Priority Pass, an airport lounge and experiences programme, owned and operated by Collinson International, has announced the winners of the Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories for the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026, based on over 700,000 member ratings and reviews. The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport was named Global Lounge of the Year.
The results highlight how
expectations continue to evolve, with today’s travellers placing greater value
on experiences that go beyond the functional.
Increasingly, the highest-rated
lounges are those that feel less like standardised airport spaces and more like
an extension of the destination itself, combining local design, regionally-inspired
food and beverages, and thoughtfully designed environments that prioritise
comfort and calm.In doing so, they are redefining the role of the airport
within the overall travel experience.
Regional Lounge of the Year winners
included Lounge Fukuoka in Japan (Asia Pacific), Vienna Lounge in Austria
(Europe), Club Kingston in Jamaica (Latin America and the Caribbean), and
Bidvest Premier Lounge in Johannesburg, South Africa (Middle East and Africa).
LOUNGE OF THE YEAR
The Lounge of the Year award
celebrates the highest-rated lounges across the global Priority Pass network,
as rated by Priority Pass members. Member ratings and reviews across a range of
criteria are assessed, including the quality of facilities, standard of
customer service, food and beverage selection, comfort, ambience and overall
member satisfaction.
Overall Global Winner: Escape Lounges, Portland International, US
Blending contemporary design with a
strong sense of local identity, the Escape Lounge at Portland International
Airport stood out for delivering an experience that feels distinctly rooted in
its surroundings. Drawing on Portland’s creative and cultural character, the
space incorporates locally inspired food and beverages, regional materials and
artwork, and a layout designed to offer both relaxation and focus. Set within
one of North America’s most design-led airport environments, the lounge
reflects a broader shift towards more thoughtful, place-driven experiences that
resonate more deeply with travellers.
Commenting on the win, Tom Waldron, Chief Experiences Officer at the Escape Lounge – Portland, said: “Winning Global Lounge of the Year with Priority Pass is an incredibly proud moment for our Portland team. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating spaces that feel more than just part of the airport journey - they’re vibrant, welcoming environments shaped by a true sense of place. From locally inspired food and drink to the energy our teams bring every day, we’re focused on delivering a personalised experience that travellers genuinely look forward to. We’re grateful to Priority Pass and, most importantly, to our guests for making this possible.”
Middle East and Africa - Regional
Lounge of the Year Winner: Bidvest Premier Lounge - Johannesburg, South Africa
Airport: O. R. Tambo International
Partner Quote: Bonga Mhlongo - Lounge Operations
Executive. “Winning this Priority Pass Excellence Award is a very proud moment
for our entire team at Bidvest Premier Lounge. It reflects our commitment to
delivering a world class guest experience. What sets us apart is our genuine hospitality
and a strong passion for what we do.
Thank you to our valued guests and our incredible team for making this
award possible.”
Europe - Regional Lounge of the Year
Winner - Vienna Lounge, Austria.
Airport: Vienna Schwechat
Partner Quote: Mr. Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO
of Vienna Airport. "As the defending title holder, this recognition is a
great honour for our team and a strong endorsement from international
travellers. The Vienna Lounge is designed to fully reflect the destination
Vienna – from its elegance and hospitality to its renowned culinary standards –
and to translate this into a premium travel experience. This award motivates us
to continue raising the bar for our guests from all over the world every day
and we sincerely thank Priority Pass for the many years of excellent
cooperation and for this valued recognition”
Europe - Highly Commended Regional
Lounge - Jersey
Airport: Jersey
Partner Quote: Sharon Jevans, Managing Director, No1
Lounges. "We are absolutely thrilled that No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport has
been Highly Commended in the EMEA Region for Lounge of the Year at the 2026
Priority Pass Excellence Awards. This recognition is a true reflection of the
passion and dedication our team brings to work every single day. At No1
Lounges, we believe that every guest deserves a premium airside experience, and
to be acknowledged on a global scale, in the 18th edition of these prestigious
awards, means the world to us. A huge thank you to our dedicated team who
deliver No1 experiences every day!”
Europe - One To Watch award - VIP
Lounge 'Angelo D'Arrigo'
Airport: Catania Fontanarossa
Partner Quote: “Siamo orgogliosi di questo
riconoscimento, che valorizza il percorso intrapreso con la nuova Lounge e
conferma il nostro impegno nel rafforzare l’offerta aeroportuale. Puntiamo su
infrastrutture che migliorino concretamente l’esperienza dei passeggeri e
rendano lo scalo sempre più competitivo e attrattivo. Questo spazio è stato
pensato per rispondere alle esigenze di un’utenza sempre più attenta a comfort,
efficienza e qualità dei servizi. È un segnale chiaro della nostra visione di
crescita e modernizzazione continua” hanno dichiarato Anna Quattrone,
Presidente di SAC e Nico Torrisi, amministratore delegato di SAC.
“We are proud of this recognition, which highlights the path undertaken with the new Lounge and confirms our commitment to strengthening the airport offering. We focus on infrastructure that can concretely improve the passenger experience and make the airport increasingly competitive and attractive. This space has been designed to meet the needs of a clientele that is ever more attentive to comfort, efficiency, and quality of services. It is a clear sign of our vision for continuous growth and modernization,” said Anna Quattrone, President of SAC, and Nico Torrisi, CEO of SAC."
Regional Winners
North
America
Asia
Pacific
Europe
Latin
America and the Caribbean
Middle
East and Africa
ONE TO WATCH
New for 2026, the One to Watch category shines a spotlight on the lounges that have significantly raised their game over the past 12 months, as reflected in Priority Pass member ratings and reviews. These standout spaces show a clear, ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall experience and quickly establishing themselves as future leaders within the category.
EMEA
APAC
AMERICAS
This year’s awards reflect a clear
shift in what defines excellence in the airport experience. In 2026, travellers
are placing greater value on experiences that feel genuinely considered rather
than simply convenient.
“Now in its 18th year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards continue to showcase the very best of our global network, and each year, our partners raise the bar even higher,” says Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International. “With demand for premium travel experiences at an all-time high, travellers are increasingly looking to make every moment of their journey more meaningful and memorable. What stands out to me is the high number of partners from across the globe delivering leading, flagship lounges that are redefining what a true sense of place means. Travellers today expect versatility, quality, and genuine local experience, and our partners are delivering on all three. The Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories recognise the partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional moments that truly enhance the journey for our members. Congratulations to this year’s winners.” -TradeArabia News Service
