This trick saved me like $2,000
I’m just visiting Canada for work but if you’re in Canada or other countries with a US credit card, it still works.
1) you need the Marriott Boundless card. Keep it for over a year, since US laws prevent annual fee hikes in the first year. After that year, call Chase to upgrade from Boundless to the Ritz-Carlton card, so you get an extra $300 travel credit.
2) add your family members as authorized users, you just need their name and birthday. Then ask Chase to send Priority Pass cards with their names on them, set up their PPS online account, and download the app.
3) the Ritz’s Priority Pass lets you bring as many people as you want for free. My dad even took his whole work crew once. Also, Venture X Biz used to have better PPS perks for family, but that’s no longer an option.
Got any other lounge hacks? Drop ’em below!
If you're a frequent traveler or planning a trip, knowing how to access airport lounges without paying hefty fees can truly elevate your travel experience and save you a significant amount of money. This hack involving the Marriott Boundless and Ritz-Carlton credit cards is a great example of how smart use of credit card perks can unlock premium benefits. The key is in timing your credit card usage: holding the Marriott Boundless card for over a year ensures you avoid early annual fee hikes because of US regulations. After that, upgrading to the Ritz-Carlton card grants an additional $300 annual travel credit, which effectively reduces your overall travel expenses. One of the most valuable tips is adding family members as authorized users on your account. By simply providing their names and birthdays, you can request Priority Pass membership cards for each. Priority Pass lounges are widespread globally, including popular hubs like the AIRFRANCE SALON/LOUNGE, offering complimentary access to premium airport amenities. What makes the Ritz-Carlton Priority Pass stand out is the ability to bring unlimited guests for free. This means you can not only relax yourself but also accommodate your family or friends during layovers or flight delays. This can easily save hundreds or thousands of dollars in lounge fees during frequent travels. While some business cards like the Venture X Biz used to offer similar family-friendly lounge perks, recent changes have limited these options, highlighting the Ritz-Carlton card’s advantage. To maximize benefits further, set up the Priority Pass app and online accounts for each authorized user. This allows seamless lounge access and updates on lounge locations, hours, and amenities. Remember, these lounge access hacks can complement other travel strategies such as booking flights with miles, using travel insurance benefits on cards, or leveraging early check-in privileges. For travelers visiting Canada or using US credit cards abroad, this strategy remains effective, making it a versatile tip regardless of your primary travel destinations. Overall, such credit card lounge hacks are a great way to enhance travel comfort and minimize expenses, all while enjoying premium services that make airport waits more relaxing and enjoyable.