Yelp's 2024-2025 Top Airport Lounges and Most Loved Brands
Yelp has released a 2024-2025 summary of the most loved brands found in airports. They examined (United States) airport brands, including restaurants, lounges, shops, and relaxation services. According to Yelp, there was an 18% increase in searches for airport lounges year over year (2023 vs 2024).
To compile this data, Yelp analyzed millions of reviews and ratings for brands with at least five airport locations sourced from travelers to determine the list of airport brands and membership lounges that have earned a loyal following among travelers.
These are the six most loved "airport lounges," according to Yelp:
- Tied: American Express Centurion and Delta Sky Club
- United Club
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Minute Suites
- Air France Lounges
The top rankings of lounges in the report go to the American Express Centurion Lounge, the only credit card-based brand among the top airport lounges. These lounges offer the aesthetics and comfort travelers have come to expect from members-only lounges. Where Centurion truly stands out, according to Yelp reviews, is in its regional, Michelin-starred chef-driven food and drink menus that highlight local flavors and rotate by location, giving travelers a unique gourmet bite in each lounge.
Similarly, Delta Sky Club's new Delta One Lounges at JFK, LAX, and BOS aim to set a new standard for airport hospitality, featuring elevated dining experiences that pair local ingredients with premium wines and spirits.
Also noteworthy is Xpresspa, which came in as the number 10 most-loved brand.
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Closing Thoughts
This analysis, although interesting, is somewhat flawed, in my opinion. I don't believe including Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Hudson News, Panda Express, etc., in the same data as airport lounges provides an accurate ranking or basis for comparison. I would also exclude Minute Suites in the lounge category; it does not have the same amenities to be considered a lounge (no free food, bar, conference rooms, etc.).
I would have liked to see the top 100 brands for comparison. I imagine that behind Minute Suites on the list, The Club Lounges would likely be listed, as well as Alaska Airlines, Chase Sapphire Lounges, and Escape Lounges. I do agree that Delta and Centurion Lounges are very nice; besides overcrowding, they consistently deliver great lounge experiences.
My final critique of the report is that the Air France Lounge should not won in the top 10 list. I have visited two Air France lounges in the U.S., and based on my experience, I would not put them in the top 10. The Air France lounge is a dual-purpose lounge that serves as both a contract lounge, where food and amenities are limited, and an Air France-only lounge with upscale food and amenities. I would give the Air France Lounge an 8 out of 10 when traveling on Air France, but when entering the lounge as a Priority Pass member with limited amenities and overcrowding, it would be a 3 out of 10. In summary, people who visit as Air France customers receive a better experience, resulting in higher ratings and potentially skewing the overall rating.