Traveling with children is an adventure, but let’s be honest, the airport part can feel less like an adventure and more like a challenge. The long security lines, the endless search for an empty seat at the gate, the struggle to find something healthy for your child to eat amidst all the fast food options—it’s enough to make any parent feel exhausted before the flight has even begun. As a mom to a lively 5-year-old, I’ve been there. My husband and I have spent many hours running after our daughter in crowded terminals, trying to keep her entertained and fed while waiting for our flight.
That all changed when we discovered Priority Pass. It’s a game-changer for family-friendly travel, transforming chaotic airport layovers into peaceful, enjoyable parts of our family vacation. In this article, I will share how this airport lounge membership program has completely revolutionized our travel with kids experience, offering a haven of peace, comfort, and much-needed amenities that make our journeys so much more relaxing. If you’re a parent looking for stress-free travel, keep reading, because this might be the best travel tips for parents you’ll ever get.
What is Priority Pass?
At its core, Priority Pass is a membership program that gives you lounge access to over 1,700 airport lounges and experiences in hundreds of cities worldwide, regardless of what airline you’re flying or what class you’re flying in. You simply show your membership card or digital pass, and you get access to a quiet space with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
There are two main ways to get a Priority Pass membership:
- Direct Purchase: You can buy a membership directly from the Priority Pass website. They offer three tiers: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige, with varying annual fees and per-visit charges. The higher the tier, the fewer per-visit fees you pay.
- Credit Card Benefit: Many premium credit cards, especially travel-focused ones, include a Priority Pass membership as a free perk. This is how my husband and I got ours. We use a credit card that offers the highest tier, the Prestige membership, which provides unlimited visits for us and our guests. This is often the most cost-effective way to get the most out of the service if you’re a frequent traveler. Be sure to check your credit card’s benefits, as the guest policies can vary.
The Benefits for Families with Kids
Before Priority Pass, my family and I would spend our time before a flight sitting on the hard plastic chairs at the gate, surrounded by noise and other tired travelers. Now, we head straight to the lounge, and the difference is night and day.
A Sanctuary in the Terminal
The most immediate and apparent benefit of an airport lounge is the peaceful environment. It’s a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. This is especially valuable for parents who need a calm space to decompress and let their little ones rest.
Complimentary Food and Drinks: The first thing my daughter asks for when we enter a lounge is what’s on the menu. Most lounges have a buffet with a wide variety of food, from pastries and cereals for breakfast to salads, sandwiches, and hot dishes for lunch and dinner. My daughter loves the freedom of being able to choose her own food, and I love that she can have a proper, nutritious meal instead of junk food. The complimentary drinks are also a huge plus. We can grab a juice, milk, or soda for her, and my husband and I can enjoy a cup of coffee or even a glass of wine to unwind.
Comfortable Seating: Unlike the uncomfortable gate chairs, lounges have plush sofas, armchairs, and comfortable dining tables. My daughter can stretch out and even lie down for a short nap if she needs to. The abundance of seating means we never have to worry about finding a spot for our family to sit together.
Reliable Wi-Fi and Power Outlets: With a 5-year-old, keeping her entertained is key. Lounges offer fast, free Wi-Fi, which is perfect for streaming her favorite show or playing a game on a tablet. We can also charge all our devices, so we don’t have to worry about a low battery warning popping up in the middle of a flight.
Family-Specific Amenities
While not all lounges are created equal, many offer fantastic services that cater specifically to families.
Kids’ Activities at the Airport: Some lounges, like the one we visited at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, have dedicated children’s play areas. These spaces are often a lifesaver, allowing our daughter to burn off some energy before a long flight. It usually includes soft play areas, kid-sized furniture, and maybe some toys or books. This makes the long layover feel like a fun experience for her, not just a waiting game.
Room for Strollers and Luggage: Lounges are generally spacious, so we don’t have to worry about navigating a crowded space with our luggage and a stroller. There’s plenty of room to park the stroller and let my daughter walk around freely.
Accessible Facilities: Many lounges have family-friendly restrooms with baby changing stations and are designed to be easily accessible, which is a great relief for parents with young children.
Things to Consider & Potential Drawbacks
While I cannot recommend Priority Pass enough, it’s important to be aware of a few potential downsides to manage your expectations.
Guest Policies and Fees: This is probably the biggest thing to look out for. While some credit cards offer unlimited guest access, many only allow a certain number of guests for free, and then charge a per-person fee for additional guests. Since my husband and I each have a card, we can bring our daughter in with no additional charge. However, if you only have one membership, you will likely need to pay a guest fee for your child. It is crucial to check the specific terms of your membership or credit card benefit.
Lounge Location: Sometimes, the lounge you want to visit may be in a different terminal than your gate. We always check the lounge’s location on the Priority Pass app beforehand to make sure it’s not too far. If the walk is too long, it might be better to skip the lounge to avoid rushing to your gate, especially with kids in tow. The app provides a great map and directions, so you can plan your route efficiently.
Overcrowding: During peak travel times, some popular lounges can get very crowded. On a few occasions, we’ve had to wait a few minutes to get in. However, even when it’s crowded, it’s still generally more comfortable and quieter than the main terminal.
Varying Quality of Lounges: The amenities and services vary greatly between lounges. Not all of them will have a kids’ play area or extensive food options. My advice is to always check the Priority Pass app beforehand. The app provides detailed information and photos of each lounge, so you know exactly what to expect.
My Personal Experience with a 5-Year-Old
One of our most memorable experiences was at The Coral Executive Lounge in the domestic terminal of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We were on our way to Chiang Mai, and instead of sitting at the crowded gate area, we headed to this peaceful lounge.
My daughter’s face lit up when we walked in. The lounge was spacious, bright, and had a wonderful buffet with plenty of delicious options. She was so excited to walk up to the buffet herself and choose what she wanted to eat. She picked out fresh fruits like juicy melon and sweet watermelon, and tried some savory dishes like biryani and a stir-fried vegetable dish. She felt so grown-up choosing her own meal, and I was so happy she was eating healthy food.
The lounge also had familiar kid-friendly items like sandwiches and meat sauce spaghetti, which was a great backup. But the most heartwarming moment was when a staff member noticed my daughter and offered her a special sorbet, just for her. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture, and she was absolutely delighted. While this specific service may vary by lounge, the general kindness and attentiveness of the staff in many lounges is consistent.
My husband and I were able to relax on a comfortable sofa, sipping on coffee, and watching her happily enjoy her snack. It was a moment of pure calm amidst a busy travel day. We weren’t worried about finding a clean table or if she had enough to eat. Instead, we were simply enjoying the last few moments of our vacation before our flight. The lounge was a true oasis.
Conclusion
For our family travel, the Priority Pass membership has become an essential part of our itinerary. It has transformed the often-dreaded airport experience into something we actually look forward to. The ability to escape the noise and crowds, enjoy a comfortable meal, and relax in a calm environment makes all the difference in the world.
Priority Pass is more than just lounge access; it is peace of mind. It allows us to start our trips feeling refreshed and to end them feeling relaxed, rather than stressed. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend it to any family with kids who want to elevate their travel experience. It is worth every penny, and we will absolutely be using it again on our next adventure.
