Once you discover the airport-lounge world, sitting in the general boarding area feels like a downgrade. But access is getting trickier: higher credit-card fees and loyalty-status requirements mean you should be sure your chosen lounge network is worth pursuing.
In the US, lounge options are expanding. Since early 2025 new openings from credit-card issuers and airlines—including Delta’s first Delta One lounge at JFK—have proliferated. JetBlue’s first lounge is expected in New York this winter, and Alaska Airlines announced major lounge expansions across West Coast hubs.
To help travelers choose, J.D. Power released its annual US airport-lounge customer-satisfaction rankings. The 2025 survey sampled 1,430 travelers who visited a US lounge in the past year (data collected September–October). Scores (out of 1,000) weigh eight categories: experience value, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness, amenities, convenience of access, ambiance, and Wi‑Fi.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Amex’s Centurion Lounge network topped the list with a score of 782 (the average was 758). The largest Centurion Lounges in the US include locations at ATL and DFW. The flagship at JFK, opened in 2020, features a speakeasy, an Equinox Body Lab, and a dining program led by Ignacio Mattos. The newest Centurion, opened October 28 at Salt Lake City (SLC), adds an outdoor terrace, a fireplace, three bars (including a coffee bar), and a buffet. Amex plans a Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty (EWR) in 2026.
How to access: Cardholders with American Express Centurion, Platinum, Business Platinum, and Corporate Platinum receive unlimited Centurion access. Other Amex cards (Explorer, Platinum Reserve, Qantas American Express Ultimate, Business Explorer, Elevate Premium, Express Corporate, Express Airports) grant biannual access. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders get complimentary access when booked on Delta. Cardholders may bring up to two guests for $50 per adult or $30 per child under 18.
Capital One
Capital One’s lounge network scored 773. Locations include LAS, IAD, DEN, DFW, and JFK, offering relaxation rooms, private offices, and shower suites. The JFK lounge (opened June 2025) spans 13,500 square feet and features showers, multiple bars (including a coffee bar), a bodega, and cheese curated by a local cheesemonger.
How to access: Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders get unlimited access and may bring up to two guests for $45 per adult or $25 per child under 17. Venture or Spark Miles cardholders can purchase access at the same guest rates. Non-cardholders can pay $90 to enter.
Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Club tied with Capital One at 773. Delta operates lounges at more than 50 airports worldwide, including major US hubs such as DEN and DFW. Its largest lounge, opened in 2022 at LaGuardia (LGA), totals 24,000 square feet with two buffets and seating for nearly 600. In 2025 Delta opened new Sky Clubs at ATL, SLC, and SEA, and expanded lounges at MCO and PHL. Delta also launched Delta One premium lounges at JFK, LAX, SEA, and BOS for business- and first-class passengers.
How to access: Medallion Members can buy an annual Sky Club membership for $1,495 (or 149,500 miles) with two-guest access, or $695 (or 69,500 miles) for an individual membership (guests pay extra). Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business Amex Basic, and Reserve Business Additional cardholders receive 15 complimentary visits per year (or unlimited if they spend $75,000 in the year). Select Centurion cardholders and Platinum Amex cardholders also have access.
Other rankings
Chase Sapphire Lounge scored above average with 771. Below that were American Airlines Admirals Club (753), Alaska Lounge (748), and United Club (705).
Full list:
1. American Express Centurion Lounge (782)
2. Capital One Lounge (773) and Delta Sky Club (773)
3. Chase Sapphire Lounge (771)
4. American Airlines Admirals Club (753)
5. Alaska Lounge (748)
6. United Club (705)
