11 of the world’s best airline lounges

While airlines are squeezing every last dollar out of their economy travelers, they’re splurging more than ever to attract those coveted first- and business-class patrons.

Recently, many airline lounges have evolved into stress-easing sanctuaries where travelers can work, relax and sleep in high style. “Showers, complimentary food and drinks and work spaces have all become the standard and are now expected,” notes Dan Gellert, CEO and co-founder of GateGuru, a mobile app that provides flight-tracking and user reviews of airport amenities such as airline lounges.

Many lounges also have gone the extra (frequent flier) mile, incorporating over-the-top amenities such as luxury toiletries, complimentary spa treatments and even nanny service.

Don’t have a first- or business-class ticket to enjoy such delights? Don’t fret – some lounges, such as American Airlines’ Admirals Club, offer a day pass for just $50. With lounges like the ones listed here, you may just cross your fingers for a long layover.

Qantas First Lounge, Sydney International Airport

After a while, air travel can feel like you’re wandering through a stifling maze of man-made material, which is one reason the 98-foot, 8,400-plant vertical garden that greets passengers at this beloved first-class lounge is such a welcome sight. The delightful design continues upstairs in the bright, airy interior by renowned Australian designer Marc Newson, with eye-catching wooden partitions and sleek windows overlooking the runway that evoke the feel of an awesomely retro-yet-modern aircraft.

Another Australian celebrity, chef Neil Perry, helms the open-kitchen restaurant, whose menu features dishes like crab and avocado salad and fine Australian wines. Other high-end amenities include complimentary spa treatments, private meeting rooms (equipped, interestingly enough, with PlayStations) and a mobile-device-free library stocked with magazines, books and board games.

Lounge Istanbul, Turkish Airlines, Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul

Design aficionados will swoon over the extravagant interiors of this elegant lounge, which opened in July 2011. The 32,000-square-foot space is anchored by separate but streamlined areas with beautifully scalloped ceilings and entryways. Other exquisite local touches include prayer rooms, a garden with two olive trees and an olive bar, food stations including gourmet Turkish cuisine and a library/billiards room with books in several languages.

Modern amenities include free Wifi throughout (even in the showers!), sleeping rooms, a movie theater, TVs with wireless headsets, roaming massage therapists, and, for parents needing some downtime, a dedicated kids’ area complete with PlayStations.

Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge, Changi Airport, Singapore

At Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport, the Silverkris Lounge, which has locations in Terminals 2 and 3, is something to behold. First of all, its glorious spaciousness, with plenty of room between individual seating areas, is especially welcome when one is about to be sharing recirculated air with strangers for the next few hours. Guests can choose from a variety of appealing options for a meal, rest or work, with private relaxation rooms, a business center, library and billiards room all among the offerings. Another bonus: The lounge is open 24 hours a day.

(And if you don’t have a first- or business-class ticket on Singapore Airlines, don’t despair: the Changi Airport, one of the best in the world, boasts of some incredible amenities of its own, including a butterfly garden, free movie theater and rooftop swimming pool and bar.)

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

This chic, swanky lounge is a rare bright spot in the dreary environs of JFK, with an upscale atmosphere that evokes Manhattan’s latest “it” hotspot. In true Virgin flavor, a red-and-purple color scheme anchors the space, with a curving “red ball” sofa and ambient lavender lighting, handsome pool table and, of course, a sexy, serpentine bar. Complimentary food is available for order anywhere in the clubhouse. Or, for a more formal setting, the brasserie dining area offers a la carte meals and fine wine.

Travel-weary guests in need of some pampering can take advantage of the Clubhouse Spa, the first of its kind outside of London, a Bumble & Bumble salon and products from skincare specialist Dr. Hauschka. And, for some peaceful downtime, wool-lined “cavities” in the wall are perfect for a quick snooze before takeoff.

The Pier, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International

It’s hard to choose what stands out the most in The Pier, Cathay Pacific’s glass-enclosed first- and business-class lounge in Hong Kong International: delectable cuisine like freshly made Japanese noodles, a spacious layout, private shower suites or the relaxing ambiance that quickly soothes the hassles of travel. The perfect antidote to a red-eye, shower suites open as early as 6 a.m. and almost double as personal mini-spas, with rainfall showerheads and individual toiletries. To fuel up, there are several dining options, including the popular Noodle Bar (where you can grab some of those aforementioned Japanese noodles) and the first-class Haven restaurant.

