Travelers continue to turn to airport lounges for a quieter space after security, whether to work, eat, or relax before boarding. JD Power released its second annual study of lounge networks this year, expanding the scope to include more airline premium offerings. The results highlight a clear tie at the top and reveal ongoing issues with crowding that affect satisfaction.
Expanded Scope Changes the Picture
The 2026 study evaluated networks rather than single locations, using surveys from nearly 3,000 travelers who visited a U.S. lounge in the prior year. Data collection ran from April through June. Eight factors shaped the scores on a 1,000-point scale, led by perceived value, staff performance, and food and beverage quality. Unlike the first study, this edition folded airline business-class lounges into the overall network ratings. United’s Polaris spaces joined the United Clubs category, and Delta One lounges counted toward Delta Sky Clubs. British Airways, Air France, and The Club networks entered the rankings for the first time. These adjustments prevent direct year-over-year score comparisons, though overall order can still be tracked.
Clear Leaders Emerge at the Top
American Express Centurion Lounges and Capital One Lounges shared first place with 771 points each. Chase Sapphire Lounges followed at 764, and Delta Sky Clubs reached 763. British Airways U.S. lounges scored 751, while American Airlines Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges came in at 749. Air France’s U.S. network earned 746 points. Alaska Lounges posted 737, United Clubs and Polaris combined for 702, and The Club network finished at 650. The overall average across all networks stood at 732.
| Network | Score |
|---|---|
| Amex Centurion / Capital One | 771 |
| Chase Sapphire | 764 |
| Delta Sky Clubs | 763 |
| British Airways (U.S.) | 751 |
| American Airlines | 749 |
Why Travelers Choose Lounges
Nearly half of respondents viewed lounges primarily as an escape from crowded terminals. Another 39 percent cited better value on food and drink compared with terminal prices. These motivations remained consistent with patterns seen in prior research. Crowding emerged as a persistent drawback. Forty-six percent described their most-visited lounge as moderately or severely crowded. Satisfaction scores dropped sharply for those facing long waits or limited seating, with a 244-point gap between uncrowded and severely crowded experiences.
Food and Staff Performance Stand Out
Food and beverage options performed well overall. Fifty-two percent of travelers rated the offerings better than expected, and another 44 percent found them in line with expectations. Staff interactions also received positive marks, with 77 percent reporting a welcoming experience upon entry. Room for improvement remained in other staff areas. Only 52 percent described employees as appearing happy, and 51 percent viewed them as knowledgeable. The study noted that continued growth in the lounge segment will require operators to focus on both higher-quality offerings and more engaged teams. Travelers weighing lounge access through credit cards or airline status now have clearer data on which networks deliver the strongest overall experience. The tie at the top and the crowding findings together point to both progress and pressure points as more people seek these spaces.
