The 18 Best Airport Lounges in the World and How To Access Them [2024]

After a year of hardly any travel, most of us can only dream of again traipsing through airports, experiencing the hustle of security gates, and relaxing in the best airport lounges in the world.

Waiting at the airport for your flight can be a great experience or it can be a terrible one.

Luckily, when you have access to a luxurious airport lounge, your ground experience is instantly elevated to a whole new level.

Whether it’s quiet time you’re craving, sumptuous dining, or a place to relax, these airport lounges from around the world are some of the best ones to visit.

Find out how to maximize your points!

1. Air France Salon La Première at CDG (Charles De Gaulle)

Having one of the best first class services in the air isn’t enough for Air France, they also made sure their ground service hits all the right spots. Thus, the La Première Lounge is considered among the best airport lounges in Europe.

If you’re connecting in Paris, right after you step off the plane you’ll have a driver waiting to take you to the lounge. Once there, an attendant will usher you inside.

From the reception alone, you can already tell there’s something glorious waiting for you inside.

Seating inside the lounge is divided into two rooms – one is a large space with stylish chairs, bright furniture, and lots of power outlets. The smaller seating area at the back only comes with big couches. A red and white color scheme can be found throughout the lounge, from the modern white chairs to the diamond-patterned red walls.

If you need a nap, there’s a dedicated quiet area available. The majority of the beds here are only daybeds, but they do have two actual beds.

For relaxation, you can book a reservation at the spa. As a guest, you receive a complimentary 30-minute treatment.

Once done with the treatments, make your way to the dining area to savor the best cuisine, handpicked by Chef Alain Ducasse for Air France. Don’t forget to pair your dish with exquisite wine – something the French are experts of.

Pair all this luxury with fantastic service from the staff and you’ve got a winning experience at the La Première Lounge.

How To Get Inside

Access to the La Première Lounge is open to Air France La Première or First Class passengers flying on the same day.

You can also purchase access for 500 EUR ($600) or an equivalent of 75,000 Flying Blue Miles when departing or connecting. For arrivals, the price is 200 EUR ($240) or 30,000 Flying Blue Miles.

There are restrictions even when purchasing access. For instance, you can only purchase access when flying in Air France’s business class. What‘s more, the plane must not have a first class cabin. The ticket also needs to be issued by Air France and purchase of access is only available during off-peak periods.

The La Première lounge is located at Terminal 2E, Hall K. You can go through the Air France check-in then head towards Gates K43 and K58. Take the red elevators to reach the lounge. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

2. SWISS First Class Lounge at ZRH (Zurich Airport)

Neon signs, a host of SWISS-Breitling clocks, and dark wooden floors greet you at the reception of the SWISS First Class Lounge.

Enter through the glass doors and you’ll spot massive wine humidors immediately lining the space. These cases contain over 1,000 bottles of wine from all over the world.

Right in front of the humidor is a small bar table where you can sample the day’s choice of drinks. From Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut to a Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Brut, there’s always something new to sample in this lounge.

Move further in and the lounge is divided into 3 main sections – the bar area, the dining, and the seating space.

The seating area is filled with cozy armchairs overlooking the tarmac courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, the main bar is at the center of the lounge. Here, you’ll find more alcoholic selections.

Right by the bar is the dining space. Only á la carte dining is offered here. The menu is presented in a leather-bound case with a great selection of meals and an amazing wine list to indulge in. There’s also a “Special Menu” section with dishes from the Swiss province of Vaud.

To complete the first class experience, you can book yourself one of the day rooms – either The Montreux or The St. Moritz. Inside, you get an actual bed, a toilet and shower, a television, a special HÄSTENS bedding, and of course, excellent views of the tarmac.

Unlike Lufthansa where you also get private ground transfer to your plane, SWISS doesn’t offer this. However, with all the amenities you get from the lounge, there’s no doubt it’s still worth a visit.

How To Get Inside

Access to the SWISS Air First Lounge is open to Lufthansa First passengers and HON Circle members. Those connecting and flying first class on SWISS Air can also access the lounge.

