LONDON- Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport lounge access program owned by Collinson International, has announced the winners of its Excellence Awards 2026. The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) claimed the title of Global Lounge of the Year, selected from over 700,000 member ratings and reviews.
Regional winners included Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka Airport (FUK) in Japan, Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport (VIE) in Austria, Club Kingston at Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Jamaica, and Bidvest Premier Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The awards also introduced a new One to Watch category for 2026, spotlighting lounges that showed rapid improvement over the past year.
Top Lounge of the Year
The Priority Pass Excellence Awards evaluate lounges on several criteria. These include quality of facilities, customer service standards, food and beverage selection, comfort, ambience, and overall member satisfaction.
The 2026 results point to a clear shift in traveler expectations. Members now favor lounges that reflect local culture and design over generic, standardized spaces.
The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) earned the top spot by blending contemporary design with Portland’s creative identity. The lounge features locally inspired food and beverages, regional artwork, and materials sourced from the area.
Its layout balances zones for relaxation and focused work. Tom Waldron, Chief Experiences Officer at the Escape Lounge Portland, called the win “an incredibly proud moment” and credited the team’s focus on delivering a personalized, place-driven experience.
Portland’s win reflects a broader industry trend. Airports and their lounge partners are increasingly investing in spaces that feel like an extension of the destination rather than a departure from it.
Regional Lounge of the Year Winners
The awards recognized leading lounges across five global regions. Each winner demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and guest experience.
In North America, the Escape Lounge at Portland (PDX) took the top honor, while the Escape Lounge at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) received a Highly Commended mention.
In the Asia Pacific region, Lounge Fukuoka in Japan won the award, with Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) earning Highly Commended status.
Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport (VIE) led the Europe category. No.1 Lounge at Jersey Airport (JER) in the United Kingdom received a Highly Commended distinction.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, Club Kingston at Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Jamaica secured the win, followed by Advantage VIP Lounge at Viracopos International Airport (VCP) in Campinas, Brazil.
Bidvest Premier Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) won for the Middle East and Africa region.
New One to Watch Category Debuts in 2026
Priority Pass introduced the One to Watch category this year to recognize lounges that significantly improved their offerings over the past 12 months.
The category highlights spaces that are quickly establishing themselves as future leaders based on rising member ratings.
In the EMEA region, VIP Lounge Angelo D’Arrigo at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) in Italy won the award.
The APAC winner was I.A.S.S Superior Lounge Kocoo at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda hub in Japan.
Advantage VIP Lounge at Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Brazil took the Americas title.
Priority Pass Network Continues to Expand
Priority Pass currently provides access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences across 841 airports in 146 countries.
The program has expanded beyond traditional lounges to include premium experiences such as spas, sleeping pods, and dining options.
Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, noted that demand for premium travel experiences is at an all-time high.
He emphasized that the winning lounges share a common quality: they deliver a genuine sense of place, blending versatility, quality, and local character. Evans congratulated all winners and highlighted the growing number of partners across the globe that are redefining what airport lounges can offer.
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