Collinson International, which operates Priority Pass, said on the 8th that it will strengthen its LoungeKey Pass solution tailored to the Korean market.
Eligible customers can use a digital pass to access more than 1,800 airport lounges and wellness facilities, sleep capsules, and in-airport dining operating at over 832 airports worldwide, among other diverse travel experience services.
LoungeKey Pass is a digital voucher–type airport benefit service that can be used without additional enrollment or a physical card, offering premium airport lounges and various travel experiences as one-time passes. It can link to a card issuer's existing digital platforms, such as mobile banking applications (apps), allowing it to be used as a benefit contingent on meeting usage conditions or as part of a rewards program.
The strengthened solution reflects Korean consumers' strong interest in travel benefits. According to Collinson International's survey, 44% of domestic card users said they receive rewards through travel benefits offered by their payment cards, and 47% felt they receive more special treatment. In addition, 91% of respondents said they are more likely to use a card more often for everyday spending if it offers travel benefits or rewards.
In particular, airport lounge access was cited as one of the representative travel benefits that Korean consumers consider important. The survey found that 80% of travelers had used an airport lounge, and 56% responded that lounge access benefits offered by payment cards improved their overall airport experience.
The enhanced LoungeKey Pass operates complementarily with the global airport experience program Priority Pass and is designed for the Korean market. Card issuers can offer airport lounge access as rewards based on card spending performance, loyalty points, or thresholds above a certain amount, encouraging increased card usage and transaction volume.
Shinhan Card will be the first among domestic card issuers to introduce LoungeKey Pass. On Mar. 1, eligible customers have been able to use more than 1,800 airport lounges and various travel experience services worldwide through the Shinhan Card app Shinhan SOL Pay, enter easily using a QR code, and check their lounge usage history directly in the app.