The SWISS Air First Class Lounge is located at Terminal E of Zurich Airport. It is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Find out how to maximize your points!

3. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class at HKG (Hong Kong International)

Cathay Pacific is known for offering some of the best airport lounges in Asia. Their most luxurious lounge is The Pier First Class in Hong Kong.

The Pier is always praised for being spacious and elegant. From the entrance, the lounge feels as if you’re visiting a luxury apartment instead of a formal lounge.

With beautiful sofas, comfortable chairs, warm interiors, and crisp art-deco touches, it’s one of those lounges where you’ll feel right at home.

Seats are facing huge windows overlooking the tarmac so you can easily park yourself here and enjoy the views.

Of course, make sure to fill yourself first. Head for the self-serve area and enjoy various pastries, fruit cuts, salads, bread, and more. If you’re craving authentic Chinese food, Cathay Pacific’s famous noodle bar is available too.

There is á la carte dining at The Pier. They offer a host of Asian and Western cuisine, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for you to indulge in.

You can get tea, fresh fruit juices, soda, water, champagne, and wine or have drinks made for you like Cathay Pacific’s signature cocktail, The Betsy.

Guests can also use the stunning showers filled with Aesop toiletries, avail of a complimentary foot or neck massage, use the business center or hide away and rest inside a private day suite.

The Pier Lounge is truly designed to be your home away from home.

How To Get Inside

Access to The Pier is open to Cathay Pacific First passengers. Marco Polo Club members can also access the lounge along with Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can also enter.

Fiji Airways Tabua Plus card carriers, as well as Cargo Clan Elite members, are also offered complimentary access.

The Pier is located at Level 6 of Terminal 1, close to Gate 63 at the Hong Kong International Airport.

4. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge at DOH (Hamad International)

It’s been described as a fancy museum with free food by some travelers who just can’t believe the Al Safwa Lounge is an actual airport lounge.

From the grand entrance, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a modern palace with neutral beige walls and extremely high ceilings.

At the end of the entrance is a grand water fountain with water falling from the ceiling and into a large metallic dish at the center of the lounge.

A seating area is nearby if you want to stay here and indulge in the calming trickle of the water. Attendants here are always vigilant, immediately greeting guests and taking in drink requests if they have any.

If you want more private seating, individual pod chairs are also in the area. Toilets are available right behind the water fountain. Like anything in the lounge, the bathrooms are elegant, with plenty of toiletries, enclosed stalls, and other items you need.

While at the lounge, you can also indulge in the Duty Free Shops, use the family room, or park on a desk with a Mac computer, if you need to catch up on work. Spa services are also available, though it isn’t complimentary.

Food and drink options are abundant. There‘s a buffet-style spread for some quick bites. However, if you want the full dining experience, park yourself in the dining area and order from the á la carte menu.

Start with soup and finish off with a sumptuous dessert. Pair your meals with a Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2006, another fine champagne deserving of mention.

Finally, if you need to catch up on sleep, there are private rooms available. These are equipped with either single or twin beds. There are also designated double beds for couples. Each sleeping suite is fitted with a TV, a desk, climate control settings and a mini desk, an en-suite bathroom, and a toilet filled with Rituals toiletries.

How To Get Inside

Access to the Al Safwa Lounge is open to all First Class guests of Qatar Airways including Privilege Club Platinum members. Those flying business class can also enter the lounge by paying an “upgrade fee” of $170 or 600 QAR for a 6-hour use of the lounge. Considering how Qatar Airways QSuites is one of the best business class seats in the entire world, it might be worth booking business class and paying for the first class Al Safwa experience.

The Al Safwa Lounge is located on the third floor of the Duty Free Plaza in the South section of the airport. It is open daily, 24 hours a day.

5. Lufthansa First Class Terminal at FRA (Frankfurt International)

For Lufthansa, a lounge isn’t enough, instead, they’ve decided to create an entire terminal dedicated to their most premium first class flyers.

Located at their hub in Frankfurt, when you’re flying out of the airport all you need to do is drive directly to the First Class Terminal. From here, you can check in and go through security and immigration without needing to pass through the regular airport gates.

Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal has over 200,000 square feet of space. It’s filled with custom-made sofas, chairs, and other high-end touches, making it modern and elegant.

Among the amenities inside are a cigar bar along with two impeccable nap rooms – one has a jacuzzi you can enjoy.

All around the lounge, you’ll find stylish easy chairs inviting you to rest and relax. Need to do some work? There are business areas with five separate stations you can use.

And true to Lufthansa’s style, they make guests feel like royalty by offering an award-winning cuisine served á la carte at their Wining & Dining area.

If you love sampling wines and other beverages, you won’t be disappointed here, as the lounge has several bars and carries over 130 types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

There are a small spa and spacious showers with free collectible rubber ducks for the taking – (just ask the attendant)

Once your flight is almost ready, an attendant will come to fetch you. They’ll take you to passport control, and from there, you’ll be driven via a private chauffeur in a Mercedes S-Class, Porsche Cayenne, or BMW right to the plane!

How To Get Inside

Access to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is available for first class passengers departing Frankfurt. Those with a connecting flight to Frankfurt Airport on Lufthansa First Class can also use the First Class Terminal.

Travelers with a connecting flight on SWISS or Austrian Airlines, departing from Frankfurt can also access the lounge. HON Circle members traveling on a same-day flight on the airline, Austrian or SWISS can also access the lounge.

The lounge isn’t hard to miss since it’s only 200 meters from Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

6. Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB (Dubai International)

Emirates’ first class service in the sky is flawless. To match this high level of service, they’re also offering guests nothing but the best on the ground. Indeed, it’s one of the top first class lounges in the Middle East.

The Emirates First Class Lounge is more aptly called a first class concourse with its 100,000 square foot space.

It’s a little extravagant for some, but for Dubai, it’s fitting. The lounge offers day beds for napping and there are several bar areas to sip some wine or champagne.

There’s a dedicated wine cellar, a coffee bar, and a cigar lounge. You’ll also find an exclusive champagne area where you can sample some of the finest ones on offer. True to Emirates style, they also have free-flowing Moët on offer.

A restaurant with á la carte dining is available, but if you prefer quick bites, several buffet areas are strategically in the lounge. There’s a complimentary spa treatment, shower suites (if showering aboard first class on the Emirates A380 isn’t enough for you), and a shopping section too.

And oh, once you’re ready to board, you don’t even have to leave the lounge since Emirates flights depart from the “A” Concourse inside the lounge.

How To Get Inside

To enter the Emirates First Class Lounge you need to be flying first class on Emirates. If you’re an Emirates Platinum member, you can also access the lounge.

There’s also an option to purchase access at around $200 if you’re an Emirates Economy passenger. Meanwhile, Business passengers flying Emirates can get in for $100.

The Emirates First Class Lounge is located in Concourse B of the Dubai International Airport. It is open 24 hours a day.

7. British Airways Concorde Room at LHR (London Heathrow)

Filled with classic English leather chairs, comfortable sofas, and even fireplaces, it’s like hanging out inside a luxury British living room.

Even before you sit down, waitstaff will be on hand offering you a glass of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle champagne to help you settle in.

Find your choice seat, whether it’s in one of the quiet corner chairs or the communal sofas. There’s even a “terrace” area by the bright windows and tall plants. Not only is this section filled with sunshine during the daytime, but it also gives you views of the runway and apron.

Once you’re feeling peckish, head to Concorde Dining for a full table service experience. They offer á la carte dining. The choice is plentiful at the Concorde Room.

If you prefer to skip the formal table service, you can order from anywhere in the lounge and eat at your preferred seat too.

Quiet time cabanas are also available to afford you some privacy. Just book it in advance to ensure your slot. There’s a host of other amenities you can enjoy like showers, a business center, and even a chance for a spa treatment at the Elemis Spa.

How To Get Inside

Access to the Concorde Room is strictly for British Airways First Class passengers or those holding a British Airways Concorde Room card. Having the latter means you can avail the services of the lounge even when you’re flying in Economy.

