LaGuardia Airport has completely shed its former reputation as one of America’s worst airports. The $8 billion transformation paid off in 2025 when the airport rating organization Skytrax named it the best airport in North America for domestic and short-haul international flights. Having experienced the old LaGuardia’s cramped, outdated terminals, walking through the gleaming new facilities feels almost surreal.
Part of that transformation includes an impressive lineup of lounges. After spending hours in every option at LGA over several visits, I can confidently declare a winner. But the competition turned out to be much closer than I expected.
Where the lounges live
LaGuardia primarily serves domestic and short-haul international destinations to Canada and the Caribbean, thanks to its 1,500-mile perimeter rule that prevents most flights beyond that distance. Most lounges cluster in Terminal B, which handles Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and United flights. Delta operates its own massive Sky Club in Terminal C.
This setup made it easy for me to lounge hop and explore what the airport has to offer. Terminal B houses six of LaGuardia’s seven lounges, so you can easily walk between them without clearing security again. I took advantage of this during my testing, spending time in each lounge to get a real feel for the experience.
How to get lounge access
While many lounges allow you to pay at the door (typically $50 to $100 per visit), the most economical approach for frequent travelers is having a premium travel card that comes with lounge access.
Here are the top three credit cards that deliver the best lounge access:
Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee). Unlimited access to Chase Sapphire lounges plus Priority Pass membership (a global network of 1,700 airport lounges), both with two free guests included.
The Platinum Card from American Express ($695 annual fee). Access to Centurion Lounges (guest access requires spending $75,000 annually), limited Delta Sky Club visits and Priority Pass enrollment with guest access included.
Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee). Capital One lounges access plus Priority Pass membership, both currently include two free guests. However, guest access policies are changing in February 2026, requiring $75,000 annual spending to maintain free guest privileges.
Keep in mind that airline-specific lounges like the Delta Sky Club often require flying that airline the same day, regardless of which credit card you carry.
The premium contenders
1. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
Walking into this 22,000-square-foot newcomer feels like entering a high-end private club rather than an airport lounge. Chase’s newest lounge spans two levels, and the design immediately catches your attention with its tree-like structure extending from the bar to the second floor.
What I like about it
Made-to-order dining through a partnership with West Village restaurant Joseph Leonard
Premium cocktail bar with signature drinks like the pearl-dust-topped Sapphire cocktail
Wellness room offering complimentary spa treatments such as facials from Face Haus
Game room with jukebox, pinball, and shuffleboard that gives a ’70s throwback
Spacious design with varied seating areas from cozy nooks to productive workspaces
The food experience sets this lounge apart from everything else at LaGuardia. Instead of walking up to a buffet line, you scan a QR code at your table and order like you’re at a real restaurant. During my visit, I tried the seared salmon with braised leeks and the roast beef sandwich — both arrived at my table quickly and exceeded typical airport lounge standards.
The signature Sapphire cocktail, made with gin, blueberry, goldenberry and actual pearl dust, tastes as impressive as it sounds. However, my favorite was the Viaggiare, made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Darjeeling tea syrup, lemon and foam. The lounge also serves a solid selection of wines, craft beers and premium liquors beyond the creative cocktail menu.
What I don’t like about it
Virtual queue waits are common, though they do provide a complimentary Air Canada lounge day pass while you wait (though I used the wait to visit the Amex lounge next door instead)
Little to no natural lighting makes it easy to feel disconnected from the airport environment
Power outlets aren’t available at every seat, which seems like an oversight for such a modern lounge
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2. American Express Centurion Lounge
The Centurion Lounge pioneered the premium airport lounge experience in the U.S., and the LaGuardia location maintains that standard. Located right next door to the Chase Sapphire Lounge, it’s about half the size at 10,000 square feet, but Amex makes great use of the space.
What I like about it
Signature craft cocktails that rotate seasonally (during my visit, they featured a key lime gimlet that felt like a personal nod to my Florida Keys home)
Consistent food quality with hot entrees like spicy shrimp noodles and the Centurion’s famous French toast at breakfast
Bright, airy atmosphere with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows
Shower suites with L’Occitane products
During my afternoon visit, I particularly enjoyed watching the gate area below from the bar’s elevated position. The spicy shrimp noodle dish was delicious, and the gelato machine added a nice touch.
What I don’t like about it
Considerably more crowded than the Chase Sapphire lounge, especially during peak travel times
Standard buffet-style service when the Chase lounge next door offers made-to-order dining that you can access with travel credit cards that carry a similar annual fee
3. Delta Sky Club
This Sky Club is Delta’s largest at 34,800 square feet. Located in Terminal C, this lounge impresses with its sheer size. Walking up the escalator, the high ceilings make the space feel massive, though the crowds can make it feel smaller than it actually is.
What I like about it
Outdoor sky deck perfect for plane spotting with views over Flushing Bay
Multiple seating areas from high-backed privacy chairs to communal dining tables
Two separate buffet areas help distribute crowds
Excellent food selection including rotating chef’s action stations
Six customer service desks staffed to help with ticketing needs
The mahi mahi and beef short rib I tried during my last visit were some of the best Sky Club food I’ve come across. The sky deck, even in winter with heaters running, makes for a unique outdoor airport lounge experience.
What I don’t like about it
Restrictive access — even with qualifying credit cards like the Amex Platinum, you still need to be flying Delta that day
Can feel busy despite the large size, especially during peak Delta departure times
Premium cocktails require additional payments
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The mid-tier options
The United Club surprised me with its quality, especially the salad bar and BBQ chicken sliders. The irregular shape of the lounge, wrapping around the terminal like a terrace, provides interesting views of the gate area below. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge offers a quieter atmosphere with comfortable wood furniture and Canadian artwork, plus that turkey meatloaf that travelers consistently praise.
The American Airlines Admirals Club, while functional with conference rooms and showers, feels more dated compared to the credit card issuer lounges. It serves its purpose for American flyers, but doesn’t reach premium levels.
Non-premium mentions
Priority Pass members can access the Be Relax Spa for complimentary treatments like 15-minute lounger massages, though it’s more of a service stop than a place to relax before your flight.
The winner: Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
After testing all these lounge options, I can say that the Chase Sapphire lounge takes the crown for me. The mix of restaurant-quality dining, unique amenities and thoughtful space design offers an experience that surpasses every other option at LaGuardia and competes with some of the best lounges in the U.S. and abroad.
Access requires a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business – each comes with a $795 annual fee. However, Priority Pass members from other premium cards get one annual visit. Additional visits cost $75 for Priority Pass members or $100 for everyone else.
A serious rival sets sights on LaGuardia
Capital One plans to open a Capital One Landing in Terminal B in late 2025. Based on my experience at the Capital One Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth, this could seriously challenge Chase’s dominance. The DFW location impressed me with its innovative pre-plated grab-and-go concept, excellent food quality, and thoughtful design that reduces crowding.
The LaGuardia Landing will span 10,700 square feet with indoor/outdoor space and partnerships with José Andrés Group for Spanish-style tapas. If Capital One replicates the quality I experienced in Dallas, the LaGuardia lounge landscape could get very interesting very quickly.
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