The 15 new airport lounges we can't wait to enjoy in 2023
2023 is poised to be another blockbuster year for airport lounges.
Airlines and credit card issuers have been busy building new lounges and renovating existing ones in order to meet the unprecedented demand from flyers looking for a (quiet) space to relax before their flights.
As more and more lounge-eligible travelers take to the skies, we've seen lounges add new access restrictions to combat overcrowding. While some of these policies are starting to work, perhaps the best way to handle the crowds is to build larger spaces.
Of course, finding space in airports is a perennial challenge, but some airlines and issuers are getting creative by debuting different types of lounges, including smaller outposts focused on quick grab-and-go service.
All told, there are some much-anticipated lounge openings on the horizon this year, and here are the ones I'm most excited about.
Amex Centurion Lounge in Washington National
Estimated opening: 2023.
American Express is the undisputed leader among credit card issuers that also offer airport lounges. The issuer already has 15 Centurion Lounge outposts worldwide, and Amex will open the 16th at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) later this year.
The space will be constructed in the refreshed National Hall near Terminal B after the airport’s $1 billion capital improvement program is completed.
Airside, the 11,500-square-foot space will be larger than the previously built Centurion Lounges. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, airfield views and unique, locally inspired design touches.
Related reading:
- A brand-new Centurion Lounge is coming to Washington, DC's National Airport
- Your Amex Centurion Lounge guide: Where they are and how to enter
Capital One Lounge in Denver
Estimated opening: 2023.
Capital One made its mark on the airport lounge scene with the opening of its first outpost in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in late 2021.
The issuer's sole lounge has earned high marks from travelers, myself included, and I can't wait for the issuer's other lounges to open.
Two more locations are confirmed to open this year (after being delayed from 2022), including an outpost in Denver International Airport (DEN). The Denver location will be approximately 11,200 square feet and will be in Concourse A on the mezzanine level.
Related reading:
Capital One Lounge in Dulles
Estimated opening: First half of 2023.
Details are light, but Capital One is also debuting a new lounge this year at Dulles International Airport (IAD). The 9,100-square-foot space will be directly after the TSA PreCheck security line in the main terminal. The Dulles lounge should open in the first half of 2023.
Capital One is also expected to open a new location in Las Vegas, but no timeline has been published for that one.
Related reading:
2 new Capital One Landings in the Northeast
Estimated opening: "Not-so-distant future."
Last year, Capital One unveiled a new airport lounge concept that it's calling "Capital One Landings." Capital One will partner with the highly acclaimed José Andrés Group to curate the food and beverage options at each location. True to the group's culinary heritage, these Landings will serve Spanish-style tapas.
The first two Landings will be in two of the Northeast's busiest airports: New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia.
The Landings will differ from traditional lounges in that they'll largely focus on the food and drinks without much room to relax and unwind.
Capital One hasn't said when these first two Landings will open other than teasing that they'll open "in the not-so-distant future." Hopefully, that means 2023.
Related reading:
- Capital One debuts brand-new airport lounge concept coming to NYC, DC
- Capital One Venture X credit card review
Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston
Estimated opening: 2023.
Not to be outdone by Amex and Capital One, Chase is also getting into the airport lounge wars with the upcoming opening of its first domestic Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
The first outpost to open is expected to be in Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in the Terminal B to C connector.
The 12,000-square-foot lounge will include a wellness area, business lounge, shower suites and a family room, according to airport authorities.
Related reading:
- Complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access
- Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card review
Chase Sapphire Lounge in San Diego
Estimated opening: Likely 2023.
While Chase has plans to open at least seven domestic lounges, just two are likely to open in 2023. In addition to Boston, Chase is expected to open a Sapphire Lounge location in San Diego International Airport (SAN) later this year.
The 11,000-square-foot lounge will be in San Diego’s Terminal 2 West and will feature locally inspired design, food, beverages and art partnerships.
Related reading:
- Complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access
- Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card review
Delta Sky Club in New York's JFK
Estimated opening: June 2023.
Delta recently consolidated its operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Terminal 4. As part of the move, the airline will open a new Sky Club at the A gates.
This 13,700-square-foot space will boast more than 220 seats and feature Delta's latest design motifs, including an open kitchen, full premium bar and locally curated art gallery. A year-round, heated Sky Deck will also be available.
Additionally, the airline is still planning a business-class-only lounge for JFK, but that's expected to open in 2024.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access
- Delta overhauls Sky Club access policy, makes big cuts to reduce overcrowding
- Best Delta credit cards
Delta Sky Club in Boston
Estimated opening: Late summer 2023.
As part of Delta's growth in Boston, the airline expanded its international operations to the airport's Terminal E, which will soon be home to a new Sky Club, opening this summer. The 21,000-square-foot space will seat over 400 travelers.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access
- Delta overhauls Sky Club access policy, makes big cuts to reduce overcrowding
- Best Delta credit cards
Delta Sky Club in Newark
Estimated opening: Fall/winter 2023.
Newark recently received a big glow-up with the opening of the stunning new Terminal A. Right now, American, Air Canada, JetBlue and United all call the terminal home. (Only a subset of United flights depart from Terminal A.)
Delta will move into Terminal A after the second phase of construction is completed there this summer, and the airline will open a Sky Club in the new terminal at that time.
No additional details are currently available, but Delta will share the upper-level lounge space with a new American Admirals Club.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access
- Delta overhauls Sky Club access policy, makes big cuts to reduce overcrowding
- Best Delta credit cards
2 new United Clubs in Denver
Estimated opening: 2023.
United will open a United Club in Denver's Concourse A later this year. While the details are light, the new lounge will be "very large" and "multi-level," according to United's head of lounges, Alex Dorow.
In addition to the new space in Concourse A, the airline will also open a completely overhauled club in Concourse B near Gate B44.
The so-called B-East outpost closed last year for renovations, and the finished product is poised to impress travelers, especially because it will double in size.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to United Club access
- A review of the United Club Infinite Card
- United's 'old' club at Newark will get a massive makeover
2 new United Clubs in Newark
Estimated opening: Between the second and third quarters of 2023.
Newark is now home to a "one-of-a-kind" United Club that opened last May. This new 30,000-square-foot space is near Gate C123 and has been a hit with flyers.
The old club near Gate C74 is undergoing a renovation, and United is building a new location in Terminal A; both will open this year.
The new club in Terminal A will open at the end of the second quarter (around June), while the revamped C74 club will reopen at the end of the third quarter (in September).
Both lounges are expected to look like the new C123 club in terms of design.
Related reading:
- The ultimate guide to United Club access
- A review of the United Club Infinite Card
- United's 'old' club at Newark will get a massive makeover
To-be-determined American Airlines Admirals Club
Estimated opening: Unclear.
Last year, American debuted an impressive new Admirals Club design that's on display at the carrier's latest lounge in DCA.
Three more new Admirals Club outposts are in the works (and will feature the new design), but it's unclear if any of them will actually open in 2023. American hasn't publicly shared any timelines yet for the following three new locations:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
- Denver International Airport.
- Newark Liberty International Airport.
That said, we're definitely hopeful that at least one of these new outposts opens this year because the new design is certainly a sight to behold, especially compared to American's existing locations.
Related reading:
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.