Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – Which Saves Most?

Last updated on January 29th2026 at 07:48 pm

Airport lounge memberships can save you £10-20 per visit compared to paying at the door—but only if you choose the right one for your travel patterns.

For most travellersusing lounges +5 times a yearPriority Pass Standard Plus offers the best value at £18.30 per visit (with my exclusive reader discount). For occasional travellers (3-5 trips)stick with pay-as-you-go options like LoungePass.

In this comprehensive comparisonI’ll break down:

• Exact cost-per-visit calculations for Priority PassDragon Passand LoungePair+
• Which membership saves you the most money based on how often you fly
• Pros and Cons of airport lounge membership
• Access to my exclusive Priority Pass discount (saving you up to £42 on membership)

Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – Quick Overview

There are a variety of ways to get airport lounge memberships. You can buy access through membership schemes such as Priority PassDragonPass or LoungePair+. If you plan to use airport lounges more than 5-6 times a year then a membership is probably going to be the best value for you. For lower usage levels LoungePair offers great value lounge access.

🆚 Airport Lounge Memberships Compared

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular airport lounge access options and who they’re best for.

🥇 Priority Pass

• 🌍 Access to 1,300+ lounges globally
• 🧑‍💼 Ideal for frequent international travelers
• 💳 Offers different tiers: StandardStandard Plusand Prestige
• 🥪 Lounges typically include fooddrinksWi-Fiand comfortable seating
• 📱 Easy to use with mobile app access and digital lounge entry

🔗 Check Priority Pass membership deals here

🥈 DragonPass

• 🌐 Access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide
• 📲 Great mobile app with digital card access
• 🍽️ Some lounges include restaurant discounts or dining credit
• 💡 Ideal for occasional travelers or those who want flexibility
• 🛍️ Some plans include other perks like retail discounts

🔗 See DragonPass plans & pricing

🥉 LoungePair+

• 💳 Membership program that unlocks discounted fixed-price lounge access
• ✈️ No need to bid — you get instant access to lower prices at participating lounges
• 🔄 Still maintains a pay-as-you-go feelbut with guaranteed discounts
• 🌍 Good for semi-regular travelers who don’t want to overpay or commit to high annual fees
• 📲 Easy online booking when you need it

🔗 Join LoungePair+ to Access Discounted Lounge Rates

💡 Not Sure About a Membership?

You don’t have to commit to a subscription to enjoy a lounge.

☕ Get 10% Off One-Time Lounge Passes with Holiday Extras
Just book in advanceshow your pass at the doorand relax.

Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – Quick View

Option	Best For	Membership Required?	Booking Type
Priority Pass	Frequent flyers	✅ Yes	Annual/Monthly
DragonPass	Flexible travelers	✅ Yes	Pay-per-use or membership
LoungePair+	Discount-seekers who travel occasionally	✅ Yes	Discounted pay-per-use
Holiday Extras Lounges	One-time access	❌ No	Direct day pass

Best Airport Lounge Memberships

🧾 What’s Included With Lounge Memberships?

Airport lounge memberships give you access to a calmcleanand comfortable space — ideal for relaxing before your flight.

Here’s what you can expect with most lounge entrieswhether you’re using Priority PassDragonPassor LoungePair+:

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☕ Complimentary Food & Drinks

• Hot and cold mealssnacksand drinks (including alcohol in many lounges)
• Varies by lounge and locationbut all offer some form of food and drinks

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📶 Wi-Fi & Charging Points

• Freefast Wi-Fi for working or streaming
• Charging ports for phonestabletsand laptops
• Often quieter and more reliable than public terminal connections

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🪑 Comfortable Seating & Peaceful Environment

• Relax away from the crowds with padded seatingreading materialsand soft lighting
• Often includes business zones or quiet areas

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🚿 Showers & Toilets

• Available in many international lounges — perfect for long-haul or connecting flights

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🧳 Flight Info & Assistance

• Departure boards inside the lounge
• Lounge staff can help with questions or rebookings if delays occur

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✈️ Want These Perks Without a Membership?
Get 10% Off One-Time Lounge Access with Holiday Extras – great if you just want to treat yourself before a flight.

