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| My favorite lounges to relax pre-flight |
| by Brian Kelly |
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I think it goes without saying that I love airport lounges. However, I definitely prefer certain lounges over others, and it’s a great way to relax before a flight. JD Power even conducted its first-ever U.S. airport lounge benchmark study at the end of 2025.
Don’t get me wrong — I love that many credit cards offer lounge access — Priority Pass lounges, Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges, and Chase Sapphire Lounges, but it’s frustrating to have to wait in long lines to access them or deal with overcrowding.
Amex has taken action, effective July 8, that allows guests of cardmembers to enter Centurion Lounges only when traveling on the same flight as the cardmember. And, cardmembers (and eligible guests) will only be able to access a Centurion Lounge during a layover up to five hours before their departing flight. Capital One also tightened its lounge access policies earlier this year.
While I don’t love additional restrictions, I do appreciate that lounge access policies might reduce overcrowding, especially in some of my favorite lounges. Speaking of favorites, here are my current top picks for lounges worldwide.
Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA
My favorite of all the Chase Sapphire Lounges, winner of the 2024 TPG Awards Best Airport Lounge and one of the best lounges in the entire LaGuardia Airport (LGA), the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA is a beautifully designed, two-story lounge that spans 21,000 square feet, complete with a 360-degree bar, a children’s playroom, a photobooth and an arcade.
But honestly, I love it because the food is delicious and you can order pre-plated food from the buffet using a QR code (sometimes buffets can be crowded and overwhelming). I’ve also enjoyed getting facials there from FaceHaus. There are two treatment rooms, and you can pick from a few different 30-minute treatments.
Finally, the lounge, which is in Terminal B on level 4, offers three private VIP rooms you can reserve for special occasions: the Reserve Suites, a new lounge-within-a-lounge experience with luxe design and amenities such as showers with Oribe bath products and PlayStation consoles.
How to get in:Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, J.P. Morgan Reserve and Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card cardholders can access these lounges, plus two guests. All Priority Pass members can access a Chase Lounge once per calendar year and purchase guest access for a fee, even if the membership is through a different credit card.
To book a Reserve Suite, visit the “Benefits & Travel” section of the Chase mobile app at least three days before your flight; rates start at $2,200 for three hours.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Air France La Première Lounge at CDG
One of the most amazing and most premium lounges I’ve ever been to is the Air France La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Getting a Sisley facial preflight is one of my personal favorite lounge features (I also love dining from chef Alain Ducasse’s menu), but it’s the entire La Première experience that makes the lounge special.
La Première passengers can go through immigration in the lounge, which is a massive timesaver (especially with the new EES automated border control systems being implemented in European airports that are causing long lines), and ground service is included. They’ll drive you and pick you up directly from the plane in a Porsche, which is a true premium experience (I consider privacy to be the biggest luxury).
The lounge is undergoing a full renovation and is scheduled to open later this month. I can’t wait to see what it’ll look like when it’s done.
How to get in: Fly Air France’s ultraluxurious La Première first class.
Capital One Lounge at JFK Terminal 4
The Capital One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4, on level 3 of the retail hall, just won the Best New Credit Card Lounge Award at the 2026 TPG Awards. It’s also one of my favorites. Besides being large, having reservable private booths and offering tarmac views, I love that it’s open 24/7 — it’s the only card issuer lounge at JFK that’s open 24 hours.
This really saved the day for me when my 11:00 p.m. flight to Lima was delayed until 4:00 a.m. I had my two small children with me, and it could have been a nightmare, but I was able to relax in the lounge, complete with friendly staff, an Ess-a-Bagel shop, a gorgeous flagship bar and a cheesemonger.
How to get in: Receive complimentary access to Capital One Lounges with a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business (unfortunately, guest access policies and authorized user policies are pretty restrictive as of 2026).
Delta One Lounge at JFK Terminal 4
The Delta One Lounge at JFK Terminal 4 was Delta’s first business-class-only lounge (now there are others at LAX, BOS, and SEA), and it’s located in Terminal 4 between Concourses A and B.
I like that it features amazing ergonomic massage chairs, cozy brasserie-style dining, and amazing outdoor plane and tarmac views (I just love the scent of jet fuel from an airport lounge).
How to get in: Carrying a premium card won’t help you here. Fly a same-day departing, connecting or arriving Delta One flight, be a Delta 360 member (invite only) flying a same-day departing, connecting or arriving first-class ticket, or fly in business or first class on a Delta partner: Air France La Premiere and Business Class (Long-Haul), LATAM Premium Business Class, KLM Business Class, Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class.
Amex Centurion Lounge at ATL
The massive, 26,000-square-foot Amex Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Concourse E, near Gate E11, is one of the issuer’s largest, making it feel spacious even when it’s crowded.
There’s lots of seating available, and it feels modern, but I like it for the three outdoor terraces and the whiskey bar (yes, you know by now I’m a plane watcher, though only one of the terraces offers tarmac views). It also features a 50-year-old olive tree and a southern- and internationally-inspired menu curated by James Beard Award-winning chef Deborah VanTrece.
How to get in: Hold one of these eligible cards; read the full lounge access policy for Centurion Lounges here.
Lounges are such an amazing travel perk; whether you go before a flight or on a layover, they can really enhance your travel experience. Airlines and credit card companies are upping their game to add better food, spa experiences and more to attract guests — I love to see the innovation.
Have a great weekend,
BK
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| Photo Credit: EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY. |
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