Priority Pass free via your card or paid out of pocket: how many lounges you need to visit to break even

The simple formula that shows when a lounge program is worth what it costs — and when you're paying an annual fee to use it twice a year

1. Priority Pass free via your card or paid out of pocket: how many lounges you need to visit to break even

   The simple formula that shows when a lounge program is worth what it costs — and when you're paying an annual fee to use it twice a year

2. 01.

   Priority Pass is the gold standard, with ~1,700 lounges in 145 countries.

3. 02.

   LoungeKey is Mastercard's leaner program with overlapping but smaller coverage.

4. 03.

   Annual fee divided by average lounge value gives your break-even point.

5. 04.

   In the US, premium cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) hit break-even at 4-7 visits/year.

6. 05.

   Companions rarely enter for free with most US cards except Chase Sapphire Reserve (+2 guests) and Capital One Venture X.

7. Continue lendo

   The simple formula that shows when a lounge program is worth what it costs — and when you're paying an annual fee to use it twice a year