Top Airport Lounges in the U.S.

Using my napkin as a barrier, I cautiously moved the half-finished bowl of tomato-cheddar soup and the hummus platter left by the previous guest. It was a minor hassle to clear space for my own complimentary dish. After all, it had taken me a while to snag a table in this packed airport lounge.

But I’m not complaining. Almost any lounge is better than lingering in the bustling airport terminal.

Still, if you seek a serene corner to escape the chaos at the gate, you might find it quite busy. Overcrowding in these terminal retreats was an ongoing issue even before the pandemic, starting back in 2016 when credit card companies began offering travel-friendly cards that allowed more people to bypass the velvet rope. And now, airport lounges are getting crowded again.

Sadly, the increasing number of visitors makes the experience feel a bit less like a “glamorous Hollywood party,” as noted by Michael Williams, a frequent traveler and men’s style influencer from A Continuous Lean. Yet, even if you’re not completely alone, these elevated waiting areas still offer plenty of advantages that often justify the entry barriers.

Air France–KLM lounge and spa at JFK Airport in New York

Perfect for pampering

Start your journey to France in this multilevel lounge, where you can unwind with a glass of exquisite wine or enjoy a meal that rivals any restaurant before your flight. A standout feature? A full-service spa operated by Clarins, the renowned French skincare brand. The spa was temporarily closed during the pandemic but is set to reopen in the fall of 2022, according to an Air France spokesperson.

How to Gain Access

A premium-class ticket on Air France or partner airlines grants entry. You can also use a Priority Pass, and day passes are available for purchase.

Alaska Airlines lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Ideal for local flavor

With its rich history serving Seattle, it’s no wonder that Alaska’s lounge at Sea-Tac is the largest among the airline’s six branded lounges in the U.S.—spanning 16,000 square feet and accommodating 340 guests. A highlight is the west-facing area that provides breathtaking views not only of the runways but also the distant Olympic Mountains. Additionally, in tribute to the local coffee and craft beer culture, the bar features 12 popular brews on tap, alongside artisanal coffee.

How to Enter

A standard annual membership in the lounge program, which includes access to Alaska-operated lounges, starts at $350 for elite members and $450 for non-elite members. It is also available to those with qualifying premium-class tickets on Alaska or with oneworld Alliance partners.

American Airlines Flagship First lounge at Miami International Airport

Ideal for dining and drinks

American Airlines Flagship First lounges receive accolades from discerning travelers, including branding expert Spencer Baim. “American has invested significant time and effort into enhancing the experience for their passengers,” he notes, highlighting features like spacious shower suites, DIY Bloody Mary bars, and menus developed by local chefs in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation. While other Flagship lounges are found in Chicago, Dallas–Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and JFK in New York, the Miami location is especially renowned for its exceptional food and beverage offerings.

How to Enter

Fly in first or business class on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental, or domestic flight operated by American, a oneworld airline, or flights marketed by JetBlue and operated by American.

Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport

Ideal for outdoor access

Finding fresh air can be a challenge at most airports, making a lounge with an outdoor patio hard to surpass. In the U.S., there’s no better spot to soak up the views and sunshine than at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which, following a major renovation and expansion, now features some of the country’s top-rated airline lounges.

LAX hosts one of Delta’s newest and largest Sky Clubs, which debuted in Terminal 3 in the spring of 2022. According to a sneak peek that Dinogo received in early 2022, “The new Delta Sky Club at LAX represents a significant improvement over the former Delta lounge at the airport and provides an excellent start to any long journey.” This expansive lounge spans 30,000 square feet and accommodates 500 guests, featuring a spacious Sky Deck patio complete with a bar and a retractable roof and heaters to ensure comfort in all weather.

For those on the East Coast, Delta’s Sky Club at JFK in New York also receives high praise for its open-air deck, providing a front-row view of the bustling runway. “It serves as a cozy oasis with outdoor seating overlooking the tarmac where you can charge your phone while enjoying a drink,” remarks Christine Martino, an advertising executive from New York City.

How to Enter

There are several ways to access Delta Sky Clubs, including purchasing an annual club membership—with rates starting at $695 per year (as of January 1, 2023, annual memberships are exclusively available to Medallion Members of the Delta SkyMiles Program); holding an American Express Platinum Card or certain Delta-branded credit cards; or traveling in business or first class with Delta.

Lufthansa at John F. Kennedy International Airport

Ideal for relaxation

Lufthansa’s lounge at JFK combines elegance, spaciousness, and sleek design. Travelers rave about the food and drink selections—the burrata cheese plate and the delectable chicken marsala stood out as exceptional, surpassing what I've experienced at most other lounges. The ambiance is soothing, featuring stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of comfortable seating. Spanning three levels, the lounge includes a dedicated area for first-class passengers, complete with private dining options. Showers are also available. The first-class section is exclusive to Lufthansa at JFK; the airline also operates highly regarded lounges in Boston, Detroit, Newark, and Washington Dulles.

