Summary
Admittedly, this approach may seem straightforward and does not require any complicated travel techniques or elaborate strategies.
While the action itself is relatively simple, the financial aspects regarding the most savvy and effective means to execute it might not be immediately apparent.
This realization prompted me to document this article because once you take the time to reflect on it, it begins to clarify.
Finding Comfort When You Travel
Essentially, this discussion revolves around airport lounges. These lounges generally provide a more comfortable environment, offering beverages (including alcoholic options), meals, showers, internet access, magazines, and various other amenities (some even feature sleep pods and massage facilities) that enhance your transit experience.
We began purchasing lounge access on occasion—considering the cost of an average meal (complete with dessert and beverages) often equated to the expenses incurred at typical airport restaurants. Notably, the lounges provide a far more comfortable experience with no restrictions on food or drink consumption!
Given the frequency of our travels, we were not aware of this excellent option for unlimited airport lounge access worldwide until a trip to Japan and South Korea with our group of friends.
Initially, our journeys took us to different countries (some traveled to the Basque Country while others ventured to China), before we met up in Seoul and continued to Tokyo. While en route to Tokyo, our friends suggested we all check into the lounge at the airport for free, leading to a moment of realization.
Considering it was a brief flight between Seoul and Tokyo (a little over two hours, if I remember correctly), and we were traveling on Economy tickets with no lounge access, I found myself pondering this situation. They then introduced us to Priority Pass—a card providing lounge access worldwide.
Identifying the Problem
Upon reviewing the Priority Pass website in detail, I discovered that accessing Priority Pass is not complimentary; it entails a financial commitment to obtain significant value.
The pay-as-you-go plan was the most economical, but it required a fee each time you visited. Although the fee charged is discounted, it still felt less advantageous. Moreover, this option did not permit complimentary guest access—charges applied each time guests accompanied you.
Then there was the intermediate level, priced higher, allowing ten free visits per year, reverting you to the pay-as-you-go level thereafter. Guests remained charged even within the ten visits, which felt inadequate value-wise.
The highest tier, nearly double the cost of the previous option, offered limitless lounge access for an entire year with no entry fee but still required payment for guests. Although this seemed a more reasonable arrangement, during our time in Tokyo, my friends managed to grant us all lounge access at no cost, highlighting that their Priority Pass card undoubtedly provided superior value.
Offering a Solution
Curious about how they managed to secure complimentary lounge access for everyone, my friends elaborated further.
Instead of directly approaching Priority Pass, they obtained an American Express (Amex) Platinum Card, which does incur a fee but offers an impressive Priority Pass that includes access for you and one companion (2-for-1)—both of which also permit free guest access throughout the year.
With just a single Amex Platinum Card, you gain access to airport lounges globally, allowing up to four individuals to enter! (You can utilize this access in Departures, In-Transits, and when Arriving—essentially anytime you’re at the airport).
Moreover, there are numerous additional benefits associated with having the Amex card, and you effectively receive cashback on all your expenditures (*I believe that you would spend that money regardless, so one might as well acquire some rewards from it).
Amex cardholders receive perks like discounted VIP tickets for events such as Coachella and Glastonbury! Not to mention various discounts on a wide range of services and products (I’ve availed myself of discounts using this card, often without realizing it until after completing a booking and find it was less than the original price 😆).
Initially, I applied for the Amex card primarily for lounge access; however, the additional benefits alone are undeniably worthwhile!
Importantly, there is a fee for the Amex Platinum Card (as previously mentioned). It is not complimentary!
However, securing the Amex card proves more cost-effective than if the two of us were to acquire individual Priority Pass cards (as the unlimited Priority Pass comes included without extra charge upon obtaining the Amex Platinum Card). This is significantly more economical than if we needed to pay for any guests (which would incur additional fees if we approached Priority Pass directly).
From a financial perspective, it made perfect sense to invest the funds that we would have expended on Priority Pass towards obtaining the Amex card!
The best aspect—after a year of usage, the cashback I received from regular daily expenditures (which I would not have gained otherwise) more than covered the fee for the Amex card multiple times, effectively making both the Amex, Priority Pass, and extra perks not only cost-neutral but actually profitable!
The Optimal Approach
You could choose to sign up directly; however, you can accrue numerous points if you utilize a referral link (equating to convertible cash as soon as the points are awarded). Currently, it appears to be approximately 35,000 points—which is significant!
I enrolled using my friend’s referral link, so if you have acquaintances or family members who already possess the Amex Platinum Card (it must be the Platinum version since it carries the associated benefits), you can leverage their referral link for mutual benefits in terms of accrued points.
If an acquaintance with whom to share a referral link is unavailable, do not fret—I’ve got you covered! 😁 You are welcome to use my referral link here to sign up, allowing both you and me to benefit from ‘referral’ points. (Rest assured; you’ll still receive your full 35,000 points 😃).
For full transparency, I must mention that I possess no vested interest in Amex or Priority Pass. I merely discovered that, due to the extensive amount of traveling we engage in, having comprehensive lounge access around the globe has proven to be transformative.
I have intended to compose this article for a while but kept postponing it until this moment, particularly as I embark on the second year of the Amex card and have gained significantly more insight into its benefits following one year’s utilization!
If you choose to sign up or currently hold the card, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 😀
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