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✍️ Pro Tip

Lounge access can be better value than eating a meal in an airport when purchased as part of a membership deal!

Choosing the Right Airport Lounge Membership Scheme

The best membership scheme depends on:

• Where will you be flying to?
• How often you plan on using airport lounges?
• Are you going to be travelling with guests?

Where Will You Be Flying?

There are some differences in lounge access between the membership schemes.

At Heathrow Airport for example Priority Pass members have access to 9 loungesDragonPass have access to 5.

At London Gatwick Airport Priority Pass Members have access to 8 loungesDragonPass have access to 9.

If you plan to be using an airport lounge in one particular airport frequently then it is worth checking the specific membership schemes to make sure you can get access.

There are also some differences through different countries/regions to be aware of. Here’s a list of the airport lounges available through DragonPass and Priority Pass.

	Dragon Pass	Priority Pass
North America Lounges	109	150
Latin America Lounges		150
Europe Lounges	225	370
Africa Lounges	62	90
Asia Pacific Lounges	444	440
Middle East Lounges		70
Oceania	14
Able to Pre Book	Yes	Yes
Learn More	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆

How Often Do You Plan on Using Airport Lounges?

If you are a frequent traveller then you probably don’t plan to use airport lounges for every single flight you take.

I rarely use the airport lounge at my home airport for example. That’s because I know it pretty well and I time my arrival so that I get through security just as the gate is opening up for boarding. That means despite flying from this airport regularlyI don’t use airport lounges there so I discount it from my flight count when looking at airport lounge membership.

If you have lots of short flight connections when you travel it might not make sense for you to use an airport loungeso these flights need to be taken out of of your flight countwhen deciding which membership is right for you.

As a general rule if you plan to use airport lounges more than 5 times a year an airport lounge membership is likely to be better value than paying as you goeven with the best online deal.

I use airport lounges regularly so Priority Pass Standard Plus membership works well for me. It gives me access to 10 airport lounges a year for just £183. That makes each of my lounge visits just £18.30 which is great value – better than an airport meal!

Airport Lounge Membership Schemes and Costs

Now lt’s take a look at each of the membership schemes and how their costs work out across each of the membership levels.

Airport lounge membership comparison

Priority Pass Airport Lounge Membership

• Priority Pass is probably the most widely known of the airport lounge membership schemes. Members can access over 1,600 lounges in 600 citiesacross 148 countries!
• Priority Pass is the airport lounge membership that I use. I use it because it has a great selection of lounges.
• There are a variety of membership benefits with Priority Pass including discounted airport transfersfitness membership and more.

Priority Pass Membership Plans and Costs

Priority Pass offers three membership levels. Each level has different costs and benefits.

Let’s take a look at each membership level in turn.

Priority Pass Standard Membership

• Annual Fee: £69 (no lounge visits included) or £48 with my special offer
• Lounge Visit Cost: £24 for each member visit
• Lounge Guest Cost: £24 for each guest visit

Priority Pass Standard Membership Cost Per Visit Analysis

I have based this analysis on member visit costs only.

Number of Visits	Regular Cost	Cost with My Discount
1	£69 Membership + £24 Visit = £93 per vist	£48 Membership + £24 Visit = £72 per visit
2	£69 Membership + £48 2 Visits = £117 = £58.50 per visit	£48 Membership + £48 2 Visits = £96 = £48 per visit
3	£69 Membership + £72 3 Visits = £141 = £47 per visit	£48 Membership + £72 3 Visits = £120 = £40 per visit
4	£69 Membership + £96 4 Visits = £165 = £41.25 per visit	£48 Membership + £96 4 Visits = £144 = £36 per visit
5	£69 Membership + £120 5 Visits = £189 = £37.80 per visit	£48 Membership + £120 5 Visits = £168 = £33.60 per visit
6	£69 Membership + £144 6 Visits = £213 = £35.50 per visit	£48 + £144 6 Visits = £192 = £32 per visit (Standard Plus with Deal is Better Option)
7	£69 Membership + £168 7 Visits = £237 = £33.85 per visit (Standard Plus with Regular Price is Better Option)
	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆

