These 10 US Airport Lounges Boast High-End Offerings Worth The Splurge

Not that long ago, airport lounges were little more than just quiet rooms with uncomfortable seating, basic snacks, and unreliable Wi-Fi. Initially, they were functional spaces designed primarily for business travelers who needed a place to make a phone call or send a fax in the 1990s. Today, however, an entirely new breed of airport lounges has redefined what luxury lounges look like in the United States. Some now rival boutique hotels and private social clubs, with high-end dining, craft cocktail bars, and even private showers.

Of course, access to these lounges doesn't necessarily come cheap. Whether it's a premium seat class on a transatlantic flight, a pricey annual-fee credit card, or earning ultra-elite airline status, you'll probably have to pony up some cash to access these exclusive spaces. And that's precisely why this guide exists. 

This roundup will help you figure out why some U.S. airport lounges justify the splurge. Here, we'll evaluate each lounge for its food, design, and amenities, as well as for the price you'll have to pay to get inside. Let's break down why these lounges in particular are great places to spend a long airport layover.

Delta Air Lines' Delta One Lounge at New York's JFK International Airport offers a completely new experience and is the 21st-century benchmark for what lounges can be. The JFK lounge, the very first Delta One space, opened in June 2024 to much fanfare. Designed specifically for long-haul international travelers, this flagship lounge offers a dining area with warm wood tones and marble accents reminiscent of an Upper East Side eatery. The interior is sleek and modern, with upscale seating zones — some with couches, some with chairs, all with high-end accents by Missoni — that allow guests to dine, relax, or get work done without intruding on others.

Food is one of this NYC airport lounge's biggest draws. The Delta One Lounge offers both "market dining" — a gourmet buffet-style experience with small plates like avocado toast and charcuterie — and sit-down, à la carte service in the aforementioned dining area. There is also, unsurprisingly, a full bar area inspired by Radio City Music Hall's Art Deco architecture. Guests can even enjoy their cocktails outside on a glass-walled, enclosed terrace. A dimly lit wellness area with massage chairs and on-site spa treatment specialists further elevates the space. 

The splurge factor to access JFK's Delta One Lounge, though, is real and unavoidable. Access is limited to passengers with same-day arriving, departing, or connecting Delta One class tickets and Delta 360° Members traveling same day in Delta First Class. Some partner airline classes are also eligible, including Air France La Première; long-haul Air France Business Class; LATAM Premium Business Class; KLM Business Class; Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class; and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Traditional day passes are not available.

Since it opened in 2016, the United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport has been regarded as one of the top airport lounges in the U.S. With two major expansions under its belt, the most recent in 2025, this redesigned space offers relaxation with a dark, slightly moody vibe. Outfitted with sleek Crate & Barrel decor and artwork from local Chicago artists, it's a great spot to spend a few hours before a long-haul flight. 

The Chicago O'Hare United Polaris Lounge also offers a variety of dining settings, including buffet-area dining tables and "pods" where solo business travelers can escape with their meals. The highlight, though, is the sit-down restaurant that opened in April 2025, with travelers praising the salmon, in particular. A full-service, neon-lit bar known for its mixology prowess is another popular offering. Shower suites with Saks Fifth Avenue linens are another major perk here, especially for travelers embarking on or disembarking from transatlantic and transpacific flights. 

That said, access to the Polaris Lounge is firmly in "splurge" territory. Entry is limited to passengers flying United Polaris on long-haul international routes — with tickets usually priced significantly higher than economy or premium economy fares — or passengers flying in Star Alliance business or first class on select departures only. United elite status or credit card ownership does not grant access to the United Polaris Lounge, and there is no day-pass option available.

Although New York's LaGuardia Airport has undergone a reputation overhaul thanks to an $8 billion renovation, it was long associated with raucous crowds, canceled flights, and a general sense of travel doom. The American Express Centurion Lounge offered a respite from this, and remains one of the most high-end spots at LaGuardia to this day. 

This lounge is located in Terminal B, with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline, and upon entry, guests are met with a calming, foliage-covered wall. After check-in, travelers can choose from chic seating areas in wood-paneled rooms or check out the dining options. The LaGuardia Centurion Lounge is part of the brand's Culinary Collective movement, offering New York City–inspired dishes influenced by restaurant booking platform Resy's most popular spots — including a partnership with CVRG, which operates Wayan and Perry St. The lounge also offers a full bar with cocktails created by Harrison Ginsberg, the popular bartender behind NYC's Overstory who once said he wanted that location to be "the best bar in the world." As such, it's safe to say that Centurion travelers are in for a treat. 

The splurge here comes in the form of access requirements. Free entry is a perk for American Express Platinum and Business Platinum carcholders, as well as Centurion (Black Card) members. Price-wise, the Platinum card has an annual fee of $895, while Centurion cards are infamously issued on an invite-only basis. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders also gain access when flying Delta. However, day passes are not available.

