5 of the Best Airline Lounges in the US
Make a long wait at the airport actually enjoyable with a visit to these top airline lounges
If your flight has been delayed and you're sitting at a loud and crowded gate area, you may have contemplated dropping a hefty fee for a one-day pass to an airline lounge. Or, you've considered a membership or credit card that grants access to a global network of places where you can nosh, drink, freshen up, and kick back as you wait. Here’s a peek into some of the best airline lounges in the country to help you decide if they’re worth the splurge.
The Etihad Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport
The newest lounge at DC’s Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is The Etihad Lounge, operated in partnership with Chase's Sapphire Lounges. Located in Concourse A, adjacent to Gate A14, Etihad Airways’ new space is appointed with comfortable seating among a rich deep blue, bold purple, and gold color motif.
A buffet featuring small plates is offered on the lower level, and guests can order made-to-order food and drinks via a QR code menu. Shower facilities and a dedicated children’s area round out the list of perks.
The United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport
While the spaciousness and amenities of United Airlines’ lounges vary widely, the United Airlines lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on the mezzanine level near gate C123 is one of the best.
The space is decorated with furniture reminiscent of a hip coworking space, complete with exposed brick walls, large windows, and skylights throughout. That said, the 30,000-square-feet club often gets crowded, so it’s wise to find an open seat before taking advantage of everything on offer.
Guests will enjoy views of the gates below, shower suites, and elevated food options such as a buffet of hot entrée choices like meatloaf and pasta. You can also stay fueled for your journey by stopping by the barista-staffed coffee bar before your flight.
Chelsea Lounge at JFK International Airport
For qualifying passengers departing from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), American Airlines and British Airways have teamed up to offer three premium lounges at JFK: the Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich lounges.
Of the three, the Chelsea Lounge is the most exclusive, offering travelers luxurious amenities in a sophisticated atmosphere. Upon entry to the lounge, located above Gate 14, guests are greeted by a circular champagne bar, adorned with crystals dangling beneath the lights. They can also enjoy a la carte dining and meals prepared by the airlines’ partners at the James Beard Foundation.
A circular fireplace encased in glass that extends to the ceiling, shower suites, and a sumptuous relaxation area are also designed to pamper guests during their travels.
Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Operated by American Express, Centurion Lounges offer similar amenities in all of their locations. There are now over 25 lounges in major cities across the globe, from London and Sydney to New York and Los Angeles. Despite the international network, you'll find nods to local gems in each location, from interior design and art displays to buffet spreads curated by hometown chefs.
Opened in February 2024 and sprawling some 26,000 square feet in Concourse E beside gate E11, the Centurion Lounge at Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the largest in the Amex network. Unique amenities here include relaxing outdoor terraces, a one-of-a-kind craft whiskey bar, and art and design that echo Atlanta’s moniker as “the city in the forest.” Guests can also enjoy a menu created by Chef Deborah VanTrece, a James Beard Award semifinalist, the owner of three award-winning restaurants, and the author of the Twisted Soul Cookbook.
Sky Deck at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
Once you've passed through the TSA checkpoint, your chances of getting fresh air in the airport are usually slim. The Sky Deck was one of the first spaces to change that. This outdoor space within some of Delta Air Line's Sky Clubs offers fliers a reprieve from the cramped, stale spaces inside the terminal.
Minnesota's Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has one of the newest Sky Deck locations. Located in Concourse G near gate 18, this 21,000-square-feet space is the largest of Delta’s lounges at MSP.
On the Sky Deck, guests are greeted with tarmac views and an open-air design. Up to 110 passengers can enjoy two open-air seating concepts and a drink from the outdoor bar. This all-weather space has plenty of natural light and a living plant wall.
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The next time you fly or have a long delay, look to an airline lounge to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. Access is easier than ever to obtain through airline status and rewards programs, credit card perks, memberships, or day passes. Access requirements can vary widely from lounge to lounge, so check with the company for details before heading to the airport.