These days, contemporary airport lounges pull out all the stops to make your journey comfortable and convenient. Among the top benefits, you can bet on spacious, comfortable seating, complimentary dining and refreshments, shower suites, plus spaces to work and even take a nap in. Not to mention, many modern lounges now offer wellness amenities such as spa treatments, too.
Whether you’re looking to boost your productivity before your flight or take a moment to relax in a tranquil environment, skip the crowds with our guide to the best airport lounges in the US. We’ll cover the best airport lounges worth trying next time you fly, including where they are and how to access them.
In this guide:
- Airport Lounge Benefit Comparison
- Best US Airport Lounges
- Which Airline Has the Best Lounges?
- Is Everything Free in an Airport Lounge?
- Are Airport VIP Lounges Worth It?
Airport Lounge Benefit Comparison
Between super-fast Wi-Fi, wellness treatments and complimentary refreshments, there are various benefits you might look for at an airport lounge. Some lounges set time limits for when you can arrive before your departure flight, while others may not have any time restrictions at all.
Time limits and amenities can vary at different locations. To answer any specific questions, contact the airport lounge customer service team.
Consider the different benefits below to help you find the best airport lounge for you.
| Lounge | Airports | Unlimited Food | Unlimited Drinks | Time in Lounge | Complimentary Wi-Fi | Spa & Wellness Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Lounge | BOS LGA JFK PHX SAN |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air France Lounge | BOS IAH LAX JFK SFO IAD |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ | ✔ |
| Delta One Lounge | BOS LAX JFK |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ | ✔ |
| American Airlines/British Airways Chelsea Lounge | JFK | ✔ | 4+ hours | ✔ | ||
| American Airlines Flagship Lounges | ORD DFW LAX MIA |
✔ | ✔ | 4+ hours | ✔ | |
| American Express Centurion Lounges | CLT DFW DEN IAH LAS LAX MIA JFK LGA PHL PHX SFO SEA |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ | |
| United Polaris Lounges | ORD IAH LAX EWR SFO IAD |
✔ | ✔ | 4+ hours | ✔ | ✔ |
| Capital One Lounges | DFW DEN IAD DCA |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ | ✔ |
| Escape Lounges | BDL CVG FLL GSP CMH MCI MSP XNA OAK PBI PHX RNO PVD SMF SYR |
✔ | ✔ | 3 hours | ✔ |
Best US Airport Lounges
You can access airport lounges in various ways. You can fly in business and first-class, use premium travel cards, subscribe to annual airport lounge memberships, and in some cases, purchase a day pass. Follow on to discover some of the best US airport lounges to look out for to make your journey smoother.
Chase Sapphire Lounges
First arriving at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in 2023, Chase now offers its cardholders access to their luxury airport lounges. While services can vary depending on the airport, Chase Sapphire Lounges offer premium cocktails, locally inspired dining, wellness treatments and secluded workspaces.
Chase Sapphire Lounges at BOS, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and San Diego (SAN) offer wellness areas with private rest pods and facial treatments, while BOS and JFK Airport offer access to private showers.
How to Access Chase Sapphire Lounges
You can access Chase Sapphire Lounges if you are a primary cardmember of:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- J.P. Morgan Reserve
- Ritz-Carlton™
You can also access the Sapphire Lounge if you have a Priority Pass membership, making it one of the best airport lounges if you don’t hold a Chase card.
Chase Sapphire Lounge locations
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Air France Lounges
Available at a range of major US airports, the Air France Lounge offers a broad range of amenities to give you a slice of sanctuary before your flight.
The Air France Lounge at JFK Airport is a particular highlight, boasting large open spaces with plenty of natural light. Choose quiet areas to work and relax in or browse the art that decorates the lounge. From the second floor, you can even catch a glimpse of the New York City skyline.
Serving a diverse selection of fresh buffet food rather than table service, the Air France Lounge is the one of the best airport lounges for a casual afternoon at JFK. Help yourself to self-service soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits, while the exclusive Clarins Spa offers facial and jet lag relief treatments.
