Priority Pass started added things other than lounges to appeal to cardmembers, because they get paid every time a card is swiped. Banks balked at this because their costs rise every time a card is swiped. They want their cardmembers happy, but not too happy.
Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is no more at New York JFK’s terminal 8, and most credit card-issued Priority Pass cards no longer honor $28 credits at participating restaurants as a way to cut down on cost.
But back in the day you could get some really decent food there, all for free at $28 per person. And they didn’t check boarding passes. I used to stop in on arrival after a flight, for a meal before heading into the city. And I used to tell American Airlines crew friends based in New York that all they needed was to be airside with a card for a good meal before they flew.
Capers Market in Portland was another place you could spend the credit, and that was a great grab ‘n go. Also a crew hot spot!
So it really didn’t surprise me to see that TSA employees have learned this trick, “invading” the Aspire Lounge at the Ontario Airport in California run by Swissport. They don’t ask for boarding passes either. After all, that means more card swipes – and they get paid per swipe.
I’m in the T2 Aspire Lounge at ONT and a whole parade of TSA screeners just marched in and started eating from the buffet.
When I complained to the staff, they replied the screeners have Priority Pass and use that to enter the lounge – which it appears they do daily as a group for lunch and dinner.
Priority Pass itself says a same-day boarding pass is required, so this TSA and airline crew opportunity could close any time of course.
Admittance to a Lounge or Merchant is strictly conditional upon Customers possessing (i) a valid Means of Access, (ii) a valid boarding pass and (iii) any additional identification that the Lounge or Merchant may require from Customer and guests, which may include passport, national identity card or driving license.
The no annual fee U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature actually offers Priority Pass Select with 4 free visits, and allows use at participating restaurants. But if you’re TSA or a crewmember you like free but don’t want just four visits!
Bank of American’s $550 annual fee Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card is chock full of perks and comes with up to four unlimited-use Priority Pass memberships and includes restaurants. And, of course, unlimited standard lounge visits.
Then again, the Ritz-Carlton card (only available at this point via product change from a Chase Marriott card) still honors unlimited guests. Treat your whole crew to a meal! This card is the pilot’s friend. Back when Sapphire Reserve offered unlimited guests we saw one cardmember bring in 19 guests and a reader of this blog may have set a world record with 35 people entering an airport lounge on a single Priority Pass card.
[W]e were a group of ~35 people on a wedding trip flying [Bujumbura, Burundi to Kigali, Rwanda to Dar Es Salaam to Saadani National Park in Tanzania] and had to wait around 6 hours in Kigali (nice airport by the way).
We all went in on a single chase [Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass] subscription. The lounge wasn’t that full but we did fill a around half of it. Lounge is great also, good food etc. So yeah, there you go, 35 people haha
The trick to TSA and airline crew leveraging these opportunities is that many lounges do require showing a same-day (or within 3 hours of travel) boarding pass and that’s not ideal for airport employees or crew, though of course some will buy tickets (not on the airline they work for!) and cancel those, retaining credits to do it all over again. At some point, eventually, one might get banned for doing so. I wonder whether Southwest’s tech would ever catch it.
Several years ago the story went viral about a man who ate free for a year buying a refundable ticket, accessing the China Eastern lounge in Xi’an, China, and the refunding his ticket. Every. Day.
Around the same time Lufthansa sued a passenger and won 200 euros after the man booked and cancelled 36 tickets in a year for the purpose of obtaining business class lounge access.
Another man was arrested after living in 9 different Priority Pass lounges at the Singapore airport over the course of 3 weeks.
And still another lived temporarily in an airport because he couldn’t afford the change fee on his ticket.
What would you expect? They’re government employees. They all exist courtesy of the productive efforts of other people.
Always know where the crews eat. They’re experts at finding good food and good deals airside if there are any.
The scammers and lawyers will always find a way.
Sounds like the issue is Priority Pass nor enforcing their terms and conditions.
This is why we can’t have nice things due to scammers and crooks
By all means the system should require a valid boarding pass to admit guests
Not just swipe a card
Personally I despised most of the food on offer with some rare exceptions
Talk about creativity!
