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The new ‘airport lounge’ that’ll be free to enter — but you won’t find any Diet Coke inside
Sean CudahySenior Aviation Reporter
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
July 17, 2026
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3 min read
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There’s a new airport lounge, of sorts, planned for a fast-growing airport on the East Coast. To get in, you don’t have to have a premium credit card or pay pricey membership dues
Just don’t expect to sip on a Diet Coke while you’re inside
Later this year, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) expects to cut the ribbon on a brand-new Pepsi-themed lounge. Yes, Pepsi
Located inside the airport’s largest terminal (Terminal 2), this space will be open to all flyers at no cost. And renderings of the new digs show the Pepsi branding front and center
To be clear, we’re not exactly talking about a Delta One Lounge here; the space could hardly be confused with a high-end premium club
But it should be a nice place for travelers to sit. The customer lounge will have seating and workplace options, along with a host of power outlets and televisions
Basically, it’s a spot where you can sit, work, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal concourse. (Oh — and, of course, there will be two Pepsi vending machines inside.)
The soft drink enthusiasts among us (and there are plenty of them here at TPG) might count this opening as a small victory for Pepsi — a small one, that is — after it was ousted as the official soda at Marriott hotels earlier this month
The RDU Airport Authority tells TPG the facility is on track to open by the end of 2026, and will be open 24 hours a day
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Meanwhile, if you’re a flyer who prefers a true airport lounge, RDU boasts airline outposts for each of the “Big Three” U.S. carriers, with an American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club and United Club all available in Terminal 2
TPG’s take: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
This isn’t the first Pepsi lounge at an airport. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is home to a similar concept — albeit pre-security — inside its historic Terminal 1
RDU, for its part, is in the midst of a massive, $2.5 billion makeover after years of growth that’s seen the airport add long-haul international service on the likes of Air France, Aer Lingus and Lufthansa
The airport serves as a focus city for Delta Air Lines and is one of American’s top non-hub airports — not to mention this writer’s home base
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Featured image by RDU AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
