Traveling can be stressful, but having access to an airport lounge can transform your journey into a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. If you're an American Express cardmember, especially with a premium card like The Platinum Card®, you likely have access to Priority Pass Select membership, a fantastic benefit that unlocks a world of comfort. But how exactly do you activate this valuable perk? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide!
Ready to elevate your travel experience?
Before we begin, ask yourself: Are you tired of chaotic airport terminals, uncomfortable seats, and expensive, mediocre food? If you answered "yes," then activating your Priority Pass American Express membership is your ticket to a more serene and enjoyable pre-flight (or even post-flight!) experience.
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| How To Activate Priority Pass American Express |
The Ultimate Guide: How to Activate Priority Pass American Express
Activating your Priority Pass Select membership through American Express is a straightforward process, but it requires a few specific steps to ensure you're fully enrolled and ready to enjoy lounge access.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Understand the Benefit
First things first, let's make sure you're eligible! Not all American Express cards offer Priority Pass Select as a benefit. Generally, this perk is associated with premium cards.
Sub-heading: Which American Express Cards Offer Priority Pass?
The most common American Express cards that offer a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership include:
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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American Express Business Platinum Card®
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American Express Centurion® Card
It's crucial to verify your specific card's benefits. You can do this by:
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Checking your American Express card benefits guide: This usually comes with your card or can be found on the American Express website by logging into your account.
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Calling American Express customer service: The number is usually on the back of your card. A quick call can confirm your eligibility and clarify any specific details about your Priority Pass benefit, including guest policies and any associated fees for additional guests.
Sub-heading: What is Priority Pass Select?
It's important to understand that the Priority Pass membership offered through American Express is typically "Priority Pass Select." While similar to a direct Priority Pass membership, there might be subtle differences in terms and conditions, especially regarding restaurant credits or other non-lounge experiences. Always refer to the American Express-specific Priority Pass terms for the most accurate information.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Step 2: Initiate the Enrollment Process via American Express
Unlike some other credit card benefits that are automatically activated, Priority Pass Select often requires an active enrollment. You won't simply be able to show your American Express card at a lounge.
Sub-heading: Online Enrollment (Recommended)
This is often the quickest and most convenient method.
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Log in to your American Express online account: Go to the official American Express website (e.g., americanexpress.com).
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Navigate to the "Benefits" or "Rewards" section: Once logged in, look for a section dedicated to your card's benefits. This might be labeled "Card Benefits," "Membership Benefits," or something similar.
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Locate the Priority Pass Benefit: Scroll through the list of benefits until you find the "Priority Pass Select" or "Airport Lounge Access" section.
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Click "Enroll" or "Activate Now": There will typically be a clear link or button to initiate the enrollment process. You may be redirected to a specific American Express page for Priority Pass enrollment.
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Provide necessary information: You might be asked to confirm your personal details and American Express card number. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
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Submit your enrollment: After reviewing the details, submit your request. You should receive a confirmation message.
Sub-heading: Phone Enrollment (Alternative)
If you prefer to speak with someone or encounter issues online, you can always enroll by phone.
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Call the American Express customer service number: This number is typically found on the back of your American Express card. For Platinum Card members, there might be a dedicated "Travel Service" line.
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Inform the representative you wish to enroll in Priority Pass Select: They will guide you through the process, ask for your card details, and confirm your enrollment.
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Request your Priority Pass membership number (optional but recommended): While your physical card will be mailed, asking for your membership number during the call can sometimes allow you to create your digital card sooner (see Step 4).
Step 3: Await Your Priority Pass Membership Package
Once you've successfully enrolled, Priority Pass will process your request.
Sub-heading: What to Expect in the Mail
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The physical Priority Pass card: This is a dedicated card specifically for Priority Pass lounge access. It will have your name and a unique membership number.
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Welcome packet/Membership guide: This will include important information about your membership, including the Conditions of Use, a directory of lounges, and instructions on how to use your membership.
Processing and delivery times can vary, but generally, you can expect to receive your physical Priority Pass card within 4 to 6 weeks. Plan ahead if you have upcoming travel!
