As the world begins to travel again, Priority Pass is implementing new rules and standards across its 1300+ lounges to help keep travelers healthy and safe during the global pandemic.
Some Priority Pass lounges have already reopened internationally and more are slated to open in the coming weeks, both internationally and domestically. In all cases, reopened lounges are working diligently to follow new healthy and hygiene standards. Here are some highlights of what to expect, as per the new Priority Pass guidelines.
Lounge Staff Health
Recommended steps include:
• Closely monitoring staff health (In airports where there are no airport-led health measures for employees, implementing temperature or other health checks as per local authority guidance.)
• Providing appropriate PPE to all staff, which they must always wear when performing their duties
• Ensuring kitchen processes follow local food hygiene standards and staff wear appropriate equipment
Welcome Area
Recommended steps include:
• Implementing appropriate queue floor-markers to ensure safe distancing
• Providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Installing Perspex screens at welcome desks or introduce the use of clear face shields
• A contactless journey in which the passenger must verbally agree the visit details and the Lounge staff will “Accept” the visit on behalf of the passenger.
Floorplan and Seating
Recommended steps include:
• Identifying measures to limit people congregating
• Re-assessing furniture layout
• Introducing a seat allocation service whereby the receptionist identifies space in the lounge for each new guest or group of guests.
Food and Beverage Service
Recommended steps include:
• Introducing a collection-point option for food and beverages and operating a queuing system for guests that adheres to the local social distancing guidance
• Replacing self-service food and beverage stations with a solution whereby staff with appropriate PPE serve guests food and drinks directly
• Operating a clear table policy, where tables are to be cleared and sanitized and left clear after each guest leaves
Lounge Amenities
Recommended steps include:
• Closing children’s play areas where they exist.
• Removing print-media and replacing it with digital media access on guest’s personal device
Lounge Cleaning and Environmental Standards
Recommended steps include:
• Increasing the number of cleaning shifts and issue staff with appropriate PPE
• Using cleaning products recommended by local health authorities as being effective against COVID-19
• Clearing and disinfecting guest areas once empty before allowing new guests to occupy
• Disinfecting all high-traffic areas daily, and thoroughly cleaning the entire lounge regularly
• Switching air filtration systems to 100% outside air
Though we often write about the Priority Pass network, we always like to remind our new readers how easy it is to to get Priority Pass membership with their elite credit card. Complimentary membership is a core benefit of several elite credit cards. And this membership often entitles the cardholder to bring along guests into the lounge and/or Priority Pass’s “lounge alternatives.” Entry is not dependent on the airline flown, just on showing your Priority Pass membership card (and in some cases, your same-day boarding pass).
Priority Pass Select membership is complimentary for cardholders of Citi Prestige® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Mastercard® Black Card™, Mastercard® Gold Card™, The Platinum Card® from American Express, and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card. While membership for the cardholder is the same across credit cards, the guest policy is not, though most allow at least one guest.
With Priority Pass’ new health and hygiene standards, we’re hoping we’ll soon be lingering in our favorite airport lounges once again, albeit under a “new normal.”
