Quick answer
- Fly once or twice a year? A single paid visit is usually cheaper than any membership.
- Check your bank card before you buy anything — programmes such as LoungeKey, Priority Pass or Dragonpass are often included in card benefits.
- Fly regularly? Compare memberships: yearly plans with visit fees or pass limits (Priority Pass, Dragonpass) vs a monthly plan with unlimited visits (Lounge+).
- Airline status or a premium ticket gets you into airline lounges, but usually only when you fly with that airline or alliance.
The main ways to get lounge access
| Option | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay per visit | Buy a single entry for one lounge and one trip (for example Lounge.club pay-per-visit from $33 per visit) | One or two trips a year | Cost adds up quickly for couples and families |
| Card benefit | Your credit or debit card includes a lounge programme such as LoungeKey, Priority Pass or Dragonpass | People who already hold a premium card | Visit limits and fees are set by your bank |
| Yearly membership | Annual plans with visit fees, included visits or passes (Priority Pass, Dragonpass) | Regular travellers who book anywhere | Visit fees, pass limits and guest charges |
| Monthly membership | Lounge+ — $38/month, unlimited visits, one free guest at most participating lounges | Frequent or seasonal travellers who book via Pelikan | Only for flights bought in the Pelikan Concierge app |
| Airline status / premium ticket | Business or first class tickets and frequent-flyer status include airline lounges | Loyal flyers of one airline or alliance | Usually only on that airline's or alliance's flights |
Lounge programmes compared
| Lounge.club (Lounge+) | Priority Pass | Dragonpass | LoungeKey | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Monthly membership | Annual tiers | Yearly pass bundles | Card benefit |
| Price | $38/month | £69–£419 per year (UK) | $79–$449 per year | Set by your card issuer |
| Visits | Unlimited | Pay per visit, 10 included or unlimited | 2, 8 or 12 passes | Set by your card issuer |
| Guests | One free at most lounges | £24 per guest | Use passes (not on Solo Travel) | Charged to your card |
| Network | 1,400+ lounges | 1,900+ lounges and experiences | 1,400+ lounges | 1,600+ lounges (Mastercard) |
| Comparison | — | Read | Read | Read |
Lounge.club details: membership page. Competitor details: official sources listed at the end of this page, reviewed on 16 October 2026. Prices and terms can change at any time — always check the provider before you buy.
How to choose in four questions
- How many lounge visits will you make in the next 12 months? Under three, a single paid visit or a card benefit is usually enough. More than that, compare memberships.
- Do you travel with someone? Guest fees can double the cost. Look for plans where a guest is included — or check how guests are charged.
- Which airports do you use most? A network of thousands is irrelevant if your home airport has no participating lounge. Check your airport.
- How do you book flights? Some options work with any ticket; Lounge+ works with flights bought in the Pelikan Concierge app; airline lounges depend on the airline you fly.
Alternatives to a lounge altogether
If you only need a quiet seat, some airports have free quiet zones, prayer rooms, family areas or observation decks, and many have airport hotels with day rooms for longer layovers. For tips on spending less while you wait, read How to Save Money at the Airport; for long waits, see our long layover guide.
Sources and review
We checked every competitor fact against the provider's official website on 16 October 2026. Where a provider does not publish a detail, we say so.
- Priority Pass — membership plans (UK pricing)
- Dragonpass — memberships
- LoungeKey — home page
- Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey — FAQ
- Lounge.club — membership
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