Airport lounges are becoming a bigger part of the travel experience itself, not just a place to wait before boarding. The latest Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026 show how travelers are increasingly choosing lounges that reflect local culture, regional cuisine, and destination identity rather than generic premium spaces.
Priority Pass, operated by Collinson International, announced its latest global lounge winners based on more than 700,000 member reviews and ratings. The top global honor went to Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport, while Fukuoka International Airport’s LOUNGE FUKUOKA secured the Asia-Pacific regional title.
Key Facts
- Brand: Priority Pass
- Locations: Portland, United States; Fukuoka, Japan
- Announcement: Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026
- Scale: Based on over 700,000 member reviews
- Highlight: Travelers favored lounges with local identity and regional dining experiences
Key Takeaways
- Travelers increasingly value destination-inspired airport lounges.
- Local food and cultural design are shaping lounge rankings.
- Asia-Pacific lounges continue setting premium travel benchmarks.
- Airport lounges are evolving into experience-driven travel spaces.
- Premium travel demand remains strong in 2026.
What is this development?
The Priority Pass Excellence Awards highlight the airport lounges receiving the highest satisfaction scores from travelers worldwide. Ratings considered customer service, comfort, food and beverage quality, ambience, and overall experience.
This year’s results point to a broader shift across the aviation and hospitality sectors. Travelers are no longer satisfied with standard premium waiting areas. Instead, they are rewarding lounges that create a stronger sense of place and reflect the destination before passengers even leave the airport.
The Global Lounge of the Year award went to Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport. The lounge stood out for incorporating Portland-inspired design, local artwork, and regional food and beverage offerings into the passenger experience.
In Asia-Pacific, LOUNGE FUKUOKA at Fukuoka International Airport was recognized for combining runway views, Japanese-inspired interiors, and regional specialties including Tonkotsu ramen and local sake.
Why does this matter for travelers?
Airport lounges are increasingly influencing how travelers evaluate premium journeys. Frequent flyers now expect lounges to provide more than seating and Wi-Fi.
Travelers using programs such as Priority Pass are seeking quieter, experience-focused spaces that feel connected to the destination. Lounges with local cuisine, regional architecture, and wellness-oriented layouts are becoming more competitive advantages for airports and airlines.
For international travelers, lounges can also shape first impressions of a city or country. Airports in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America are investing more heavily in hospitality-driven design to attract premium passengers and boost overall airport satisfaction scores.
How does it impact the travel industry?
The awards reinforce a growing trend across aviation and hospitality: airports are becoming lifestyle and experience hubs rather than purely transit infrastructure.
Premium airport experiences have become increasingly important as airlines expand business-class products and loyalty ecosystems. Lounge operators are also competing more aggressively to differentiate themselves through local partnerships, culinary offerings, wellness facilities, and cultural storytelling.
Asia-Pacific continues to play a leading role in this evolution. Alongside LOUNGE FUKUOKA’s regional win, Hong Kong’s Kyra Lounge received highly commended recognition, while Tokyo Narita’s refreshed KoCoo Lounge won the new “One to Watch” category.
Regional Winners Recognized by Priority Pass
Asia-Pacific
- LOUNGE FUKUOKA — Japan
- Kyra Lounge — Hong Kong (Highly Commended)
Europe
- Vienna Lounge — Austria
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Club Kingston — Jamaica
Middle East and Africa
- Bidvest Premier Lounge — Johannesburg, South Africa
About the Destination
Portland, Oregon
Portland continues to attract travelers with its creative culture, coffee scene, independent restaurants, and access to outdoor destinations across the Pacific Northwest. The city’s airport has also gained attention for its passenger-focused redesign and emphasis on local identity.
Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka is one of Japan’s fastest-growing gateway cities for regional tourism. Known for its food culture, yatai street stalls, and proximity to other parts of Kyushu, the city has become increasingly important for both leisure and business travel in Asia-Pacific.
Industry Insight
The latest lounge rankings reflect a wider shift toward experiential travel across aviation and hospitality. Travelers increasingly expect airports to deliver hospitality standards similar to luxury hotels and lifestyle brands.
Christopher Evans, chief executive officer of Collinson International, said travelers now expect “versatility, quality, and genuine local experience” from airport lounges, highlighting how premium airport spaces are becoming a more meaningful part of the overall journey.
The company also pointed to Asia-Pacific lounges as continuing to set global benchmarks for hospitality-driven airport experiences as regional travel demand grows.
For airports and lounge operators, the trend increases pressure to invest in local partnerships, upgraded dining concepts, and design-led passenger spaces that stand out in an increasingly competitive premium travel market.
Check Availability
Travelers planning premium airport experiences or lounge-access trips can compare hotel and travel pricing across platforms including
Compare hotel prices on Trip.com
Book hotels on Booking.com
Find hotel deals on Agoda
Search hotel deals on Expedia
Explore tours and travel experiences on Klook
Airport Transfer
For a smoother arrival experience, many travellers choose to pre-book airport transfers before departure. This allows you to lock in a fixed price and avoid taxi queues at the airport, making it a convenient option for travellers arriving late at night or visiting a destination for the first time.
Book Tour & Experiences
Travellers visiting different destinations can pre-book activities and guided tours through GetYourGuide which offers sightseeing tours, museum tickets, and local experiences in cities worldwide.
Travel Tools
When planning multi-destination trips, many travellers rely on travel tools we recommend and travel gear frequently used on our trips. You can explore our curated list of useful travel products here.
Related Coverage
Travelers interested in this story may also enjoy:
Is Priority Pass Worth It For Airport Lounge Access?
Korean Air Incheon Terminal 2 Lounges Renovation Completed with New First and Prestige West Lounges
InterContinental Tokyo Bay Reopens Renovated Club InterContinental Lounge
Turkish Airlines Opens Largest Lounge at Tokyo Narita
