Priority Pass is superior in every way except domestic coverage. The international network alone makes it essential for frequent flyers.
After using both programs extensively (80+ lounge visits in 2024), here's my detailed comparison.
Coverage Comparison
Domestic Indian Lounges
- Priority Pass:
- Total lounges: ~20 in India
- Major airports: DEL (3), BOM (4), BLR (2), MAA (1), HYD (2)
- Quality: Mix of good (Plaza Premium) and average
- Rating: 7/10
- DreamFolks:
- Total lounges: ~35 in India
- Major airports: DEL (5), BOM (6), BLR (4), MAA (3), HYD (3)
- Quality: Mostly consistent, some very basic
- Rating: 8/10 for coverage, 6/10 for quality
[BEST] Winner: DreamFolks (more options domestically)
International Coverage
- Priority Pass:
- Global lounges: 1,300+
- Literally everywhere
- Premium lounges included
- Rating: 10/10
- DreamFolks:
- International: Limited to few airports
- Mostly basic lounges abroad
- Rating: 4/10
[BEST] Winner: Priority Pass (no contest)
App Experience
Priority Pass App
DreamFolks App
[BEST] Winner: Priority Pass (DreamFolks app is embarrassing)
Guest Policy
- Priority Pass:
- Varies by card issuer
- HDFC Diners: 2 free guests per visit
- Infinia: Unlimited guests (each counted as 1 swipe)
- Amex Platinum: 2 free guests
- Clear and consistent
- DreamFolks:
- Usually 1-2 guests depending on card
- Axis Reserve: 2 guests
- HDFC Regalia: 1 guest
- Not clearly communicated
[BEST] Winner: Priority Pass (better guest policies generally)
Lounge Quality Comparison
Delhi T3 (Domestic)
- Priority Pass Options:
- Plaza Premium (near Gate 10) - 8/10
- Travel Club (near Gate 1) - 6/10
- DreamFolks Options:
- Plaza Premium - 8/10
- Travel Club - 6/10
- Oberoi - 5/10 (small, crowded)
- Adani Lounge - 6/10 (basic but clean)
Overlap exists but DreamFolks has more backup options.
Mumbai T2
- Priority Pass:
- GVK Lounge - 6/10
- Adani Lounge - 7/10
- DreamFolks:
- GVK - 6/10
- Adani - 7/10
- Shaurya - 5/10
- Loyalty - 4/10 (avoid if possible)
Bangalore
- Priority Pass:
- 080 Lounge - 6/10
- Plaza Premium - 8/10
- DreamFolks:
- 080 Lounge - 6/10
- Plaza Premium - 8/10
- Adani Lounge - 7/10
- BLR Lounge - 5/10
Peak Time Access
This is where it gets interesting:
Priority Pass: Often REJECTED during peak hours (6-8 AM, 4-7 PM) due to capacity. They can turn you away even if you have valid access.
DreamFolks: Rarely rejected but quality suffers massively during peak. Overcrowding is a real issue.
[BEST] Winner: Neither (both struggle during peak times)
Cards That Offer Each Program
Priority Pass Cards:
DreamFolks Cards:
My Recommendation
For Domestic-Only Travelers:
→ DreamFolks (more lounge options in India)
For International Travelers:
→ Priority Pass (essential for global coverage)
Ideal Setup:
→ Have BOTH via different cards
→ Use DreamFolks domestically (less crowded)
→ Use Priority Pass internationally
- Best Card Combo for Lounges:
- HDFC Infinia (Priority Pass unlimited + DreamFolks via Diners)
- Axis Magnus Burgundy (Priority Pass unlimited + decent domestic access)
Real Issues I've Faced
- Priority Pass:
- Rejected at DEL Plaza Premium during morning rush (despite unlimited access)
- QR code wouldn't scan, had to show physical card
- Some lounges not honoring digital membership
- DreamFolks:
- App crashed when trying to check-in at BLR
- Lounge staff didn't recognize the card
- Had to wait 30 mins for "system verification"
Verdict
There's no clear winner. Each program has pros and cons:
- Priority Pass = Better international, better app, better overall quality
- DreamFolks = Better domestic coverage, more lounges
My strategy: Use Priority Pass abroad, use DreamFolks in India to save Priority Pass swipes.
What's been your experience?
1
DreamFolks app is GARBAGE. It crashed at BLR last week and lounge staff refused manual entry. Missed my lounge visit entirely.