The Best U.S. Airports for lounges
The Best Airports for Lounges
Traveling can be grueling and for loyal airline passengers, lounge access is often one of the top perks. Nonetheless, everything depends on the airport you’re flying into or out of. To determine the U.S. airports with the best lounges across, the team of travel experts at Upgraded Points recently analyzed more than 225 lounges from 50 of the nation’s biggest airports and ranked them across more than a dozen factors such as the number of amenities offered, average customer ratings, average hours of operation and more. Keep in mind that only airports with at least five lounges were included in the rankings, shrinking the list of eligible airports to just 22. Here’s a look at the 10 best U.S. airports for travelers with lounge access.
10. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
With an overall score of 62.6 out of 100, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport rounds out the nation’s list of the 10 best airports for airport lounges. PHX only boasts 1.57 lounges per mile but receives an average customer rating of 3.64 out of 5 and its lounges are open for an average of 16 hours a day.
9. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport barely edges out PHX on the strength of its average customer rating (3.7 out of 5). It certainly has bragging rights over nearby Portland International Airport (PDX), which finished last with a score of 33.66 out of 100.
8. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
One of the world’s busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ranks 14th nationwide in terms of lounges per mile (1.72) but excels in terms of accessibility and average customer rating with its lounges staying open nearly 16 hours on average and travelers giving it a 3.68 out of 5 in regards to satisfaction.
7. John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the nation’s best when it comes to lounges but it isn’t the best in the Big Apple. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue that JFK isn’t ideal for lounge seekers as it boasts 4.1 lounges per mile, an average customer rating of 3.46 out of 5, and an average opening time of more than 16 hours.
6. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
When flying in and out of Houston, travelers in search of a great lounge experience should target George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). While the airport could benefit from having its lounges remain open a bit longer, travelers seem to agree that IAH is getting it done.
5. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in the nation’s capital is one of the best on the East Coast for travelers in need of a relaxing lounge but its overall score is held back by its lack of lounges per mile and those lounges’ average opening time. At just 13 hours and 8 minutes, that mark is easily the worst of any airport in the top 10.
4. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Texas’ top-rated airport for lounges is Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), which earns an overall score of 65.7 out of 100, based on Upgraded Points’ research. Despite its size, DFW receives impressive customer ratings (3.75 out of 5) and fares well for accessibility, with lounges open for an average of 16 hours and 24 minutes per day. Only the top-ranked airport fares better in the latter category.
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The country’s top three airports for airport lounges are far and away better than the rest in terms of the overall score. After all, LAX’s mark of 74.9 out of 100 is nearly 10 points better than fourth-place DFW. LAX features lounges aplenty and they’re open most of the time (nearly 16 hours a day), more importantly, travelers enjoy them as the airport’s average customer rating is 3.6 out of 5.
2. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has 5.21 lounges per mile, the most in the U.S. It only boasts five lounges in all but its small size means that travelers won’t have to go far to find a great place to await their next flight. Based on customer reviews, LGA’s luxury airport lounges are rated the best in the study at 3.84 out of 5.
1. Miami International Airport (MIA)
In South Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) has the best airport lounges overall, receiving an average score of 81.09 out of 100. MIA only boasts 1.85 lounges per mile but the average lounge here is open for a nation-best 16 hrs and 54 minutes per day and all of them have showers available while most feature premium food options.