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Dragon Pass vs. Priority Pass vs. Centurion Lounge vs. Lounge Key: Comparison and Verdict 2024

Dragon Pass vs. Priority Pass vs. Centurion Lounge vs. Lounge Key: Comparison and Verdict 2024

    Nowadays, when taking a flight, due to security check issues, you usually have to arrive at the airport two or three hours in advance.When you're bored in the restricted area waiting to board your flight, that's when the Airport lounge comes in handy. Airport lounges are waiting areas within airports that provide amenities for passengers who have access. They are usually closed off to the public and would require special access either by paying for a pass, privilege with your plane ticket or frequent flyer member status, or credit card privilege. Due to the Priority Pass, Lounge Pass, Centurion Lounge and Lounge Key offer similar services, it’s worth comparing different lounge options so that you can find one that suits your needs. Continue reading to discover which one wins!

Cover Photo:americanexpress.com

Dragon Pass Review

Founded in 2005, DragonPass is a one stop premium airport service provider where members can enjoy airport lounge access, enjoy dining discount in participating outlets and reserve Meet & Greet and Limousine service to enjoy a wholesome airport experience.The company offers access to more than 1,300 airport lounges in over 700 airports across more than 140 countries. 

Signing up for a Dragon Pass membership also gives you exclusive discounts of up to 25% at airport restaurants around the world, and you can receive personalised recommendations on which lounges and restaurants to visit based on your preferences and current location. Facilities within each airport lounge vary but often include refreshments, TV, complimentary internet access, showers and flight status updates.It does not matter whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, DragonPass offers a solution according to your choice and preferences.

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Source:dragonpass.com.cn

Membership

DragonPass offers both annual and pay-per-use plans. The annual plans provide unlimited access to DragonPass lounges and come in different categories:

Classic Membership: costs US$99 per year and gives you 1 free lounge visit. Thereafter, you can book a lounge visi at a reduced rate of US$35 per visit.

Preferential Membership: costs US$259 per year and gives you 8 free lounge visits. This plan is most popular among travelers.

Prestige Membership: costs US$429 per yearand gives you unlimited lounge access. Thus, if you travel time and again, you can think about getting this plan.

You can buy DragonPass Membership from dragonpass.com.cn! You can bring your guests into the lounge. Please do take note that you will need to have sufficient visit top up in your membership card as one visit will be deducted from it for each guest accessing the lounge.

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Source:dragonpass.com.cn

The pay-per-use option allows travelers to access DragonPass lounges on a spontaneous basis without the need for an annual membership. However, the type or the number of benefits may be different in this type of option.

If allowed, search for the lounge that you would like to visit and click on “Purchase Pass”. Fill in the visit date and the number of passes required. Follow the payment instructions to complete the purchase. Your Pass will be accessible by clicking the order in “My Order History”. You can only use the single lounge visit pass at the lounge that you have purchased the pass for. Your single lounge visit pass is valid for 90 days from the purchase date.

Benefits

You can get the following benefits with Dragon Pass:

  • Hardware facilities such as tea rooms, conference rooms, maternal and child rooms, etc.

  • Food, snacks, drinks, fruits and other catering packages;

  • Boarding reminders, convenient boarding and other services;

  • Functional facilities such as massage chairs and luggage lockers;

  • Copying, printing, scanning and other business facilities.

You can enjoy dining discounts of up to 25% and avail of premium airport transfer services at reducedrates. You can also enjoy access to meet & greet services ata global level.

Lounge list

Dragon pass lounges have an extensive global presence, including hubs in Americas(114 airports), Europe(215 airports), Asia(479 airports), Oceania(13 airports), Africa (62 airports). Check the full list of Dragon pass lounge locations!

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Source:dragonpass.com.cn

How do I Access DragonPass Lounges?

You'll need to present your membership at the airport lounge to be granted access. If you’ve used up all your free visits, you can purchase a single lounge pass or add additional visits to your membership in the app or via the website to access the lounge.

If you're buying single lounge passes rather than a membership, you’ll need to create an account with Dragon Pass, select your chosen airport and airport lounge, select how many passes you want, enter some personal details and then click through to pay. Your pass will be accessible by clicking the order in “My order history”, and it will be valid for 90 days. If you don’t use it, you can cancel your order and get a refund.

