Point.me Survey Names Delta Coffee Best, Amex Lounges Top, but Critics Disagree
A new survey from Point.me crowns Delta's Starbucks as the best airline coffee and Amex Centurion as the top lounge network, but industry experts argue that popularity doesn't equal quality.
Image via View from the Wing
Key takeaways
- Point.me's survey ranks Delta Air Lines' Starbucks coffee as the best airline coffee and American Express Centurion Lounges as the best lounge network.
- Critics argue the survey reflects popularity rather than quality, pointing to Alaska Airlines and United Airlines as serving superior coffee.
- Chase Sapphire Lounges and Capital One Lounges are highlighted for better design and food, respectively, compared to Amex Centurion.
- British Airways was named for best inflight meals, a choice that has drawn skepticism from travel experts.
- Travelers are advised to look beyond survey rankings and sample multiple airline and lounge offerings to find what suits their preferences.
Survey Crowns Delta and Amex, but Experts Push Back
A recent survey by the travel booking platform Point.me has stirred debate in the aviation community by naming Delta Air Lines' Starbucks coffee as the best airline coffee and American Express Centurion Lounges as the top lounge network. The survey, which polled frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts, aimed to identify the most popular choices among travelers. However, industry experts and discerning flyers argue that popularity does not necessarily equate to quality.
Delta has long partnered with Starbucks to serve its coffee in Sky Clubs and on flights, a move that capitalizes on brand recognition. Similarly, American Express Centurion Lounges have become a coveted perk for cardholders, offering amenities like complimentary cocktails, spa services, and chef-driven menus. Yet critics contend that other airlines and lounge networks deliver superior experiences that the survey overlooked.
The Case for Underdogs: Alaska, United, and Chase
According to travel analysts, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines serve better coffee than Delta. Alaska, which also uses Starbucks, often features locally roasted beans in its lounges, while United partners with Illy, an Italian coffee brand known for its robust flavor. The survey's focus on Delta's Starbucks may reflect brand familiarity rather than taste.
In the lounge category, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club has earned praise for its modern design, thoughtful amenities, and dedicated workspaces. Capital One Lounges, meanwhile, are lauded for their food quality, with made-to-order dishes and premium ingredients. Critics argue that American Express Centurion Lounges, while upscale, can become overcrowded and inconsistent, diminishing their appeal.
Even the survey's nod to British Airways for best inflight meals raised eyebrows. While British Airways has historically offered a solid business-class dining experience, many travelers note that carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or even Qatar Airways have set higher standards in recent years. The inclusion of British Airways suggests the survey may have been influenced by brand loyalty or limited sampling.
What Travelers Should Know
For travelers looking to optimize their airport and in-flight experiences, the Point.me survey offers a starting point but should not be taken as gospel. The best airline coffee or lounge often depends on personal taste, route, and timing. For example, coffee enthusiasts might prefer United's Illy or Alaska's local roasts, while lounge aficionados might find Chase's design and Capital One's food more appealing than Amex's prestige.
Additionally, access to lounges varies by credit card, status, and ticket class. American Express Centurion Lounges are exclusive to Platinum and Centurion cardholders, while Chase Sapphire Lounges are accessible to Sapphire Reserve cardholders and Priority Pass members. Capital One Lounges are available to Venture X cardholders and some other Capital One cardholders.
Ultimately, the survey highlights a gap between what is popular and what is truly excellent. Travelers are encouraged to explore multiple options, read detailed reviews, and form their own opinions. The best coffee or lounge is the one that makes your journey more enjoyable—and that standard is highly personal.
Frequently asked questions
What coffee does Delta serve in its lounges and onboard?
Delta Air Lines serves Starbucks coffee in its Sky Clubs and on most flights. The survey ranked this as the best airline coffee, but critics note that Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer higher-quality brews.
Which lounge network is considered the best according to the Point.me survey?
The survey named American Express Centurion Lounges as the best lounge network. However, travel experts argue that Chase Sapphire Lounges have stronger design and Capital One Lounges offer better food.
Is British Airways inflight meal service really the best?
Point.me's survey listed British Airways as having the best inflight meals, but many critics disagree, noting that the airline's food quality has declined in recent years and that other carriers like Singapore Airlines or Emirates often receive higher praise.
Should I base my travel choices solely on this survey?
No. The survey appears to measure popularity and brand recognition rather than objective quality. Travelers are encouraged to try different airlines and lounges to determine their own preferences.
What other coffee options do airlines offer besides Starbucks?
Alaska Airlines partners with Starbucks as well, but also offers locally sourced roasts in some lounges. United Airlines serves Illy coffee, which many coffee aficionados consider superior. Some airlines, like JetBlue, offer partnerships with local coffee roasters.
Sources
This article was synthesised and fact-checked from the following reporting:
