In recent times, I have found myself skipping the airport lounge and heading straight to the gate. The reason for this change in behavior is due to the overcrowding that many lounges are experiencing. With an increasing number of travelers being eligible to access these lounges, it has resulted in long waitlists for entry, dirty tables, and underwhelming buffets. As a result, I have started to assess the crowd levels in the lounge before deciding whether or not to enter. If it is too busy, I prefer to find a quiet space in the terminal to catch up on work. However, there are still some lounges that I believe are worth visiting, regardless of the crowding situation. In fact, I would even arrive at the airport early just to enjoy these nine lounges.
1. Delta Sky Club — LAX: Delta Air Lines opened its new Sky Way terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) last year. The highlight of this terminal is the 30,000-square-foot Sky Club, which offers a range of snazzy amenities. My personal favorite is the open-air Sky Deck, which provides stunning views of the apron, runways, and Hollywood hills in the distance. Inside the lounge, there are two massive buffets, a stylish coffee grotto, private phone booths, spacious shower suites, and more.
2. American Express Centurion Lounge — JFK: American Express has built a network of lounges that cardmembers want to visit. However, due to overcrowding, it can be frustrating to find a seat or enjoy the amenities. That being said, the Centurion Lounge at JFK is one that I always try to visit. With plenty of seating, fantastic views of Terminal 4, private phone booths, and an Equinox Body Lab, it is a great space to relax. Don’t forget to check out the hidden speakeasy on the lower level for a trendy bar experience.
3. American and British Airways Chelsea Lounge — JFK: Terminal 8 at JFK is home to the Oneworld alliance airlines, including American Airlines and British Airways. When British Airways colocated with American, they unveiled three new lounges. The fanciest and most exclusive of these is the Chelsea Lounge, which offers a first-class experience. The Champagne bar is particularly striking, and the food and drinks on offer are top-notch.
4. United Polaris Lounge — IAD: United’s Polaris Lounges are dedicated to those flying in premium cabins on long-haul routes. The newest Polaris Lounge is located at Dulles International Airport (IAD), and it is my personal favorite in the entire network. With luxurious design, locally inspired artwork, and a beautiful bar, it is a great place to relax before a flight.
5. Capital One Lounge — IAD: Capital One recently entered the lounge game with its outpost at IAD. It is the nicest credit card-branded lounge at the airport, offering all the basic amenities and delicious tapas-style eats. The grab-and-go fridge is also a standout feature.
6. American Admirals Club — DCA: American Airlines has redesigned its lounges, and the new design debuted at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The lounge features a signature fireplace, wood accents, and muted tones that promote relaxation. The food offerings have also been upgraded, making it a great place to catch up on work in a quiet environment.
7. Chase Sapphire Lounge — BOS: Chase’s first-ever domestic airport lounge is located at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). It offers delicious food options, massage rooms, marble-clad shower suites, and floor-to-ceiling windows with tarmac views. It is a great place to relax before a flight.
8. Qantas First Lounge — LAX: Many travelers consider the Qantas First Lounge at LAX to be the best in the U.S. While I wouldn’t go that far, it does offer spectacular food and beverage options in a spacious dining room. The long bar stocked with top-shelf liquor is also a standout feature. However, seating can often be crowded, and there are no natural light or planespotting opportunities.
9. Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge — Moynihan Train Hall: Although not technically an airport lounge, the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge at New York’s Moynihan Station deserves a special mention. The lounge features a locally inspired design, impressive food and beverage offerings for Amtrak, an open-air deck overlooking the train station, and a variety of seating areas. It is a great place to relax before a train journey.
In conclusion, with the overcrowding issues many airport lounges are facing, it is important to assess the situation before deciding whether or not to enter. However, there are still some lounges that are worth visiting, and I would even arrive early at the airport to enjoy these nine lounges.