The Capital One Lounge at Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, which was the brand's first, proves that luxury doesn't have to mean slow or stuffy. Designed with 21st-century travelers in mind, the space offers sleek interior design, excellent food options, and an efficient layout that works especially well for those with short layovers or quick connections. The design is contemporary, with comfortable seating, brightly lit work areas, and low stools and tables that are perfect for kids. 

Food menus at Capital One Lounges vary by season, and guests can expect things like Texas caviar salads, San Marzano bruschetta flatbread, and a buttermilk biscuit breakfast skillet. Adding to the aforementioned efficiency are the lounge's delicious grab-and-go meals, including soba noodle salads and parfaits with fresh fruit. The striking bar, which is painted in Capital One's signature blue, offers a variety of complimentary drinks. Some options, like the Airmail cocktail, are unique to this spot, but there's a fully stocked bar available as well. There are also excellent coffee options, including on-tap cold brew. 

Access to this lounge is where the splurge factor comes into play, though it's certainly more accessible than some of its competitors. Unlimited complimentary entry is available to Capital One Venture X cardholders and up to two guests, with additional guests costing $45. This card has a $395 annual fee. Any traveler can purchase a day pass for $65 per visit, while Capital One Venture and Spark Miles cardholders no longer receive free access but are eligible for discounted entry.

Delta's Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport is a visually impressive lounge, offering a decidedly Southern California atmosphere that feels relaxed, stylish, and intentionally upscale. Local artwork, including photos of landmarks like the Sunset Boulevard sign, line the walls. That said, one of the Sky Club's most notable features is its large outdoor terrace, called the Sky Deck, which overlooks the tarmac. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful SoCal weather, runway views, and grab a cocktail at the outdoor bar before jetting off. The design here overall harkens to various Hollywood eras, including the Golden Age, which inspired the lounge's tiled Coffee Grotto.

To that end, dining and drinks are a hallmark of this West Coast Sky Club. There are two buffets, both with the healthy fare you would expect in Los Angeles. Spinach wraps, fruits and vegetables, and chef-inspired specialties abound thanks to Delta's Local Flavor initiative. At LAX, the airline partnered with Asian-fusion expert Chef Akira Back. Meanwhile, at the indoor and outdoor bars, travelers will find multiple California wines and a signature cocktail menu. 

Though not as restrictive as the Delta One Lounge, Delta Sky Club guidelines tightened in January 2025. Nowadays, access is available through a Medallion or SkyMiles annual Sky Club membership or select credit cards. For example, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express cardholders receive 15 visits per Medallion Year. Meanwhile, American Express Platinum cardholders receive 10, with unlimited access upon charging $75,000 to the card. Single-visit day passes are no longer available for Sky Clubs.

Although Newark International Airport is known for having the highest number of complaints about the TSA, the United Polaris Lounge is often rated as one of the best lounges in the country. A respite from what's considered the world's most stressful airport, this Polaris Lounge is a top choice for travelers looking to turn a crowded, noisy layover into a luxury experience. A 2025 expansion introduced a new dining area, with ambient lighting and navy and cognac-colored seating that would look equally at home in a Manhattan speakeasy. Guests are served by waiters, and the menu features restaurant-quality options like pan-seared chicken breast and eggplant Milanese. The dessert menu is also delicious, with selections like a key lime tart.

The rest of this lounge offers a modern and soothing atmosphere, with a layout that features dedicated work pods, shower suites, and plenty of quiet seating areas for relaxation before a long-haul flight out of this international hub. There's also a buffet for those who don't have time to enjoy a full sit-down meal. The bar experience here is ideal for sports fans, with a TV and multiple beers on tap, along with a full signature cocktail menu. EWR's United Polaris Lounge is so well-reputed, in fact, that it's rated the seventh best thing to do in Newark on TripAdvisor. Access requirements here are the same as the previously mentioned Chicago O'Hare United Polaris Lounge and all other Polaris Lounges.

The Delta One Lounge at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is one of the airline's most visually impressive designs to date, offering views of the surrounding Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains that largely define Washington State's landscape. This two-story space houses the main Delta Sky Club on the ground floor and the Delta One space on the upper deck. For the interior design of the exclusive Delta One Lounge, the airline took heavy inspiration from Seattle's nickname, "The Emerald City." Deep green walls and coordinating chair upholstery, alongside neutral, nature-inspired accents, give the dining area a serene, upscale feeling. Equally gorgeous are the common lounge spaces, which feature comfortable seating and wood accents, including a wave-like, floor-to-ceiling design in the lobby. 

All travelers who stop by the Delta One Lounge receive a personalized, concierge check-in. Food and beverage offerings here showcase the best flavors of the Pacific Northwest region. Dinner highlights include wood-fired teriyaki steelhead and Pacific Northwest chowder. The seafood theme continues with breakfast, where Eggs Benedict with Dungeness crab is a standout. A full wine, beer, and cocktail list is also available, with signature drinks like the Seaside Martini. 

