Frequent flyers and long-haul aficionados know the value of the world’s best airport lounges. They’re not simply a place to grab a snack or get some work done before a long flight; they can be an oasis for a long layover (the very best have shower suites, barbers or even spa treatments) and offer a quiet, civilised place to lay your head during a delay.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the world’s big business cities and the home hubs of the biggest, most luxurious airlines that contain the very best. From above-and-beyond airport cuisine to runway views and astonishing design, these are the bucket list airline lounges to book up ahead of your next international Luxury Gold journey.
1. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport
On an international flight from East Asia to London or the US, you’ll want a quality airline with great facilities. Enter Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline whose jade-hued flagship lounge has a horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar, tucked away desk areas, shower suites with Bamford toiletries and spa rooms where all visitors are entitled to a 15-minute head or foot massage. The glossy, mid-century style is very Mad Men meeting room, while the food and drink are ultra luxe (wagyu burgers, macarons, Piper Heidiseck Champagne).
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2. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow Airport
Even the world’s best airport lounges sometimes lack a sense of fun – not Richard Branson’s Upper Class hangout, which has swing seats, foliage walls, “retreat” relaxation pods, Peloton fitness bikes and a pool table to hit a few balls at. Multi-level design, an airfield view, Swingin’ Sixties-feel bar and banquette seating take you back to the golden age of air travel, while menus encourage you to dig into the cocktails – dry Martinis, Negronis, Bloody Marys and more. Chicken burgers, plant-based burgers, chicken wings and sausage rolls channel a British-Americana comfort food vibe.
3. British Airways Chelsea Lounge, New York JFK Airport
The chandelier-style crystals that adorn the circular bar at the Chelsea Lounge set the tone for the deluxe experience New York flyers are about to have. In a different style to many wood-panelled airline lounges, the Chelsea’s decor is a pearlescent palette of whites and dove-greys, with comfy seating stocked with relaxed reading lights and ample power points for getting some work done, while seating around a modern fireplace installation is a stylish spot for a drink. A refined cocktail menu and expertly-chilled wine fridge kick off the refreshments, with Moet and Ruinart champagne top of the list, while upmarket dishes such as steak frites and sole Meuniere set you up for a long layover.
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4. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge, Doha Airport
Most of the world’s elite status lounges are solely for first class ticket holders, but Qatar’s Al Mourjan lounge is an example of a gold-tier hangout you can access with a business or first class ticket. Views of Doha’s undulating glass ceiling and forest of indoor foliage give it an architecturally striking feel, while the sheer space and range of seating mean everyone gets a quiet moment while awaiting their international flight. Plush leather chairs, high ceilings and suspended chandelier-like light fixtures add a luxe feel; there’s fresh sushi at the deli counter and a games room with pool table and table football. Shower suites are equipped for freshening up on a long layover, too.
The bedrooms at Swiss Air’s First Class Lounge Terminal E
5. Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich
Ask a frequent cross-Europe flyer for their best airport lounges and you’ll likely hear Swiss’s First Class lounge in Zurich mentioned. One of two First Class lounges at Zurich, the one in Terminal E is the real looker: an airfield with a mountainous backdrop fills large windows, while slatted-wood room dividers have a Japandi feel; there’s even an outdoor terrace running along one side for a breath of fresh air with a view of the planes. You’re greeted with champagne as you enter, and there’s a huge whisky selection at the sculptural bar; set menus mean you can feast in style, with table service. But the standout feature here is the two bedrooms guests can access, for a much-needed nap between international flights.
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6. Turkish Airlines Lounge, Istanbul Airport
With 60,000 square feet of space to roam around, you can really stretch your legs here on a long layover. Turkish’s flagship lounge has a generous bag storage area, so you can enjoy the airport hands-free, and shower suites are available on a first come, first served basis. Little flourishes like a grand piano and a balcony level overlooking the airport concourse give it a high-end feel, as do high ceilings and indoor trees; the kitchen area is also built like a traditional stone-clad tavern. There’s a Turkish tearoom, a comfy TV viewing area and a huge hot buffet of deli foods, Turkish specialities, and of course a dessert and baklava station.
Delta Sky Club at LAX Airport
7. Delta SkyClub Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport
Delta Air Lines’ premium lounge at Los Angeles airport has 30,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest in the Delta network; a standout feature is its outdoor Sky Deck, which allows guests to enjoy fresh air and relax while watching planes land and take off, with views of the Hollywood Hills and LA skyline beyond. Wellness was a big priority in the design, with spa-like restrooms, shower suites, and designated quiet zones for getting some downtime before a long international flight. Meanwhile the menu spans breakfast burritos, healthy quinoa and salad bowls, fruit plates and craft beers reflecting the healthy, local-minded LA scene. There are shower suites for a freshen-up, too, though you have to register your interest at a kiosk and wait.
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Emirates’ First Class Lounge at DXB
8. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport
Spanning the entire length of DXB Airport’s Concourse A, Emirates’ First Class lounge is only available to First passengers, making it more peaceful and less crowded than the business lounge, and regularly voted one of the world’s best airport lounges. Glossy wood panelling and a mosaic-tiled food counter give it an exotic, Middle Eastern feel, though there’s a brightly coloured playroom for children travelling with First-flying parents. You can pick up premium dishes at the sushi and sashimi counter or chilled Champagne bar, or order a la carte to your table. Leather-upholstered day beds with blankets and pillows are available in a relaxation area – ideal for naps on a long layover – while generous shower suites in the mosaic-tiled bathroom feel more like a mini spa.
How to access airport lounges:
The most straightforward way to gain access to a lounge is to have a First Class ticket (for the First Class lounges) or a Business Class ticket (for the Business Class lounges) for the relevant airline. After that, there are a couple more ways: there are certain credit cards that come with lounge access, including the American Express Platinum card to access the Delta SkyClub lounge or American Express Centurion lounge, or a Chase Sapphire Reserve card to enter Chase Sapphire lounges in the US.
Most premium lounges also offer entry to certain high-tier members of loyalty programmes with a partner airline, so long as they are flying the lounge’s own airline at the time. For example, Cathay Pacific’s First Class The Pier lounge is only available to First Class flyers as well as Cathay Pacific Diamond club members and Emerald-status OneWorld members (including BA Gold members) who are flying Cathay Pacific.
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