As usual, @Mike P has a bad take, quick to go after all workers (especially, ‘the government’). At least you’re consistent with your animus. Sir, try just going after the actual rule-breakers. Might actually do some good.
I used to see rampers and even pilots do the restaurant credit thing, sadly killing it for actual flyers.
Which part of my comment is wrong? Instead of offering your typical mindless “take”. Point out the error in my logic.
And who said there is no such thing as a free lunch?
I would not be surprised if this is the reason the Priority Pass restaurant benefit went away on most cards. Back in the day, I went to PF Changs at LAX when they participated in Priority Pass and was surprised to see how many airline employees in uniform were eating here- clearly the restaurant did not enforce showing a boarding pass
The abuse doesn’t surprise me. I have a friend that works for TSA at LAX. He buys refundable tickets so he can have lunch at the Centurion Lounge. When he done he refunds his ticket.
Cockpit members used to treat their favorite 3 people on the flights to meals in between flights with the free $28.00 meals – Trruly a treat – loved flying 4 day trips with those guys!
It’d be nice if the credit card companies would spend a little less time going after hobbyists and spend more time on huge abuse like this.
@ Rafael – That’s really clever, particularly if he rotates the airlines. There are about 70 of them there, so in theory he could buy around 4-5 tickets per airline annually to eat there every day, which isn’t likely to catch a ton of scrutiny from any individual airline – especially if the purchases are at least a month apart.
My wife and I have used the Aspire Lounge at Ontario Airport that you mentioned MANY TIMES. At least 5 times in the past 2 years and EVERYTIME they have asked to see our boarding pass. Not sure what is going on with the TSA here.
That’s bold. If I were inclined to cheat the system I’d change out of my uniform to avoid attracting attention. And/or do what @Rafael and @Mike Hunt mentioned — that’s big brain stuff.
The actions of these selfish TSA agents will result in increased costs for everyone.
Lounges are often overcrowded.
We don’t need non-travelling TSA freeloaders making lounges even more crowded.
Woofie is correct in that lounges must enforce the terms and conditions and require a valid boarding pass. Anyone caught misusing Priority Pass should have their membership cancelled and be banned from getting a new Priority Pass membership.
I’m all-for enforcement of rules and laws; so, once we’ve solved this lounge-abuse, may we please go after corrupt politicians, insider trading, tax cheats, and corporations that abuse their power? Would be nice, because all I’ve seen is a vilifying of the ‘little guys’ while the ‘big fish’ get away with far worse, every gosh-darn day, dawg.
@1990 Hell yes! There are all these corrupt politicians/globalists lecturing us on how to live our lives. The DOJ needs to deliver and convict them for their crimes. We’ll enjoy watching them do their perp walks wearing orange prison garb.
@OnePatriot77 — I see that you’re taking a very one-sided approach to what I said. Listen, many on ‘the left’ are happy to see their own prosecuted where actual crimes have been committed. For instance, with Epstein, I haven’t found too many folks willing to spare former Democratic Party presidents, if they were involved. So, let’s not be hypocritical; go after everyone, not just the other ‘team,’ then, we’ll all be better off in the end. Or, we can do this in bad-faith, and just go after perceived enemies, regardless of truth or evidence.
@1990 We’re in agreement. I’m in favor of going after everyone guilty of egregious crimes regardless of party affiliation.
Since we have a uniparty, there really is no other team. Most of our politicians work to serve their party/donors and seem to care little about the average citizen.
“And who said there is no such thing as a free lunch?” It was around for decades before Milton Friedman popularized it in an economic sense. That holds here: the lunch isn’t free as it costs somebody.
Over the years, commenters on blogs like this have complained about crowded lounges, less exclusivity with cards (anyone can get an Amex Platinum now, credits make all these cards cheap, etc). Some have even asked for cards to increase annual fees in order to weed people out…
How about this – someone should start a membership only airline club company. Annual dues of at least $2,000 per year. Get a few locations secured at airports in high income areas. Let’s see if this business model actually has demand.
