Summer travel is in full swing, according to the FAA, which recently reported that it anticipates this summer to be the busiest in the last 15 years. With flight schedules up 4% compared to the previous year, travelers are preparing for packed terminals and long travel days. Summer travelers are getting away from the crowded and congested airport spaces and enjoying airport lounge access, such as with memberships like Priority Pass. Below, Jeremy Dalkoff, VP of Partnerships & Travel Experiences at Collinson Group, the operator of Priority Pass, shares his expert insights on why Priority Pass is a summer-travel must.
Evolving airport lounge access
As travel demand soars, Dalkoff says airport congestion is also growing. According to a recent Airport Dimensions survey, 66% of travelers say the airport has been crowded, with nearly a quarter (23%) open to paying for access to lounges and premium services. Priority Pass has adapted to meet these demands of travelers, expanding lounge footprints to accommodate higher passenger flow and creating multipurpose zones to support a range of traveler needs, including dining, rest, and work.
Additionally, Priority Pass has recently focused on expanding wellness offerings with additions like spa services, meditation rooms, and hydration stations to support a rising demand for wellness-focused travel. Healthier, locally inspired food options have also been of interest among travelers, as have options that support digital nomads and business travelers, such as high-speed WiFI and private work pods.
Why airport lounge access is a summer travel necessity
With air travel continuing to surge, Dalkoff says lounge access is not associated with luxury. Instead, lounges have become “An essential among travelers. According to the Airport Dimensions survey, 97% of program members wouldn’t give up lounge access if it were removed from their benefits, and nearly half would switch to a bank that provided lounge access. Travelers increasingly see lounge access as necessary for rest, recovery, and reliability in transit—and they’re willing to invest in these premium experiences.” Priority Pass members can now take advantage of even more benefits, such as a pre-book option that allows reservations at select lounge locations to ensure access during peak times.
Luxurious amenities worldwide
Elevating your summer travel also means taking advantage of the luxurious amenities offered at airport lounges. Priority Pass airport lounges are available at over 1,700 locations worldwide, from Lima, Peru, to Punta Cana in the DR. Some amenities offered include private cabins for sleeping in Lima, an outdoor pool in Punta Cana, and a space-themed lounge with shoe shine, nail service, and even golf car services in Mexico City.
In addition to luxurious amenities, many Priority Pass airport lounges are taking airport lounge experiences to the next level with location-specific themed experiences, such as a saxophone-shaped bar in Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and escale lounges in Portland International Airport (PDX), featuring regional artistic elements and a stunning view of Mount Hood. These unique airport lounge experiences connect travelers to destinations and help to create better travel memories and elevate the overall travel experience.
