While major airlines have co-branded credit cards that include access to their premium airport lounges, general travel credit cards tend to offer Priority Pass airport lounge membership instead. This membership lets individuals enter more than 1,500 airport lounges in airports around the world regardless of which airline they’re flying that day. That makes Priority Pass more flexible than airline lounge memberships that only let you enter lounges when you’re flying with that specific airline or its partners. There are also more Priority Pass airport lounges than any other type of lounge membership in the world, which is part of the reason it has a retail value as much as $469 at the time of this writing.
Another interesting feature of Priority Pass is the fact that not all of its included lounges are airport lounges at all. The membership platform also includes some non-lounge options like Minute Suites, as well as a range of airport restaurant, cafe and market perks you can enjoy with a Priority Pass membership.
card_name dropping restaurant access
Unfortunately, major credit card brands have slowly dropped Priority Pass restaurant perks from their suite of benefits. It started with American Express excluding restaurants from its membership with card_name, and Capital One did the same for the card_name.
Now, rewards enthusiasts are expecting another blow to the Priority Pass Select membership that is offered with travel credit cards. Starting on July 1, 2024, the card_name is cutting Priority Pass restaurant perks from its membership.
This is a huge shame since Priority Pass restaurants have been such an incredible deal for members. Take the Corona Beach House at Miami International Airport (MIA) as an example of the value this access offered in the past. Priority Pass members have long been able to enter this restaurant with membership from the card_name and get $30 off their bill for themselves and up to two guests, with gratuity automatically factored in. This means a party of three could get $90 off food and drinks at the restaurant, potentially even leaving the meal with $0 owed.
Is the card_name still worth it?
With Priority Pass restaurant perks being removed for the card_name, you may be wondering if the card is still worth it. While the value of this card varies widely from person to person and those who use Priority Pass restaurants the most are bound to be hurt by this loss, we still believe the card_name presents excellent value.
A annual_fees annual fee is required for the card_name, but cardholders automatically get a $300 annual travel credit that applies to any travel purchases charged to the card. Members also get a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership every four years (worth up to $100), and they get 50% more value for rewards when redeeming points for travel through Chase.
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Of course, new customers can also earn a generous sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards for each dollar they spend, which can be worth hundreds of dollars (and potentially more) each year. The card_name also offers a generous selection of travel insurance including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
Also remember that Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to a range of airlines and hotels at a 1:1 ratio, which can make them more valuable overall. For example, you can turn your Chase points into points or miles with programs like British Airways, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Southwest Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus.
On top of that, the card_name will still offer Priority Pass Select membership which includes entry into over 1,400 airport lounges. Lounges definitely vary in quality and in the food and drink you receive, but most frequent Priority Pass users would agree having access to these lounges is still worth it. You may get little more than snacks and basic drinks at some lounges, but others have generous buffets, open bars and even made-to-order meals. At the very least, you’ll get something to snack on, a comfortable place to sit, and free internet access while you wait for your next flight to depart.
The bottom line
While the card_name dropping benefit access to Priority Pass restaurants is bad news, it’s not the end of the world. The card still offers plenty of value for consumers who want to earn rewards that transfer to airlines and hotels and get perks like airport lounge membership along the way.
Also, remember that you can pay for Priority Pass membership which includes restaurant benefits once offered by the Reserve® card. If you frequently depart from an airport that offers Priority Pass restaurant benefits and you like to have a nice meal before you fly every time, paying for this membership could be worth it. Otherwise, the Priority Pass Select membership benefits you’ll continue to receive for being a card_name cardholder are still very valuable.