@Anthony – They already exist to a lesser extent at airports like LAX, but the dues and per visit fees are way higher than that. There are also VIP arrival and departure services with private security at several European airports (DUB and PRG have especially good offerings). At each of these places, you’ll be treated to your own private room and a la carte meal and beverage service which is all included in the price. Then you’ll generally be driven to your aircraft. It’s pretty cool, but seldom cheap.
Another reason to hate TSA. Most of them suck. IMHO
@OnePatriot77 — Yeah, it sure seems so, doesn’t it (uni-party). If it makes anyone feel better, folks on ‘the left’ are pretty pissed about the establishment Democrats capitulating to corporate interests over that of their actual constituents (the people). You and others may detest the likes of Mamdani or AOC, but at least in NYC, a majority of people are pretty fed-up, and they’re voting for something different. We’ll see how that works out. Clearly, Republicans got rid of their old party, and united behind a strongman. If the left were ever to do that, I’m not sure the other ‘extreme’ would be wise, but it’s probably where things are headed regardless.
Sorry for my earlier comment. I apologize. This is just Republican fear mongering I was regurgitating.
Mike P.:
Logic Fallacy: Hasty generalization.
“Generalizations occur when a phenomenon is claimed to apply to many different cases without providing logical evidence that it does.”
There you go, dear.
@WearyWatchdog — I like it. Please return for future posts and call out any and all logical fallacies that you see. Even if you’re a bot; I’d say, ‘good bot.’ And if you’re a dog, I’d give you a treat.
Sorry, Weary, try again. The main point of my comment is that government runs on the productive efforts of other people. Refute that. Good luck!
@Mike P — At least in the USA, our government is supposed to be, ‘we the people,’ have you forgotten? I still think you’re a fake-triot, masquerading as someone ‘just asking questions.’ Return to Moscow, Beijing, or wherever.
Priority Pass should prohibit uniformed airport and airline employees.
Epic fail from 1990. Were you going to address my argument, or are you waiting for “Weary” to help you out?
@Mike P — You asked him, not me. But if you want my thoughts, you know I’m usually down to clown.
As to your question, your premise is flawed. You’re basically whining about taxation.
Yet, you forget that our taxes fund the infrastructure, defense, etc. that enable us all to live and participate in a productive society.
At its ideals, our system of government serves the common interests of our people.
So, yeah, I totally disagree with your pitch for anarcho-libertarianism.
Way to offer a red herring. My point again is that government employees exist on the productive efforts of other people. Can you address and refute that point? Keep flying higher!
@Mike P — Those workers provide a service to the public, sir. The government is of, by, and for the people. That’s the point. How many different ways do you need to hear it? Give us a quote already!
There was some of this going on at an Amex lounge in Europe and then country management required the lounge operator to look at and record boarding pass info along with the Amex account info.
@GUWonder — Generally, the Europeans seem to care more about dealing with corruption, instead of just making it yet another culture-war flash-point, like in the USA. And, you’re right; this is a relatively simple fix, to properly verify; so, the failure here is really on the lounge, though, we should not condone scammers either.
“Those workers provide a service to the public, sir.”
Nope, still not there. Another red herring. Let’s go back to the original point.
“Government workers are supported and exist due to the productive efforts of other people.” Tell us what’s incorrect about that statement. And please avoid red herrings and straw man arguments.
@Mike P — I’ll be more clear: It’s ‘the’ people, not ‘other’ people.
It’s ‘all’ of us, not some mysterious boogeymen out to get you in-particular. No one is ‘taking’ from you, so much as we’re all ‘taking’ and ‘giving’ at the same time. That’s a society. Yes, it often involves paying taxes, but also, it’s through public service, and so much more. Let’s not disparage all workers, in government or the private sector. They’re people like you and I trying their best.
@Mike P — And, I’m still waiting on a quote. You used to enjoy sharing those. C’mon, man…
@Mike P
I will not tell you what is incorrect about that statement. There is, however, not enough information in that statement to draw any further conclusions about the value of the work. One sentence does not equate to a flawless worldview.
Nope, you’re still not getting it. Do you find it difficult to avoid offering unrelated and pointless arguments? It’s an anonymous thread; no one knows who you are, and therefore, admitting that I’m right will not affect your ego.