Priority Pass Review

Priority Pass, commonly referred to as PP Card, is the world's largest independent airport lounge service group. The company name is  Priority Pass (A.P.) Limited, with millions of members in more than 140 countries around the world. Priority Pass  has one and only one function, which is to use global airport lounge services.

Priority Pass has more than 1,500 VIP lounges at airports around the world (including cooperative and self-operated lounges), covering more than 600 cities in 140 countries. With a Priority Pass membership, you can enter a participating lounge regardless of the airline you’re flying, the class of your ticket, or your membership (or lack thereof) in any frequent flyer program. Services include: free WiFi, free drinks and snacks, smoking area, and even bathing facilities, beds and spa services, etc.

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Source:prioritypass.com

Membership

 Priority Pass offers 3 different plans of Priority Pass membership depending on your frequency of travel:

Standard Membership (For the occasional traveller): cost £69/€89/$99; Member and guest visit fee: £24/€30/$35.

Standard Plus Membership (For the regular traveller): cost £229/€289/$329; 10 complimentary member visits, additional member and guest visit fee: £24/€30/$35.

Prestige Membership (For the frequent traveller) : cost £419/€459/$469; all member visits are complimentary; guest visit: £24/€30/$35

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Source:prioritypass.com

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Plus, Many payment cards offer complimentary Priority Pass membership.  Here is a list of some of the best cards that offer complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and you need not buy a specific Priority Pass membership plan:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express;

  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express;

  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card;

  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card;

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®;

  • Capital One Venture X Business Card;

  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

 Benefits

With a Priority Pass membership, you receive benefits such as:

  • Complimentary refreshments, including alcohol in most lounges;

  • Space to work or relax in a comfortable place;

  • Free Wi-Fi in most lounges;

  • Comfortable seats and quiet spaces;

  • The latest magazines and newspapers;

  • Power outlets;

  • Conference rooms, showers, beds, and spa facilities in select lounges.

Additionally, Priority Pass comes with access to Be Relax Spa and Minute Suites locations and a handful of restaurants.

Lounge list

Priority Pass lounges have an extensive global presence, including hubs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as well as major airports in the UK and Ireland. The most densely populated areas are in Europe, while the United States is a bit sparse.

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Source:prioritypass.com

If you want to find out exactly which Priority Pass  lounges are available at a certain airport, the most accurate way is to go to the Priority Pass official website, or download and use the Priority Pass official app. The official website of Priority Pass  has a detailed introduction to each Priority Pass lounge around the world, including detailed facilities and services. It is recommended that you check what services are provided by the Priority Pass lounge at your destination airport before traveling so that you can make arrangements in advance. Check the full list of Priority Pass lounge locations split by region!

How do I Access Priority Pass Lounges?

To access a Priority Pass lounge, you must present membership identification. Most lounges now accept a digital membership card.You can obtain an digital membership card on the Priority Pass website or mobile App and save it to yourmobile phone in the form of a photo or file for use in 1,200+ VIP rooms around the world.
1. Get a digital membership card from the Priority Pass website: log in to your membership account on the Priority Pass official website and just click "DETAILS" in "My Membership Cards".

2. Get a digital membership card from the Priority Pass mobile App: Download the Priority Pass mobile App and log in to your member account, select "CARD". You can also save your Priority Pass digital  membership card to Wallet through the mobile app.

Centurion Lounge Review

American Express was the first card issuer to enter the airline lounge space.  The first American Express Centurion® Lounge opened in Las Vegas (LAS airport) in 2013. The American Express (AMEX) Centurion Lounges are exclusively available to holders of two of the most prestigious cards in AMEX’s lineup: the Platinum Card and the Centurion Card.

The AMEX Centurion Network comprises a collection of exclusive airport lounges spanning over 20 locations worldwide, including major cities and popular tourist destinations like Hong Kong, London, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, and Stockholm. When you enter the Centurion Lounge, it’s easy to forget that you’re in a busy airport. Surrounded by good food, drinks and comfortable seating, it’s an excellent place to relax before a flight.

