Priority Pass announces the winners of its 2026 Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding airport lounges worldwide. Escape Lounges at Portland International Airport takes the top global honor, celebrated for its blend of contemporary design and local identity.
Airport lounges are increasingly becoming more than just a place to wait for a flight, evolving into destinations in themselves. They offer a respite from the often chaotic airport environment, providing a touch of luxury and, in many cases, a curated experience that reflects the local culture and cuisine.
Priority Pass, a leading airport lounge program, recently announced the winners of its 2026 Excellence Awards, based on feedback from over 700,000 members. The awards recognize lounges that excel in facilities, customer service, food and beverage options, comfort, ambience, and overall member satisfaction. The Global Lounge of the Year title was awarded to Escape Lounges at Portland International Airport in the United States.
This lounge stands out for its seamless blend of contemporary design and a strong connection to the local Oregon identity. Travelers consistently praise the lounge’s incorporation of local wood and artwork, as well as its regionally-inspired food and beverage offerings. One reviewer described it as ‘one of the best’ airport lounges, highlighting the relaxing atmosphere and quality refreshments.
Tom Waldron, chief experiences officer for the lounge, expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the team’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces that feel intrinsically linked to their location. The lounge aims to provide a personalized experience that travelers genuinely anticipate. Regional winners also received accolades. In North America, Escape Lounges at Kansas City received a highly commended award, while Escape Lounges at Portland International Airport took the top spot.
Lounge Fukuoka in Japan’s Fukuoka Airport was named the best in the Asia Pacific region, with Kyra Lounge in Hong Kong receiving a highly commended mention for its complimentary drinks and buffets. Europe saw Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport in Austria crowned as the winner, with No.1 Lounge in Jersey, UK, earning a highly commended status.
These awards demonstrate a growing trend in the airport lounge industry – a focus on creating immersive and regionally-relevant experiences for travelers, transforming what was once a simple waiting area into a destination worth visiting in its own right. The emphasis on local design, cuisine, and art contributes to a more enjoyable and memorable travel journey, offering passengers a taste of their destination even before they arrive
Airport Lounges Priority Pass Travel Awards Portland International Airport Escape Lounges Airport Experience Lounge Review Travel Destinations Airport Hospitality Lounge Fukuoka Vienna Lounge Kyra Lounge No.1 Lounge Jersey
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