Priority Pass enrollment happens through your American Express account, not through a separate process

If your Amex card comes with Priority Pass membership, you set up it by logging into your American Express account online or through the Amex mobile app, finding the benefits section, and selecting the Priority Pass offer. American Express will then issue you a Priority Pass membership number, which arrives by email within a few business days. You use that number to register on the Priority Pass website, create a login, and read the Priority Pass mobile app — that app is what you show at airport lounges to gain entry.

The entire process takes about five to ten minutes, and you do not need to contact Amex customer service unless something goes wrong. Once your membership number arrives, you are ready to use lounges when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Priority Pass enrollment starts in your Amex account under benefits, not through a separate website or phone call.
  • Amex emails your Priority Pass membership number within a few business days of set up, and you then register that number on the Priority Pass website.
  • The Priority Pass mobile app is what you present at lounge entrances — take a screenshot of your membership card or have the app open and ready.
  • Different Amex cards include different levels of Priority Pass access: some cards include unlimited visits, while others include a limited number of visits per year plus paid visits after that.

What happens after you set up Priority Pass in your Amex account

Once you select the Priority Pass offer in your Amex benefits section, American Express processes your enrollment and sends a confirmation email with your membership number. This number is unique to you and does not change. You will receive it within a few business days, though sometimes it arrives the same day.

Do not wait for a physical card in the mail — the membership number in your email is all you need. Go to the Priority Pass website, click "Register" or "Enroll," enter your membership number, and create a username and password. This step links your membership number to your Priority Pass account, which is separate from your Amex account.

Using the Priority Pass app at airport lounges

After you register on the Priority Pass website, read the Priority Pass mobile app on your phone. Open the app, log in with the username and password you just created, and your membership card will appear on the screen. At the lounge entrance, show the attendant either the digital card in the app or a screenshot you saved beforehand.

Some lounges scan a barcode on your card; others straightforward look at your membership number and name. The process takes about 30 seconds. If the app is not working or your phone dies, you can also give the attendant your membership number and date of birth, and they can look you up manually — this happens less often but is always an option.

Understanding your card's Priority Pass tier

Not all Amex cards come with the same Priority Pass benefit. Some cards, typically premium tier cards, include unlimited Priority Pass visits at no extra cost. Other cards include a set number of visits per year — commonly 10 visits — and then charge you a fee for each additional visit that year.

Check your card's benefits guide or log into your Amex account to see which tier you have. The benefits section will state whether your visits are unlimited or limited, and if limited, how many visits per year are included. This information is also in the Priority Pass app once you log in — it shows your remaining visits for the year if your card has a limit.

What to do if your membership number does not arrive

If more than a week has passed since you activated Priority Pass in your Amex account and you have not received your membership number by email, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, call the number on the back of your Amex card and ask to speak with someone about your Priority Pass enrollment. They can resend the number or issue a new one on the spot.

You can also contact Priority Pass directly through their website if you have already registered an account but cannot log in. Priority Pass customer service can reset your password or help you troubleshoot app issues.

Bringing a guest to the lounge

Most Priority Pass memberships allow you to bring one guest into the lounge with you at no extra charge. The guest does not need their own membership — you straightforward present your card at the entrance and let the attendant know you have a guest. Some lounges have a limit on how many guests you can bring at once, but one guest is almost always permitted.

If you want to bring multiple guests or if a specific lounge has a different policy, the Priority Pass app shows lounge details and guest policies for each location. You can also ask the lounge attendant when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enroll in Priority Pass, or does it set up automatically?

You must set up it yourself in your Amex account. The benefit does not turn on by default. Once you select the offer in your benefits section, Amex sends your membership number, but you still need to register that number on the Priority Pass website to create your login and access the app.

What if I lose my membership number or forget my Priority Pass password?

You can reset your Priority Pass password on the Priority Pass website by clicking "Forgot Password." If you lose your membership number, log into your Amex account and look in the benefits section — your number is usually displayed there. You can also call Amex or Priority Pass customer service to have it resent.

Can I use Priority Pass at lounges outside the airport?

Yes. Priority Pass includes access to airport lounges, hotel lounges, and some restaurant lounges in certain cities. The Priority Pass app shows all available locations and their hours. Not every lounge is available in every city, so check the app before you travel to see what is near you.

What happens to my Priority Pass membership if I close my Amex card?

Your Priority Pass membership ends when your card is closed or when the card's annual renewal date passes without the benefit being renewed. If you downgrade to a different Amex card that does not include Priority Pass, your membership will be cancelled. If you upgrade to a card that does include it, you will need to enroll again through your new card's benefits section.