American Express Centurion Lounge and Capital One Lounge tied for the highest customer satisfaction scores in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Airport Lounge Satisfaction Study, each achieving a score of 771 on a 1,000-point scale. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club ranked third with a score of 764.

The study, based on responses from 2,991 travelers who visited a U.S. airport lounge in the past year, highlights a shift in traveler behavior driven by terminal conditions. With air travel demand at record levels, 45% of lounge guests cited escaping crowded airport terminals as their primary reason for visiting, while 39% sought respite from high-priced food and beverage options in the terminals.

Key Drivers of Satisfaction

Complimentary food and beverage emerged as the highest-ranked benefit of lounge access, followed by comfortable seating. Despite this demand, quality perceptions remain mixed: 52% of guests rated the food and beverage offerings as better than expected, while 44% found them in line with expectations. Only 4% rated the offerings worse than expected.

Staff interactions played a critical role in overall satisfaction. While 77% of guests reported experiencing welcoming staff, fewer than half viewed the staff as happy (52%) or knowledgeable (51%).

What the Numbers Show

Overcrowding presents a severe operational challenge for lounge operators, directly correlating with sharp declines in satisfaction metrics. Guests who described their lounge experience as "not at all crowded" reported an average satisfaction score of 833. This figure plummeted to 589 for those describing the lounge as "severely crowded," a decrease of 244 points. Nearly half (46%) of all respondents stated that the lounge they use most often is usually moderately or severely crowded, indicating a widespread capacity issue across the sector.

The study measured satisfaction across eight core dimensions: value of experience, staff, food and beverage, cleanliness/upkeep, amenities, ease of accessing lounge, ambiance, and Wi-Fi service. The data was fielded from April through June 2026.

American Express (NYSE: AXP) has entered into a partnership with St Andrews Links Trust to become the Official Payments Partner of the renowned golf destination. The agreement provides eligible Consumer, Business, and Corporate American Express Platinum Card and Centurion Members in select countries with an exclusive application process for a chance to purchase golf packages at select St Andrews Links courses in 2027.

The partnership aims to leverage American Express’ global presence to make St Andrews more accessible to international golfers while preserving the traditions of the Home of Golf. Eligible members will have the opportunity to play on the iconic Old Course, which is more than 600 years old and has hosted golf’s oldest major championship a record 30 times, with the next edition scheduled for 2027.

Application Process and Timeline

The Amex-exclusive application process will operate on a tiered schedule:

• Centurion Members: Applications open August 26 at 10 am BST.
• Platinum Card Members: Applications open September 2 at 10 am BST.

The application window concludes at 11:59 pm BST on September 9. This timeline precedes the annual Swilcan Package application process, which remains open to all golfers. Selected Card Members will have approximately seven days after notification to purchase the offered golf package.

Member Benefits and Perks

Card Members selected through the exclusive window who purchase a golf package will receive specific benefits designed to enhance their experience:

• Complimentary pull trolleys for all courses.
• A customized photography gift commemorating their round on the Old Course.

Golf handicap restrictions and terms apply. The partnership does not impact the number of tee times available for local golfers or other traditional access routes. St Andrews will continue to offer its affordable golf initiatives alongside this premium channel.

Strategic Context

This collaboration expands American Express’ global sports partnership portfolio, which includes associations with the NFL, Formula 1, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Shiz Suzuki, Vice President of Global Brand Sponsorships & Experiential Marketing at American Express, noted that golf and premium travel remain key passions for Card Members globally. The deal builds on the company’s long-standing history in golf, dating back to 1958.

James Ralley, Commercial Director at St Andrews Links Trust, stated that the partnership opens a new channel to raise brand awareness among a broader international audience. As a charitable trust, St Andrews Links Trust reinvests all surplus from commercial activities into the preservation of the Home of Golf and its charitable objectives. The trust manages eight Links courses, four clubhouses, a golf academy, and six retail stores, hosting more than 290,000 rounds annually.