Priority Pass Australia 2026 Guide & How To Get It Free

Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge access program, giving members access to 1,900+ lounges in 143 countries and 600+ cities. You can buy a Priority Pass membership from US$99 per year, but the cheaper option for most Australians is a credit card that includes Priority Pass for free.

There are currently 13 Priority Pass lounges in Australia, plus 26 restaurant and eatery locations where you can claim a $36 food and drink credit per visit.

If you fly economy and don't hold airline status, Priority Pass is one of the simplest ways into a lounge. I have personally used Priority Pass lounges in over 46 locations (since 2019!) spanning some 20+ countries and across every major Australian airport. Here’s what works, what doesn't, and the cheapest ways to get Priority Pass.

What Is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is an independent lounge membership program. Unlike Qantas Club or Virgin Australia lounge membership, it isn't tied to a single airline. You can walk into a Priority Pass lounge no matter who you're flying with, what class you're in, or whether you have frequent flyer status.

You simply arrive at a participating lounge, show your Priority Pass card (physical or digital via the app) along with your boarding pass, and you're in. That's it. No need to be flying business class ot hold Gold status with anyone.

The lounges themselves are run by independent operators like Plaza Premium, No1 Lounges, and Aspire. This means the quality varies quite a bit from airport to airport. Some Priority Pass lounges are excellent, while others are... let's just say they get the job done.

Priority Pass offers global airport lounge access

One thing to know upfront: lounge access is subject to availability. During peak times, some lounges hit capacity and will turn Priority Pass members away. It doesn't happen often in Australia, but it's worth flagging, particularly at busy international hubs like Singapore and London Heathrow.

Priority Pass was founded back in 1992, so they've been at this for over 30 years. The network has grown significantly over the past few years, particularly the restaurant and eatery program in Australia. When I first started using Priority Pass around 2017, there were barely any eatery options at Australian airports. Now there are 22 venues, and the $36 credit means you can grab a proper meal and a drink at a sit-down restaurant instead of queuing at a food court. For economy travellers, that's a genuinely useful perk.

Plaza Premium membership tiers

Priority Pass Membership Plans & Pricing (2026)

If you prefer to buy Priority Pass directly rather than getting it through a credit card, here are the three membership tiers. Priority Pass memberships are priced in USD.

Standard only makes sense if you visit 1-2 lounges per year, while Standard Plus is the sweet spot for most travellers. If you use all 10 visits, this works out to US$32.90 per visit. Prestige becomes better value once you hit about 14 visits per year.

Pro tip: Priority Pass regularly runs sales, particularly around Black Friday. I've seen discounts of up to 30% on Standard Plus and Prestige memberships. If you can wait for a sale, you'll save a decent chunk. You may also be better off buying one off lounge passes from services such as LoungeDeal which can sometimes work out cheaper.

How To Get Priority Pass For Free In Australia

Let's be honest: "free" is relative. You'll always pay something, whether that's a credit card annual fee or a direct membership cost. But here are some of most cost-effective paths to Priority Pass access in Australia, ranked from cheapest to most expensive.

1. St.George / BankSA / Bank of Melbourne Amplify Signature ($295/year). Two free Priority Pass visits per year, including eateries. If you only need occasional access, this is the lowest annual fee option.
2. Westpac Altitude Black ($370/year). Same deal as the Amplify Signature cards but with a higher annual fee.
3. American Express Platinum ($1,450/year). Unlimited Priority Pass access (no eateries), plus Virgin Australia lounges, Centurion Lounges, hotel status, $450 travel credit, and solid travel insurance.
4. American Express Platinum Business ($1,750/year). Same unlimited Priority Pass access, geared towards business spending
5. Buy a Priority Pass membership directly at US$469 (~675 AUD) for unlimited access.

Which Australian Credit Cards Include Priority Pass?

For most Australians, the smartest way to get Priority Pass is through a credit card that includes it as a perk. Here's every Australian credit card that currently offers Priority Pass membership.

Unlimited Priority Pass Access Cards

My pick for most travellers: The Amex Platinum is hard to beat here. Yes, the annual fee is steep, but you get unlimited Priority Pass access, Virgin Australia lounge access on domestic flights, Centurion Lounge access in Sydney and Melbourne, plus a $450 travel credit, $400 in dining credits, hotel status with Marriott and Hilton, and travel insurance. When you stack up all the benefits, the effective cost of the card drops significantly.

The Amex Platinum Business ($1,750/year) is the option for business owners. The perks here are slightly different, but if you're the one doing most of the travelling, the unlimited access is identical, and the card earns points on business spending.