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Source:americanexpress.com

Credit cards with Centurion Lounge

If you hold one of these Amex credit cards, you qualify to enter the Amex Centurion lounge:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express;

  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express;

  • The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®;

  • American Express Centurion Black Card;

  • Business Centurion® Card from American Express.

Plus, those with Delta’s most premium credit cards, which include the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply) and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card * (terms apply), also have access to The Centurion Lounges within the U.S., London and Hong Kong when flying Delta that same day.

Fees

Other than the fact cardholders with certain Amex credit cards can pay to bring guests into a Centurion lounge with them, access to this type of airport lounge is not for sale.

American Express Centurion Lounges made some sweeping changes in terms of guest access that went into effect on Feb. 1, 2023. Now the Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can bring children under the age of two at no charge (with proof of age). However, adult guests cost $50 per visit, per guest; guests aged two to 17 cost $30 per visit, per guest. To gain Complimentary Guest Access for up to two guests per visit, cardholders must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year on their Platinum card. 

Corporate Platinum and Centurion cardholders are able to enter with up to two guests for no charge in any U.S. Centurion Lounge location, as well as in Hong Kong and London.

U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members with Complimentary Guest Access, Corporate Platinum Card® Members and Centurion Members can also purchase a day-pass for any additional guests beyond the limit of two (2) complimentary guests subject to the paid guest rates below:

  • Guests aged 18+ are $50 USD per guest;

  • Guests aged 2-17 are $30 USD per guest;

  • Guests below age 2 are free (with proof of age).

 Benefits

Across all Centurion Lounges, guests can typically enjoy the following facilities and offerings:

  • Freshly prepared food, beverages, snacks, etc;

  • Signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wines;

  • High-speed Wi-Fi;

  • Semi-private workspaces;

  • TVs and a Digital Library of magazines and newspapers, allowing you to watch movies or read digital books or magazines;

  • Staffs who can assist you with both travel plans and questions about your American Express account.

Other amenities vary by location and are subject to availability. These can include spa services, wine tastings, meeting rooms, family- or child-dedicated spaces, shower suites (currently closed) and luggage storage areas.

Lounge list

There are Centurion Lounges in more than a dozen U.S. airports, as well as more than 10 international airports. Here’s a list of Centurion lounges in the U.S. and abroad:

Centurion lounges in the U.SCenturion lounges abroad
  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

  • Denver International Airport (DEN)

  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

  • Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

  • Miami International Airport (MIA)

  • New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

  • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

  • Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE)

  • Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)

  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

  • Monterrey International Airport (MTY)

  • Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)

  • São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN).

  • Sydney Airport (SYD)

Plus, American Express announced that it will open a Centurion Lounge in Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in 2024 and in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2026.

How do I Access Centurion Lounge?

To get into an Amex Centurion Lounge, you must be on a departing flight leaving from a qualifying airport. You can enter the lounge up to three hours ahead of your departure time, as listed on your boarding pass.
If you’re flying on standby, you’re not eligible to use the lounge unless you have a boarding pass showing a confirmed seat or zone assignment.

To access the Centurion Lounge, you'll need to present:

One of the above Amex cards;

Your boarding pass showing your reservation for same-day travel;

A government-issued I.D. card that matches the name on your credit card.

Lounge Key Review

LoungeKey is an international program which opens the doors of business lounges of airports all over the globe to its members. Now, access to business lounges is provided by bank payment cards Visa Signature, Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum Business or World Mastercard. Such card holders automatically become members of the program with no additional registrations required.

The LoungeKey programme gives you access to more than 1,000 airport lounges in 400 airports across 120+ countries. Depending on the airport lounge, guests travelling with you could also gain lounge entry through this service. LoungeKey is owned by the Collinson Group, the same company that also owns Priority Pass.

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Source:loungekey.com

Credit cards with LoungeKey

You can only gain LoungeKey program access by being a cardholder to eligible Mastercard or Visa products.