The Concorde Room is located at Terminal 5 of London’s Heathrow Airport. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

8. Etihad The Residence Lounge at AUH (Abu Dhabi International)

Just like Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room, the Etihad Residence Lounge is a lounge within a lounge.

This ultra-exclusive lounge is specifically for guests flying on The Residence and is a private space within the First Class lounge.

To access the lounge, go to the First Class Lounge and up the second level into a hallway where you’ll find two sliding doors. These require a key card to open so nobody ends up wandering inside by mistake.

The Residence lounge is chic and spacious, with room to accommodate up to 12 people. There’s a living room section with leather couches and two comfy sofas. A television is mounted on the wall, but you can easily turn it off if you’d rather enjoy the space some other way.

A dining table for four is set up in the room. And if you look up, even the ceiling is extravagant.

There’s a tiny bar area with some water and food including Arabic coffee, some fruit, and dates. These are good for light bites. The main meals can be ordered á la carte from the kitchen and brought straight into your private lounge.

There’s a shower and bathroom with Acqua di Parma products too. Aside from that, there’s also a prayer room available.

Perhaps the coolest part of The Residence lounge is that you get your own butler. These butlers also happen to be the lounge duty managers so you can expect nothing but the best service. They’ll gladly offer you options on what you can do while you’re staying at the lounge.

As a premium guest of The Residence, you get several complimentary services like a shave or even a tour of the facilities. Once you’re ready to eat, a chef will be brought to the lounge to discuss your meals and how they can customize the dishes for you.

In case all this isn’t enough when dining, you get exclusive tableware as well.

Once you’re ready to leave the lounge, there will be a golf cart waiting to take you to your flight like a superstar.

And of course, a whole other adventure starts once you board your flight and enjoy “The Residence” from the air.

How To Get Inside

To access the Etihad Residence Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport, you need to be a passenger of Etihad’s prestigious The Residence cabin.

This special lounge is located right inside Etihad’s First Class Lounge, which is just immediately after the security gates.

9. Singapore Airlines The Private Room at SIN (Changi International)

Nothing gets more exclusive than Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room at Changi Airport. It’s one of those few lounges, like Etihad’s The Residence or British Airways’ The Concorde Room, that’s designed for only the most elite guests of the airline. That’s why this lounge is one of our best airport lounges in Asia!

If you’re departing from Changi Airport, it’s recommended you go through Terminal 3 so you can access the First Class check-in area.

Upon check-in, you’ll be given a stylish gold invite card to the exclusive lounge if you’re eligible. Once you reach the SilverKris Lounge entrance, simply present your invite to The Private Room, and a receptionist will guide you to the lounge.

You’ll go through a long corridor, walk through the Business Class Lounge, and into the First Class Lounge before finally reaching the exclusive lounge.

The entire space is L-shaped and divided into sections. There’s a TV area, a family room, a nursing room, and a dining area.

Dark wood paneling with marble walls and “classic” carpets lend a bit of a retro feel to the space, but it’s still quite elegant. The patterned carpet also helps dampen the noise inside the lounge.

Dining is á la carte at The Private Room.

It has high ceilings with large marble columns and cocoa brown leather seats arranged for groups of two or four. There are also booth seats available. These seats come with buttoned details, a style that echos the aesthetic of the lounge.

From tasty appetizers like the Thai Salad and the yummy Chicken Satay, down to the Poached Boston Lobster main course, there’s always something to savor on the menu here. To quench your thirst, there’s a free-flowing 2004 Dom Perignon, among a list of other selections.

Other amenities you can check out include a business area, Wi-Fi, a private room, and a shower room filled with Spa Esprit toiletries. Full attendants are on-hand in the bathrooms as well to ensure it’s kept clean.

How To Get Inside

Access to The Private Room is strictly open to Singapore Airlines First Class or Suites Guests only, whether they’re arriving or departing. All you have to do is present your boarding card for a flight that same day.

The lounge is located inside the SilverKris Lounge at Terminal 3, just above the departure concourse. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

10. Etihad First Class Lounge at AUH (Abu Dhabi International)

Offering such luxurious amenities like The Residence on the air, you really can’t expect anything less from Etihad Airways on the ground.

