Our 2025 list of the best U.S. lounges highlighted just how hungry travelers are for calm, well-designed spaces. In 2026, airport lounges in the U.S. are about to look very different. A string of ambitious openings set for 2026 promises bigger spaces, better food, and smarter design — all aimed at making the airport less of a grind and more of a pause.
Here are the ones to watch. From mega-lounges at Newark to brand debuts at JFK, these newcomers could upend last year’s favorites. Consider this your heads-up: the best preflight may be the ones you haven’t stepped into yet.
American Express – Sidecar Lounge in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, American Express is trying something different: a new “Sidecar” concept that feels more like a speakeasy than a lounge. Compact and built for efficiency, it’s meant for travelers departing within 90 minutes. Think small plates, proper cocktails, and a calm, tucked-away setting — a brief but memorable escape before your flight.
Qatar Airways – First U.S. Lounge at JFK
Qatar Airways is finally opening its first U.S. lounge, and it’s landing in New York. The new 15,000-square-foot space in JFK’s Terminal One will feel more like a private terminal than a lounge, with its own VIP check-in, direct boarding, relaxation areas, prayer rooms, a children’s play space, and an elevated dining program. The design is meant to mirror the polished feel of Doha’s Hamad International, bringing that five-star experience stateside.
Korean Air – A Mega-Lounge at JFK
Next door, Korean Air is preparing one of its largest lounges outside Seoul — a sprawling 16,000-square-foot retreat with sweeping tarmac views. Expect an on-site kitchen, a show bar, and the rare luxury of boarding your flight directly from the lounge. It’s less of a stopover and more of an event.
Turkish Airlines – Star Alliance Luxury at JFK
Turkish Airlines is also setting up shop in JFK’s new Terminal One, unveiling an 11,000-square-foot lounge for its premium passengers. Designed with expansive airfield views and direct gate access, it promises the kind of seamless service that Star Alliance travelers crave.
American Express – A Giant Centurion at Newark
If Sidecar is intimate, Newark’s new Centurion Lounge is the opposite. At 17,000 square feet, it will be AmEx’s largest, complete with a piano lounge, jazz bar, skyline-facing terrace, work pods, shower suites, and family areas. It’s the kind of space that could easily reset expectations for what a U.S. lounge can be.
United Club – Houston’s Next Flagship
In Houston, United is rebuilding its United Club at George Bush Intercontinental as part of the wider Terminal B revamp. The new space will be the airline’s largest, with expanded seating, upgraded food and drink, and a new Club Fly grab-and-go concept for travelers who want speed without losing the perks.
PS Private Terminal – Miami
And then there’s Miami, where luxury goes one step further. The historic Pan Am building is being reborn as a PS private terminal in 2026, offering two levels of service: The Salon, a semi-private lounge with shared dining and transfers, and The Private Suite, a cocoon of its own complete with spa, lounge, and chauffeured service direct to the aircraft.
The 2026 Lounge Watchlist: New Openings Poised to Top Traveler Reviews
| Lounge | Location | What Makes It New |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar Airways | JFK (New Terminal One) | First U.S. lounge—VIP check-in, direct boarding |
| Korean Air | JFK (New Terminal One) | 16,000 sq ft prestige lounge, show kitchen |
| Turkish Airlines | JFK (New Terminal One) | Large Star Alliance lounge with gate access |
| Sidecar by Centurion | LAS | Mini, time-limited lounge concept (90 min departure window) |
| Centurion Lounge (Newark) | EWR | Largest Centurion yet with live music and terrace |
| United Club | IAH Terminal B | New largest United Club with grab-and-go annex |
| PS Private Terminal | Miami | Ultra-lux private terminal with premium suite options |