For Mastercard, this is a partnership program between LoungeKey and Mastercard called ‘Mastercard Airport Experiences. All World Mastercards and all World Elite Mastercards have the Mastercard Airport Experience privilege as part of their card, including BMO Cashback World Mastercard, BMO Air Miles World Mastercard, BMO AIR MILES World Mastercard, BMO® AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard, BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard, World Westjet RBC World Elite card, HSBC Premier World Elite, HSBC World Elite Mastercard, ATB World Elite Mastercard.

For Visa, there's LoungeKey program access with any Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, and Visa Infinite cards.

Fees
Compared to many other airport lounge programs, LoungeKey doesn't have a daily pass or annual membership that you can just purchase online or via an app. You can granted accessibility to LoungeKey lounges through a eligible Mastercard or Visa card benefits. 

Once you own an eligible card, you could be awarded a complimentary pass for a few visits (depending on your card issuer). For subsequent visits once your complimentary pass finishes, you will need to pay a fee of approximately $27 USD per visit.

Guest entries are only allowed if the eligible Mastercard holder is accompanying the guests. The only free entry to LoungeKey program lounges is for children up to 4 years old.

Benefits

To help you relax before your flight, the following services are available in LoungeKey airport lounges:

  • Free meal service, snacks and drinks;

  • Free Wi-Fi and charging stations for mobile devices and computers;

  • Televisions and information screens on departures and arrivals;

  • Private and comfortable relaxation areas;

  • In some lounges: family play area, showers, and conference rooms;

  • Free luggage storage service.

Pay attention: Lounge services vary between locations and depend on the LoungeKey partners. In some airports, the lounge can partner with bars or restaurants which are open to the public. At these locations, showing your LoungeKey card entitles you to a discount on your final bill.

Lounge list

The LoungeKey programme can give you complimentary access to over 1,250 airport lounges. To search for an LoungeKey airport lounge, please go to the LoungeKey website, select your card type, click on “our lounges” and search by country, city or airport name. You will find the details of each airport lounge (location, opening hours, conditions of access, services offered).

It's important to note that how many lounges you can access and how often you could access them will vary depending on the bank and/or card that you’re using. Here are some of the airport locations around the world with lounges you can get into through LoungeKey.

United States: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC airports.

Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto and Vancouver airports.

United Kingdom: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Liverpool and Manchester airports. Note that at the time of writing, LoungeKey won’t get you into any lounges at Cardiff airport.

Europe mainland: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Madrid, Munich, Nice, Paris, Rome, Stockholm and Venice airports.

Australia and New Zealand: Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Christchurch, Darwin, Queenstown and Sydney airports.

Asia: Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore international airports.

United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah airports.

How do I Access LoungeKey Lounges?

1. When visiting a lounge simply show to a reception employee a valid Visa or Mastercard card, your ID and boarding pass. Inform the employee about your participation in the LoungeKey program.

2. LoungeKey managers will electronically register your card using card readers or any other data input method.

3. Then you can enter the lounge.

Botton Line

Dragon Pass vs. Priority Pass vs. Centurion Lounge vs. Lounge Key:  Which One is Best for You?

The answer depends on  your travel habits, preferences, and the particular benefits that you are looking for.

Centurion Lounge and Lounge Key is the Lounge programs that cooperates with banks. You can get lounge access privileges through their designated credit cards,  with no additional registrations required. Centurion Lounge has a high threshold. It doesn’t seem cost-effective to apply for these credit cards with high annual fees just to get the privilege of entering the Centurion Lounge!

In comparison, LoungeKey will be more cost-effective. Pay attention, the LoungeKey and Priority Pass are managed by the same company: Collinson Group. But the coverage area of airport lounge is smaller than that of Priority Pass.

Unlike Centurion Lounge and  Lounge Key, Priority Pass and Dragon Pass are two popular access cards to business lounges which not linked to credit or debit card. The Prioriy Pass maintains a vast network of lounges and partnerships. It offers matchless coverage and accessibility. You can look forward to finding a Priority Pass lounge wherever you travel. Plus, for Priority Pass, the good news is that it’s free with some credit cards.

DragonPass excels in providing a high-level airport lounge experience that speaks volumes about luxury. Thus, it may be the better choice for people looking for a high level of service and additional benefits and not just wishing to access a lounge.

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2024-03-05 20:00211