The Etihad First Class Lounge is among the best airport lounges you can visit in the Middle East. It’s right by the dedicated first class check-in area, so it’s only a short walk to reach the lounge.

Inside, you get fresh-looking white chairs, with marble floors, and stylish decor. A small bar area with Arabic coffee and dates is immediately available close to the entrance.

As a first class guest, you get a 15-minute complimentary spa treatment at the Six Senses Spa so make sure to sign up for a slot as soon as you enter the lounge. Close to the spa is a play area for kids and the restrooms – fully stocked with Acqua di Parma toiletries inside.

The lounge features a huge seating area including more white leather chairs right beside floor-to-ceiling glass windows for a good view of the outside. There’s also a cigar area, a relaxation spot with recliners, and two lounge bars.

A huge portion of the lounge is composed of the dining space. Etihad offers an extensive array of á la carte meals, and a mini buffet is also nearby for those who would want to grab and go.

Finally, if you want something different. There’s an actual gym at the Etihad First Class Lounge. This comes with a private shower and several exercise machines in case you hate missing out on a workout even during travel days.

How To Get Inside

To enter the Etihad First Class Lounge, you have to be an Etihad First passenger. Etihad business class guests connecting on Abu Dhabi International that are flying on a plane without a first class cabin can also access the lounge.

The lounge is located inside security at Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal 3. It is open 24 hours a day, every day.

11. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at the LHR (Heathrow International)

Known for being the “fun” airline, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London’s Heathrow also echoes the same inviting and fun appeal as the company’s branding.

With spacious seating areas, a massive bar lounge with an impressive array of liquor choices, fantastic mood lighting, and fine dining, the lounge is designed to make guests comfortable, relaxed, and well-fed.

A huge portion of the lounge is dedicated to seating. You’ll find chairs, sofas, and loungers. Most of these are leather seats and Eames-style chairs. There’s even a 70s-style ball chair as well.

Food and dining are top-notch as expected. The entire left side of the lounge is meant for dining.

There are traditional dining tables and chairs for groups of 2 or 4, and there’s even a lounge booth as well. But you can indulge in delicious meals from anywhere in the lounge.

Guests can enjoy cold cuts thanks to the marble Deli area which is open all day long. Bread and pastries are also on serve here. During breakfast, there’s fruit, yogurt, cereals, and more.

There’s also an option to order meals from an á la carte menu. Food is switched for lunch and supper every 11:50 a.m. The menu also changes from season to season so you might get a different set of dishes on offer depending on when you visit the lounge.

To showcase their truly British heritage, Virgin Atlantic also offers “Afternoon Tea” between 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All meals are complimentary and no gratuities are expected at all.

Other amenities to enjoy in the Clubhouse include a spa where guests can receive one complimentary treatment while the rest are paid. There’s also a barbershop, a business area, and a shower space.

Finally, if you want something different in a lounge, you can access the roof terrace! Here, you’ll find lounge chairs, lots of sunshine, and stunning views of the apron.

How To Get Inside

Access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is open to passengers in Upper Class (Business Class). Those traveling on Delta One and Flying Gold Club Members on Virgin Atlantic may also enter.

Cardholders of Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion; Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion; Air New Zealand Gold and Gold Elite; Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS; as well as Virgin Velocity Club Gold; Club Platinum and The Club, can enter the lounge too.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is located at Terminal 3 in Heathrow Airport. Just one floor above the terminal floor. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

12. Qantas First Class Lounge at SYD (Sydney International)

The Qantas First Class Lounge in Sydney promises to make your stay at an airport a little less stressful.

To get there, you enter a nondescript door with a simple “First Lounge” sign. Upon entry, you’re greeted by a 3-meter space with a large and thriving plant wall. Developed by Patrick Blanc, the vertical garden is one of Qantas’ signature touches aside from the white marble bars.

Walk a bit further to get to a circular entry and reception. Hand over your boarding pass to the receptionist and you should be directed inside. If you fancy free spa treatment, you can book it here in advance.

