Top 10 Best Airport Lounges in the US in 2025

2 tygodni temu

Delta Air Lines (DL) and other premium carriers have elevated the airport lounge experience across major US hubs. Travelers flying from airports like New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Los Angeles (LAX) now have access to some of the most premium lounges in the country.

From credit card issuers like Capital One and Chase to legacy carriers and international alliances, the US lounge scene has diversified. Here’s a curated list of top-tier airport lounges that offer the best service, food, and comfort for eligible flyers.

Best Airport Lounges in the US

While the overall reputation of US airport lounges may be mixed, a handful of lounges consistently exceed expectations.

These premium spaces distinguish themselves through thoughtful design, top-shelf food and beverage service, and unique amenities.

Rather than ranking lounges numerically, this guide highlights standouts across categories and airport locations, based on actual visits and evaluations.

According to OMAAT, lounges featured here represent a new standard of excellence, with many rivaling global flagship lounges.

Delta One Lounge – New York (JFK)

Delta Air Lines (DL) launched its Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to compete directly with United Polaris and American Flagship offerings.

Spanning over 39,000 square feet, the facility includes a full-service restaurant, curated market-style food counters, spa and wellness areas, an outdoor terrace, and private shower suites.

The scale and quality place it among the best business-class lounges globally, not just in the US.

Chelsea Lounge by American & British Airways – New York (JFK)

Operated jointly by American Airlines (AA) and British Airways (BA), the Chelsea Lounge at JFK caters exclusively to international first-class passengers.

Located in Terminal 8, the lounge offers fine dining with à la carte service, a dedicated champagne bar, and a relaxation room.

Though lacking windows, its luxury furnishings and upscale experience set it apart from nearly all other domestic lounges.

American Flagship First Dining – Miami (MIA)

At Miami International Airport (MIA), American Airlines (AA) offers Flagship First Dining within its Flagship Lounge.

Reserved for premium cabin flyers on select transcontinental and international routes, the space offers refined meals, premium beverages, and private seating in an exclusive setting.

The dining experience is often compared to high-end restaurants, making it a standout option for eligible American Airlines passengers.

Qantas First Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)

The Qantas First Lounge at LAX, accessible to oneworld Emerald members and Qantas first-class passengers, is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Renowned for its restaurant-quality food, custom cocktails, and professional service, this lounge is a must-visit for elite flyers.

Its spacious layout and upscale amenities offer a relaxing pre-flight experience unlike any other in the terminal.

Capital One Lounge – Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) houses the first Capital One Lounge, and it remains a benchmark for other locations.

The lounge offers grab-and-go meals, cold brew on tap, Peloton bikes, nap rooms, and individually plated dishes.

With a strong design aesthetic and thoughtful amenities, it reflects the increasing competition from financial institutions entering the lounge market.

Chase Sapphire Lounge – New York (LGA)

At the newly transformed LaGuardia Airport (LGA), the Chase Sapphire Lounge offers spa services, restaurant-style dining, and craft cocktails in a beautifully designed environment.

With both buffet and à la carte options, this lounge surpasses expectations at a once-underwhelming airport. It caters well to Priority Pass members and Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

Capital One Landing – Washington National (DCA)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is home to Capital One Landing, a premium food-forward concept lounge designed with Chef José Andrés.

It focuses on tapas, fine wines, and a curated cocktail menu. Unlike traditional lounges, the space functions more like a full-service restaurant, everything is complimentary for eligible cardholders and guests.

Alaska Lounge – Seattle Tacoma (SEA)

While many lounges focus on luxury, the Alaska Lounge at SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) stands out for its practicality and charm.

With panoramic views, barista-made coffee, and locally inspired drinks, it’s a haven for aviation enthusiasts. Though food options are modest, the ambiance and comfort earn this lounge a place on the list.

Star Alliance Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)

Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, the Star Alliance Lounge is accessible to first and business-class passengers on Star Alliance carriers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members.

It features indoor and outdoor terraces, international cuisine, and a separate first-class section. It’s significantly better than the standard alliance lounges in the US, particularly when compared to SkyTeam’s offerings nearby.

What Makes US Lounges Exceptional

Premium airport lounges across the United States are evolving rapidly, but only a few deliver standout experiences that exceed the typical lounge standards.

The lounges highlighted in this article go far beyond the norm of crowded seating, limited snacks, and basic amenities.

Elevated Dining Experiences

Qantas First Lounge (LAX) and American Flagship First Dining offer full-service à la carte menus with restaurant-quality meals and premium beverages.

These lounges prioritize culinary excellence, setting a new benchmark well above the buffet-style offerings found in most domestic lounges.

Access Based on True Premium Status

Delta One Lounge (JFK) and Chelsea Lounge (JFK) limit access to passengers traveling in international first class or select premium cabins.

By reducing entry volume, these lounges maintain a refined atmosphere with personal service and reduced crowding.

Purposeful Lounge Design

Capital One Lounge (DFW) and Chase Sapphire Lounge (LGA) feature modern interiors with ample natural light, wellness zones, and curated decor.

These spaces are designed to create a relaxing, high-end environment that complements the travel experience.

Amenities That Add Real Value

Beyond food and decor, lounges like Capital One and Chase Sapphire deliver unique amenities including spa treatments, cold brew taps, nap rooms, Peloton bikes, and grab-and-go stations. These additions are rare in traditional airline lounges but are becoming key differentiators.

Regionally Inspired Concepts

Alaska Lounge (SEA) reflects its Pacific Northwest location with local craft beverages and panoramic airfield views.

These elements resonate with regional travelers and aviation fans, offering a uniquely localized lounge experience.

Chef Partnerships and Elevated Menus

Capital One Landing (DCA), developed with celebrity chef José Andrés, offers gourmet Spanish-style tapas and cocktails in a premium setting. This collaboration delivers restaurant-level dining within a credit card lounge, an uncommon approach in the US market.

These lounges excel by focusing on quality, exclusivity, and comfort—far beyond the generic airport lounge experience common across many US terminals.

Current Trends

The airport lounge landscape in the United States is undergoing significant change. Driven by higher traveler expectations and competition from credit card issuers, lounges are improving in both concept and execution.

1. Growth of Credit Card Lounges

Capital One and Chase have entered the lounge space, challenging traditional airline lounges with better food, more space, and modern features. These lounges appeal to premium cardholders and boost customer loyalty through elevated airport perks.

2. Dining Becomes a Focal Point

Chef-curated menus and full-service dining are replacing the old buffet model. High-end lounges now focus on fresh, high-quality meals and beverages to attract discerning travelers.

3. Rise of Wellness-Oriented Features

Top lounges now include spa services, fitness zones, quiet rooms, and nap pods. This trend caters to health-conscious travelers seeking recovery and relaxation between flights.

4. Emphasis on Aesthetic and Comfort

Interior design plays a bigger role than ever. Natural lighting, open layouts, and stylish furnishings create welcoming, upscale environments that promote productivity and calm.

5. Tightened Access Policies

To address overcrowding, some lounges now restrict access to international first class or specific elite tiers. Chelsea Lounge and Flagship First Dining are examples of high-exclusivity spaces designed to protect the guest experience.

This wave of innovation is reshaping what travelers can expect at US airports, especially as premium leisure travel continues to rise.

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