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Priority Pass has revealed the winners of its 2026 Excellence Awards. The awards recognize the world’s top airport lounges and standout travel experiences based on more than 700,000 member ratings and reviews. Taking the top global honor this year was the Escape Lounges at Portland International Airport (PDX). I had already written about this several weeks ago.
Owned and operated by Collinson International, Priority Pass said the awards reflect a major shift in traveler expectations. Passengers are increasingly seeking lounges that feel authentic, locally inspired, and experience-driven rather than purely functional. The Global Lounge of the Year winner, Escape Lounges at Portland International Airport (PDX), stood out for its contemporary design, strong regional identity, and emphasis on comfort. The lounge incorporates local artwork, regionally inspired food and beverage offerings, and a calming layout that mirrors Portland’s creative culture. Priority Pass noted that the space reflects a growing trend toward airport experiences that feel like an extension of the destination itself.
Regional Lounge of the Year honors were also awarded across key markets worldwide. In Asia-Pacific, LOUNGE FUKUOKA earned top recognition for its elevated guest experience, runway views, and locally inspired culinary offerings, including Tonkotsu ramen, Kashiwa rice, and seasonal sake selections. The Hong Kong-based Kyra Lounge received highly commended status in the region. Additional regional winners included the Vienna Lounge for Europe, Club Kingston for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Bidvest Premier Lounge for the Middle East and Africa.
New for 2026, Priority Pass introduced the “One to Watch” category to recogne lounges that have significantly improved over the past year. In APAC, the refreshed KoCoo Lounge earned the distinction after strong gains in member ratings and reviews.
Anthony’s Take: According to Priority Pass, this year’s awards underscore how airport lounges are evolving into immersive travel environments where thoughtful design, local culture, and personalized hospitality are becoming just as important as convenience.
(Image Credits: Priority Pass.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
