I’ve written extensively about Priority Pass, which is the world’s largest network of independent airport lounges, with over 1,000 participating lounges around the world. Some of these are airline lounges, some are contract lounges, and lately they’re even expanding a bit beyond that.
For example, last year the executive lounge at the Sofitel London Heathrow Terminal 5 was added to the Priority Pass network. This means you could use the hotel’s club lounge during a long layover. Or in my case, I even used it when staying at the hotel, as they didn’t actually verify that I was flying the same day.
Then just about a month ago they added a restaurant at London Gatwick Airport to the network. As a Priority Pass member you get a 15GBP credit to spend on food and drinks. Since many Priority Pass memberships allow guesting privileges, you could extend that credit to anyone traveling with you.
Well, Priority Pass has just added another unique lounge option to their network. Up until recently there hasn’t been a Priority Pass lounge at Philadelphia Airport, though that has finally changed.
Priority Pass members now receive access to the Minute Suites at Terminal B of Philadelphia Airport. Priority Pass members receive one hour of free access, and then can pay an additional $28 per hour for access, which is a discounted rate.
For those of you not familiar with Minute Suites, it’s basically a concept that gives you a private room in an airport. The room has a desk, TV, and a couch of sorts on which you can sleep.
Andrew B shared his experience with the Minute Suites at DFW Airport recently, and it looked pretty underwhelming. It didn’t look comfortable enough to actually sleep, there’s not a private bathroom, etc.
I’m also not sure how useful an hour is in one of these rooms if you are trying to get some sleep. However, it’s great to finally have an option at Philadelphia Airport, and perhaps others will find it more comfortable. If nothing else, I think it’s nice to have a private place to escape to, given what busy places airports are.
As a point of comparison, here’s the normal Minute Suites pricing:
In terms of lounges at Philadelphia Airport, what we most have to look forward to is that there’s an Amex Centurion Lounge being built at the airport, and it’s expect to open around August 2017.
As a reminder, here’s a table with some of the major credit cards offering Priority Pass memberships, as well as their respective guesting rules:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Do you see yourself using the Minute Suites at PHL Airport through Priority Pass?
(Tip of the hat to View from the Wing)
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees).
is there a time limit between Minute Suite visits using same PP card ? Since ATL has 2 MS . Can we use them alternatively for 1 hour blocks ?
I can't think of the last time I've been through PHL, but I'm glad to see this type of addition to Priority Pass. If anything, I'd gladly take a small dark room with someplace to lay down over a crowded lounge, especially when delayed.
No private bathroom or shower? Hmmmm...doesn't sound too great.
@Brad - Hi Brad. Lucky is (of course!) right. Grain is in the departures lounge airside so there is no way to access it if you are flying in to LG; only flying out having cleared security.
I wish LAX had them
A nice added benefit to shutdown for an hour. PHL connections from red-eyes can easily be 3 hours.
I met that CEO bro Solomon, and he's a goon. Great man, but F him. Go birds!
I suppose if you and your significant other each have Priority Pass you could bargain for two separate swipes to get back to back hours in one suite. I'd rather spend the time at Centurion though.
This is slightly off topic, but regarding the PP restaurant in London Gatwick, can I access the restaurant if I'm flying into LGW but not from LGW?
@ Brad -- The restaurant is airside, so if you can access it while still airside then yes. However, if you're arriving international I don't think that would be possible. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
That is one thing I admire about Gary Leff, he is there to answer the readers' questions in the comments section.
@jana miller - 4
How many people can use the room? ;)
I might give it a try as PHL is my hometown. I'm BA Silver so have access to the BA lounge later in day and also AA lounge but nice to have another option to avoid Terminal B/C crowds. agree an hour isn't much time but a bit of quiet before the boarding process could be good escape. flying in a few weeks so will see how it goes