One of the cool perks of air travel is the classic airport lounge. And luckily, there are numerous airports across the globe that offer unique lounge experiences.
From New York City to Paris to London to Dubai, these airport lounges belong on your bucket list.
1. The Concorde Room
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport’s British Airways lounge, reserved for the airline’s first-class passengers flying to London, can be found in Terminal 7, adjacent to Gate 1.
Named for the former transatlantic plane, the Concorde Room is one of the largest and plushest lounges on the planet. Features like escorted late boarding mean less time on the plane, while outstanding service in the lounge itself makes it an extra-special experience. A full menu is available, as well as private booths for dining and cozy living spaces for relaxation. And since this lounge is reserved for first-class travelers headed to London, it remains an uncrowded retreat.
At London’s Heathrow Airport, there’s a sister lounge, also called the Concorde Room. Special features of that lounge include free mobile charger rental and private cabana service. Please note, however, that London’s Concorde Room is open to anyone flying first class to any destination.
2. The Private Room
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
This relaxing lounge is actually a lounge within a lounge, since it’s accessed via the SilverKris Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 3.
It’s reserved for first-class and suite passengers on Singapore Airlines flights, features private rooms by request, showers, personalized paper invitations to the lounge after check-in, and Dom Perignon champagne. Guests can enjoy multiple televisions, comfortable seating options, and a peaceful environment.
Even though this lounge doesn’t offer direct access to the terminal, its quality food offerings and excellent service make up for that.
3. Lufthansa First-Class Terminal
Frankfurt Am Main Airport, Frankfurt
More than just a lounge, Frankfurt’s Lufthansa First-Class Terminal is an entire terminal dedicated entirely to first-class passengers on Lufthansa, Germany’s largest airline.
Each passenger is assigned a personal assistant to guide them through the check-in process. After that, guests are ushered into the terminal, where a top-notch restaurant, huge bathrooms, and a cigar lounge await.
But perhaps the neatest feature of this terminal is the Porsche or Mercedes private transport to your flight. Talk about sitting in the lap of luxury!
4. Qantas First-Class Lounge
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney
This lounge, located in Terminal 1 of the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, offers plenty of fine features for Oneworld and Qantas first-class travelers. A fantastic restaurant with rotating seasonal menus, cushy seating options, and exemplary service are just a few of those perks.
But the ultimate vacation bonus? Eligible passengers can book spa services in this lounge ahead of time for the most zen travel experience ever.
Qantas is Australia’s largest airline as well as one of the world’s oldest airlines, so it makes sense that it would know how to design an incredible lounge for elite passengers. Another unique feature of this lounge is that it allows frequent fliers to bring a guest without elite status in with them.
5. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Heathrow Airport, London
This swanky, nightclub-like lounge is reserved for upper-class Virgin Atlantic passengers. Upper class is essentially a mix between business and first class.
The best part about this clubhouse is that a private driver will pick you up and escort you to the airport, where you can skip the lines using the priority check-in area. And as you can imagine, with Heathrow being the busiest airport in Europe, those lines can be a real pain.
The clubhouse also boasts a hair salon, full bar, and restaurant. Foodie flyers will love the cheese and charcuterie stations sprinkled throughout the lounge.
6. La Premiere Lounge
Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris
This luxe spot is situated in Terminal 2E, right across from Gate 14 in France’s largest airport, which is also Air France’s main hub.
La Premiere Lounge features chic decor, fresh florals, priority check-in access, as well as a limousine chauffeur to your aircraft. There are even Clarins massages available in the lounge — merveilleux! Additionally, La Premiere offers a designated rest area, tons of free reading materials, and a large food and drinks selection.
Air France is known for its consistently high level of service for its first-class passengers, who are the only ones allowed in the lounge area.
7. Emirates First-Class Lounge
Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Consistently voted one of the world’s best airlines, Emirates does not disappoint with its lounges.
The first-class lounge at Dubai International Airport is best known for its extensive food offerings and menu. It’s a huge lounge that takes up almost the entire top floor of Concourse B. There is speedy Wi-Fi access for those who need to connect, plus numerous spaces for work and relaxation. Finally, every guest gets a complimentary spa treatment.
8. The Pier
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, has a unique lounge at the Hong Kong International Airport. There are eight private day suites available as well as other areas for relaxation and socialization. There are numerous menus and a large dining selection, as well as complimentary massage services. As its name implies, The Pier also boasts pretty sea views.
Elite-status passengers certainly have their pick of luxurious airport lounges. From free massages to champagne toasts to private chauffeur service, these experiences are some of the world’s best. Cheers to your next air-travel adventure!
