The Best New Airport Lounges for Summer 2024—and Beyond

13.07.2024 - 07:07 / afar.com

Afar partners with CreditCards.com and may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Compensation may impact how an offer is presented. Our coverage is independent and objective and has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of the Afar editorial team.

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.

Navigating airports, particularly the busiest ones, can be a daunting experience. To make your preflight experience smoother and more relaxing, the best bet is to hang out in an airport lounge. These spots aren’t just about personal space, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi; they often have cool extras like cocktail bars, gourmet food, showers, mini spas, chill zones with tricked-out designs, and spots dedicated to remote work.

Just in time for peak summer travel, airlines, lounge programs, and credit cards are debuting sleek, eye-catching airport lounges, adding to their existing lounge networks, and announcing what’s next. Here’s all you need to know about what’s new in the world of airport lounges for Summer 2024 and beyond.

As the leading independent airport lounge program globally—and a perk offered by most premium travel credit cards—Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,500 lounges and experiences across 145 countries and 700 airports. Travelers with Priority Pass through the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee), Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee), or the Platinum Card from American Express ($695 annual fee—see rates and fees) can enter Priority Pass lounges at no cost, regardless of airline or flight class, and with two guests, also free of charge. The network includes a diverse range of lounges, from singular, airport-managed spaces to those owned by major airlines and credit card companies, leading to varying levels of quality across locations. In late June 2024, the network welcomed 11 additions throughout the United States—10 Escape Lounges and the new Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)—all of which rank among Priority Pass’s best.

At the start of Summer 2024, 10 existing Escape Lounges in the United States were brought into the Priority Pass fold. Escape Lounges are reliable, stylish boutique airport lounges typically found in smaller airports across the United States and the United Kingdom. While the U.K. lounges were already part of Priority Pass, the American ones were not.

Previously, the U.S. locations were complimentary only to those with the Platinum Card from