Top Airport Lounge Brands, Rated by Frequent Travelers

The Top Airport Lounges in the United States for 2025

With the constant expansion of airport lounges across the globe, determining which one offers the best experience can be a challenging task. However, a recent survey conducted by consumer insights company JD Power aims to simplify this decision for travelers. The study highlights the top seven airport lounge brands in the United States based on the satisfaction levels of frequent travelers.

The survey involved 1,430 travelers who had visited a U.S. airport lounge within the past year. These individuals were asked to rate their experiences across eight key categories: value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness and upkeep, amenities, ease of accessing the lounge, ambiance, and Wi-Fi service.

American Express Centurion Lounges Take the Lead

American Express Centurion Lounges emerged as the top-ranked airport lounge brand in the 2025 ranking, achieving an impressive score of 782 out of 1,000 points. Known for their exclusive and luxurious offerings, these lounges feature speakeasy bars, craft cocktails, shower suites, plush relaxation areas, and locally inspired gourmet cuisine.

Centurion Lounges are available at 17 U.S. airports and 12 major international locations, with additional expansions planned for 2026. Access to these lounges is limited to holders of the Platinum Card from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, along with business versions of these cards. Travelers with the Centurion Card (often referred to as the "black card") also enjoy complimentary access.

Capital One Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs Share Second Place

Rounding out the top three U.S. airport lounge brands are both Capital One Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs, which tied for second place with a score of 773. Delta has been working to enhance the accessibility of its Sky Clubs, implementing stricter rules to manage overcrowding and ensure a more relaxed environment for travelers.

Capital One Lounges, which made their debut in 2021, have quickly gained popularity for their fitness rooms and diverse food options. The company plans to restrict complimentary access to only primary cardholders of its Venture X and Venture X Business cards starting February 1, 2026. Authorized users will have the option to purchase annual subscriptions, while others can buy day passes. Currently, there are six U.S. locations, with a seventh set to open at New York LaGuardia (LGA) in 2026.

Full Ranking of the Top U.S. Airport Lounges

Here’s the complete list of the top seven airport lounges in the U.S. for 2025:

1. American Express Centurion Lounges: 782 points out of 1,000
2. (Tie) Capital One Lounges: 773 points
3. (Tie) Delta Sky Clubs: 773 points
4. Chase Sapphire Lounges: 771 points
5. American Airlines Admirals Clubs: 753 points
6. Alaska Lounges: 748 points
7. United Clubs: 705 points

Impact of Lounge Access on Travel Decisions

The availability of airport lounges plays a significant role in how travelers plan their trips. According to the survey, 82% of respondents indicated that lounge access influences their choice of airline when booking flights. Additionally, nearly half (47%) of airport lounge customers said they plan their flights based on access to their preferred lounge.

Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, noted, “Airport lounges have become so popular that many airports are now starting to mimic their designs and layouts in their public terminal areas. Lounges are clearly resonating with travelers, as expanded access through credit card perks and other non-status-related offers has fueled demand, bringing with it the unfortunate side effect of increased crowding. This is driving the demand for additional lounge space within airport terminals.”

Food and Beverage Remain the Most Desired Amenities

Among the various amenities offered by airport lounges, food and beverage options are the most sought after. A staggering 74% of travelers surveyed used lounges for their cuisine, with over a third (38%) specifically seeking out lounge access due to the high cost of food in the terminal. This trend underscores the growing importance of dining experiences in the modern travel landscape.