UATP Offers Lounge Access

Travelers working for companies that use the Universal Air Travel Plan—a centrally billed airline payment network—now can sign on for a discounted membership to access more than 450 airport lounges throughout the world. UATP last month partnered with Priority Pass—an airport lounge access provider—to give travelers a 10 percent discount into the program, gaining them access to lounges in 245 cities spanning 80 countries in six continents—from Dubai to Detroit and from Guam to Greece.

While airport lounges historically have been the realm of first or business class passengers or those who paid membership to individual airlines, travelers now can get the VIP treatment regardless of class of ticket and preferred carriers.

The program boasts lounge access at 42 U.S.-based airports. At the three most heavily trafficked airports, according to Airports Council International—Atlanta Hartsfield, Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles international airports—access is available to two or more lounges located in separate terminals. London Heathrow, which is the busiest airport outside of the United States, has six lounges that have partnered with Priority Pass.

With the exception of American Airlines, Priority Pass has arrangements with all of the major network carriers in the United States, as well as with a variety of independent lounge operators. "We have a different type of arrangement for each airline that we have an agreement with," said Jorge Rincon, vice president of the Americas for Priority Pass. "For example, with Presidents Club we have the whole range of lounges with Continental, but with Delta or United we have selected lounges. US Airways also has all of their lounges in our program."

Most lounges accessible through the program provide travelers with Internet access, telephone, fax service, refreshments, newspapers, magazines and television, and, in some cases, offer fine dining, haircuts, showers and massages.

While UATP users receive a discounted rate, travelers don't need to use UATP to take advantage of the program. The standard cost of membership is $99 per year and $24 per lounge visit—with additional discounted plan options. Guests and travel companions of Priority Pass cardholders also can access the lounges for a fee.

The company also offers corporate programs, with discounts peaking at 70 percent based on the number of registered travelers. "For the most part multinational companies that have executives who travel frequently outside their own country will go with the Priority Pass program," Rincon said, adding that incentive travel represents another opportunity for program growth.

Priority Pass now is included in UATP's Executive Connection membership plan, which also includes trip insurance coverage and travel discounts with car rental companies.