The World of Airport Lounges: A Guide to the Best US Options
For frequent travelers, the airport lounge experience can be a game changer. With comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and other amenities, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are seeking access to these exclusive spaces. However, with the increasing popularity of lounges, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
In the United States, there has been a surge in new lounge openings since the beginning of 2025. Both credit card companies and airlines have been getting in on the action, with Delta recently debuting their first-ever Delta One lounge at JFK. The trend is set to continue, with JetBlue’s first lounge expected to open in New York City this winter and Alaska Airlines planning a significant expansion of their lounge network in several West Coast hubs.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which lounge network is the best fit for you. To help, J. D. Power, a leading industry research company, has released their annual ranking of US airport lounges with the highest customer satisfaction scores.
According to Michael Taylor, managing director of travel, hospitality, and retail at J. D. Power, lounges are becoming increasingly popular, but unfortunately, this has also led to increased crowding. This has sparked a demand for more lounge space within airport terminals.
The 2025 list is based on a survey of 1,430 travelers who had visited a US airport lounge in the past year. The scoring system takes into account eight weighted segments including experience value, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness, amenities, convenience of access, ambiance, and Wi-Fi.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Amex’s Centurion Lounge network came out on top with a score of 782, well above the average score of 758. American Express has several large Centurion Lounges located in major US airports such as Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. Their flagship lounge, which opened in 2020 at JFK, boasts impressive amenities including a speakeasy, an “Equinox Body Lab,” and a dining program led by a four-time James Beard Award nominee. Their newest location, which opened on October 28 at Salt Lake City International Airport, is even bigger with an outdoor terrace, a fireplace, three bars (including one dedicated to coffee), and a buffet. American Express also has plans to open a location at Newark Liberty International Airport in 2026.
The popularity of airport lounges continues to grow, and with new options constantly emerging, it’s important to choose a network that best fits your needs. Whether you prioritize amenities, convenience, or overall experience, this ranking from J. D. Power can help you make an informed decision on which lounge network to join.