The Best Airport Lounges in the USA in 2025
Travel is no longer just about the destination—it’s about the journey. And nowhere is that more true than in the best airport lounges in the USA in 2025, which continue to raise the bar with chef-driven menus, wellness zones, nap pods, and cocktail bars that rival your favorite city speakeasy.
In this guide, we spotlight 10 of the best airport lounges in the USA in 2025—not ranked, but carefully selected. We’ll give you detailed reviews, credit card access tips, and travel consultant–level insights so you can unlock these premium spaces with the right cards.
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Table of Contents
- American Express Centurion Lounge – JFK
- American Flagship First Dining – MIA
- Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club – LGA
- United Polaris Lounge – SFO
- Capital One Lounge – DFW
- Qantas International First Lounge – LAX
- Delta One Lounge – JFK
- Star Alliance Lounge – LAX
- American & British Airways Chelsea Lounge – JFK
- Alaska Lounge – SEA
American Express Centurion Lounge – JFK
Location: Terminal 4 turn left after security, JFK – New York
The JFK Centurion Lounge is one of the largest and most stylish in the Amex network. It spans two levels with a dramatic staircase and features two full bars—one hidden behind a speakeasy-style bookcase. It’s a sanctuary for those who want substance and style.
Amenities include:
Seasonal menus from acclaimed New York chefs
A “Blue Roast” specialty coffee bar
Spa-style shower suites
Private work pods and family rooms
A sommelier-curated wine list
The lounge has earned praise for its food and spaciousness—especially given JFK’s crowds. It’s equally suitable for a preflight meal, a quiet work session, or just unwinding with a great cocktail.
Access Tip: Complimentary access for Amex Platinum® and Centurion® cardholders. 👉 Apply here for the Amex Platinum®.
American Flagship First Dining – MIA
Location: Terminal D near gate D30, MIA – Miami
Tucked inside the main Flagship Lounge, this dining room is American Airlines’ crown jewel of ground service. It’s only open to those flying First Class internationally or on select transcontinental routes.
Why it stands out:
A la carte menus featuring dishes like Gulf shrimp ceviche and duck breast with cherry gastrique
Impressive wines curated by in-house sommeliers
An exclusive, seated fine dining experience
Attentive, white-glove service in a setting that feels more like a boutique restaurant
This is one of the few lounges in the country where the food truly competes with top-tier restaurants.
Access Tip: Access is granted to the following travelers;
American Airlines Flagship First passengers, including those on premium transcontinental routes (such as LAX, SFO, and SNA) and international long-haul First Class flights
Guest Policy:
Transcontinental Flagship First travelers cannot bring guests
Long-haul Flagship First passengers are allowed one guest
Flagship Business Plus fares
Five Star Service™ purchasers
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club – LGA
Location: Terminal B in the central airside area of the arrivals and departures hall, LGA – New York
This Chase-branded space redefines what Priority Pass can be. It’s modern, full of natural light, and locally inspired—from the food to the design.
Highlights include:
Made-to-order flatbreads and small plates
Self-serve draft beers and cocktail station
Spa-style shower suites
Kids’ corner, private work booths, and ample outlets
It’s one of the best domestic lounges available to Priority Pass holders—especially for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders.
Access Tip: Primary and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® receive complimentary lounge entry and may bring two guests free of charge, as long as they present the Priority Pass membership that comes with the card. 👉 Apply here for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
The same rules apply to J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders, while legacy Ritz‑Carlton Rewards® Credit Card members enjoy the added perk of unlimited free guest access.
Don’t have one of these cards? A standalone Priority Pass membership from another premium credit card still gets you inside once per calendar year.
United Polaris Lounge – SFO
Location: Terminal G turn right after security, SFO – San Francisco
United’s Polaris Lounge in San Francisco is the gold standard for business class flyers. It’s airy, stylish, and loaded with premium amenities.
Standout features:
A full-service restaurant with dishes like black cod, braised beef, and fresh salads
Luxurious nap pods with Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
12 spacious shower suites with Molton Brown products
Plenty of natural light, tarmac views, and quiet workspaces
Even when busy, it rarely feels overcrowded. The bar staff and dining team offer service worthy of a five-star hotel.
Access Tip: At its core, access to the Polaris Lounge in San Francisco is reserved exclusively for travelers flying on a true long-haul business class ticket—there’s no option to pay for entry, and no credit card offers automatic access.
You’re eligible to enter the Polaris Lounge at SFO if you meet any of the following criteria:
You hold a same-day long-haul business class ticket on a Star Alliance carrier
You’re flying in United Polaris business class
If you’re traveling in Polaris, you can also use the lounge upon arrival or during a layover, even if your connecting flight isn’t in Polaris class.
Capital One Lounge – DFW
Location: Terminal D near gate D22, DFW – Dallas-Fort Worth
Capital One’s first lounge continues to impress with Southern hospitality and next-level amenities. It’s sleek but still comfortable.
What you’ll find:
Made-to-order tacos
Craft cocktails and nitro cold brew
Nap pods, Peloton bikes, and shower suites
Locally sourced snacks and ample workspace
It’s an excellent all-around lounge, especially if you’re flying domestic.
Access Tip: Free unlimited access for Venture X® cardholders. 👉 Apply here for the Capital One Venture X®.
Qantas International First Lounge – LAX
Location: Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal) after security on level 5, LAX – Los Angeles
This lounge delivers Aussie luxury in California. Even if you’re not flying Qantas, it’s accessible to Oneworld Emerald members—and it’s worth making time for.