4 Million Members Use Priority Pass ✈

Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership

• Annual Fee: £229 (10 lounge visits included) or £183 with my special offer
• Lounge Visit Cost: £24 for each member visit
• Lounge Guest Cost: £24 for each guest visit

Priority Pass Standard Plus Cost Per Visit Analysis

Number of Visits	Regular Cost	Cost with My Discount
5	£229 = £45.80 per visit	£183 = £36.60 per visit
6	£229 = £38.16 per visit	£183 = £30.50 per visit
7	£229 = £32.71 per visit	£183 = £26.14 per visit
8	£229 = £28.62 per visit	£183 = £22.87 per visit
9	£229 = £25.44 per visit	£183 = £20.33 per visit
10	£229 = £22.90 per visit	£183 = £18.30 per visit
11	£229 + £24 1 Visit = £253 = £23 per visit	£183 + £24 1 Visit = £207 = = £18.18 per visit
12	£229 + £48 2 Visits = £277 = £23.08 per visit	£183 + £48 2 Visits = £231 = £19.25 per visit
13	£229 + £72 3 Visits = £301 = £23.15 per visit	£183 + £72 3 Visits = £255 = £19.61 per visit
14	£229 + £96 4 Visits = £325 = £23.21	£183 + £96 4 Visits = £279 = £19.92 per visit
15	£229 + £120 5 Visits = £349 = £23.26 per vist	£183 + £120 5 Visits = £303 = £20.20 per visit
16	£229 + £144 6 Visits = £373 = £23.31 per visit	£183 + £144 = £327 = £20.43 per visit
17	£229 + £168 7 Visits = £397 = £23.35 per visit	£183 + £168 7 Visits = £351 = £20.64 per visit
18	£229 + £192 8 Visits = £421 = £23.38 per visit (Prestige With Regular Cost is Better Option)	£183 + £192 8 Visits = £375 = £20.83 per visit
	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆

Priory Pass Members Made 70 Million Lounge Visits Last Year ✈

Priority Pass Prestige Membership

• Annual Fee: £419 (unlimited lounge visits) or £377 with my special offer
• Lounge Visit Cost: Unlimited lounge member visits
• Lounge Guest Cost: £24 for each guest visit

Priority Pass Prestige Membership Cost Per Visit Analysis

Number of Visits	Regular Cost	Cost with My Discount
10	£419 = £41.90 per visit	£377 = £37.70 per visit
11	£419 = £38.09 per visit	£377 = £34.27 per visit
12	£419 = £34.91 per visit	£377 = £31.41 per visit
13	£419 = £32.23 per visit	£377 = £29 per visit
14	£419 = £29.92 per visit	£377 = £26.92 per visit
15	£419 = £27.93 per visit	£377 = £25.13 per visit
16	£419 = £26.18 per visit	£377 = £23.56 per visit
17	£419 = £24.64 per visit	£377 = £22.17 per visit
18	£419 = £23.27 per visit	£377 = £20.94 per visit
19	£419 = £22.05 per visit	£377 = £19.84 per visit
20	£419 = £20.95 per visit	£377 = £18.85 per visit
	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆

Now let’s take a look at DragonPass

🥈 DragonPass – A Flexible Alternative for Occasional Flyers

DragonPass is a solid option if you travel occasionally and still want access to quality lounges. It’s slightly smaller in scale than Priority Passbut still offers 1,300+ lounges worldwide and some unique extras.

🔑 Key Features:

• 🌍 Access to 1,200+ lounges
• 📱 Digital membership card via app
• 🍴 Dining discounts at some airport restaurants
• 💳 Multiple plans available (including pay-as-you-go)
• 🛍️ Extras like airport retail offers and discounts

🤔 Is It Better Than Priority Pass?

