The Best Priority Pass Lounges in the United States

If you have a travel credit card that includes a Priority Pass lounge membership, you can put it to good use by planning your travel through airports that have some of the top lounges in the country. Visiting a great airport lounge can make a significant difference in your airport and travel experience with a variety of perks including food, drinks, private space or even a shower.

Not all Priority Pass lounges are created equal. Space and amenities can vary greatly from one lounge to the next. To ensure you don't end up in a small, dimly lit lounge with nothing but a subpar collection of prepackaged snacks and spotty Wi-Fi, check out our top Priority Pass lounges in the United States.

Atlanta, Georgia: The Club ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, International Terminal, Concourse F

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has long been one of the most busy airports in the world — at one point even being ranked the busiest. It's a primary hub for Delta Air Lines, a major airport for Southwest Airlines, and even an airport you could likely stop in for a layover given its massive size.

Whether you just need to relax from the crowds, or you're trying to burn time between a layover, flash your Priority Pass membership at The Club. While it doesn't have the best food options of all time (though it still typically serves light sandwiches and an assortment of snacks like candy, pretzels, chips and more, you might find yourself seated at the bar. At this club's well-stocked bar, drinks are complimentary.

And perhaps especially appealing if you've got a layover: this is one of the rare U.S. lounges to offer shower rooms. For business travelers, don't overlook the power of the computers, printer and fax machine.

» Learn more: Showdown: Priority Pass versus LoungeBuddy

Miami, Florida: Corona Beach House

Miami Florida International, North Terminal Concourse D

Not everything on the Priority Pass network is an actual lounge. Most Priority Pass memberships (excluding those offered through American Express cards) also grant you complimentary meals at select airport restaurants. In most cases, Priority Pass will deduct a preset dollar figure off your bill (typically about $30 per person, and you can usually bring a guest for a total of $60 of the final bill). If your bill is less than that, then you won't owe a dime beyond tip.

And one of the best deals as-is — Priority Pass or not — comes from the Corona Beach House at Miami Florida International. Menu prices are pretty cheap; expect to pay roughly $10 for a quesadilla (or about $15 if you order it with a protein), about $15 for the shrimp ceviche or about $15 for the Mojo pork tacos. That leaves you room on your bill for a Corona ($8) or a cocktail.

Orlando, Florida: The Club MCO

Orlando International, Terminal B Concourse 4 or Terminal A Concourse 1

Lounge operator The Club offers two different outposts of its airline lounges at the massive Orlando International Airport. The two lounges are largely similar, so pick your hangout spot more convenient to your departing flight. The food is just okay (expect lots of prepackaged items like granola bars and pretzels, plus some fresh but light items like hummus and veggies), and the atmosphere in the main area is fine (hope you like shades of brown).

But this one stands out for its separate children's play areas. Assuming you're headed to Florida for a family vacation to hit up one of the areas many theme parks, beaches or other attractions, you've probably got kids in tow. Avoid airport temper tantrums by letting your kids let off pre-flight steam in the lounge's kid room, complete with games and plenty of Disney art on the walls.

New York City's JFK: Primeclass Lounge

John F. Kennedy International, Terminal 1, New York, New York

Quiet and spacious, the Primeclass Lounge at JFK is marked by its modern, elegant decor and many seating options — brightened by floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are cold and hot buffet items, as well as nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages available (though premium alcoholic drinks and cocktails come with an additional fee). The quality of the food offerings here is superb; people go nuts for the baklava.

New York City's JFK: Air France Lounge

John F. Kennedy International, Terminal 1, New York, New York

JFK’s Air France Lounge is a beautiful, two-story lounge that is clean and has plenty of seating. There is a buffet with both cold and hot items and a self-serve bar area with liquor, wine, beer, soft drinks, juices and a coffee machine. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer plenty of bright, natural light, while other top features include showers, fast Wi-Fi and high-quality food offerings.

» Learn more: Top 10 Priority Pass lounges in Mexico/Central America

San Francisco: KLM Lounge

San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal Concourse A, Level 3, San Francisco

SFO's Air France - KLM Lounge might be a tad lacking in atmosphere, but we love its mix of healthy food like a roasted veggie platter (no sad crudités here) coupled with indulgent treats. Time your stay right, and you may be offered a fresh baked cookie. For breakfast, there's a yogurt bar where you can choose your toppings including granola, fruit and honey. And don't overlook the Tater Tots.

There is seating aplenty, it’s fairly easy to find an outlet and the atmosphere is at least somewhat calming.

San Francisco is a haven for Priority Pass holders, as there are three other Priority Pass offerings in SFO that are also similarly delightful.

Washington, D.C.'s IAD: Turkish Airlines Lounge

Washington Dulles International, Concourse B, Washington, D.C., area

If you find yourself making your way through the Washington Dulles International Airport, stop in at the Turkish Airlines Lounge. It has delicious food and great tarmac views. You’ll find plenty of outlets and varied seating choices, and there are both hot and cold buffet food items. Unlike many other lounges of this caliber, the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles does not limit entrance to Priority Pass members during certain times.

» Learn more: The guide to Priority Pass lounges at PDX

Washington, D.C.'s IAD: British Airways Galleries Lounge

Washington Dulles International, Concourse B, Washington, D.C., area

The British Airways Galleries Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows and a mix of comfortable seating choices. There is a buffet station with food and snacks, plus complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks available in a bar area. Top perks include shower suites, an inviting bar setup and a dedicated work area with computers, a printer and fax machine.

» Learn more: Top 10 Priority Pass lounges in Europe

The bottom line

There are some great Priority Pass lounges in the United States; you just need to know which ones are worth your time. All of the lounges above have great amenities that can transform an otherwise boring airport visit into a fun experience. If you don’t yet have a Priority Pass lounge membership, check out credit cards that come with Priority Pass lounge access. For frequent travelers, the membership is well worth it.