The October 2009 edition of Conde’ Nast Traveler has a pretty good article on airport lounges. If you haven’t taken a look at October’s magazine yet, give the link a try. The article contains some useful information on various ways to secure lounge access, including hidden secrets Priority Pass and Lounge Pass (which I admittedly had not heard of). In addition to “how to get in” steps, the writers also visited a few lounges and provided a summary of their experiences.
One item of note, on page 68 of the magazine, the writers state that the American Express Platinum Card includes Priority Pass as a benefit. I believe the Platinum Business card does, but the personal card which I carry does not include Priority Pass. I understand (but have not verified) that some of the overseas personal Platinum cards may offer Priority Pass as a benefit as well, but the US card does not. (Edited to Add: Thanks to Gary for pointing out in reader comments that the Citibank issued Amex Platinum offers Priority Pass access as does the Hilton Surpass Amex.)
I’ve written before about the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card, and lounge access is just one. Depending on the airlines you fly, the lounge access benefits of that card can exceed the value of the $450 dollar annual fee making this card a compelling addition to many travelers’ wallets.
As a side note, I’ve added an “Airport Lounges” category to the blog, and will include details of my visits to various airport lounges from time to time. I hope you find the information useful.
Gary,
Thanks for posting this.
The Citibank-issued Amex Plat comes with Priority Pass. And the Hilton Amex Surpass does as well.
The ‘real’ American Express Platinum — both personal AND business — comes directly with negotiated access to American, Continental, and Delta lounges when flying same-day on that carriers metal.