DragonPass is great if:

• You travel less frequentlyand
• You like the idea of restaurant discounts or fewer upfront costs

But for lounge access alonemost travelers find Priority Pass offers better global coveragemore consistencyand more value — especially for regular flyers.

🔗 See current DragonPass plans here

💡 Pro Tip: Compare both on routes you fly — but if lounge access is your prioritygo with Priority Pass.

Membership Options

DragonPass has three main membership levels:

DragonPass Standard Membership

• Annual Fee: £68 (1 lounge visit included)
• Lounge Visit Cost: £24 for every additional member visit
• Lounge Guest Cost: £24 for every guest visit

DragonPass Standard Membership Cost Per Visit Analysis

I have based these calculations on the member cost.

Number of Visits	Membership Cost
1	£68 Membership (1 visit inc) = £68 per visit
2	£68 Membership + £24 2 Visits = £92 = £46 per visit
3	£68 Membership + £48 3 Visits = £116 = £38.66 per visit
4	£68 Membership + £72 4 Visits = £140 = £35 per visit
5	£68 Membership + £96 5 Visits = £164 = £32.80 per visit (Preferential Better Value For 5 Visits and More)
	Check Prices 🡆

DragonPass Preferential Membership

• Annual Fee: £168 (includes 8 lounge visits)
• Lounge Visit Cost: £24 for each member visit over 8 lounge visits
• Guest Visit Cost: £24 for each guest visit

DragonPass Preferential Cost Per Visit Analysis

Number of Visits	Regular Cost
5	£168 = £33.60 per visit
6	£168 = £28 per visit
7	£168 = £24 per visit
8	£168 = £21 per visit
9	£168 + £24 1 Visit = £192 = £21.33 per vist
10	£168 + £48 2 Visits = £216 = £21.60 per visit
11	£168 + £72 3 Visits = £240 = £21.81 per visit
12	£168 + £96 4 Visits = £264 = £22 per visit
13	£168 + £120 5 Visits = £288 = £22.15 per visit
14	£168 + £144 6 Visits = £312 = £22.28 per visit
15	£168 + £168 7 Visits = £336 = £22.40 per visit
16	£168 + £192 8 Visits = £360 = £22.50 per visit
17	£168 + £216 9 Visits = £384 = £22.58 per visit (Prestige Now Better Value)
	Check Prices 🡆

DragonPass Prestige Membership

• Annual Fee: £379 (includes unlimited lounge visits)
• Lounge Visit Cost: Unlimited lounge visits for members
• Guest Visit Cost: £24 for each guest visit

DragonPass Prestige Membership Cost Per Visit Analysis

Number of Visits	Regular Cost
10	£379 = £37.90 per visit
11	£379 = £34.45 per visit
12	£379 = £31.58 per visit
13	£379 = £29.15 per visit
14	£379 = £27.07 per visit
15	£379 = £25.26 per visit
16	£379 = £23.68 per visit
17	£379 = £22.29
18	£379 = £21.05 per visit
19	£379 = £19.94 per visit
20	£379 = £18.95 per visit
	Check Prices 🡆

You can buy lounge access online or through the DragonPass app.

🥉 LoungePair+ – Discount Lounge Access Without Long-Term Commitment

LoungePair+ is a membership that gives you discounted fixed-price access to airport lounges — no need to bid or guess prices like the basic LoungePair model.

It’s ideal for travelers who want occasional lounge comfort without paying upfront for full annual plans.

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🔑 Key Features:

• 💳 Membership unlocks discounted lounge rates
• ✈️ Great for semi-frequent flyers who want some perks
• 🔐 No bidding – just browse and book lounges at reduced prices
• 🛫 Easy to use when you only need lounge access a few times a year

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🟡 Is It Better Than Priority Pass?

