Top 10 Amazing Airport Lounges Every Traveler Should Visit
ARTICLE Curious to find out what the best airport lounges in the world are? Read more to learn about which airport lounges excel in comfort, food, and facilities...
Airport lounges are increasingly becoming a focus of frequent flyers. They're a valuable oasis, away from the craziness of a busy airport. Not to mention the fact that most airports' food and drink options leave a lot to be desired. For frequent flyers, the VIP lounge has become an important part of their overall travel experience.
10. TURKISH AIRLINES BUSINESS LOUNGE - ISTANBUL
Turkey’s flagship carrier prides itself on flying to more destinations than any other airline in the world, so they attract a truly international audience of flyers. In creating the lounge, they partnered with Istanbul Modern to create a unique experience that's part lounge and part museum.
The more unusual elements include a realistic racetrack providing the excitement of a car race, video game consoles, and a cutting-edge golf simulator. There's also private resting and showering areas, a media wall, cinema, play area for children, library, pool room, prayer room, teleconference hall, and a spa. If you enjoy Turkish food, the lounge offers some tasty treats that you're sure to enjoy!
9. QATAR AIRWAYS LOUNGE - DOHA
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport is jaw-dropping and quite overwhelming. It feels more like a trendy modern museum and work of art in itself than simply a lounge.
No expense is spared here, and it's so vast, it never feels crowded. You can choose to be served in a restaurant, or enjoy the extensive buffet. There's a fully equipped business center, as well as private workstations, shower rooms, a prayer room, and games for the kids. Everything is clean, modern, and well maintained.
8. STAR ALLIANCE LOUNGE - LOS ANGELES
Located inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, this award-winning lounge managed by Air New Zealand, and is available to its Star Alliance partners. The most popular feature seems to be the outdoor terrace, which invites guests to enjoy views over the airport, and even across as far as Hollywood.
As you would expect, the lounge has a full bar with complimentary cocktails and refreshments. Shower suites enable weary travelers to freshen up before their flight.
7. BRITISH AIRWAYS CONCORDE ROOM - LONDON HEATHROW
This is a highly exclusive lounge, exclusively for passengers traveling in first-class on BA flights. Designed to feel like a luxury British living room, it features comfortable sofas and cosy fireplaces. Top-notch restaurant quality food is served, you can even book an Elemis massage treatment. It's the ultimate oasis while waiting for your flight.
6. SINGAPORE AIRLINES 'THE PRIVATE ROOM' - CHANGI AIRPORT
Another ultra-exclusive lounge that's exclusively for passengers flying on First Class on Singapore Airlines only. It's private, quiet, and refined. Showers and a-la-carte dining options add further touches to the opulence.
5. LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS TERMINAL - FRANKFURT
Lufthansa went all out to create a first-class experience for their elite flyers. They've built what is essentially an entire private terminal for a premium experience. From the personal meet and greet right through to the chauffeured ride to the aircraft from the lounge, in a Porsche. For cigar aficionados, there's even a separate cigar lounge!
4. QANTAS FIRST CLASS LOUNGE - SYDNEY
Probably the best part about this lounge is the view! It features large windows of Qantas planes lined up below - a plane spotters paradise! For food and drinks, there's an extensive selection and table service. You can even enjoy a restaurant-style meal, if you want to maximize sleeping time on board the plane.
3. VIRGIN ATLANTIC CLUB HOUSE - LONDON HEATHROW
This lounge is inside London Heathrow terminal and it still holds up well, even though it's been running for decades now. If you arrange it in advance, you can drive right up to the Upper Class, step out, and within moments be sipping on a cocktail. Featuring both a charcuterie and cheese station, as well as a sit-down restaurant, the food is top-notch in the lounge. In addition, there's a barbershop on-site, where you can get a haircut before your flight. There's also a bar, game area, quiet area to read, and much more. It has more of a relaxed, 'cool' vibe than many other lounges, and we love it!
2. CATHAY PACIFIC WING/PIER LOUNGES - HONG KONG
Cathay Pacific is of course based in Hong Kong, and their two lounges in their hub feature beautifully designed showers and spa treatment options, as well as a full bar. If you're traveling first-class, the catering is provided by the famous Hong Kong landmark, the Peninsula hotel.
1. EMIRATES FIRST CLASS LOUNGE - DUBAI
This lounge is enormous, taking up almost the entire top floor of the terminal. The unique feature is the incredible array of food options available. It's remarkable! You name it, they probably have it. Drinks and food options also vary according to the time of day, so if you have a long layover you might want to stay, relax, and enjoy all the facilities!
Gaining Entry to Airport Lounges
Entry requirements for lounges vary around the world. Many are membership-based and do not require you to be flying in First-class or business class. There are many pay-to-play options. American Express even have their own "Centurion" Lounges in the U.S. for Premium Amex cardholders. In addition, you can purchase an annual subscription to Plaza Premium or Priority Pass, to gain access to a large network of thousands of lounges around the world.
