The Best Airport Lounges In America That Will Make You Eager For An Access Pass

It's no secret that traveling via airplane can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience. Fighting traffic on your way to the airport, waiting through long TSA security lines, and rushing to your gate after purchasing an overpriced bagel can really take away from having a fun travel experience. If you find yourself exhausted, anxious, and grumpy whenever you visit the airport, you're certainly not alone, but all that can change when you gain access to airport lounges. Even long layovers, delayed flights, and missed connecting flights can transform into a comfortable experience when you're able to wait it out in an elegant airport lounge. Airport lounges usually have incredible perks and amenities. Instead of battling through hordes of other travelers to find a seat at your crowded boarding gate, while searching for a non-existent power outlet to charge your dying cell phone, imagine yourself lounging on a comfortable couch, sipping a free cocktail, and munching on chef-created delicacies.

Airport lounges will take your travel experience to a whole new level, but they aren't all created equally. Jess Bohorquez, founder of Points By J, is an expert in all things travel, credit card perks, and personal finance — so she knows a thing or two when it comes to airport lounges. In an exclusive interview with Explore, Jess shared her three favorite lounges in the United States; The Club SFO Lounge, Capital One Lounge at DFW, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at LaGuardia.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the largest and busiest airports on the West Coast. Over 47 million people flew through the airport in 2023. Seeing as it's located in one of California's most iconic cities, it's no surprise that it's home to one of the best airport lounges.

According to Jess it is, "one of the nicest Priority Pass lounges I've been to in the U.S." The Club has around 20 lounges in the United States and five lounges around the world. You can gain access with Priority Pass, a yearly airport lounge membership that you can buy. It's also included as a perk with some travel credit cards. Lounges like The Club SFO make the Priority Pass membership worth it. If you aren't a member, you can also access the lounge for a fee of $75 per person. Guests can pre-book your reservation starting six hours before their scheduled flight departure, and access the lounge three hours before your scheduled flight.

Enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages along with plenty of comfy places to sit and relax. The refreshments highlight fresh local ingredients. Northern California is famous for its wine country, and the wine list at The Club SFO is made up exclusively of wines from the region. There are workstations available for business travelers and digital nomads along with free high speed wifi throughout the lounge. Jess particularly loved the private work spaces. There are also bathrooms and showers in case you need to clean up after a long red-eye. The interior of the space is inspired by California's natural beauty creating a relaxing atmosphere. "They had an eye for design with this gorgeous space," Jess told Explore.

The Capital One Lounges are a major perk for Venture X cardholders who receive free unlimited access to the lounges. They have a few locations around the country, but the lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was the first to open in 2021. It remains one of the best with incredible all-inclusive perks to enjoy during your time at the airport.

The lounge is over 10,000 square feet, so there's plenty of space to spread out. The amenities are abundant. There's an extensive menu full of healthy and delicious food options. For breakfast, expect options like buttermilk biscuit skillets, honey dip donut glazed cinnamon rolls, and quinoa breakfast cereal bowls. Hearty options like chicken tinga elote, superfood salads, and chicken tikka masala are served all day. The menu is constantly changing, and there are options for a variety of dietary preferences. Make sure to save some room for the freshly baked pastries and deserts. If you're in a hurry, it's still worth stopping by for some complimentary grab and go snack food options to enjoy on your flight. "I love the ample takeaway food, snacks, and beverage options at this lounge," Jess told Explore.

After you fill up on some tasty food, get some exercise in the cycling and yoga room, which has Peloton bikes. Don't worry about working up a sweat, because the spacious shower suites are perfect for those long travel days. There's a multi-faith worship space, a parent's room for people traveling with littles ones, and a relaxation room where you can take a nap. If you aren't a Capital One cardholder, you can still access the space for a fee of $90 per person.

"This lounge is beautiful, with a sweeping staircase at the center," Jess told Explore. It's perfect for travelers looking for a luxury experience. LaGuardia was the first major airport in North America. It's located in New York, just outside of Queens and is the least busy of New York's three major airports. It's a popular option for domestic travelers, but there aren't a ton of international flights. Delta and American have domestic hubs there, and it's also served by popular low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit.

The airport used to have a bad reputation, but it underwent a facelift over the past decade. Terminal B, where the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge is located, received a major renovation. The new terminal opened in 2020, and LaGuardia won the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles award for best new airport in 2021. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge is certainly one of the terminal's crown jewels. During your visit you can pass the time in pure opulence. Visit the caviar bar, or sit back and enjoy a complimentary facial. The lounge is two stories high, with plenty of comfortable seating areas. To create the menu, Chase partnered with renowned New York chefs. Enjoy specialty cocktails, delicious coffee, and plenty of great food. When you're feeling nourished, explore the rest of the lounge. There's an arcade, a children's play area, and super luxurious hotel-like suites that you can reserve ahead of time.