Priority Pass is a worldwide airport lounge and dining program. Priority Pass is one of the largest programs worldwide, offering over 1,600 airport lounges and experiences. Typically, most people get access to the program through credit cards, but it can also be paid for separately. Priority Pass offers three different memberships:
|
membership |
Price (annual) |
Number of visits |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard (for occasional travelers) |
99$ |
$35 for each visit, none are free |
|
Standard Plus (for the frequent traveler) |
$329 |
Ten free visits, then $35 |
|
Prestigious |
$469 |
Unlimited free visits |
Since its founding in 1992, Priority Pass has expanded its presence to over 600 cities in 140 countries. Airport experiences include restaurants, spa services and even gaming areas. Although PP lounges are often crowded and many consider having airline status more important, membership is still an extremely valuable asset.
Priority Pass access in the US isn’t the best, but Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of the best. This article briefly covers all the lounges available to Priority Pass members at IAD. If you want a comprehensive guide to the lounges at Dulles, click here.
Air France – KLM
The Air France-KLM lounge is a perfect option for early risers who need a shower. Of course, there is more there, but since I flew in from São Paulo early in the morning, I used this lounge several times. Priority Pass is accepted in the lounge most of the day and there is a decent selection of food.
The Air France Lounge is located in Terminal A opposite Gate 22 and is open daily from 07:30 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00.
- Free WiFi
- Sockets
- Local and international newspapers in the Air France Play app
- Selection of hot and cold drinks
- Cold dishes and snacks for self-service
- Bear
- Workspace
- Relaxation area
- Shower
- Toilets
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse was recently re-added to PP access at IAD. Open from 8am to 6pm, the lounge offers:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Shower
- Drinks
- Eat
- TV
- Wi-Fi
- Free luggage storage
The lounge offers travelers a beautiful, open space to dine and relax before a flight. Also located in Terminal A, the Clubhouse offers incredible views of the apron as well as the main terminal and control tower.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic
The maximum length of stay in the lounge is three hours, and according to PP, access is only permitted to travellers with an outbound flight on the same day.
The Etihad Lounge
One of the newest options at IAD is the Etihad Lounge, recently opened in partnership with Chase. The Dulles Lounge was the second lounge to open this year, following JFK in January. Etihad previously had a lounge at Dulles, but has closed it.
The new two-story lounge is 485 square meters and open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Similar to the Chase lounges, the Etihad lounge offers freshly prepared food, ready-to-eat buffet-style meals, signature cocktails, as well as wine, coffee, tea and other beverages.
In addition to being accessible to Etihad premium passengers, the lounge is also open to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders for unlimited visits and two guests. Other cardholders (such as Priority Pass) are entitled to one Chase Lounge visit per year.
Other amenities at the Etihad Lounge include relaxation rooms and showers, which require reservations. There is also a family area near the bar with games and a space for children to run around.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
The Turkish Airlines Lounge is considered by many to be the best PP lounge in the US. Although the space is small, it is elegant and offers great food options. The lounge is located in the B Concourse near Gate 43 and is open daily from 7:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., but it is often full, so a waiting list is created.
Photo: melissamn | Shutterstock
As with the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, all guests on multi-day trips must present a boarding pass for the outbound flight. One of the unique features of the lounge at IAD is the prayer room.
Lufthansa Business Lounge
Lufthansa operates several lounges at Dulles, and the only one that has PP access is the Business Lounge. Although the space is open from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, PP notes that access may be limited between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. due to space constraints. The lounge offers luggage storage, internet access, and food. PP does not specify whether alcoholic beverages are offered in the lounge.
Photo: DCStockPhotography | Shutterstock
Additional experience at the IAD
The lounges mentioned above are the only ones accessible through Priority Pass, but as mentioned, PP is not limited to lounges. There is one participating restaurant in Concourse C, where United Airlines operates. Chef Goeff’s serves contemporary American cuisine with casual sophistication and generous hospitality.
The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and is located at Gate C14. Please note that access may be restricted for American Express and Capital One cardholders. In addition, Chef Geoff’s does not allow PP members to use the credit for takeaway orders.
Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying
Until last year, PP members had access to the British Airways Lounge in Hall B at Dulles. The airline has revoked PP access and now only passengers in premium cabins of British Airways, Iberia and other oneThe lounge can be used by airlines from all over the world as well as by airlines with Sapphire and Emerald status.
Passengers flying in premium cabins with Qatar Airways at Dulles Airport use the Turkish Airlines lounge.
