Let's be candid: despite all their trinkets, the globe's top airline lounges are essentially just very posh waiting areas. Yet, they draw considerable attention from the world's #avgeeks (including myself) and can often be the deciding factor for high-spending customers when choosing between airlines. As a travel journalist, I've had the chance to visit numerous lounges over the years, ranging from the dismal to the splendid, many of which I've detailed below.
I also harbour a fondness for lounges that meaningfully, inventively, or whimsically reflect something of their native country or the destination they're located in. It seems entirely fitting, for instance, that Finnair's Platinum Wing lounge in Helsinki would feature a sauna, or that a September stop at Lufthansa’s business-class lounge in Heathrow would present an adorable Oktoberfest-themed buffet, adorned with pillow pretzels and large bowls of Bavarian Weisswurst sausages.
Naturally, there are other features one hopes to encounter universally. A proactive team capable of offering immediate help is priceless, particularly if you encounter an issue or miss a connection. There's scarcely anything more rejuvenating than a proper shower and drying off with plush towels during an extended layover. For parents, having a playroom where children can expend their energy can make the following flight considerably more agreeable.
With new and innovative lounges being unveiled regularly (in Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A, for example, Etihad has recently introduced swanky business- and first-class facilities), a definitive compilation of the world's best airline lounges will always be evolving. However, some undeniably stand out far above the rest. Without further ado, here are eight exceptional business- and first-class lounges worldwide that splendidly complement or even amplify passengers’ in-flight experience.
The 10 best airport lounges in the world
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is renowned not just for its pivotal role in global travel but also for its exceptional airport lounges, which provide passengers with an oasis of comfort and luxury amidst the hustle and bustle of one of the world's busiest airports. The lounges at HKIA are designed to meet the diverse needs of traveler's, offering a range of amenities and services that cater to both business and leisure passengers.
Key Features of HKIA Lounges:
- Luxury and Comfort: The lounges offer a tranquil environment where passengers can relax in comfortable seating areas, enjoy privacy, and refresh before their flight. Many lounges feature stylish interiors that reflect both modern and traditional Asian influences.
- Dining Options: From gourmet meals to light snacks and refreshments, the lounges at HKIA provide a variety of dining options. Passengers can enjoy a selection of international cuisine, including both Western and Asian dishes, prepared by skilled chefs.
- Connectivity and Productivity: For business traveler's, the lounges offer a conducive environment for work, equipped with Wi-Fi, charging stations, and workspaces. Meeting rooms and business centers are also available in select lounges for those needing to conduct business on the go.
- Entertainment and Relaxation: Passengers can unwind by watching TV, reading newspapers and magazines, or using the entertainment facilities provided. Some lounges also offer shower facilities, massage services, and quiet zones for rest.
- Exclusive Services: Premium lounges provide personalised services such as concierge assistance, private resting suites, and escorted boarding, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Notable Lounges at HKIA:
- Cathay Pacific Lounges: Cathay Pacific offers several lounges at HKIA, including The Wing, The Pier, and The Bridge, each with its unique ambiance and offerings. The Pier, for example, is celebrated for its elegant design, noodle bar, and relaxation rooms. Website: cathaypacific.com
- Plaza Premium Lounge: Accessible to all traveler's regardless of airline or class of service, Plaza Premium Lounge offers comfortable seating, a range of food and beverage options, showers, and spa services.
- Qantas Lounge: The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge provides a sophisticated space with Asian-inspired dining options, a bar serving signature cocktails, and panoramic views of the airport.
- Emirates Lounge: Offering luxury and exclusivity, the Emirates Lounge at HKIA provides gourmet dining, a fully equipped business center, and shower facilities to First and Business Class passengers.
Hong Kong International Airport's lounges are an integral part of the travel experience, providing passengers with a place to relax, dine, work, and refresh before their journey. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and customer service, these lounges set a high standard for airport hospitality around the world.
Access: First Class passengers, Marco Polo Club Diamond members, and Oneworld Emerald members.
JAL’s JAL First Class Lounge
Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Japan Airlines evidently recognises that flagship lounges within one's home nation should be more than merely a desirable extra. They present a chance to offer patrons a final deep dive into the nation's culture, culinary legacy, and native design principles.
