Quick answer
  • LoungeKey is provided to you by your card issuer. Your issuer decides whether visits are free, how many you get and what a visit costs.
  • LoungeKey visits are charged per person, per visit, at rates notified by LoungeKey or your card provider, and debited to your payment card.
  • Lounge+ is a membership you sign up for yourself: $38/month, unlimited visits, one free guest at most participating lounges — for flights bought in the Pelikan Concierge app.
  • Check your card first. If it includes free LoungeKey visits that cover your trips, use them; Lounge+ makes sense when you fly more often or want guest access.

What LoungeKey is

LoungeKey describes itself as a benefit that is provided to you by your card issuer. Its conditions of use define LoungeKey as Priority Pass Limited — the same company behind Priority Pass — and Mastercard's airport programme states that it is run by LoungeKey.

Mastercard's FAQ for its LoungeKey programme lists access to over 1,600 lounges in over 400 airports in 120+ countries. Collinson separately offers LoungeKey Pass, a one-time access product that businesses can offer their customers, covering over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences.

Lounge.club vs LoungeKey at a glance

Lounge.club (Lounge+)LoungeKey
How you get itSign up directly on Lounge.clubAs a benefit of an eligible payment card (set by your issuer)
Price$38/monthDepends on your card: some include visits, otherwise a per-person, per-visit charge
Member visitsUnlimited, no per-visit feesSet by your card issuer
GuestsOne free guest at most participating loungesGuests register and enter with you; guest visits are charged to your card; each lounge sets its own guest policy
Network1,400+ airport lounges in 130 countries1,600+ lounges in 400+ airports, 120+ countries (Mastercard programme)
Free trial7 daysNot applicable — tied to your card
Flight requirementFlights purchased through the Pelikan Concierge appAny airline or ticket; you present your eligible card or digital access code

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.

What a visit costs

LoungeKey's conditions say that lounge visits are subject to a per-person, per-visit charge at rates notified by LoungeKey or your card provider, debited to your payment card. Whether you pay anything therefore depends entirely on your card: some cards include a number of free visits per year, others only give you access at a fee. Your bank's card terms are the place to check.

With Lounge+ the price is the same for everyone: $38/month, with no charge per visit, or pay-per-visit from $33 per visit if you do not want a membership.

How access works

LoungeKey: at the lounge you present your eligible card or a digital lounge access code from your registered account; the Mastercard programme app is free on iOS and Android. Guests must register and enter at the same time as you, and children's access depends on each lounge's policy.

Lounge+: activate the membership, buy your flight in the Pelikan Concierge app and choose an eligible lounge before departure. Lounge access with Lounge+ is available only for flights purchased through the Pelikan Concierge app.

When to use which

LoungeKey may be enough if…

  • your card already includes free visits that cover your trips;
  • you fly only occasionally and do not mind a per-visit fee;
  • you book flights through many channels and travel alone.

Lounge+ may suit you better if…

  • your card has no lounge benefit, or charges for every visit;
  • you fly often and want unlimited visits for a fixed monthly price;
  • you travel with a companion — one guest is free at most participating lounges;
  • you book, or are happy to book, flights in the Pelikan Concierge app.

Strengths and limitations

LoungeKey

Strengths
  • Can come at no extra cost with a card you already have
  • Large network: 1,600+ lounges (Mastercard programme)
  • Works regardless of the airline or ticket
Limitations
  • Terms, free visits and fees depend on your card issuer
  • Visits beyond your allowance are charged per person
  • Not a standalone membership you can simply sign up for

Lounge.club (Lounge+)

Strengths
  • Same transparent price for everyone
  • Unlimited visits and one free guest at most participating lounges
  • Monthly plan, cancel anytime, 7-day free trial
Limitations
  • Only for flights purchased through the Pelikan Concierge app
  • Smaller network: 1,400+ lounges in 130 countries

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.

  1. LoungeKey — home page
  2. LoungeKey — conditions of use
  3. Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey — FAQ
  4. Collinson — LoungeKey Pass
  5. Lounge.club — membership

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