Citibank Prestige Ditches Priority Pass for LoungeKey
Starting 3rd September 2019, Citibank Prestige will replace their Priority Pass lounge access program with the LoungeKey program. Although both programs are owned by the same company, they work slightly differently.
In terms of lounge access, Priority Pass offers more lounges across the globe. Priority Pass has access to 1200+ lounges at 500 airports while LoungeKey has access to 1000+ lounges at 500 airports. However, there are no significant differences in lounge access in the Southeast Asia region.
For LoungeKey, you will not need to carry a separate membership card. The credit card that offers lounge access is enough to access a lounge. All you have to is show your credit card. You do need to signup online to enroll prior to accessing lounges, of course.
One major difference between the Priority Pass and LoungeKey programs is that you can buy Priority Pass membership if your credit card does not provide one. However, LoungeKey does not have any membership plans to buy and is only accessible via credit card offers. Another significant difference is the higher fee you need to pay for bringing in traveling family or friends. With Priority Pass, the fee is RM120 while it is RM135 for LoungeKey per guest per visit.
So is this change of lounge membership a devaluation? I wouldn’t say it’s a major devaluation, it will be minimal impact to most people and you will need to carry one less card. Here are the benefits of a Citibank Prestige card member.
If you would like to apply for a Citibank Priority card, click here to use my referral code. Thank you for your support!
New Citibank credit card members will get a FREE 20″ Condotti trolley bag, RM200 Boost redemption code and 3 year annual fee waiver (for selected cards) T&C applies.
To find lounges and offers, click here for Mastercard Airport Experiences by LoungeKey