Airport Lounge Membership Value Calculator

Work out whether a lounge membership, Priority Pass plan, or premium travel card actually pays for itself. Input the annual fee, visit cadence, guest usage, per-visit value, statement credits, and any swipe fees to reveal the net yearly gain (or loss).

Annual fee for the membership or credit card, including any authorised user surcharges that unlock lounge access.
Count both departure and connecting visits you expect to make in lounges covered by the plan.
Realistic dollar amount you would otherwise spend per visit on food, drinks, Wi-Fi, or workspace access.
Leave blank to assume you travel solo; otherwise enter the average number of guests you bring.
Leave blank to assume each guest receives $22 of value per visit (roughly two premium drinks plus snacks).
Leave blank if the plan lacks statement credits; otherwise add recurring travel, dining, or Uber credits you reliably use.
Leave blank to assume entry is complimentary; enter any per-visit surcharge or swipe fee for the membership tier.

Travel benefits change frequently; verify terms with the issuer or lounge program before purchasing.

Examples

  • Priority Pass-style membership costing $469, 18 visits, one guest worth $22, personal value $28, no visit fees, no credits ⇒ $431.00 net annual value
  • Premium card $695, 10 visits, one guest worth $20, personal value $38, $400 in credits, $0 visit fees ⇒ $285.00 net benefit

FAQ

How should I value complimentary food and drinks?

Base the value on what you would actually spend at airport restaurants or cafés. Conservative estimates keep the ROI honest and protect against impulse valuations.

Do credit card statement credits always apply?

Only include credits you redeem every year—airline incidental, dining, Uber, or Saks credits you frequently trigger. Skip perks that routinely expire unused.

Can I compare multiple memberships?

Yes. Run the calculator for each card or lounge program, then subtract overlapping benefits (such as duplicate Priority Pass access) to identify the most efficient combination.

Additional Information

  • Positive results indicate the membership more than pays for itself; negative numbers mean you are overpaying for access.
  • Review guest rules—some issuers cap complimentary guests or charge extra for priority lounges at peak times.
  • Refresh the visit estimate each quarter using actual trips so the ROI reflects your current travel rhythm.
  • Annual credits only count if you reliably trigger them; omit sporadic perks such as limited restaurant offers.

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