Credit card-branded airport lounges have swept the top spots in customer satisfaction, with American Express Centurion Lounge and Capital One Lounge tying for first place in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study.
Both networks scored 771 on a 1,000-point scale, edging out Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (764) and Delta Sky Club (763). The study highlights a major shift in traveler behavior, with passengers increasingly viewing airport lounges as an essential sanctuary from overcrowded terminals and soaring terminal food and beverage prices.
Top-Ranked U.S. Airport Lounges
| Rank | Lounge Network | Customer Score (out of 1,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Tie) | American Express Centurion Lounge | 771 |
| 1 (Tie) | Capital One Lounge | 771 |
| 3 | Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club | 764 |
| 4 | Delta Sky Club (including Delta One Lounge) | 763 |
| — | Industry Average | 732 |
Key Drivers of Lounge Satisfaction
- Escape from Terminal Pricing: 39% of visitors cite avoiding high-priced food and drinks in main concourses as a primary reason for entering a lounge. Complimentary dining and drinks remain the single highest-rated benefit.
- High Marks for Dining Quality: 52% of respondents report food and beverage quality exceeded their expectations, crediting chef-curated menus, grab-and-go artisan stations, and craft cocktails.
- The Overcrowding Penalty: Satisfaction drops by 244 points—from 833 in "not at all crowded" lounges down to 589 when a lounge is "severely crowded". Nearly half (46%) of frequent guests report their primary lounge is moderately or severely crowded.
- Staff Impact: While 77% of guests find lounge staff welcoming, only about half view personnel as happy (52%) or knowledgeable (51%), making front-desk service a key operational differentiator.
Study Methodology
The J.D. Power U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study evaluated responses from nearly 3,000 travelers who visited an airport lounge over the past year. Ratings were measured across eight core dimensions: value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness/upkeep, amenities, ease of access, ambiance, and Wi-Fi service.
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