This is all apparent in this discerning facility, adorned with interiors by the celebrated Japanese designer Ryu Kosaka. Decked out in blond woods from floor to ceiling, its refined Sushi Tsurutei restaurant delivers seafood prepared with meticulous care – envisage prime tuna belly, gently simmered conger eel, or sweet red shrimp – alongside vegetarian options and unique sakes. In other areas, graceful screens are intricately marked with sketches of cranes soaring and cherry blossoms; a ramen menu presents robust noodles crafted specifically for the lounge; and charming decorative touches include lantern-styled lighting and lacquer-coated artwork. Enthusiasts of aviation will also be captivated by the on-site exhibition space that showcases classic JAL memorabilia and vintage photographs from the previous century, or they may prefer to enjoy a cup of special-blend All Hands coffee, exclusively available in the lounge, whilst observing the bustling activity outside through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Access: JAL first-class passengers and JAL’s JMB Diamond- and JGB Premier-status passengers; eligible oneworld first-class and Emerald-tier passengers.
Website: jal.co.jp
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge
Istanbul Airport
It should be highlighted that Istanbul's massive airport is one of the busiest in the world, frequently resulting in its lounges appearing almost at full capacity. In response to this, Turkish Airlines cleverly designed two very similar lounges: the Business Lounge and the Miles & Smiles Lounge, named after the airline's loyalty program. Each covers 5,600 square metres and can host up to 765 guests. This discussion will primarily focus on the former, although a visit to the Miles&Smiles lounge is expected to be equally enjoyable.
The Business Lounge has earned widespread praise for its extensive selection of buffet counters and live cooking stations, where chefs whip up Turkish delicacies such as cheese-filled gözleme. The lounge also features a large children's play area equipped with a substantial model plane for children to explore and a popcorn machine. Other distinctive amenities include a vast toy racing track interspersed with miniatures of Istanbul's famous landmarks, a touchscreen globe showcasing Turkish Airlines' international flights, golf simulators, and a mobile masseur service.
Access: Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance business-class passengers, plus Elite and Elite Plus members of Turkish Airlines’ loyalty programme.
Website: turkishairlines.com
Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse
London Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at London Heathrow has long been admired for being among the first business-class lounges to set a high standard for luxury and comfort. While the barber and spa services that were once highlights have since been discontinued, the Clubhouse still stands out for its sociable and welcoming vibe, distinguishing it from the offerings of many competitors. Conversing with the bar staff over a signature Virgin Redhead cocktail (mixing prosecco, gin, strawberry liqueur, lemon, and raspberry) could easily mark the beginning of a holiday experience.
The culinary selection within the lounge is carefully curated as well. In addition to a deli bar filled with salads, cold meats, fruits, and pastries, there is an impressive breakfast and all-day dining menu featuring classic comfort foods prepared to order (including shepherd's pie and butter chicken, though the listed calorie count for each dish, such as the plant burger and chips at a hefty 1370 calories, may dissuade some from ordering). Nevertheless, the inclusion of Peloton bikes and shower facilities, conveniently arranged for those bringing exercise attire, along with a pool table and library, enhances the lounge's appeal. The astroturfed roof terrace, offering panoramic views of the airport, provides a charming spot for aviation enthusiasts and other travellers looking to enjoy some of London's air, albeit not the freshest, before embarking on their onward journey.
Access: passengers flying Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, Delta One on Delta or Clase Premier on Aeroméxico; passengers with eligible loyalty-club status on Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Aeroméxico.
Website: virginatlantic.com
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge - South
Hamad International Airport, Doha
Spanning an impressive 10,000 square metres, the flagship business-class lounge of Qatar Airways presents an overwhelming sight upon first entry. The lounge's ground level is distinguished by a black-tiled pool, offering a resort-like ambiance, further enhanced by a variety of relaxation and dining areas within.
For those travelling with Qatar Airways from Doha, it's recommended to arrive at the lounge both early and with an appetite to begin the experience at the Global Deli. This spot offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, and mezze; later, guests can ascend the spiral staircase to the a la carte restaurant. Here, Arabic specialties are readily available, along with sushi, hot dishes, and an array of cakes and exquisite patisseries. To ensure convenience, drinks cabinets are strategically placed throughout, allowing guests easy access to refreshments whether they are busy in the spacious business centre, resting in one of the sleep stations, or keeping children entertained in the games room, which includes an integrated nursery.
