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Courtesy American Express
Once you’re privy to the airport lounge underworld, it’s hard to go back to waiting by the general boarding area. But getting past the pearly gates is no longer as easy as it once was, thanks to increasingly high credit card fees and loyalty status requirements—all the more reason to ensure your lounge network of choice is actually worth the effort.
In the US, travelers have more options to lounge than ever. Since the start of 2025, there’s been a slew of new openings from credit card companies and airlines alike, including the splashy debut of first-ever Delta One lounge at JFK. The airport lounge boom shows no signs of slowing: JetBlue’s first-ever lounge is expected to open in New York City this winter, and Alaska Airlines recently announced a significant lounge expansion plan touching several of its West Coast hubs.
With an influx of new options, it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you. To help, industry research company J.D. Power has released its annual ranking of US airport lounges with the highest customer 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 travel, hospitality, and retail at J.D. Power said in a press release. “This is driving the demand for additional lounge space within airport terminals.”
The 2025 list is based on survey responses from 1,430 travelers who had visited a US airport lounge over the last year, with data collected between September and October. The scoring takes into account eight weighted segments, listed in order of importance: experience value, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness, amenities, convenience of access, ambiance, and Wi-Fi. Below, see how each lounge network scored out of 1,000 total points.
The Centurion Lounge in Atlanta features several outdoor terraces and a high-end whiskey bar.
Courtesy American Express
American Express Centurion Lounge
Amex’s Centurion Lounge network ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s list, nabbing a high score of 782 (the average score 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 complete with amenities such as a speakeasy, an “Equinox Body Lab,” and a dining program led by Ignacio Mattos, a four-time James Beard Award nominee. It’s still almost 3,000 square feet smaller than its newest location, which opened October 28 at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with an outdoor terrace, a fireplace, three bars (including one dedicated to coffee), and a buffet. Looking ahead, American Express also plans to launch a location at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in 2026.
How to access: Travelers with American Express’ Centurion, Platinum, Business Platinum, and Corporate Platinum cards have unlimited Centurion Lounge access. Its Explorer, Platinum Reserve, Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, Business Explorer, Elevate Premium, Express Corporate, and Express Airports cards instead grant biannual access. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders also receive complimentary access if they’re booked on a Delta flight. All cardholders can bring up to two guests, provided they pay an additional $50 per adult or $30 per person under 18 years old.
Capital One
The Capital One Lounge network ranked second in J.D. Power’s survey, scoring 773 points out of 1,000. While there aren’t as many locations as the Centurion Lounge, Capital One does have lounges at several of the US’ busiest airports: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Expect amenities such as relaxation rooms, private offices, and shower suites. The location at JFK is its newest, having opened in June 2025 with perks like showers, several bars (including one for coffee), a bodega, and even cheese selected by a local cheesemonger—all spread across 13,500 square feet.
How to access: Travelers with Capital One’s Venture X and Venture X Business cards receive unlimited lounge access. Up to two guests are welcome, although they’ll need to pay $45 per adult or $25 per person under 17 years old. If you have a Venture or Spark Miles card, you can instead purchase access for the same cost. If you don’t have one of these qualifying cards, you can pay $90 to enter.
Delta Air Lines opened its new Concourse D Sky Club at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International airport on April, 7, 2025.
Chris Rank/Delta Airlines
Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Club tied with Capital One Lounge for second place, also coming in at 773 points. Delta’s popular lounges are available at more than 50 airports around the world, many at major US travel hubs like Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Its largest lounge, which opened in 2022 at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), offers travelers 24,000 square feet of amenities, including two buffets and seating for nearly 600 guests.
In 2025, Delta Sky Club opened three new US locations—at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)—and expanded its existing lounges at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Delta also debuted its premium Delta One lounges at JFK, LAX, SEA, and BOS this year, which are reserved for business class and first class passengers.
How to access: Medallion Members with Delta’s SkyMiles Program can pay $1,495 (or 149,500 Delta miles) for a year of unlimited access with two guests, or $695 (or 69,500 miles) for an individual membership that would require guests to pay an additional fee. Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business American Express Basic, and Reserve Business Additional cardholders also receive 15 complimentary visits per year (or unlimited access if they spend at least $75,000 in the year). Select American Express Centurion cardholders also have access to the lounge, while those with Platinum American Express cards get unlimited access.
Chase Sapphire Lounge came in third place with an above-average score of 771.
Chase Sapphire
Full list
Chase Sapphire Lounge also ranked above average, scoring 771. Three ranked below the fold: American Airlines Admirals Club (753), Alaska Lounge (748), and United Club (705).
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American Express Centurion Lounge (782)
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Capital One Lounge (773) and Delta Sky Club (773)
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Chase Sapphire Lounge (771)
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American Airlines Admirals Club (753)
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler