Anyone heading to Europe this summer may find the airport is far from the calmest way to begin a trip.
Between passport lines and the new Entry/Exit System border checks now being rolled out across Europe, American travelers are being advised to prepare for longer waits at busy airports and border control points.
There is, however, a lesser-known membership that could make time at the airport much more comfortable.
Priority Pass now gives members access to more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide, including a wide network in North America, and it also offers a mobile app and digital membership card for quick access at many locations.
Instead of settling for fast food before boarding, members can enjoy complimentary food and drinks when departing, during layovers and even on arrival, subject to lounge availability and local access rules.
Lounges can also offer a quieter place to wait, with reliable wifi, charging points and, in some cases, showers.
At certain locations, travelers dealing with delays may also be able to make use of premium spa services, restaurants, sleeping areas and gaming spaces.
So what does a yearly pass cost, and how can you get the best deal?
Priority Pass offers three membership tiers on its website: Standard, Standard Plus and Prestige. In the US, the current first-year pricing shown online includes a discounted Standard plan, a discounted Standard Plus plan with 10 free visits, and a discounted Prestige plan with unlimited member visits.
The value improves the more often you travel and use the available lounges, especially if your trips include long layovers or multiple airport stops.
The promotion is not permanent, though, and some offers are available only for a limited time or in selected markets, with access always subject to lounge capacity and local conditions.
Priority Pass currently offers three membership options through its website, with access to more than 1,800 lounges and airport experiences around the world.
The Standard plan is the entry-level option and is designed for occasional travelers who want pay-as-you-go lounge access.
For people who travel more regularly, Standard Plus may be more appealing, as it comes with 10 complimentary visits during the membership year before additional visit fees apply.
The third tier, Prestige, includes unlimited free lounge visits for the member.
Whichever plan you choose, guests can still come along for an extra fee, which may be useful for those traveling with relatives or friends.
Some locations also allow advance lounge reservations for a small fee, and Priority Pass members can use the app to search for lounges, manage their account and check access details before they travel.
Visit the Priority Pass website to find out more.