American Express Centurion Lounges Lead Again in 2026 JD Power Airport Lounge Study

For the second consecutive year, American Express' Centurion Lounges have been recognized as the premier airport lounge network in the United States, according to the findings of the second annual JD Power Airport Lounge Benchmark Study, released on Wednesday. This comprehensive study delves into traveler satisfaction with airport lounges, a growing necessity for many passengers seeking comfort, productivity, and enhanced pre-flight experiences.

JD Power, a global leader in data analytics and consumer intelligence, evaluated lounge networks rather than individual locations, adopting a holistic approach to assess the overall value proposition offered to members. The study's methodology centers on eight critical criteria, each weighted according to its perceived importance by travelers. These factors, ranked from most to least significant, include perceived value of the experience, quality of staff interaction, food and beverage offerings, cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities, available amenities, the ease of accessing a lounge, the overall ambience, and the quality of Wi-Fi service. Each lounge network is scored on a 1,000-point scale, providing a standardized measure of customer satisfaction.

Data for the 2026 study was collected between April and June, drawing from surveys administered to 2,991 travelers who had visited a U.S. airport lounge at least once within the past year. A notable evolution in this year's study is the inclusion of airlines' premium business-class lounges within the broader lounge network scores. For instance, United Airlines' highly regarded Polaris lounges were incorporated into the overall scoring for the "United" category, a departure from the inaugural study where only general membership lounges like United Clubs were considered. This adjustment, while enhancing the comprehensiveness of the evaluation, means that direct year-over-year comparisons of specific scores may be challenging, as JD Power itself acknowledges. However, the overall rankings provide a consistent benchmark for performance.

Travelers are increasingly integrating airport lounges into their travel routines, utilizing them for a variety of purposes, from finding a quiet space to work and enjoy a meal before a flight to beginning their journey with a sophisticated cocktail in an exclusive setting. This trend underscores the growing importance of these airport amenities. The consistent top performance of American Express' Centurion Lounges, a network known for its premium amenities and exclusive access, highlights its continued success in meeting and exceeding the evolving expectations of today's discerning travelers in a competitive market.