Restricted Priority Pass Access Cards

Important detail on the Westpac Group cards: The St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, and Westpac Altitude Black cards only include Priority Pass if you opt into the Amplify Rewards or Altitude Rewards program. If you choose the Qantas or Velocity rewards variant instead, you get Qantas Club or Virgin Australia lounge passes instead of Priority Pass.

Priority Pass vs Qantas Club: Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions I get from readers, and the answer depends entirely on how you travel.

My take: If you fly Qantas domestically most of the time, Qantas Club membership makes more sense for domestic trips. But if you fly internationally more than a couple of times per year, or if you fly with a mix of airlines, Priority Pass wins hands down. The ideal setup? An Amex Platinum card that gives you both Priority Pass and Virgin Australia lounge access. That way you're covered domestically (Virgin) and internationally (Priority Pass). It's the combo I personally use.

Qantas Club lounges aren't the best, but they get the job done

Every Priority Pass Lounge In Australia

Let's get into the good stuff. Here is every Priority Pass lounge currently available in Australia, broken down by city. I've included terminal locations and a few notes from my own visits where relevant.

Sydney (Kingsford Smith)

Sydney has the best Priority Pass coverage of any Australian city, with four lounges and five eatery locations.

Lounges:

• The House, T1 International: Operated by Aspire and probably the nicest Priority Pass lounge in Australia, despite often being crowded. A-la-carte dining, a serviced bar, barista coffee, and shower suites with L'Occitane products. There is an additional AUD$20 surcharge per person for premium services. (Open 05:00-22:00)
• Plaza Premium Lounge International Departures, T1: Small but solid all-rounder with hot buffet, bar, and comfortable seating. (Open 06:00-22:00)
• Plaza Premium Lounge International Arrivals, T1: Handy if you've just landed and need to freshen up or grab a coffee before heading into the city. It’s also attatched to an Aerotel if you want to book a nap room. (Open 06:00-20:00)
• REX Lounge, T2 Domestic: Small but functional, and recently renovated. Wi-Fi, basic snacks, beer and wine from 3pm, and massage chairs. (Open 05:30-19:00)

Eateries (AUD$36 credit per person): Peroni Bar (T1), Bistro Bar 2020 (T2), The Fat Yak (T2), Luke's Bistro & Bar (T3).

Melbourne

Melbourne matches Sydney in terms of variety, with four lounges and eight eatery locations across all four terminals.

Lounges:

• Plaza Premium Lounge, T2 International: Located in the basement with no windows, but don't let that put you off. The food is good, with both a buffet and a-la-carte options. Great range of beverages and barista coffee. (Open 08:30-23:59)
• Aspire Lounge, T2 International: Similar setup to the Sydney location. A-la-carte dining and a serviced bar. (Open 07:00-23:59)
• Marhaba Lounge, T2 International: A solid option with Middle Eastern-inspired food and comfortable seating. (Open 05:00-23:00)
• REX Lounge, T4 Domestic: A basic self-serve setup in the basement. Worth noting it's a fair walk from most Virgin Australia gates in T3, so allow extra time. (Open 06:00-19:00)

Eateries (AUD$36 credit per person): Little Lygon (T1), Urban Provodore (T2), Cafe Sol (T2), Pickett's Deli & Rotisserie (T2), Bar Pulpo by MoVida (T2), Quickshots (T4), Stomping Ground (T3), Biggie Smalls (T3).

Use Priority Pass to access Melbourne's Marhaba Lounge

Brisbane

Brisbane has two lounges and four eatery locations (all four eateries are in the domestic terminal). If you fly out of Brisbane regularly, the eatery program is where Priority Pass really shines here.

• Escape Lounges, International Terminal: A newer addition with a relaxed atmosphere and decent food and beverage options. (Open 06:00-23:59)
• Plaza Premium Lounge, International Terminal: One of the better Plaza Premium offerings in Australia. Hot food, drinks, showers, and comfortable seating. Currently being renovated.

Eateries (AUD$36 credit per person): The Independent, Graze Grill & Bar, The Common, Mezze Za Za (all Domestic Terminal).

Adelaide

Adelaide has three lounges and two eateries, all in Terminal 1.

• Plaza Premium Lounge (International): Solid food and a comfortable space. (Open 07:00-12:00)
• Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic): Australia’s first domestic Plaza Premium. Small but great food options. (Open 05:00-20:00)
• REX Lounge, T1 Domestic: Pretty average REX setup with snacks, Wi-Fi, and drinks. (Open 05:00-19:00)

Eateries: Coopers Alehouse (T1) and Pantry (T1).

Plaza Premium's new Adelaide domestic lounge

Perth

Perth gets the short end of the stick when it comes to Priority Pass lounges, which, as a Perth local, I find personally offensive.

