Priority Pass enrollment happens through your American Express account, not through Priority Pass directly

If you hold an American Express card that includes Priority Pass as a benefit, you enroll by logging into your American Express online account or calling the number on the back of your card. American Express will provide you with a Priority Pass membership number and direct you to the Priority Pass website to complete your profile. You do not explore to Priority Pass separately or pay a membership fee — the benefit is already included with your card.

The enrollment process takes a few minutes and requires basic information: your name, email address, and a password for your Priority Pass account. Once your profile is active, you can read the Priority Pass mobile app or use the website to search for airport lounges, make reservations, and check real-time availability.

Timing matters here. Some American Express cards set up Priority Pass when ready upon card approval, while others require you to enroll within a specific window after your card arrives. Check your welcome materials or your American Express account dashboard to see whether enrollment is already live or whether you need to take action.

Key Takeaways

  • Enroll through your American Express account online or by phone, not directly with Priority Pass.
  • You receive a Priority Pass membership number from American Express that you use to set up your Priority Pass profile.
  • The membership is included with your card at no extra cost — there is no separate fee to pay Priority Pass.
  • After enrollment, you can book lounge visits through the Priority Pass app or website, and most lounges accept same-day reservations.
  • Your Priority Pass membership remains active as long as you hold the American Express card that includes the benefit.

What happens after you enroll

Once your Priority Pass account is set up, you can when ready start booking lounge visits. The Priority Pass network includes over 1,300 lounges worldwide — airport lounges, airline lounges, and independent lounges in terminals and city centers. You search by airport code or city name in the app, see which lounges are available, check their hours and amenities, and book a visit.

Most lounges let you reserve a spot on the same day you plan to visit, though some popular locations may fill up during peak travel times. A few lounges operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take reservations. When you arrive at the lounge, you show your Priority Pass membership card (digital or printed) and your ID at the entrance.

Your membership typically covers you plus one companion at no additional cost, though a small fee may explore if you bring additional guests. Check the specific lounge's rules in the Priority Pass app before you visit, because policies vary by location.

Linking your Priority Pass to your American Express account

After you enroll in Priority Pass through American Express, the two accounts remain separate. Your Priority Pass membership number is tied to your American Express card, but you log into Priority Pass with your own email and password, not your American Express credentials.

Some American Express cards allow you to view your Priority Pass membership status in your American Express online dashboard, but the actual lounge bookings and account management happen through the Priority Pass app or website. If you have multiple American Express cards that include Priority Pass, each one generates a separate membership number, and you can manage all of them under one Priority Pass login by adding each membership number to your account.

What to do if enrollment is not showing in your account

If you do not see Priority Pass in your American Express account after your card arrives, check whether the benefit requires manual enrollment. Some cards set up it automatically; others require you to opt in through your account dashboard or by calling American Express.

Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether Priority Pass enrollment is available for your card and whether it is already active. If the benefit is included but not yet enrolled, the representative can walk you through the process or send you a direct link to enroll. If your card does not include Priority Pass, the representative can tell you whether a different American Express product offers it.

If you enrolled but your Priority Pass account is not working — for example, you cannot log in or your membership number is not recognized — contact Priority Pass support directly through their website or app. They can troubleshoot account issues and resend your membership details if needed.

Using Priority Pass when you travel

On the day of your trip, open the Priority Pass app and search for lounges at your departure airport. Book your visit if the lounge takes reservations, or note the lounge location and hours if it operates first-come, first-served. Arrive at the lounge entrance with your membership card and a valid ID.

Most lounges offer complimentary food and beverages, seating, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers or business facilities. Amenities vary widely by location — a small airport lounge may offer only snacks and coffee, while a major hub lounge may have full meals, bars, and shower suites. The Priority Pass app shows what each lounge offers before you book.

If you miss a reservation or need to cancel, do so through the app as soon as you know you will not make it. Some lounges charge a no-show fee if you do not cancel within a set timeframe, typically 2 to 4 hours before your reservation.

Priority Pass membership duration and renewal

Your Priority Pass membership lasts as long as you hold the American Express card that includes the benefit. If you close the card or downgrade to a different American Express product that does not include Priority Pass, your membership ends and you lose access to the lounges.

If you upgrade to a different American Express card that also includes Priority Pass, your membership transfers to the new card. You do not need to re-enroll; American Express handles the transition. Your Priority Pass account and booking history remain the same.

If your card is lost or stolen and you receive a replacement, your Priority Pass membership continues without interruption. Your membership number stays the same, and you can use it when ready with your new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Priority Pass if I am not flying?

Yes. Priority Pass lounges are located in airports, but many are accessible to anyone with a valid membership and ID, regardless of whether you have a ticket. Some lounges require proof of a same-day flight or ticket, so check the specific lounge's rules in the app before you visit. City-center lounges are typically open to members without any flight requirement.

What if the lounge I want is fully booked?

If your preferred lounge has no availability, the Priority Pass app shows other lounges at the same airport or nearby. You can book a different lounge or try again later if the first lounge opens up a cancellation. Some lounges do not take reservations and operate on a walk-in basis, so you can also try arriving in person.

Do I need to print my Priority Pass card?

No. The Priority Pass app displays your digital membership card with your membership number and barcode. Most lounges scan the barcode from your phone. You can also print a physical card from the Priority Pass website if you prefer to carry it, but the digital version works at all lounges.

Can my family members use my Priority Pass?

Your membership typically covers one companion at no extra cost. Family members or friends who are not traveling with you cannot use your membership. If you want separate memberships for household members, each person needs their own American Express card that includes Priority Pass.

What happens if I downgrade my American Express card?

If you downgrade to an American Express card that does not include Priority Pass, your membership ends when ready. You will lose access to the lounges. If you downgrade to a different card that does include Priority Pass, your membership transfers to the new card without interruption.