Once you’re aware of the airport lounge underworld, it’s exhausting to return to ready by the normal boarding space. But getting previous the pearly gates is now not as straightforward because it as soon as was, due to increasingly high credit card fees and loyalty status necessities—all the extra purpose to make sure your lounge community of alternative is definitely value the effort.
In the US, vacationers have extra choices to lounge than ever. Since the begin of 2025, there’s been a slew of latest openings from bank card firms and airways alike, together with the splashy debut of first-ever Delta One lounge at JFK. The airport lounge growth reveals no indicators of slowing: JetBlue’s first-ever lounge is anticipated to open in New York City this winter, and Alaska Airlines lately introduced a major lounge enlargement plan touching a number of of its West Coast hubs.
With an inflow of latest choices, it may be difficult to resolve which one is finest for you. To assist, trade analysis firm J.D. Power has launched its annual rating of US airport lounges with the highest buyer 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,” Michael Taylor, managing director of journey, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power stated in a press release. “This is driving the demand for additional lounge space within airport terminals.”
The 2025 checklist relies on survey responses from 1,430 vacationers who had visited a US airport lounge over the final yr, with information collected between September and October. The scoring takes into consideration eight weighted segments, listed in order of significance: expertise worth, workers, meals and beverage, cleanliness, facilities, comfort of entry, ambiance, and Wi-Fi. Below, see how every lounge community scored out of 1,000 complete factors.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Amex’s Centurion Lounge community ranked at the high of J.D. Power’s checklist, nabbing a excessive rating of 782 (the common rating was 758). Many of American Express’ largest Centurion Lounges are in the US, from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Its flagship, which launched in 2020 at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), is full with facilities equivalent to a speakeasy, an “Equinox Body Lab,” and a eating program led by Ignacio Mattos, a four-time James Beard Award nominee. It’s nonetheless nearly 3,000 sq. ft smaller than its latest location, which opened October 28 at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with an out of doors terrace, a fire, three bars (together with one devoted to espresso), and a buffet. Looking forward, American Express additionally plans to launch a location at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2026.