Accessing the lounge

Travel in business or first class with Lufthansa or one of its partner airlines. Depending on the lounge's capacity on a given day, day passes might be available. A Priority Pass will also grant you entry.

Star Alliance lounge at Los Angeles International Airport

Top airline alliance lounge

The expansive Star Alliance business-class lounge at Tom Bradley International is operated by the world's largest airline alliance, which includes United, Lufthansa, Singapore, and other key players. It’s the only one in the U.S., with others found in international locations like Paris, Buenos Aires, and Rome.

Accessing the lounge

Passengers traveling in business or first class with a Star Alliance airline can enter the lounge. Gold members enjoy access regardless of their travel class, and United Club members can access the lounge on outbound flights.

United Polaris lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Ideal for first- and business-class travelers

The Polaris lounge at Chicago’s O’Hare for international first- and business-class travelers is nothing short of remarkable. With an elegant design featuring calming lighting and quartz countertops, it offers a section with daybeds for quick naps and private shower facilities that rival those of luxury hotels. Additional Polaris lounges can be found in Newark, Houston, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.

How to gain entry

Polaris lounges are exclusively available for long-haul international business-class passengers on United, as well as for business- and first-class travelers flying with Star Alliance partner airlines.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses located at JFK, LAX, Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Perfect for a touch of glamour

Virgin Atlantic's lounges, called Clubhouses, reflect the airline's signature playful style. At JFK, the lounge features the iconic red and purple color scheme, complete with a purple pool table. During my last visit, I was impressed by the high-backed seating, including two Eames lounge chairs valued at $7,000 each, and enjoyed a seasonal pumpkin bisque. While showers are available, the spa, which previously offered manicures and massages for travelers, is currently closed. Virgin Atlantic also boasts stylish clubhouses in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., along with a flagship location at London Heathrow.

How to access

Travel in upper class with Virgin Atlantic or in business or first class with Delta. Amex Platinum cardholders can also gain entry.

Honorable mentions

Although the lounges mentioned above are among the finest airline-operated lounges at major U.S. hubs, several others deserve recognition. They include:

Qantas First-Class Lounge at LAX

The upscale L.A. lounge of the Australian airline, featuring stylish California Knoll furniture and a striking 48-foot bar, reopened on August 11. It welcomes Qantas International First passengers and eligible frequent flyers from Qantas and oneworld.

Emirates Lounge at JFK

This expansive Emirates lounge is celebrated for its sophisticated decor, panoramic runway views, and exquisite dining options. It is accessible to first- and business-class travelers, as well as economy passengers for a fee.

Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington Dulles

Recognized as one of the finest lounges at Dulles, this venue highlights the airline’s signature focus on quality food and beverages. It welcomes Priority Pass members as well as premium-class travelers from Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance.

Accessing Airport Lounges

If you lack elite status with any airline, there are several other ways to enter an airline lounge.

Numerous credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum, offer Priority Pass Select membership, allowing travelers access to a wide network of lounges after activation. Additionally, a new wave of credit card-branded lounges, including Amex Centurion and Escape lounges, upcoming Chase Sapphire lounges, and Capital One lounges, provide extra perks for traveling cardholders.

Alongside popular credit cards, applications like LoungeBuddy, acquired by Amex in 2019 to assist users in finding lounges, and membership programs like Priority Pass have streamlined the process of purchasing day passes at select airport lounges, based on availability—if you can discover a location that still offers this one-time entry option.

Access standards tend to be stricter at lounges run by international carriers serving the U.S., which frequently limit entry to first- and business-class passengers or those with elite status. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines are adopting a more tiered approach to ensure their top customers enjoy a VIP experience. For instance, Delta Air Lines is launching Delta One lounges exclusively for travelers in its long-haul first-class cabins, with the first location set to open in 2023 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). American Airlines offers a more selective Flagship First service for first-class and certain business-class ticket holders, while United is heavily investing in Polaris lounges for international first- and business-class flyers at its domestic hubs.

To alleviate congestion at popular lounges, some airlines have implemented restrictions on the number of hours travelers can stay during each visit, as well as limits on the number of guests they may bring.

"Historically, U.S. airlines misunderstood the purpose of lounges," states Henry Harteveldt, cofounder and travel analyst at Atmosphere Research Group. "In Europe, lounges were never seen as membership clubs; they were integrated into the premium cabin experience and the overall journey."

Although many domestic airport lounges might sometimes resemble a bus terminal on a bad day, a few key hubs still offer a touch of elegance. Here’s a selection of the best airline lounges in the United States, based on personal experiences and insights from frequent travelers and industry experts. Keep in mind that rules regarding hours, access, day pass availability, and other features can vary, so it’s wise to verify with your airline or credit card provider for the most current information before your flight.

Reporting contributed by Barbara Peterson.