Another bonus: The lounges are seamlessly united by a main thoroughfare, which makes it a cinch to grab a bite to eat or drink while still keeping an eye on your belongings.

Qatar Airways Premium Terminal, Doha International Airport, Qatar

Completed in 2006 for nearly $100 million, this posh terminal, which is separate from the rest of the airport, blends elements of a luxury hotel and spa – which means for the lucky travelers who spend time there, it might take some effort to leave.

First-class ticket holders can indulge in private relaxation rooms and a full-service Elemis spa, including a Jacuzzi and sauna, but the business class section has plenty of perks, too. Choose from a mouth-watering array of international cuisine, from sushi to Middle Eastern dishes to a 24-hour signature breakfast to high tea. In addition, travelers can take advantage of practical airport offerings like high-end boutiques, a huge duty-free shop and travel clinic, which are all part of the terminal.

Finnair Lounge, Helsinki Airport, Finland

Sleek, smart design and saunas are two staples in Scandinavia, so it’s no surprise that both are key elements of this swanky first-class lounge. Handsome Finnish and Nordic furniture – the bubble chairs are especially eye-catching – and sweeping views of the runway, plus felt walls that absorb outside noise, create an oasis of calm. Thoughtful extras include a wireless mobile phone charging system, an always-open buffet and Marimekko tableware.

Though the spa is currently being renovated, it’s one that spa-going travelers should indulge in, with traditional Finnish saunas, a mineral water pool, paddling pool and steam sauna. (Until it reopens, there are showers in the main lounge.)

Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt International Airport

A ride to your flight in a Mercedes or Porsche. Bars equipped with 86 whiskies, including every Johnnie Walker label from Red to Blue, and a cigar humidor. Private sleeping rooms. Showers stocked with toiletries by high-end Italian brand Etro. In other words, this first-class terminal is about as upper-crust as one can get flying commercial airfare. It’s a favorite among the top-dollar-paying patrons, and not surprisingly, security is ultra-strict – no trying to talk your way into these elite environs.

If you are one of the lucky-duck travelers who can afford it, though, you’re free to take a fitting souvenir from your luxurious layover: a rubber ducky (part of the offerings if you indulge in a full-sized bath), printed with the Lufthansa logo.

British Airways Concorde Room, Heathrow Airport

You’ll almost want to linger (with a pipe, if you could) in this dapper space, which evokes the refined ambiance of an upscale British parlor with rich velvets, chandeliers and fireplaces. All first-class travelers are provided a complimentary 15-minute massage at the Elemis Travel Spa (book early, as spots fill up quickly), and other modern amenities include a chic Champagne bar, private sleeping and shower cabanas, Wi-Fi and super-fast printers.

There’s also a boardroom available for meetings – it’s worth a visit just to sit in the chairs, which are the very ones from the iconic, supersonic Concorde.

Etihad Airways Diamond First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Finally, some real relief for travel-wearing parents with kids in tow: this first-class lounge provides nannies available to watch the little ones, along with a colorful family room full of toys, books and bean bag chairs. While the kids are taken care of, parents can choose from any adult-centric amenities, from a cigar room to a foot detox at Six Senses Spa to a relaxing meal at the chef’s table in the heart of the kitchen.

The stress-easing offerings also include shoe-polishing and clothes-ironing services while you shower, a Champagne bar and an entertainment room with flat-screen TVs and individual headsets.

Admirals Club, American Airlines, Los Angeles International Airport

Although it’s not quite as posh as some of its cousins in other parts of the world, this quiet little haven is well-known among savvy travelers: For a $50 day pass, you’re granted entry — and an escape from the constant pandemonium that LAX is infamous for. Located in Terminal 4, the lounge is one of the largest and nicest of the Admirals Club network, with a bright, spacious interior, tasty food options such as cheese plates and sandwiches, work spaces and even a “Kids Kamp” complete with TVs, toys and a kids’ menu. And however you’re enjoying the space, keep your eyes peeled for celebs, as they’re known to pass through fairly often.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

