA). It started in Portland, where you could even buy food to go, and then it spread from there.

But sadly it’s been a steady decline since then.

The cutbacks began for Priority Pass

These days, everyone seems to have a premium credit card that gives Priority Pass. It was only a matter of time for something to break in the process. Lounges became crowded and some of the better ones (Alaska or Air Canada) chose to stop admitting Priority Pass members to preserve the experience for those who otherwise qualify for access. First they periodically put up signs saying the lounge is full to Priority Pass members. Then they just cut ties completely.

Next, American Express decided it was time to create a separate tier of Priority Pass by not allowing their members to access the restaurants. The argument made sense: Amex cared more about lounge access so that’s all they wanted to give. There should have been a different name for a Priority Pass that allowed restaurants vs lounge access only. Instead, it became confusing for everyone to know what access their card gave since it’s not hard to have cards from multiple issuers.

With options dwindling, the lounges that remained became even more crowded. A reservation system ultimately came about to allow the member to enter at a specific time–but for a fee. Suddenly, the system that was free up until now no longer was completely free. However, you can argue that it didn’t take anything away from members still looking for free access to lounges. It just provided an alternative for those who wanted it.

The latest frustration: an entry fee to Virgin Atlantic’s LAX lounge

Up until this point, you could generally access Virgin Atlantic’s lounges off-hours for free with Priority Pass. They just prevented you from entering immediately before their flights to make the scene more enjoyable for their own guests. Services during the off-hours period were lighter than normal, but it’s understandable.

Virgin Atlantic just opened a new lounge at LAX, and Priority Pass members will get access. Still present are the limited hours to prevent crowding before their own flights. But you will be subject to an entry fee of $35/person to enter. Ouch. Save your money and go to Beecher’s at LAX instead and eat a great (cheesy) meal.

To us, the most disappointing part is that the bandage has been ripped off. Now that one lounge has an access fee on top of Priority Pass, it’s a matter of time before the practice spreads. Assuming that does become the case, expect Priority Pass to itself just feel like a discount card.

Could you argue that this practice allows some lounges to become available to members that otherwise would not be interested in participating? Sure, there’s some truth to it. But the problem is that now there is a new model created that makes us concerned. It’s not a stretch to think some existing lounges will play hardball and walk away unless they get to charge customers more money.

I’d much rather prefer the approach Priority Pass took with the Chase Sapphire lounges: one free visit per year and then a fee to return.

So is it worth the effort?

Compared to what it was like when it started, Priority Pass is a shell of its former self. It hasn’t been all doom and gloom (such as the Chase Sapphire lounges), but it’s been a steady trend downwards. I think whether you feel the lounge collection is worth your time depends on your perspective.

If you feel that the lounges are (mostly) free, and you’re not spending extra to get a Priority Pass, then it’s better than not having it. Therefore, it’s worth the effort by definition because there really isn’t any effort exerted.

But if you’re like me, you might think the overcrowding at lounges and what feels like nickel-and-diming of the experience to extract money leaves a poor taste. I used to actively look for what lounges participate with the network at each airport to plan out my time at the airport. Now I’d much rather spend my time in the gate area where I have more space.

What are your thoughts about Priority Pass?

Suggested reading:

• Updated Access Rules for United Clubs: Where is the Value?
• New Delta Sky Club Rules Take Effect
• How to Take Advantage of SkyTeam Lounge Access Updates