• Aspire Lounge, T1 International: Decent enough for what it is, but has great views. Food options are basic but functional. (Open 04:00-02:00)

Eateries: Coffee Quarter (T4) and Hatchery Collective Bar & Grill (T4).

Other Australian Airports

Priority Pass also has eatery locations (no lounges) at several regional airports:

• Canberra: 3 eateries — Capital Brewing Co Taphouse, City Hill Coffee, Noodles XO
• Gold Coast: 2 eateries — The Sand Bar, Wollumbin
• Townsville: 1 eatery — Castle Hill Cafe

Priority Pass Eateries In Australia

This is one of the best-kept secrets about Priority Pass in Australia, and it's something our competitors don't explain well enough. Beyond traditional lounges, Priority Pass partners with 22 restaurants and bars across Australian airports. At each participating venue, you receive an AUD$36 credit per person to spend on food and drinks. Each $36 credit counts as one "visit" against your membership.

Here's where it gets good: if you're a Prestige member (unlimited visits), nothing stops you from visiting multiple eateries in the same terminal. So yes, you could technically grab a coffee at one spot and then have a full meal at another.

Important caveat: If you received your Priority Pass membership through an American Express card, you are not eligible for the restaurant and eatery benefit. This only applies to paid-up Priority Pass members and those with membership through the Westpac Group Amplify Signature cards (St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA) or the Westpac Altitude Black card. This is a common point of confusion, so make sure you check before rocking up to a restaurant expecting a free lunch.

How To Use Priority Pass At The Airport

1. Download the Priority Pass app on iOS and Android. Your digital membership card lives here.
2. Find your lounge. Open the app before you fly and search for your departure airport. The app shows all available lounges and eateries, plus directions, opening hours, and any conditions.
3. Present your card at the lounge entrance. Hand over your Priority Pass card (digital or physical) and your boarding pass for the same day. The lounge staff will swipe your card, and you're in!
4. Enjoy. Most lounges offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating as standard. Some have showers, nap pods, and business facilities.

Guest policy: All Priority Pass members can bring guests for US$35 per person per visit. Some credit card-linked memberships include one or more free guests. Children's policies vary by lounge; some admit kids free, others charge the full guest rate. Always check the app before you visit with the family.

The View Lounge in Brussels

Is Priority Pass Worth It?

The honest answer: it depends on how often you fly and which airports you use. Let me run through some real scenarios to help you figure it out.

Priority Pass is worth it if:

• You fly internationally 3+ times per year and want reliable lounge access
• You fly from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane and want to take advantage of the $36 eatery credits
• You already hold (or plan to get) an Amex Platinum card, where Priority Pass comes bundled with other benefits
• You fly with a mix of airlines and don't hold status with any particular carrier

Priority Pass might NOT be worth it if:

• You only fly domestically and already have Qantas Club or Virgin lounge access through airline status
• You fly from Perth (sorry, fellow Perth locals, but our options are limited to the Aspire Lounge and a couple of eateries)
• You hold Qantas Gold or higher, which already gets you into Qantas lounges

My Tips For Maximising Priority Pass in Australia

1. Use the eatery credits strategically. If you're flying from Sydney or Melbourne and have time, hit an eatery before you enter a lounge. You get $36 worth of food at the restaurant, then head to the lounge for drinks and snacks. You've just doubled your benefit from a single trip.
2. Check lounge reviews before you visit. Not all Priority Pass lounges are created equal. I use the PP app reviews and Google Maps to check recent photos and feedback before committing to a lounge.
3. Arrive early for The House lounges. The House in Sydney and Melbourne are popular and can fill up during evening departure peaks (typically 6-9pm). Arriving 30 minutes before the rush makes a big difference.
4. Don't forget about arrivals lounges. The Plaza Premium arrivals lounge at Sydney T1 is a hidden gem after a long-haul flight. A hot shower and a coffee before facing Sydney traffic? Yes please.
5. Stack Priority Pass with other lounge access. If you hold the Amex Platinum, you have Priority Pass, Virgin Australia lounge access, AND Centurion Lounge access. At Sydney T1, that gives you four different lounge options on an international departure.
6. Watch for Black Friday and seasonal sales. Priority Pass typically runs their biggest discount around Black Friday (late November). I've seen Standard Plus memberships drop to around US$230 and Prestige down to around US$320.
7. Eatery access depends on your card. The Amex Platinum excludes eateries from its Priority Pass benefit. If you want those $36 restaurant credits, you'll need a Westpac Group card with PP access or buy a Priority Pass membership directly. The Amplify Signature cards at just $149/year are an affordable way to access the eatery network.