Flying across the U.S. can be a lot more enjoyable when you have access to an airport lounge. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, complimentary food and drinks, or simply a comfortable seat away from the crowds, lounges offer a much-needed escape from the chaos of terminals. Here’s how you can gain access to some of the major airport lounges in the U.S.
I didn't realize when I first moved how much I would appreciate a good lounge. Airports across the United States, as a sweepingly general statement are more crowded, less clean and overall less enjoyable and as someone that likes to be early to flights, this made for a real conundrum.
There are a range of ways to access the major lounges in the country, and while not all of them exist in all airports, the more you fly, the more you will want to collect a few options to give yourself a chance of enjoying a layover or delay.
Major Airport Lounges and How to Access Them
1. Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass is one of the most extensive lounge networks, offering access to over 1,700 lounges and “airpor experiences” worldwide, including many in the U.S. In most cases, Priority Pass focuses on the lounges that are not listed below (therefore normally doesn't work with the major airline or credit card lounges) but instead works with more independent (and in most cases smaller) lounges available.
This can be especially handy in airports that aren't one of the major hubs and therefore no major lounges.
The access also includes “experiences” which can range from discounts at bars and restaurants, discounts on snacks, or short-term access to massages, games, and more.
It's a handy card to have in your wallet as it's possible you can receive this incidentally.
How to Access Priority Pass:
There are a few different ways to get involved.
- Purchase a Priority Pass membership (various tiers are available ranging from the “Standard” where you pay for access to each lounge, through to “Prestige” where you get access included—but it costs more each year).
- My recommended way: Some premium credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum, include Priority Pass membership as a perk.
- Certain airline credit cards and bank accounts may also offer discounted or complimentary access.
This one is a bit of a no-brainer as it's a great fallback if one of the below options aren't available and it's always worth a search when you're browsing an airport because you might get an included meal or drink at the very least.
2. Airline-Specific Lounges
Most major U.S. airlines operate their own lounges, primarily for loyal customers and frequent flyers. These range in access all the way to the exclusive lounges only available for first class passengers, but there are plenty of good options.
American Airlines – Admirals Club
The Admirals Club offers a solid but somewhat dated lounge experience, with standard amenities like snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating. While it provides a reliable pre-flight retreat, it is generally considered less premium compared to Delta Sky Club or Centurion Lounges (below), with food and beverage options that can feel underwhelming.
How to Access:
- Purchase an annual membership which is approximately $1,600 (or less depending on some other factors)
- Hold an eligible premium credit card like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
- Gain complimentary access when flying business or first class on American, or Oneworld, and Aer Lingus partnered flights.
- Earn elite AAdvantage status (Platinum Executive, Platinum Pro, and Platinum) for select access.
- Non-AAdvantage oneworld Emerald and Sapphire Members; or
- Using a one-day pass which you can buy with a flight for about $79
Delta Air Lines – Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Clubs are widely regarded as some of the best domestic airline lounges, featuring upgraded food selections, premium bar service, and modern designs. With consistently strong customer satisfaction, Delta’s lounges outperform American and United in overall quality, though overcrowding can sometimes be an issue.
How to Access:
- Buy an annual Sky Club Membership (which is about $695 per year)
- Get complimentary access with Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin tickets (I wish).
- Have status with the airline on Diamond, Platinum or Gold level
- Hold a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve or Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Have a Centurion or Platinum Card from American Express
- Be a part of SkyTeam Elite Plus
- LATAM Business, Black, Platinum, WestJet Business, Gold and Platinum, Diners Club and TRUST Club all have options as well
United Airlines – United Club
United Clubs are known for their functional but uninspiring offerings, often lagging behind Delta in both ambiance and food quality. While recent renovations have improved some locations, they are still considered middle-of-the-road, offering a decent but not exceptional lounge experience.
How to Access:
- Purchase a United Club membership.
- Get complimentary access with United Polaris business class tickets.
- Hold a United Club Infinite Card for complimentary access.
- Earn Premier 1K status for limited access.
- Honestly this system is pretty confusing and there are a number of other options but for the life of me, I don't know how to read it
3. Centurion Lounges (American Express)
Centurion Lounges are some of the best in the U.S., offering top-tier food, drinks, and amenities. This is my lounge of choice whenever I possibly can and it always feels like you get a slightly nice service anywhere in the world.
How to Access:
- Hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card®.
- Access is complimentary for the cardholder and up to two guests (restrictions may apply so be sure to check the actual lounge you're visiting—when they get busy, the complimentary extras go away).
- Must have a confirmed same-day boarding pass.
4. Capital One Lounges
Capital One has introduced high-end lounges in select airports like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver International and Dulles (IAD) with plans for expansion and they're getting pretty decent reviews.
How to Access:
- Hold a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for complimentary access.
- Day passes may be available for purchase.
5. LoungeBuddy
LoungeBuddy was a pay-per-use app that allows you to book lounge access at select airports without needing a membership and also just gave you a summary of what was available. It still works but is being retired.
How to Access:
- Use the LoungeBuddy app to find and book available lounges.
- Pay a one-time access fee (varies by location).
Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access
If you frequently travel, a premium credit card can be the easiest way to gain lounge access. Some of the best include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express (Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + airline lounges).
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Priority Pass lounges).
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (Capital One Lounges + Priority Pass).
- United Club Infinite Card (United Club access).
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Delta Sky Club access).
The most important thing though is to pick one airline or one line of lounges that you are aiming for and stick to it. The more you can align your points with all of this, the more status you will get and the better the amenities become!
