When I used to plan international travel, I often picked itineraries with longer layovers. The reason was simple: more layovers meant more opportunities to visit airport lounges—an advantage I enjoyed through the complimentary Priority Pass benefit included with several premium credit cards in India.
If you hold a premium credit card and travel internationally with some frequency, you’ve likely heard of Priority Pass. With airports busier than ever, Priority Pass remains one of the most valued perks when choosing a paid premium card.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Unique Lounges
- Beyond Lounges
- Airport Restaurants
- Airport Spas
- Nap Rooms
- Getting Priority Pass
- Cards with Priority Pass
Overview
As of 2025, a single Priority Pass membership provides access to over 1,700 lounges and travel experiences across 725 airports in 145 countries. This network includes 57 lounges and experiences run by Priority Pass’s sister brand, Airport Dimensions.
When I first received a Priority Pass with unlimited access, I imagined using it everywhere to visit lounges around the globe. Over time I’ve frequented many lounges—both via Priority Pass and through the occasional business-class ticket—and the benefit remains extremely useful for frequent international travellers.
Unique Lounges
In the last couple of years I’ve visited roughly 20 countries and encountered a number of standout lounges. A few notable ones worth seeking out:
1. Tyrol Lounge (Innsbruck, Austria)
Tyrol Lounge is one of Europe’s most visually striking lounges, offering spectacular mountain views. It has earned design accolades, and the takeoff scenery from Innsbruck is memorable.
2. LHV Lounge (Tallinn, Estonia)
Tallinn’s LHV Lounge features stylish seating, well-thought-out interiors and pleasant airside views, plus an outdoor area for fresh air. I visited in both 2024 and 2025 and it remains a favourite.
3. Capsule Transit MAX Lounge (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
The Capsule Transit MAX at KLIA Terminal 2 offers a comfortable 24-hour retreat, a side buffet, a fully plant-based à-la-carte menu, and Priority Pass access to gym and steam-bath facilities. Visitors also get a complimentary cocktail per visit. While I have not personally used this lounge, several friends who have say it lives up to expectations.
Beyond Lounges
Priority Pass extends beyond traditional lounges to include dining at select airport restaurants, spa services, and sleeping pods—useful options for different travel needs.
Airport Restaurants
Priority Pass members can dine at participating airport restaurants. For example, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) lists more than a dozen partner eateries, and Bali’s Ngurah Rai (DPS) includes options such as Flight Club.
Soo Ceylon at Colombo Airport is a cafe-style dining experience located landside, which is uncommon since most lounges are airside. It’s convenient if you arrive early or face long queues before security.
Airport Spas
In the US, XpresSpa is a common name for airport spa services. In Asia, TranSpa in Singapore is notable for offering both spa treatments and haircuts, and some locations accept Priority Pass access.
Nap Rooms
Capsule Transit Sleep Lounge at KLIA is a notable option in this category, offering single-bed rooms (valued at roughly 2,500 INR) for short stays—typically three hours. KLIA Terminal 2 hosts two Capsule Transit lounges, one landside and one airside.
sleep ‘n fly is a leading option for short-stay sleeping pods at Dubai International (DXB) and Hamad International (DOH). All four sleep ‘n fly locations at DXB are Priority Pass-accessible and operate 24/7.
There are many other lounges and travel experiences across India and abroad. To discover available options in your itinerary, check the Priority Pass membership details and app for up-to-date listings and participating locations.
Getting Priority Pass
In India, you can obtain Priority Pass membership in two main ways:
- Through premium credit cards that include complimentary Priority Pass access, or
- By purchasing a paid Priority Pass subscription directly from Priority Pass’s plans.
For most travellers based in India, receiving Priority Pass as a credit card benefit is the simplest and most cost-effective route.
Cards with Priority Pass
Many Indian credit cards include complimentary Priority Pass membership. Below are some popular cards and their typical complimentary limits and joining fees. This list is illustrative and not exhaustive—always check the card issuer’s current terms and eligibility before applying.
| 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 above table does not list every card that offers Priority Pass. Confirm current benefits and eligibility on the card issuer’s official channels.
Beyond the primary cardholder benefits, many issuers allow guest access through supplementary cards—terms vary by bank, so review the card-specific details for guest allowances and usage rules.
Have you recently used Priority Pass at any unique airport lounge, restaurant or sleep pod? Share your experience—there are always new places worth checking out.