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Step 4: Activate Your Priority Pass Online Account and Digital Card
Even before your physical card arrives, you can often activate your online Priority Pass account and access a digital membership card, which is incredibly useful for immediate lounge access.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your Online Account
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Visit the Priority Pass activation website: Go to
prioritypass.com/activationorprioritypass.com/amexrewards(if you received a special code from Amex Membership Rewards). -
Enter your Priority Pass membership number: This is the key piece of information. If you received it via email from Amex or during your phone enrollment, use it here. If not, you'll need to wait for your physical card to arrive to get this number.
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Enter your Validation Code/Web PIN (if applicable): Some programs require a validation code, which is usually the last few digits of your American Express card or a specific code provided by Amex.
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Create your Username and Password: Follow the prompts to set up your login credentials for the Priority Pass website and app.
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Complete your profile: You may be asked to provide an email address, choose a security question, and accept the Membership Declaration.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Digital Membership Card
Once your online account is created and activated:
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Download the Priority Pass mobile app: Search for "Priority Pass" in your smartphone's app store (iOS or Android).
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Log in to the app: Use the username and password you just created.
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Locate your Digital Membership Card: Within the app, there will be a section (often under "My Account" or "Membership") where you can view your digital card. This usually displays a QR code or barcode along with your membership number.
The digital card is incredibly convenient as it means you don't have to carry your physical card everywhere. However, some lounges may still prefer or require the physical card, so it's always wise to carry both if possible, especially for your first few visits.
Step 5: Start Enjoying Your Lounge Access!
Congratulations! You're now ready to experience the benefits of Priority Pass Select.
Sub-heading: How to Use Your Membership at the Airport
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Find a participating lounge: Use the Priority Pass website or, even better, the Priority Pass app to locate lounges at your departure, transit, or arrival airport. The app provides up-to-date information on lounge locations, hours, amenities, and guest policies.
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Present your membership: At the lounge reception, present your physical Priority Pass card or your Digital Membership Card (from the app) along with your same-day boarding pass and a government-issued ID.
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Sign the Record of Visit Voucher: You may be asked to sign a voucher to confirm your visit and any accompanying guests. This is how Priority Pass tracks your usage.
Sub-heading: Key Things to Remember
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Guest policy: Your American Express Priority Pass Select membership typically includes complimentary access for the primary cardmember and one complimentary guest. Any additional guests are usually charged a per-visit fee (e.g., US$32-$35 per guest), which will be billed to your American Express card. Always confirm your specific guest policy.
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Lounge capacity: Lounge access is subject to availability. During peak travel times, lounges can become crowded, and entry might be denied if the lounge is at capacity.
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Lounge rules: Each lounge has its own set of rules and amenities. Be mindful of quiet areas, dress codes (if any), and policies on children.
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Other benefits: Beyond lounges, some Priority Pass memberships or specific lounges offer restaurant credits, spa services, or minute suites. Check the Priority Pass app for details at your chosen airport.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about activating and using Priority Pass with American Express, with quick answers:
How to enroll in Priority Pass with American Express?
You typically enroll online through your American Express account's "Benefits" section or by calling American Express customer service.
How to get my Priority Pass membership number before the physical card arrives?
If you enroll by phone, you can often ask the American Express representative for your Priority Pass membership number. Some American Express accounts may also display it online after enrollment.
How to use the Priority Pass Digital Membership Card?
Download the Priority Pass app, log in with your created credentials, and your digital card (often a QR code or barcode) will be accessible within the app for lounge entry.
How to know if my American Express card includes Priority Pass?
Check your American Express card's benefits guide on their website or call customer service to confirm if your specific card offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.
How to add an authorized user to my Priority Pass membership?
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Authorized users on eligible American Express cards usually need to enroll separately for their own Priority Pass Select membership by calling American Express customer service or following specific online instructions.
How to find participating Priority Pass lounges?
Use the Priority Pass website or, ideally, the Priority Pass mobile app. The app provides a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of lounges by airport and terminal.
How to check my Priority Pass visit history?
Once your online account is activated, you can log in to the Priority Pass website or app to view your personal lounge visit history.
How to know the guest policy for my Priority Pass American Express?
Your American Express Priority Pass Select typically allows one complimentary guest per visit. Always confirm the exact policy on the American Express website or by calling their customer service.
How to deal with a lost or stolen Priority Pass card?
Contact Priority Pass directly to report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement. You may also inform American Express.
How to renew my Priority Pass American Express membership?
As long as your eligible American Express card account remains open and in good standing, your Priority Pass Select membership generally renews automatically each year. There's usually no separate action required on your part.
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