How to Access Air France Lounges
The Air France Lounge is available for:
- Premium cabin passengers flying in business and first-class
- Passengers with Flying Blue Platinum and Gold status
- Passengers with SkyTeam Elite Plus status
- Priority Pass members
- Air France customers can also enquire about purchasing a day pass at the Air France kiosk
Air France Lounge locations
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Houston George Bush International Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Delta One Lounges
Offering a premium experience like nowhere else, the all-new Delta One Lounge by Delta Air Lines is the next level up from the Delta Sky Club lounge.
Exclusive to business and first-class passengers, experience Delta’s renowned hospitality with fine dining menus hand-selected by celebrity chefs, wellness treatments, luxurious shower suites and more. Meanwhile, if you don’t have time to schedule a three-course meal at the fine dining restaurant, the upscale buffet offers unlimited food, including alcoholic drinks.
Currently available at JFK Airport, Los Angeles and Boston, the Delta One Lounge is by far one of the best luxury airport lounges in the US.
How to Access Delta One Lounges
The Delta One Lounge is available for:
- Same-day Delta One passengers
- Delta 360°™ Members traveling in Delta First Class
- Passengers traveling in business or first-class cabins with Delta partners
Delta One Lounge Locations
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
American Airlines/British Airways Chelsea Lounge
Exclusive to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the Chelsea Lounge by American Airlines and British Airways is the most luxurious of the three lounges the airlines offer at JFK.
Oozing first-class elegance the moment you step inside, the Chelsea Lounge offers comfortable seating and work areas furnished with upscale décor. Featuring gourmet dining, a dedicated champagne bar and a relaxing fireside lounge – it’s one of the best airport lounges, USA or otherwise.
How to Access Chelsea Lounges
The Chelsea Lounge is exclusive to:
- Passengers flying in American Airlines Flagship first-class
- Passengers flying in British Airways first-class
- Eligible ConciergeKey® members
Chelsea Lounge Locations
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
American Airlines Flagship Lounges
American Airlines also offers premium amenities for eligible passengers flying in business or first-class. The full-service American Airlines Flagship Lounges offer chef-inspired dining and personalized customer service. Meanwhile, guests can relax and unwind at the specialty cocktail and wine bars or feel refreshed using the shower suites.
So, whether you’re landing at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for a short layover or setting off from Los Angeles, you’ll find plenty of spacious seating areas dedicated to relaxing and catching up on work.
How to Access American Airlines Flagship Lounges
The American Airlines Flagship Lounge is available for:
- Passengers flying in American Airlines Flagship business class
- Passengers flying in American Airlines Flagship first class
- Eligible AAdvantage members
- Eligible Mileage Plan members
- Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members
American Airlines Flagship Locations
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
American Express Centurion Lounges
The American Express Centurion Lounge is one of the more widely accessible options, available for eligible American Express cardholders. It’s also one of the most popular and highly rated airport lounges on Tripadvisor.
Centurion Lounges offer premium amenities such as seasonal, chef-prepared buffets, world-class signature cocktails, quiet seating areas and workspaces, and shower suites as standard. Meanwhile, some lounges offer family rooms with toys and games to occupy little ones – making it one of the best airport lounges for families.
Flying out of Los Angeles? For more travel tips for busy families, explore our guide to navigating LAX airport with kids.
How to Access American Express Centurion Lounges
The American Express Centurion Lounge is available for the following cardholders:
- American Express Centurion®
- American Express® Platinum
- American Express® Business Platinum
- American Express® Corporate Platinum Card Members
American Express Centurion Lounge Locations
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
United Polaris Lounges
If you’ve got an international flight lined up, the United Polaris Lounge is hard to beat. Available at a number of US airports, this lounge is exclusive to long-haul international travelers in business class and premium Star Alliance cabins.
