In a Nutshell
George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has two Priority Pass™ lounges, located in Terminal D. If you're a member — either by signing up directly with Priority Pass™ or by holding a premium travel credit card that offers Priority Pass™ Select — you can relax in either one before your flight.If you fly through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport often, there are two Priority Pass™ lounges you should know about.
One is the KLM Crown Lounge and the other is the Air France Lounge, both located in Terminal D.
Fortunately, if you hold a premium travel credit card, it might come equipped with complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which gives you access to Priority Pass™ lounges once you enroll.
Having lounge access can be like unlocking an airport oasis, away from the chaos. In my own travel experience, Priority Pass™ lounges have offered ample outlets to charge my electronics, strong Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, snacks and sometimes small finger foods, empty bathrooms and, yes, even wine.
Read on to find out how you can take advantage of Priority Pass™ lounge access the next time your flight takes you through this Houston airport.
Things you should know about the Priority Pass™ lounges at Houston’s IAH
Both the KLM Crown Lounge and Air France Lounge are located in Terminal D, where you can find …
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
- Comfortable seating
- Complimentary drinks, refreshments
- Newspapers and magazines
- And sometimes food (like small sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit)
Just keep in mind that even though you have a membership, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get in. If the lounge is too crowded, you may get turned away.
KLM Crown Lounge
- Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Location: Terminal D, near Gate D8
- Stay: Three hours max.
Use the KLM Crown Lounge to kick up your heels and unwind before you board. Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Plus kids 2 years and under are admitted free.
The KLM Crown Lounge is well-equipped. Features include …
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Newspapers/magazines
- Refreshments
- Alcoholic beverages
- Telephone (for local calls)
While opinions differ when it comes to which Priority Pass™ lounge is better at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Jan S., founder of TheLuxuryTravelExpert.com, explains, “I prefer the KLM Lounge because of better food offerings and a nicer decor.”
Air France Lounge
- Hours of Operation: 12 to 5 p.m. daily, closed Dec. 25
- Location: Terminal D, near Gate D12
- Stay: Three hours max.
The Air France Lounge and has two sections: one that has snacks and beverages, and another larger area with a TV and chairs.
But there are no private bathrooms, and travelers have noted that the Air France Lounge is very small. The hours of operation are also limited, so if you’re traveling outside of the hours of noon to 5 p.m., you won’t have access. And if you are around during that window, keep in mind that access may be restricted due to space constraints. Like the KLM Crown Lounge, children 2 years and under are admitted free.
Lounge features include …
- Wi-Fi
- Newspapers/magazines
- TV
- Refreshments
- Alcoholic beverages
- Telephone (for local calls)
How to get Priority Pass™ Lounge access
If your premium travel credit card offers complimentary access to Priority Pass™ lounges, it’s probably through Priority Pass™ Select membership. Although you might think you have instant access, you typically have to enroll in Priority Pass™ Select separately before you can get into a lounge. Check out your card’s benefits guide or contact your card issuer to find out how to enroll.
After you enroll, depending on your issuer’s program, you may receive a Priority Pass™ membership card in the mail. You need to present this card, or a digital membership card, to the front desk of the lounge before you can enter. If you didn’t get a physical card, you can download the app for a digital version of the card (which you will be able to use immediately at lounges that accept the digital card, though be aware that not all do).
If you don’t have a travel credit card that offers Priority Pass™ Select, you can purchase the membership on your own through the Priority Pass™ website.
Buying a membership through Priority Pass™
There are the three membership tiers offered on the Priority Pass™ website.
Standard
- Annual fee: $99
- Member visit fee: $32 per visit
- Guest visit fee: $32 per visit, per guest
Standard Plus
- Annual fee: $299
- Member visit fee: 10 visits included, $32 per visit after
- Guest visit fee: $32 per visit, per guest
Prestige
- Annual Fee: $429
- Member visit fee: Unlimited free visits
- Guest visit fee: $32 per visit, per guest
The annual Priority Pass™ membership fee is generally less than the annual fee of a premium credit card, but not by much. But some cards also come with additional perks related to the Priority Pass™, such as offering free access for up to two guests.
If you have a lot of upcoming flights, a travel credit card could provide more value than purchasing a Priority Pass™ membership on its own. Some of the best travel credit cards have other perks such as robust sign-up bonuses, travel protection, and flight perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. And many also come with rewards-earning potential.
Check out this detailed list of our top credit card recommendations to find cards that offer airport lounge access.
Bottom line
Whether you have a Priority Pass™ Select membership through your credit card or are thinking of buying a membership on your own, having lounge access could be an invaluable perk when you’re traveling.
However you gain entry to Priority Pass™ lounges, the next time you’re walking through Terminal D at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, you can try strolling into the KLM Crown Lounge or Air France Lounge for a little rest and refreshment before your flight.