@Mike P — You forgot to repeat, ‘blah, blah… ReD hErRiNg’… Since you won’t quote Twain for us, I’ll share one of my favorites from you: “I accept your surrender.” Classic.
You may want to try using one of your “Life Lines” or maybe call a friend. It’s obvious you’re never going to get it.
@Mike P — About time for you to drone on about (uncle) Tom Sowell again…
“Woofie” and others don’t the finger at PP for not following its rules. But, it’s a scam by the local PP operations in cahoots with TSA and airline crews, and the PP HQs was totally reliant on the integrity of the local franchise. TSA exists to insure people are compliant, yet this group of cretins think they’re “special.” They, the airline crews, and local PP operation should all be unemployed.
In case you’re a confused reader, you’re paying more for PP because of this.
@Christopher Hugo — No one here is honestly condoning this abuse, by anyone, regardless of their employment or otherwise; that said, is anyone actually pay Priority Pass directly? It’s super rare. Most of us have like 5+ complimentary memberships with our various credit cards. So, I highly doubt any fees are increasing on us because of this, specifically.
Priority Pass needs to tighten up enforcement of rules and the sloth TSA worker … yet another reason not to like those creatures.
I think this discussion is missing the power differential between a lounge/restaurant worker and a TSA worker in uniform.
“Deny me my free meal? Good luck ever.getting to work again through a security lane! I see your purse in the break room – unattended luggage! I need a bomb squad here!”
I did my first and last Priority Pass Lounge at LHR Terminal 5. I’d rather do First Wing.
TSA is entitled: an unaccounted tax burden on the out-of-pocket paying leisure traveler. No lobbyist cares for us.
“I will not tell you what is incorrect about that statement.”
“Sorry”, because you can’t. My statement is what’s known as a “truism”. In other words, it’s indisputable. Not that the likes of 1990 won’t continue to deny reality.
@BigTee — Nearly everyone is in-favor of improving things (and fighting corruption); however, to imply that we should abolish the TSA is not a serious position. Sadly, some folks seem to have forgotten 9/11. That said, I agree with you in-part that we consumers (and workers) deserve better protections and advocacy, especially when usually it is massive corporations that enjoy outsized power and regularly abuse it against us.
@Mike P — Ah, speaking of ‘not serious’ people… So, how much of a ‘libertarian’ are you, sir? Like, are you one of those ‘sovereign citizen’ (great way to get arrested) and ‘taxation is theft’ (great way to get audited) types, or merely, you’d just like to see less regulation, more tax cuts, etc.
“We’re off to see the wizard…”
@Mike P — Well, what’r you gonna ask him for? A heart? Courage? …Oh. You need a brain. Got it.
(Thanks for the layup!)
My two cents:
If the managers of lounges and restaurants choose to turn a blind eye to airline personnel breaking the rules of card issuers to to the benefit of customers, that’s their business decision. It’s up to the their senior management and the card issuers to enforce rules.
However, I feel that government employees, particulary those in any sort of enforcement position, whose presence within the secure environment is based on their role, should be held to a higher standard of conduct. Any behavior which might even appear to involve fraud should be out-of-bounds especially when in uniform.
Yes, the Ritz Visa offers unlimited guests, but no longer restaurants
TSA wastes billions of dollars per year. Local security guards could do the job just as well for a fraction of the price.
@Jim Worrall — I’m gonna assume you also ‘feel’ that the Postal Service also ‘wastes’ our money, too. But, let’s not forget, these are a public ‘service’; as in, it’s not supposed to make a ‘profit’. See the military; it does create ‘jobs’ and also keeps us ‘safe.’ As for your idea of ‘local security,’ those contractors lapses contributed to September 11, 2001. So, how quickly some forget… ‘Hey, why do we need these hundred-year-flood levees anyway… we haven’t had a flood in at least 90 years!’
Freedom is free, Gary. Stay in your lane.
Several TSA “fan boys” here. If you want to read how competent TSA is, you ought to read the following article:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/tsa-fails-tests-latest-undercover-operation-us-airports/story?id=51022188