Have your choice of refreshments with full-service amenities, featuring both buffet and sit-down meals, and a curated selection of wine, beer and luxury cocktails at the dedicated bar. Feel rejuvenated with premium shower suites complete with Therabody products. Or take a moment to relax in the private rest areas equipped with daybeds, soft lighting and ambient white noise.
How to Access United Polaris Lounges
Passengers can access United Polaris Lounges by flying with:
- United Polaris business class
- First-class on a Star Alliance member airline
- Business class on a Star Alliance member airline
United Polaris Lounge Locations
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Capital One Lounges
Offering accessible comfort and convenience, Capital One is the new kid on the block with a range of easy-access lounges that don’t compromise on quality. Anyone can pay for a day pass to visit a Capital One Lounge, making it one of the best airport lounges in the US for general access.
Capital One offers upscale refreshments with buffet-style food to enjoy at the lounge, as well as grab-and-go options for a quick bite on the move. Their menu is curated by local chefs, working with local partnerships to keep their flavors tasting fresh and unique.
Meanwhile, guests can enjoy quiet areas for working and relaxing, kick back in family areas, visit multifaith prayer rooms, and unwind in relaxation rooms.
How to Access Capital One Lounges
You can access Capital One Lounges with:
- Capital One Venture X
- Capital One Venture X Business
For all other cardholders and those who are not Capital One customers, travelers can purchase access for $90.
Capital One Lounge Locations
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Escape Lounges
New on the airport lounge scene, Escape Lounges offers convenient access to premium lounges in 15 locations across the US. Escape Lounges accepts guests flying with any airline – you only need a qualifying travel or credit card membership or purchase a day pass.
Most Escape Lounge locations have been recently refitted, offering fresh and inviting spaces designed to reflect the identity of their location. You’ll find artwork from local artists and seasonal, chef-prepared menus from local suppliers.
Escape Lounge Fort Lauderdale has been nominated for North America’s Leading Airport Lounge for two years running at the World Travel Awards. Meanwhile, Syracuse won ‘Lounge of the Year Regional Highly Commended’ in the Priority Pass Excellence Awards in 2024.
So, if you’re looking to get away from the bustling crowds, Escape Lounges are a great-value option to enjoy unlimited food and drinks while you wait for your flight. Check out the newest arrival to the Escape Lounges family at Kansas City Airport.
How to Access Escape Lounges
Anyone can access Escape Lounges by prebooking or paying at the door, starting from $32 per person.
Guests can also get complimentary access with:
- American Express Centurion®
- American Express Platinum Card®
- American Express Business Platinum Card®
- American Express Corporate Platinum Card®
- American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve
- American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business
- Priority Pass
- Dragonpass
- TAV Passport Card
- Dreamfolks Card
Escape Lounges Locations
- Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
Coming soon:
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
Which Airline Has the Best Lounges?
The best airport lounge for you may vary depending on what you’re looking for, whether that’s a place to nap, work, or somewhere with upscale restaurants. Delta and United Airlines are both known for exclusive and luxurious lounges, offering à la carte dining and well-appointed shower facilities.
Is Everything Free in an Airport Lounge?
Food and drink are often complimentary at airport lounges. However, lounges may charge a fee for premium services such as wellness treatments, depending on your membership.
Are Airport VIP Lounges Worth It?
If you’re a frequent flyer or a credit card holder with access to premium lounge benefits, it’s definitely worth visiting VIP airport lounges. Airport lounges can offer a quiet space to work and relax before your flight or feel refreshed on a layover. Some of the main advantages include complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating and expedited check-in.
Travel With Confidence
If you’ve got a long flight ahead or you’re a frequent business flyer, it pays to plan your journey in advance. Explore more travel tips and advice with our airport guides, including the best things to do at JFK Airport.
Discover unbeatable parking rates and discounts when you pre book your airport parking and hotels with us at Airport Parking Reservations. Get peace of mind that your parking is guaranteed before your trip.
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