Airport lounges are often a must-stop for passengers beginning and ending their trips—but not all are created equal.
According to the JD Power 2026 US Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study, the American Express Centurion Lounge and Capital One Lounge tie for the top spot nationwide, followed shortly by Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club. These top three spots are all credit card-branded lounges.
The study surveyed 3,000 individuals on customer satisfaction with airport lounges across the country from April to June 2026. The study measured eight distinct dimensions: value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness and upkeep, amenities, ease of accessing the lounge, and lastly, ambiance and Wi-Fi service.
“With air travel demand as high as ever, the airport lounge customer experience is being challenged by crowded facilities and food and beverage offerings that do not always live up to expectations,” Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at JD Power, said in a press release.
Stokes added, “As this segment of the airport economy continues to grow, it will be critical for lounge operators and their partners to continue to find ways to delight guests with higher quality food and beverage, and happier staff.”
Among the most important dimensions measured—staff—the study found that 77% of guests found the lounge staff to be welcoming, although just about half found staff to be happy or knowledgeable.
The study also revealed why many passengers are turning to airport lounges in the first place. Around 39% of lounge guests said they made their way to lounges as a way to escape expensive food and beverage options in the airport. Nearly half of guests suggested the meals inside the lounge were better than expected.
Additionally, 45% of participants said they turned to lounges to escape the busy crowds at the airport. Still, lounges appear to be increasingly crowded as well, with nearly half of those surveyed saying the lounges are often moderately or severely crowded.
Stokes added, “The airport lounge has become an oasis for travelers, but that oasis can sometimes become a mirage when lounges are overcrowded and people need to wait in line to gain access.”
JD Power 2026 US Airport Lounge Ranking
- Tie: American Express Centurion Lounge and Capital One Lounge
- Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
- Delta Sky Club, including Delta One Lounge
- British Airways Lounge
- American Airlines Admirals Club, including American Airlines Flagship Lounge