Best US airport lounges feature speakeasies, fireplaces, and cheesemongers

Understanding the Airport Lounge Landscape

Once you’ve experienced the comforts of an airport lounge, it's hard to imagine returning to the chaos of the general boarding area. However, gaining access to these exclusive spaces has become more challenging due to rising credit card fees and stricter loyalty status requirements. This makes it even more important to ensure that the lounge network you choose is truly worth the effort.

In the United States, travelers now have more options than ever before. Since 2025, there has been a surge in new lounge openings from both credit card companies and airlines. For example, Delta introduced its first-ever Delta One lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Additionally, JetBlue is set to open its first lounge in New York City this winter, while Alaska Airlines has announced plans for a significant expansion of its lounge network across several West Coast hubs.

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide which lounge is best for you. To help with this decision, industry research company J.D. Power recently released its annual ranking of U.S. airport lounges based on customer satisfaction scores.

“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,” said Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power, in a press release. “This is driving the demand for additional lounge space within airport terminals.”

The 2025 list was based on survey responses from 1,430 travelers who had visited a U.S. airport lounge over the last year, with data collected between September and October. The scoring system considers eight weighted segments: experience value, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness, amenities, convenience of access, ambiance, and Wi-Fi. Below is a breakdown of how each lounge network performed.

Top-Ranked Lounges

American Express Centurion Lounge

Amex’s Centurion Lounge network topped J.D. Power’s list, scoring 782 out of 1,000 points—the highest score among all lounges. Many of Amex’s largest Centurion Lounges are located in the U.S., including at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Its flagship location, launched in 2020 at JFK, features a speakeasy, an "Equinox Body Lab," and a dining program led by James Beard Award nominee Ignacio Mattos. The newest location, opened in October 2025 at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), includes an outdoor terrace, a fireplace, three bars, and a buffet. Amex also plans to launch a location at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2026.

How to Access:
Travelers with American Express’ Centurion, Platinum, Business Platinum, and Corporate Platinum cards have unlimited access. Explorer, Platinum Reserve, Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, Business Explorer, Elevate Premium, Express Corporate, and Express Airports cardholders receive biannual access. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders also get complimentary access if they’re booked on a Delta flight. All cardholders can bring up to two guests, with an additional fee of $50 per adult or $30 per person under 18 years old.

Capital One Lounge

Capital One Lounge ranked second in J.D. Power’s survey, scoring 773 points. While not as widespread as the Centurion Lounge, Capital One has locations at several major U.S. airports, including Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Amenities include relaxation rooms, private offices, and shower suites. The JFK location, opened in June 2025, features showers, several bars, a bodega, and cheese selected by a local cheesemonger across 13,500 square feet.

How to Access:
Travelers with Venture X and Venture X Business cards have unlimited access. Up to two guests are welcome, with a fee of $45 per adult or $25 per person under 17 years old. Those with Venture or Spark Miles cards can purchase access for the same cost. Non-cardholders can pay $90 to enter.

Delta Sky Club

Delta Sky Club tied with Capital One Lounge for second place, also scoring 773 points. Delta’s popular lounges are available at over 50 airports worldwide, including major U.S. hubs like Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Its largest lounge, opened in 2022 at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), spans 24,000 square feet and includes two buffets and seating for nearly 600 guests.

In 2025, Delta Sky Club expanded its presence by opening three new U.S. locations—Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)—and expanded existing lounges at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Delta also debuted premium Delta One lounges at JFK, LAX, SEA, and BOS, reserved for business class and first class passengers.

How to Access:
Medallion Members with Delta’s SkyMiles Program can pay $1,495 (or 149,500 Delta miles) for a year of unlimited access with two guests, or $695 (or 69,500 miles) for an individual membership with guest fees. Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business American Express Basic, and Reserve Business Additional cardholders receive 15 complimentary visits per year (or unlimited access if they spend at least $75,000 annually). Select American Express Centurion cardholders also have access, while those with Platinum American Express cards get unlimited access.

Full List of Ranked Lounges

• American Express Centurion Lounge (782)
• Capital One Lounge (773) and Delta Sky Club (773)
• Chase Sapphire Lounge (771)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (753)
• Alaska Lounge (748)
• United Club (705)