From the article:

"It's also a reflection of the utilitarian view of travel Americans have: to many of us, a plane is just a bus with wings. And nobody hires a masseuse to give back rubs at the Greyhound terminal. "

I agree 100%. I try to spend as little time as possible in an airport and quite honestly don't need any pampering while waiting for a flight. Give me a quiet little oasis away from the crowds in a terminal, a desk where I can do some work, a bar, clean restrooms and a TV. US loungers give me just that and I'm a happy camper.