Best Airport Lounges
A glass of rosé in one hand, a decadent pastry in the other and a fantastic view of the sky over the runways—the best airport lounges pamper busy travelers before their next flight. We've curated a list of some of the top lounges across the nation's airports. Scout out your favorite choices for food and drink, technology (because we know you'll want to charge your phone or open your laptop) and upgrades like spas and coffee shops.
These 10 airport lounges were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. American Airlines Admirals Club at DCA Concourse E | Washington, D.C.
The American Airlines Admirals Club—the O.G. of airport lounges—has a newly reimagined location in Concourse E at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. You'll find dramatic views of the Washington Monument, an inviting fireplace, plenty of outlets for charging your devices and even a private room for nursing mothers. If the complimentary snacks and drinks aren't enough, then the full bar will make it worth the membership.
2. Chelsea Lounge at JFK Terminal 8 | New York, NY
You may think you've reached New York socialite status inside the glamorous Chelsea Lounge, a joint venture of American Airlines and British Airways at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Pull up a plush seat to the champagne bar, relax in a quiet nook and charge your phone or breathe in the steam of a hot shower. The dining area offers wait service and tempting dishes—including New York cheesecake.
3. Alaska Airlines Alaska Lounge at SEA Concourse N | Seattle, WA
The flagship lounge for Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Lounge in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Concourse N adds a touch of tranquility to your journey. You'll be greeted by a wall of windows that overlook the runways, lots of tucked-away seating areas and the warm glow of a fireplace. You can refuel at the buffet with make-your-own pancakes, sip a barista-made coffee (a highlight for many) or indulge in a Bloody Mary.
4. American Express Centurion Lounge at ATL Concourse E | Atlanta, GA
As the newest lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the American Express Centurion Lounge may also be the nicest, filled with trees and twinkling lights—you'll feel like you're in a Georgia forest instead of an airport. Keep that feeling going on the garden terrace as you breathe in fresh air and fresh blooms. Plenty of good Southern food and a creative mixologist will keep you coming back.
5. Delta Sky Club at ATL Concourse F | Atlanta, GA
Because Atlanta is home to Delta Air Lines, you'd expect an impressive showing from its nine lounges at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport. You won't be disappointed: Delta Sky Club at Concourse F, the flagship ATL lounge, features multiple seating zones (including a nap room), new takes on classic Southern cuisine and the outdoor SkyDeck with airfield views. If you want suds from a shower and a well-supplied bar, you'll find both.
6. American Express Centurion Lounge at LAX Terminal B | Los Angeles, CA
Step away from the crowds and into the serene space of Los Angeles International Airport's American Express Centurion Lounge. In the international terminal, this huge lounge has everything you need for comfort, from spa treatments and premium wine to children's rooms and full bathrooms with showers. Help yourself to the buffet before heading to the Sunrise and Moonrise rooms, which are designed to adjust you to your new time zone.
7. Delta Sky Club at JFK Concourse B | New York, NY
A sea of comfortable seating, charging stations everywhere, a perch over the runways with incredible views—Delta Sky Club inside JFK's Concourse B is a traveler's dream. Relax with a mojito at the cocktail bar before filling your plate with healthy and hearty options at the plentiful buffet. You can enjoy a shower or step out onto Delta's original SkyDeck for fresh air and sunshine before you take to the skies.
8. American Express Centurion Lounge at MIA Concourse D | Miami, FL
A cool wine bar, a business center, a fun room for kids and big windows that look out onto the runways and blue Florida skies—the American Express Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport makes your pre-flight a delight. You'll love the top-quality food and drinks (chicken curry with champagne, anyone?) along with fast Wi-Fi. And you can schedule a massage or manicure to round out your visit.
9. United Polaris Lounge at ORD Concourse C | Chicago, IL
International travelers love the luxury that's found in the United Polaris Lounge at the Chicago O'Hare airport. Spa-like showers, private daybeds and full-service dining will give you the feel of an upscale hotel. You can jet-set like James Bond as you sip a martini at the exquisite bar and admire the star-like lights twinkling above. Spacious seating areas let you steal a quiet moment before your boarding call.
10. United Club at DEN Concourse A | Denver, CO
You'll feel as if you've wandered into a Colorado ski lodge at the United Club in Concourse A of Denver International Airport. When you're not enjoying a drink at the two full-service bars, you can play friendly matches of shuffleboard and foosball in the game room or warm up by the two fireplaces. A delicious buffet, excellent Wi-Fi and quiet nooks might turn your layover into a mini holiday.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Jill Robbins is an expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel as well as practical tips to help everyone get the most value out of their vacation experience. Jill's work has appeared in the Miami Herald, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Business Insider, Tripsavvy, Matador Network, Wealth of Geeks, Canadian Traveller, Travel Awaits, San Antonio Magazine and more. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and two sons, but she's usually somewhere else. Learn more about her travels at https://www.rippedjeansandbifocals.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering the hotel, cruise and airline industry from every corner of the globe. His work has appeared in numerous consumer and industry publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, CNBC, NerdWallet.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers, Fodors, Business Traveler, Airways and AAA magazines. Ramsey regularly flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states and 174 United Nations countries. Learn more at ramseyq.com.
Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure. Learn more at MikesRoadTrip.com.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.