universo-virtual.com

buytrendz.net

thisforall.net

benchpressgains.com

qthzb.com

mindhunter9.com

dwjqp1.com

secure-signup.net

ahaayy.com

soxtry.com

tressesindia.com

puresybian.com

krpano-chs.com

cre8workshop.com

hdkino.org

peixun021.com

qz786.com

utahperformingartscenter.org

maw-pr.com

zaaksen.com

ypxsptbfd7.com

worldqrmconference.com

shangyuwh.com

eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com

playminecraftfreeonline.com

trekvietnamtour.com

your-business-articles.com

essaywritingservice10.com

hindusamaaj.com

joggingvideo.com

wandercoups.com

onlinenewsofindia.com

worldgraphic-team.com

bnsrz.com

wormblaster.net

tongchengchuyange0004.com

internetknowing.com

breachurch.com

peachesnginburlesque.com

dataarchitectoo.com

clientfunnelformula.com

30pps.com

cherylroll.com

ks2252.com

webmanicura.com

osostore.com

softsmob.com

sofietsshotel.com

facetorch.com

nylawyerreview.com

apapromotions.com

shareparelli.com

goeaglepointe.com

thegreenmanpubphuket.com

karotorossian.com

publicsensor.com

taiwandefence.com

epcsur.com

odskc.com

inzziln.info

leaiiln.info

cq-oa.com

dqtianshun.com

southstills.com

tvtv98.com

thewellington-hotel.com

bccaipiao.com

colectoresindustrialesgs.com

shenanddcg.com

capriartfilmfestival.com

replicabreitlingsale.com

thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com

gkmcww.com

mbnkbj.com

andrewbrennandesign.com

cod54.com

luobinzhang.com

bartoysdirect.com

taquerialoscompadresdc.com

aaoodln.info

amcckln.info

drvrnln.info

dwabmln.info

fcsjoln.info

hlonxln.info

kcmeiln.info

kplrrln.info

fatcatoons.com

91guoys.com

signupforfreehosting.com

faithfirst.net

zjyc28.com

tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com

nhuan6.com

oldgardensflowers.com

lightupthefloor.com

bahamamamas-stjohns.com

ly2818.com

905onthebay.com

fonemenu.com

notanothermovie.com

ukrainehighclassescort.com

meincmagazine.com

av-5858.com

yallerdawg.com

donkeythemovie.com

corporatehospitalitygroup.com

boboyy88.com

miteinander-lernen.com

dannayconsulting.com

officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com

forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net

generictadalafil-canada.net

guitarlessonseastlondon.com

lesliesrestaurants.com

mattyno9.com

nri-homeloans.com

rtgvisas-qatar.com

salbutamolventolinonline.net

sportsinjuries.info

topsedu.xyz

xmxm7.com

x332.xyz

sportstrainingblog.com

autopartspares.com

readguy.net

soniasegreto.com

bobbygdavis.com

wedsna.com

rgkntk.com

bkkmarketplace.com

zxqcwx.com

breakupprogram.com

boxcardc.com

unblockyoutubeindonesia.com

fabulousbookmark.com

beat-the.com

guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com

magie-marketing.com

kingstonliteracy.com

guitaraffinity.com

eurelookinggoodapparel.com

howtolosecheekfat.net

marioncma.org

oliviadavismusic.com

shantelcampbellrealestate.com

shopleborn13.com

topindiafree.com

v-visitors.net

qazwsxedcokmijn.com

parabis.net

terriesandelin.com

luxuryhomme.com

studyexpanse.com

ronoom.com

djjky.com

053hh.com

originbluei.com

baucishotel.com

33kkn.com

intrinsiqresearch.com

mariaescort-kiev.com

mymaguk.com

sponsored4u.com

crimsonclass.com

bataillenavale.com

searchtile.com

ze-stribrnych-struh.com

zenithalhype.com

modalpkv.com

bouisset-lafforgue.com

useupload.com

37r.net

autoankauf-muenster.com

bantinbongda.net

bilgius.com

brabustermagazine.com

indigrow.org

miicrosofts.net

mysmiletravel.com

selinasims.com

spellcubesapp.com

usa-faction.com

snn01.com

hope-kelley.com

bancodeprofissionais.com

zjccp99.com

liturgycreator.com

weedsmj.com

majorelenco.com

colcollect.com

androidnews-jp.com

hypoallergenicdogsnames.com

dailyupdatez.com

