2024 in Review: My Top 10 Airport Lounges

I flew to and from 43 airports in 2024 (four more than 2023) across nine countries (three less than 2023). Between The Platinum Card® from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Priority Pass, United Club℠, flying in premium cabins, and various elite statuses, there were few lounges that were not available to me during my travels. Some were rather lackluster, others felt familiar and homey, and one blew me away with how amazing it was in every aspect.

Here are my ten favorite airport lounges of 2023:

10. ITA Airways Hangar Lounge (FCO)

The ITA Airways Hangar Lounge at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) just opened in April 2023. The space is approximately 10,500 square feet with seating for 150 guests. It’s a nice space, but was very crowded when we visited. The lounge has an Italian charm complete with an espresso bar and tasty pasta. While I wish it was a little less congested during our time there, it was a great spot to pass some time before a connecting flight.

Address: Terminal 1, A Gates Inside Security

9. SWISS Alpine Lounge A (ZRH)

SWISS operates a whopping 10 lounges in its Zurich Airport (ZRH) hub. Perhaps the most charming of this lot is the SWISS Alpine Lounge in Terminal A. This is one of SWISS’ newest lounges and the one with the most character in the airport. I loved the Alpine-themed decor, food, and overall experience.

Address: Terminal A

8. American Airlines Flagship® Lounge (ORD)

Thanks to a status match with British Airways, I briefly held oneworld® Emerald status. This granted me access to the American Airlines Flagship® Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The lounge has some of the best food of any lounge in Chicago (including the United Polaris® Lounge). The service, space, and overall experience were great. If I was flying American more, I would have tried to maintain my BA status.

Address: Terminal 3, Concourse H/K

7. 1903 Lounge (MAN)

The 1903 Lounge is a lounge within a lounge as an Escape Lounge is located next to it and handles check-in for both. I liked the design, food and beverage offerings, and exclusive feel of this space. It was great to have breakfast here before boarding a Singapore Airlines flight to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Address: Manchester International, Terminal 2

6. United Polaris® Lounge (IAH)

We spent some time in the United Polaris® Lounge before boarding our Singapore Airlines flight to Manchester Airport (MAN). This is not my favorite of the Polaris® Lounges, but it’s a nice offering and is holding up fine. I first checked this out years ago with my mother and husband before we flew to Australia. The dining room offers a solid meal and there is plenty of space to stretch out.

Address: Terminal E

5. The Centurion® Lounge by American Express (SEA)

A coffee bar and some of the best food of any location sets The Centurion® Lounge by American Express at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) apart. The design is beautiful and this lounge ranks as one of my favorites that American Express operates.

Address: Mezzanine level in the Central Terminal

4. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (JFK)

I checked out the first Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club two weeks after it opened last year in Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) (full review here). I have been back to that location a few times, but had not had the opportunity to check out any of the others until I was in John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in February. This lounge opened its doors on January 23rd, so it was fairly new during my visit. I love the food and cocktails as well as the lovely decor. It blows away the American Express lounge located next door.

Address: Terminal 4, Level 4 Above Gate A2

3. Delta Sky Club® (BNA)

I loved just about everything I found in the Delta Sky Club® at Nashville International Airport (BNA). From the panoramic views of the planes going by, to the buffet, and a picture of Dolly Parton on the wall. This is a great Sky Club® and one that I wish I got to visit more often.

Address: Adjacent to Gate B3

2. The Centurion® Lounge by American Express (ATL)

American Express was the first credit card issuer to open branded lounges and The Centurion® Lounge by American Express at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) shows that it still knows how to excel. It’s the largest location that American Express operates at 26,000 square feet and it’s gorgeous. While some aspects have slipped across the network, Amex outdid itself with this gorgeous lounge. I love the two outdoor terraces filled with greenery and the olive tree that is the centerpiece of the space. While this location does not have a spa, it offers showers and lots of room to stretch out.

Address: Terminal E, Opposite Gate E11

1. Delta One® Lounge (JFK)

There are lounges and then there is the Delta One® Lounge at New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). I got to check this out over the summer and was blown away by the incredible food (the restaurant feels like you’re dining at a chic spot in Manhattan), outdoor terrace, furnishings and decor, shower suites, massage chairs, and more. This is what lounges should be like for premium customers and I cannot wait to check out future locations as they are added to Delta’s lounge network. A delayed flight meant we spent over six hours in the lounge and I would gladly spend six more.

Address: Main Arrivals Level on Terminal 4

Anthony’s Take: All of these lounges provided great spaces to work, relax, eat, drink, and get ready for the flights to come. I hope to visit them again and many more in 2025.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great premium card with lots of benefits including a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year; 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs including Hyatt and United; 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other eligible travel purchases. The annual fee is $550. 

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: I love the lounges where The Platinum Card® from American Express grants me access. It has had a prominent place in my wallet for many years now. While it does have an annual fee of $695, it provides many travel benefits and will always be my go-to for lounge access (both Delta Sky Clubs® and Centurion® Lounges) and booking airfare from the airlines to earn 5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel). Learn more. Rates & Fees. Terms apply.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

All information about The Centurion® Card has been collected independently by The Bulkhead Seat.