Airport lounge and experiences programme Priority Pass has revealed the winners of its Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories for the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026.
The awards are based on over 700,000 member ratings and reviews. With the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport scooping the Global Lounge of the Year, Priority Pass stated that 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.
Tom Waldron, Chief Experiences Officer at the Escape Lounge in 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.”
When it comes to the Regional Lounge of the Year accolades, 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) won the top awards.
The full list of the regional award winners is below.
North America
– Winner: Escape Lounges – Portland
– Highly Commended: Escape Lounges, Kansas City
Asia Pacific
– Winner: Lounge Fukuoka – Japan
– Highly Commended: Kyra Lounge – Hong Kong
Europe
– Winner: Vienna Lounge – Austria
– Highly Commended: No.1 Lounge – Jersey, United Kingdom
Latin America and the Caribbean
– Winner: Club Kingston – Jamaica
– Highly Commended: Advantage VIP Lounge – Campinas, Brazil
Middle East and Africa
– Winner: Bidvest Premier Lounge – Johannesburg, South Africa
