Luxury Airport Lounges: Centurion and Sky Club Lead the Way in 2025

Published on December 14, 2025

In 2025, the importance of premium airport lounges has soared, with access to exclusive lounges becoming a major factor in the selection of airlines and airports. According to the J.D. Power Airport Lounge Benchmark Survey, two lounge brands have dominated the rankings, American Express Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Club, with Centurion Lounge securing the top position for customer satisfaction among U.S. lounges.

As luxury travellers increasingly look for memorable experiences beyond flight comfort, airport lounges have evolved into spaces that offer not just amenities but also exceptional experiences. This growing demand reflects a broader shift in the travel industry, where exclusive access to lounges has become a critical part of high-end travel itineraries.

Top-Ranked Lounges: Centurion and Sky Club Lead

The J.D. Power survey gathered insights from 1,430 travellers who visited U.S. airport lounges over the past year, assessing their satisfaction across several categories. Centurion Lounge, part of American Express, received the highest satisfaction score with 782 points out of a possible 1,000, outpacing competitors by a significant margin. This result highlights Centurion’s dominance in providing a luxurious and well-rounded lounge experience for its members.

Following closely behind, Delta Sky Club earned 773 points, thanks to its widespread accessibility, comfortable environments, and solid food offerings. The Sky Club, which has expanded in recent years, is particularly favoured for its global availability and varied lounge styles that cater to both domestic and international travellers.

Why Lounges Are Now a Key Travel Factor

The survey revealed a surprising trend: 47 percent of respondents indicated that access to a preferred lounge strongly influences their choice of airport and connecting airports. This shift indicates how travellers are placing more value on the lounge experience, with food and beverage options, comfort, and private spaces taking precedence in travel decision-making.

A further 74 percent of respondents noted that food and drink offerings were the biggest draw of airport lounges, with many choosing to avoid expensive terminal dining by opting for lounges that provide quality meals and drinks as part of the entry experience. As luxury travellers increasingly seek ways to enhance their travel experience, these factors play a significant role in determining which lounges are preferred.

Increased Access Through Credit Cards and Loyalty Status

The report also highlighted how credit card perks and elite status significantly contribute to lounge access. Around 34 percent of travellers use credit cards, particularly American Express and Capital One, to gain lounge entry. Another 21 percent rely on elite status with airlines, while 18 percent hold memberships through schemes such as Priority Pass or LoungeKey.

This growing reliance on credit cards and loyalty programs to access premium lounges reflects the increasing importance of exclusive amenities in the luxury travel market. As luxury airlines and credit card providers continue to enhance their travel perks, the demand for personalised and seamless airport experiences will only rise.

Challenges and Opportunities for Airport Lounges

As the luxury travel market continues to expand, lounges are tasked with meeting increasing customer expectations. With rates for top-tier hotels and flights rising, travellers now expect more value from their lounge experiences. Omer Acar, CEO of Accor brands, notes that as prices for luxury stays increase, it’s critical for suppliers to offer personalised services that justify the higher costs. The need for memorable experiences in the lounge, and the ability to create emotional connections, is essential for maintaining satisfaction.

In this competitive environment, lounges must go beyond providing just comfort and relaxation. They must curate premium experiences that reflect the unique tastes of luxury travellers. Offering tailored services, like concierge support, luxury shopping options, and exclusive access to events, can differentiate top lounges from their competitors.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Advisors and Suppliers

The growing importance of lounge access has also placed luxury travel advisors at the forefront of this trend. These advisors, who understand the preferences and needs of their high-net-worth clients, play a pivotal role in ensuring that travellers have seamless access to premium lounges and services. Their relationships with lounge operators, combined with personalised travel itineraries, enable them to deliver a bespoke travel experience that adds significant value to luxury travel bookings.

The Future of Luxury Airport Lounges

As the luxury travel industry continues to evolve, premium lounge access will remain a key factor in influencing travellers’ choices of airlines and airports. Centurion Lounge and Sky Club lead the pack, providing guests with high levels of satisfaction and luxury. With the rising demand for personalisation and memorable experiences, airport lounges will continue to adapt and innovate in 2026, offering even more exclusive, high‑quality services to meet the expectations of affluent travellers. The increasing importance of luxury travel advisors will also help shape these future experiences, ensuring that top-tier lounges remain integral to the luxury travel journey.