foodphotographyreviews.com

cricutcom-setup.com

chprowebdesign.com

katyrealty-kanepa.com

tasramar.com

bilgipinari.org

four-am.com

indiarepublicday.com

inquick-enbooks.com

iracmpi.com

kakaschoenen.com

lsm99flash.com

nana1255.com

ngen-niagara.com

technwzs.com

virtualonlinecasino1345.com

wallpapertop.net

nova-click.com

abeautifulcrazylife.com

diggmobile.com

denochemexicana.com

eventhalfkg.com

medcon-taiwan.com

life-himawari.com

myriamshomes.com

nightmarevue.com

allstarsru.com

bestofthebuckeyestate.com

bestofthefirststate.com

bestwireless7.com

declarationintermittent.com

findhereall.com

jingyou888.com

lsm99deal.com

lsm99galaxy.com

moozatech.com

nuagh.com

patliyo.com

philomenamagikz.net

rckouba.net

saturnunipessoallda.com

tallahasseefrolics.com

thematurehardcore.net

totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com

velislavakaymakanova.com

vermontenergetic.com

sizam-design.com

kakakpintar.com

begorgeouslady.com

1800birks4u.com

2wheelstogo.com

6strip4you.com

bigdata-world.net

emailandco.net

gacapal.com

jharpost.com

krishnaastro.com

lsm99credit.com

mascalzonicampani.com

sitemapxml.org

thecityslums.net

topagh.com

flairnetwebdesign.com

bangkaeair.com

beneventocoupon.com

noternet.org

oqtive.com

smilebrightrx.com

decollage-etiquette.com

1millionbestdownloads.com

7658.info

bidbass.com

devlopworldtech.com

digitalmarketingrajkot.com

fluginfo.net

naqlafshk.com

passion-decouverte.com

playsirius.com

spacceleratorintl.com

stikyballs.com

top10way.com

yokidsyogurt.com

zszyhl.com

16firthcrescent.com

abogadolaboralistamd.com

apk2wap.com

aromacremeria.com

banparacard.com

bosmanraws.com

businessproviderblog.com

caltonosa.com

calvaryrevivalchurch.org

chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com

cheminotsgardcevennes.com

cooksspot.com

cqxzpt.com

deesywig.com

deltacartoonmaps.com

despixelsetdeshommes.com

duocoracaobrasileiro.com

fareshopbd.com

goodpainspills.com

kobisitecdn.com

makaigoods.com

mgs1454.com

piccadillyresidences.com

radiolaondafresca.com

rubendorf.com

searchengineimprov.com

sellmyhrvahome.com

shugahouseessentials.com

sonihullquad.com

subtractkilos.com

valeriekelmansky.com

vipasdigitalmarketing.com

voolivrerj.com

zeelonggroup.com

1015southrockhill.com

10x10b.com

111-online-casinos.com

191cb.com

3665arpentunitd.com

aitesonics.com

bag-shokunin.com

brightotech.com

communication-digitale-services.com

covoakland.org

dariaprimapack.com

freefortniteaccountss.com

gatebizglobal.com

global1entertainmentnews.com

greatytene.com

hiroshiwakita.com

iktodaypk.com

jahatsakong.com

meadowbrookgolfgroup.com

newsbharati.net

platinumstudiosdesign.com

slotxogamesplay.com

strikestaruk.com

trucosdefortnite.com

ufabetrune.com

weddedtowhitmore.com

12940brycecanyonunitb.com

1311dietrichoaks.com

2monarchtraceunit303.com

601legendhill.com

850elaine.com

adieusolasomade.com

andora-ke.com

bestslotxogames.com

cannagomcallen.com

endlesslyhot.com

iestpjva.com

ouqprint.com

pwmaplefest.com

qtylmr.com

rb88betting.com

buscadogues.com

1007macfm.com

born-wild.com

growthinvests.com

promocode-casino.com

proyectogalgoargentina.com

wbthompson-art.com

whitemountainwheels.com

7thavehvl.com

developmethis.com

funkydogbowties.com

travelodgegrandjunction.com

gao-town.com

globalmarketsuite.com

blogshippo.com

hdbka.com

proboards67.com

outletonline-michaelkors.com

kalkis-research.com

thuthuatit.net

buckcash.com

hollistercanada.com

docterror.com

asadart.com

vmayke.org

erwincomputers.com

dirimart.org

okkii.com

loteriasdecehegin.com

mountanalog.com

healingtaobritain.com

ttxmonitor.com

bamthemes.com

nwordpress.com

11bolabonanza.com

avgo.top