What are some Non-Traditional Benefits of Priority Pass?

I have been a Priority Pass member for a number of years, owing to a couple of credit cards. In that time, I have visited countless airport lounges — and a few restaurants — around the world, mostly through Priority Pass membership.

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It’s fair to say that many of those latter choices haven’t been a pretty sight (on that note, Japan, why do you even bother?). Never mind issues of crowding (i.e. the one aspect for which we can blame ourselves), but what exactly should an airport lounge provide? Let’s take the dining area as an example– should we expect “meatless,” meat adjacent, and meat…filled meatballs for U.S. passengers? A pack of smokes and a cappuccino for Europeans? Fish bones and cucumber-flavored cashews for Chinese travelers? How about just one long trough for everyone?

Then, there’s the seating. Ever notice how quickly three-person sofas get occupied by one guest? Lounge agents should probably starting asking drowsy visitors for Priority Pass cards for every third of their bodies.

Sarcasm aside, these places have come in handy from time to time. Whether it was to print out a truckload of COVID-19 documents back 2021/2022, or to snatch a bottle of water, the Priority Pass lounges have proven their use.

The lede has been buried, so here on in we will get to the crux of things

For a brief moment, forget about those traditional lounges (and restaurants/other services, depending on the type of membership that you have). What I have for you today is a few other options through which the alliterative company can help you whittle down your layover time.

A place to sleep?

Unfortunately for me, unless I’m seated in a lie-flat, I’m unable to sleep on a plane. I think there has been one absurd exception this– a few years ago on a Chicago ORD – Dallas DFW – Vancouver YVR – Tokyo NRT/HND – Bangkok BKK sanity-be-damned routing, I passed out while on the Bangkok leg. Other than that, it’s bad news.

Enter: the nap room. In U.S. airports, there’s a chain called Minute Suites. In Doha DOH and Dubai DXB, it’s sleep ‘n fly.

Swipe your card, and you might get anywhere from 1-3 hours to go mad in a space that lacks windows get a little shut-eye, and/or a shower.

Cynical me wonders if these chambers are cleaned as often as one’s plane seat. Yeesh.

At the end of the day, they’re just a place to flop.

Getting one’s ears lowered

My flight left too early for me to avail of this one, but Bahrain International Airport BAH has a hair salon.

It’s located by gate 15, inside of the Bahrain Airport Hotel. If you don’t want a trim, salubrious massages are also available.

Note that Bahrain Airport Hotel stays are not included with the Priority Pass.

Hours are 10:00 – 21:00.

Work on your putts

I haven’t been to this one, but if you’re into golf, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport MSP has a PGA Lounge.

I am decidedly not into golf, but driving ranges are neat. At this place, you can try out both a putting green, a golf course simulator, have a drink or a quick bite, or impulse buy at the Pro Shop.

Hours are 08:00 – 19:00 for the golf stuff, and 13:00 – 20:00 for the lounge.

Beat a 5.51 in Dragster

I discovered Gameway on a whim while awaiting a Delta flight at Los Angeles LAX. If you’re into video games, then this is arguably better than a standard issue airport lounge. Plus, you get a drink/snack (but no caffeinated ramen … yet).

The one time I visited the Delta LAX outlet, no one else was playing. I ended up inviting someone in so that I could have competition in Street Fighter.

Gameway also has branches in Dallas – Fort Worth DFW, Houston Hobby HOU, Charlotte CLT, and soon, New York JFK T8; all have different hours of operation.

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As I discover more uses of Priority Pass — no, I don’t mean using the card to keep your hotel room’s electricity on — I hope to update this page to keep you informed.

Meanwhile, if you have any other germane suggestions, why not leave a comment?