As in JFK, the splurge lies in even gaining entry. Again, access is limited to passengers with very specific, premium cabin tickets on Delta flights, as well as select flights on Delta's international partner airlines. Nonetheless, Seattle-Tacoma is often hailed as one of the best airports in North America, and the Delta One Lounge elevates the experience even further for eligible travelers.

As one of the oldest airports in the country, Boston Logan International Airport knows a thing or two about how aviation culture has changed over the years. Today, travelers expect the best, and the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club — the first in the U.S. when it opened in 2023 — delivers. Even in a city known for its history and style, this airport lounge stands out thanks to its upscale interior decor and excellent locally inspired dining options. Chase also supported local artists when designing this space, which spotlights pieces by Boston-based Silvia López Chavez.

The dining menu is curated by Chef Douglass Williams, the Boston-based mastermind behind two of the city's popular Italian restaurants, Mida and Apizza. On the beverage front, travelers can enjoy coffee by Atomic Coffee Roasters, plus a full bar for those who want a cocktail ahead of takeoff. The lounge also has a variety of other amenities available, including massage chairs, workspaces inspired by upscale hotels, and even a nursing room for new moms traveling with babies.

Unlimited entry to the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Boston Logan is available with Priority Pass Select, which comes with the $550 annual-fee Chase Sapphire Reserve card. The lounge is also accessible to Priority Pass members through other premium credit cards, including Capital One Venture X Rewards ($395), Hilton Honors Aspire American Express ($550), Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express ($650), and the American Express Platinum Card ($895). These Priority Pass members receive one complimentary visit per year with no guests, after which they must pay for entry. Day passes are also available for $100.

Though San Francisco International Airport's unique quiet policy makes for a pleasant travel experience, Alaska Airlines' Lounge is a somewhat surprising wildcard inclusion on this list. Often thought of as a regional airline, Alaska has quietly built an incredibly impressive lounge experience. This space reflects the Bay Area's distinctive blend of outdoorsy culture and relaxed sophistication, with an interior design inspired by the indoor-outdoor living for which Northern California is famous. It has natural wood finishes, plenty of task lighting, and a layout that offers lounge-style chairs with footrests, workspaces, as well as open conversation areas. The signature feature, though, is a 360-degree wraparound wood bartop with plenty of seating and premium cocktail options. This airline's popular Bloody Mary is a particular favorite for travelers.

The buffet food options here run the gamut in terms of health and wellness. There's a full salad bar, for example, and hot options like orange chicken and various soups. But those traveling with picky children will appreciate that burgers and tater tots are also available. Though Alaska Airlines doesn't offer all of the amenities of more upscale carriers — there aren't showers or massage services, for example — this is still a great space to unwind before a flight. 

The splurge here, again, comes down to how you access the Alaska Lounge at SFO. Lounge-only memberships start at $450 per year, or travelers can get complimentary access if they hold Alaska First Class tickets on flights over 2,000 miles. Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite cardholders can also gain access as a perk of their $395 annual fee, while active-duty military traveling on government orders may enter free or at a discounted rate. Any traveler can purchase a day pass for $60.

Philadelphia International Airport's Flagship Lounge is one of American Airlines' most notable domestic premium lounges. This long-awaited space was originally slated to open in 2018 but faced delays until 2025. However, the wait was worth it, as it has been designed with both form and function in mind. The Flagship space, located next to American Airlines' Admirals Club, offers comfortable seats in sleek gray tones, modern lighting, and spatial zoning so travelers can enjoy relaxation, work, or dining depending on their needs. One of the lounge's signature features is its cozy fireplace area. 

Food options are also a standout here. The Flagship Lounge collaborates with popular chefs, like Philly's own Chef Randy Rucker, to create restaurant-style dishes inspired by the City of Brotherly Love. Yes, there's even an elevated version of a cheesesteak that is served with tartufo provoleta and pickled long hots. Seasonal additions also rotate on and off the menu throughout the year. Then, there are the drinks. "Secret cocktails" include the Betsy Ross Boulevardier and the Seventy Philly. Travelers can also enjoy a full bar, plus six locally sourced beers. For fliers who appreciate quality food and drink, the major emphasis on upscale cuisine sets the Philadelphia American Airlines Flagship Lounge apart. 

Entry to American Airlines Flagship Lounges is reserved for travelers flying Flagship First or Flagship Business on qualifying same-day international routes, premium transcontinental flights (such as JFK–LAX or LAX–MIA), and select long-haul domestic routes to Hawaii. AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards elite members on qualifying flights are also eligible. Day passes are available for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles, with no guests allowed. That said, non-day pass holders may bring guests depending on their status tier, with all access requiring same-day travel on American, a oneworld airline, or Aer Lingus.

To put together this guide, we scoured official online newsrooms for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Additionally, sites like Tripadvisor and Lounge Review were both major sources when determining which lounges to include in our round-up. Details from reviews written by high-authority travel blogs and magazines — including One Mile at a Time, Condé Nast Traveler, NerdWallet, Afar, Appetites Abroad, The Points Guy, Miles for Places, and Thomson Travels — were used to fill in any information that was missing.