Access: typically accessible to QR and oneworld first and business-class passengers, but some business-class passengers on discounted tickets may be required to pay a supplement for access.
Website: qatarairways.com
PS LAX
Los Angeles International Airport
Spanning an impressive 10,000 square metres, the flagship business-class lounge of Qatar Airways presents an overwhelming sight upon first entry. The ground level features a black-tiled pool that adds a resort-like ambiance, further enhanced by a variety of relaxation and dining areas throughout.
When travelling from Doha with Qatar Airways, it's advisable to head to the lounge early and with an appetite to start with the Global Deli, offering gourmet sandwiches, salads, and mezze. Following this, one might ascend the spiral staircase to the a la carte restaurant, which boasts Arabic specials, sushi, hot dishes, and an array of cakes and exquisite pastries. Drinks cabinets are conveniently placed throughout, ensuring that guests need not wander far for a refreshment whether they're working in the large business centre, resting in one of the sleep stations, or keeping children entertained in the games room, which includes a nursery.
In the context of non-US citizens, airports in the country can sometimes seem less than welcoming. To counteract this, an expanding collection of PS-branded lounges offer affluent travellers a way to bypass many of the usual stresses of US air travel.
Initially introduced as The Private Suite in 2017, PS LAX is situated within a private building separate from the main airport complex, negating the need for guests to enter the main airport area. Here, they benefit from a queue-free TSA screening and have access to dedicated customs and immigration services, with a BMW ready to escort them directly to their aircraft. Before departure, guests can luxuriate in one of the 12 opulent suites, each capable of accommodating up to six individuals and featuring fully stocked bars. Guests have the option to dine on a la carte dishes and cocktails or socialise with others in a communal salon, all before being comfortably chauffeured to their flight.
Access: Access is available by purchase rather than through an airline.
Website: reserveps.com
Air France’s La Première Lounge
Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
Some might comment on its relatively small size (which isn't unexpected considering the limited number of first-class seats in Air France's fleet), and it may not win points for aesthetics (a bit more of the fabulous French flamboyance wouldn't go amiss), yet the La Première lounge still offers an exclusive experience.
This is largely due to its dining concept, for which Air France has collaborated with Alain Ducasse. The exquisitely prepared French cuisine aims to mirror the quality found in his globally renowned restaurants. The champagne selection is meticulously chosen, and the range of spirits is broad (although the display of various still and sparkling water brands in showcase-style settings might come across as over the top and somewhat pretentious). Additionally, a Sisley-branded spa is on hand, providing guests with complimentary 30-minute treatments or the option for longer, paid sessions. The exhibition of Air France memorabilia near the check-in area serves as an interesting diversion for those passionate about aviation.
Access: Air France La Première passengers and certain Air France business-class passengers who pay an additional fee.
Website: airfrance.co.uk
Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal
Frankfurt Airport
Similar to the previously mentioned PS LAX, this flagship Lufthansa lounge is situated away from the main airport structure, with customers being chauffeured directly to their aircraft when departure time approaches. It is more spacious than the Los Angeles sanctuary and, as a result, boasts superior facilities.
For starters, there is a generously stocked bar, offering a choice of over 100 whiskies; a welcoming restaurant area; and even a fully equipped bathroom, featuring a leisurely soaking tub, as well as three shower rooms (regulars know to request one of the lounge's limited-edition rubber ducks, often dressed in themed outfits, as a souvenir). For those with more pragmatic needs, the lounge includes a number of well-appointed office cubicles, ensuring privacy with frosted glass, two nap rooms furnished with proper (single) beds, and an area designated for children's play. However, it's worth noting that access to the lounge is more straightforward for passengers checking in at Frankfurt, as opposed to those connecting through this widely used international hub.
Access: available to first-class passengers flying with Lufthansa, Swiss or Discover Airlines and certain members of Lufthansa’s loyalty programme.
Website: lufthansa.com