Why it shines:
A la carte meals like lamb with mint jelly or barramundi with curry sauce
Spa treatments and a tea room
Stylish lounge design with warm tones and Indigenous art
A quiet library and tarmac views
It’s not just a preflight stop—it’s an experience.
Access Tip: The entry rules are quite complicated and as follows;
First‑Class Entitlements
Passengers traveling in First Class on British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, or Qantas automatically qualify for entry.
American Airlines Flagship First customers may enter when their itinerary ends outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean.
A useful connection rule applies: if you arrive on (or depart on) an eligible long‑haul Oneworld flight scheduled for more than five hours and connect to a shorter Oneworld‑operated sector—domestic or international—you can still access the lounge. This is especially helpful for travelers flying First Class from Australia who then connect to a U.S. domestic flight that would not otherwise meet the distance requirement.
Entry Through Frequent‑Flyer Status
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members may use the lounge before an Oneworld departure bound for a destination outside the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, and ConciergeKey members are admitted when traveling on Oneworld flights to cities beyond the United States, Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Qantas Platinum, Platinum One, and Chairman’s Lounge members enjoy access before any Oneworld flight, including U.S. domestic sectors or trips ticketed under a QF codeshare (for example, flights operated by Air Tahiti Nui or Fiji Airways).
All other Oneworld Emerald elites can enter ahead of any Oneworld‑marketed and Oneworld‑operated flight, even if it’s a short domestic hop within the United States.
In addition, travelers holding a Qantas Platinum One or Qantas Premier Titanium First Lounge pass may present that invitation for entry.
Delta One Lounge – JFK
Location: Terminal 4 between Concourses A & B near security, JFK – New York
Opened in 2024, the Delta One Lounge is now one of the most expansive and luxurious lounges in the country.
Key offerings:
Restaurant-style dining with seasonal menus
Wellness rooms, massages, and spa water
Full-service cocktail bar
Runway-facing terrace and dedicated quiet zones
Twelve deluxe shower suites with Hermes products
This lounge proves Delta is serious about the premium experience.
Access Tip: The lounge is available to the following travelers;
Passengers flying in Delta One on the same day—regardless of whether the ticket was purchased with cash, miles, or obtained through an upgrade.
Delta 360° members traveling in First Class on a same-day Delta-operated flight, either arriving or departing.
Travelers flying the same day in First or Business Class on select Delta partner airlines, including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, and Virgin Atlantic, whether departing or connecting through.
Star Alliance Lounge – LAX
Location: Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal) after security on level 6, LAX – Los Angeles
An oasis shared by Star Alliance airlines, this lounge is perfect for international flyers. It’s one of the only U.S. lounges with an open-air terrace.
What to expect:
A hot-and-cold buffet, including sushi and international dishes
Self-serve champagne, wine, and cocktails
Indoor/outdoor seating
Private areas for business class and first class passengers
Fantastic sunset views over the tarmac
Access Tip: Access is available to travelers flying in a premium cabin on any Star Alliance partner airline, as well as to Star Alliance Gold members, regardless of the class of service they’re flying.
American & British Airways Chelsea Lounge – JFK
Location: Terminal 8, JFK – New York
Designed as a private sanctuary for premium First Class passengers, the Chelsea Lounge is plush, polished, and highly exclusive.
What makes it special:
A standout champagne bar with over 20 premium selections
Elegant à la carte dining
A calming, windowless retreat with cozy lighting and rich textures
Massage chairs and business center with private pods
This is one of the quietest and most serene lounges in the U.S.
Access Tip: Access to the Chelsea Lounge is granted to the following travelers;
American Airlines Flagship First passengers, including those on premium transcontinental routes (such as LAX, SFO, and SNA) and international long-haul First Class flights
Flagship Business Plus passengers flying with American Airlines
First Class passengers on British Airways
Concierge Key members flying on eligible American Airlines itineraries, which may include Flagship international routes, premium transcon flights, select Hawaii flights, or long-haul British Airways segments
British Airways Gold Guest List members flying either on British Airways or on qualifying American Airlines flights, including long-haul, transcontinental, or short-haul international routes (note: standard domestic flights are excluded)
Guest Policy:
Transcontinental Flagship First travelers cannot bring guests
Long-haul First Class passengers and Gold Guest List members are allowed one guest
Concierge Key members may bring two guests into the lounge
Alaska Lounge – SEA
Location: Terminal N on the mezzanine level above gates N11–N18, SEA – Seattle
Seattle’s flagship Alaska Lounge is warm, welcoming, and uniquely Pacific Northwest. While smaller than some, it’s thoughtfully designed and rarely overcrowded.
Perks include:
Barista-made coffee with local beans
Locally brewed craft beer
Soup and salad bar
Fireside seating and a quiet “zen” reading area
Family-friendly zone with kids’ activities
The view of Mount Rainier on a clear day? That’s the real bonus.
Access Tip: Lounge access is available to the following travelers;
Passengers flying in international Business Class on a Oneworld airline
Passengers traveling in international First Class on a Oneworld carrier
Oneworld Sapphire members on international itineraries
Oneworld Emerald members flying internationally
Alaska Lounge members with valid same-day travel
American Airlines Admirals Club members
Passengers flying Alaska First Class on a nonstop flight longer than 2,100 miles
Final Thoughts on the Best Airport Lounges in the USA in 2025
These lounges represent some of the best airport lounges in the USA in 2025. Whether you’re looking for luxury dining, a place to work, or just some peace and quiet, the right airport lounge can transform your travel experience.
Better still, the right credit cards can unlock many of them—for free. Bookmark this list, pick the right cards using the referral links above, and your next layover might just be the best part of the trip.