LoungePair+ is useful if:

• You travel just once or twice a year
• You prefer no upfront commitment

But for regular travelersPriority Pass gives far better overall value and lounge coverage.

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🔗 Check LoungePair+ lounge deals here

✨ Want the best lounge access globally? Stick with Priority Pass and unlock more comfort for every trip.

Lounge users can buy a membership and then buy access to the lounge of their choosing. Each visit to a lounge gets them one stamp. 10 stamps earn a Pass Credit worth 10% of your spend – typically enough for about one lounge visit.

Currently they have a joining offer which means members can get 1 lounge visit2 half price companion passes and 4 lounge stamps for £75.

Any lounge access that members buy is fully flexible if plans change and the lounge visit isn’t used. Members can have a refund or get an extra 5% value if thy leave the lounge credit in their account (for up to 3 years). Just so you know the value of the top up is a maximum of £22 pounds per year (or whatever the current conversion rate of $30 a year is).

LoungePair+ Membership Cost Per Visit Analysis

Number of Visits	Cost
1	£75
2	£75 + £30 1 extra visit = £105 = £52.50 per visit
3	£75 + £60 2 extra visits = £135 = £45 per visit
4	£75 + £90 3 extra visits = £165 = £41.25 per visit
5	£75 + £120 4 extra visits = £195 = £39 per visit
6	£75 + £150 5 extra visits = £225 = £37.50 per visit
7	£75 + £180 6 extra visits = £255 = £36.42 per visit
8	£75 + £210 7 extra visits = £285 = £35.62 per visit
9	£75 + £240 8 extra visits = £315 = £35 per visit
10	£75 + £270 9 extra visits = £345 = £34.50 per visit
	Check Prices 🡆

LoungePair Pay As You Go Airport Lounge Access

Whilst this is an airport lounge membership scheme comparison it’s worth pointing out that LoungePair also have great deals on pay as you go lounge access.

This is a great option if you plan don’t want a membership.

They offer great value for money with 3 hour passes at London Gatwick being available for £31 for the No1 Lounge for example.

I particularly like the option to pay a small fee and make your lounge pass refundable if you aren’t able to use it for any reason. For the No1 Lounge this would mean a LoungePair pass would be £34. If you weren’t able to visit the lounge then you would get £31 fully refunded (the fee itself is not refundable).

Find out more at LoungePair

Priority Pass Vs DragonPass Vs LoungePair+

• For the comparison below I have just compared the pricing for members rather than guests.
• For LoungePair+ I have assumed that the member has taken the joining deal of £75 which includes 1 free member lounge pass and 4 stamps towards a free pass. I have calculated these stamps as being worth an extra visit after 10 visitsbut this might vary slightly as the value of the stamp is 10% of the lounge booking.

Number of Visits	Regular Priority Pass Cost	Priority Pass With My Discount	DragonPass	LoungePair+
1	£93 per vist	£72 per visit	£68	£75
2	£117 = £58.50 per visit	£96 = £48 per visit	£92 = £46 per visit	£105 = £52.50 per visit
3	£141 = £47 per visit	£120 = £40 per visit	£116 = £38.66 per visit	£135 = £45 per visit
4	£165 = £41.25 per visit	£144 = £36 per visit	£140 = £35 per visit	£165 = £41.25 per visit
5	£189 = £37.80 per visit	£168 = £33.60 per visit	£164 = £32.80 per visit	£195 = £39 per visit
6	£213 = £35.50 per visit	£183 = £30.50 per visit (Standard Plus)	£168 = £28 per visit (Prestige is Better Value)	£195 = £32.50 per visit (This assumes member taken deal with 4 free stamps so this is a free visit as would be the 10th visit)
7	£229 = £32.71 (StandardPlus)	£183 = £26.14	£168 = £24 per visit	£225 = £32.14 per visit
8	£229 – £28.62	£183 = £22.87	£168 = £21 per visit	£255 = £31.87 per visit
9	£229 = £25.44	£183 = £20.33	£192 = £21.33 per visit	£285 = £31.66 per visit
10	£229 = £22.90	£183 – £18.30	£216 = £21.60 per visit	£315 = £31.50 per visit
11	£253 = £23	£210 = £18.18	£240 = £21.81 per visit	£345 = £31.36 per visit
12	£277 = £23.08	£231 = £19.25	£264 = £22 per visit	£375 = £31.25 per visit
13	£301 = £23.15	£255 = £19.61	£288 = £22.15 per visit	£405 = £31.15 per visit
14	£325 = £23.21	£279 = £19.92	£312 = £22.28 per visit	£435 = £31.07 per visit
15	£349 = £23.26	£303 = £20.20	£336 = £22.40 per visit	£465 = £31 per visit
16	£373 = £23.31	£327 = £20.43	£360 = £22.50 per visit	£465 = £29.06 per visit (This is 10th visit so it would be free)
17	£397 = £23.35	£351 = £20.64	£379 = £22.29 per visit (Prestige Membership)	£495 = £29.11 per visit
18	£419 = £23.27 (Prestige Membership)	£375 = £20.83	£379 = £21.05 per visit	£525 = £29.16 per visit
19	£419 = £22.02	£377 = £19.84 (Prestige Better Value)	£379 = £19.94 per visit	£555 = £29.21 per visit
20	£419 = £20.95	£377 = £18.85 per visit	£379 = £18.50 per visit	£585 = £29.25 per visit
	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆	Check Prices 🡆

Airport Lounge Membership Comparison: Pros and Cons

When considering airport lounge membership it is important to consider the pros and cons of benefits.

Pros

• Airport lounge membership can offer better value than pay as you go access if you plan to use airport lounges more than 3 or 4 times a year
• All the membership schemes have a large number of lounges available for members to useoften with several lounges available at an airport
• Airport lounge membership offers you flexibility. You use an airport lounge if you want to and don’t if notor if you don’t have time
• DragonPass and Priority Pass both offer members the chance to prebook lounges for a small fee to guarantee entrywhich is handy if you are going to be travelling at peak times.
• LoungePair+ offers members the chance to carry over their pass if not used or have a refund.

Cons

• During busy periods some lounges may restrict access for airport lounge membersfocussing on those who have booked direct. Using the prebooking available will help to avoid this.

✅ Final Verdict: Which Airport Lounge Membership Should You Choose?

If you’re flying more than 2–3 times a yearthe best all-round choice is:

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🏆 Priority Pass – Best Lounge Membership for Frequent Travelers

• 🌍 Access 1,300+ lounges in 600+ cities
• 💼 Choose from 3 flexible membership tiers
• 📱 Digital lounge entry via app
• 🧘 Enjoy free fooddrinksWi-Fishowers & more
• 🤑 Easily pays for itself in just a few trips

🟢 Click here to view current Priority Pass membership deals
✈️ Join over 4 Million travellers who skip the stress and start their trips in comfort.

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🟡 Alternatives (If Priority Pass Isn’t Right for You)

• DragonPass: Slightly fewer lounges but offers some restaurant discounts
• LoungePair+: Best for occasional flyers who want discounted lounge access without an annual commitment
• Holiday Extras Lounge Access: 10% off one-time lounge passes – no membership needed

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💼 Bonus Airport Travel Perks

You can also upgrade your journey with:

• 🚗 Up to 25% Off Airport Parking
• 🏨 10% Off Airport Hotels (with or without parking)
• ⏩ 10% Off Fast Track Security
• 🚐 10% Off Airport Transfers
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance with lounge perks

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Airport Lounge Membership Comparison FAQs

Airport Lounge Membership Comparison Video

• Are Airport Lounges Worth It? – Here’s How to Work It Out
• Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – compare the schemes to find the best one for you
• Airport Lounge Pass vs PAYG Access – Which is Better?
• Cheap Airport Lounges – Find Your Best Deal Quickly

You can find lots more information on my Airport Lounges page

Further Reading