Qantas keeps its lounges fresh and modern with a color palette composed of beautiful ochres, browns, creams, and reds. You’ll also spot wood accents here and there, along with stylish, angular beams that help divide the overwhelming space into intimate sections.

Because of the general circular design, the windows are angled all around, while offering a view of the busy Sydney Airport. The beautiful view is almost a bonus thanks to the already stunning interiors.

When it comes to food and dining, Qantas First Lounges deliver nothing but the best. If you want to sample a huge range of dishes, it’s best to maximize your time inside the lounge. All the meals here are á la carte with a few buffet selections as well.

The food here is curated by Chef Neil Perry. There’s a breakfast meal until 11 a.m. and afterward, it switches to a lunch and dinner menu.

One tip, try out the squid. It’s one of the best dishes here and almost anyone who visits the lounge raves about it. For drinks, you get the usual beer, cocktails, spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The champagne and wine are usually from Aussie makers so this is a good chance to sample them in case you’re not familiar. Although they change the selection from time to time, a few you could try include Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV, G.H. Mumm Rose NV, or the Pommery Brut Royale NV.

Explore the space and you’ll find other nooks and crannies that are perfect if you want some solitude as the lounge gets busy. There’s a library, a business area, and the Qantas spa.

All spa treatments can be availed starting from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. only. It’ll last for about 20 minutes and you can choose from facials, body massages, or eye treatments. The spa area alone is worth raving out and the service is equally amazing.

Finally, bathrooms and shower facilities are also provided in case you need a quick freshen up.

How To Get Inside

Accessing the Qantas First Class Lounge is open to all passengers flying on Qantas or Emirates with a flight number of EK. They can also bring one guest each traveling on the same flight with them.

Members of Qantas’ Frequent Flyer Program, Platinum One, and other Platinum tier members can also enter the lounge with a guest.

Those with a Oneworld Emerald status flying on a Oneworld member airline also have access and they can bring one guest. Finally, those holding Platinum status of Emirates Skyward can access the lounge provided they’re flying on Emirates or Qantas.

The Qantas First Class Lounge is located on Level 4, right after the security gates, of the Sydney Airport. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

13. Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class at HKG (Hong Kong International)

The Wing First Class Lounge is designed as one long thin space with several sections. The first seating section is a set of stylish red chairs with a small marbled champagne bar up front.

Go further in and you’ll come across private work desks with a computer and several printers. Afterward, you’ll find yourself in the main lounge.

Here, you’ll find more chairs including Cathay Pacific’s distinctive circle chairs. These are great for solo travelers or for some privacy. It also comes with a power outlet in case you need to work.

Towards the end of this room is a manned marble white bar. You can ask the bartender for cocktails or any signature drinks here.

Walk further and you’ll find the main dining space and buffet section. You can grab some food here or opt to go to The Haven, which is The Wing’s proper á la carte restaurant. The choices here are pretty good. They even offer Cathay’s Signature Noodles, like Dan Dan Mien and Wonton. 

If you find the lounge is too crowded, you can secure a spot in one of the five cabanas. These are private rooms with a desk, a day bed, toilet, shower, and even a bathtub!

The cabana time is only for 90 minutes though (and they fill up fast) so if possible, secure your spot first as soon as you arrive in the lounge. There are also separate showers guests can use even without reserving the cabanas.

How To Get Inside

To enter The Wing First Class Lounge, you need to be flying First Class on Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.

Marco Polo Diamond members on Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, or any Oneworld carrier can also enter the lounge. Oneworld Emerald elites and first class flyers on a Oneworld airline can also enter the lounge.

The Wing First Class Lounge is on the upper level of Gates 1 and 2. There’s a single reception desk accommodating both first class and business class passengers. Just present your boarding pass and you should be ushered to the First Class lounge. It is open daily, from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

14. THAI Royal First Lounge at BKK (Suvarnabhumi Airport)

The first class experience begins from the moment you arrive at the check-in counter of Suvarnabhumi Airport. After checking you in, agents will automatically take your bag and escort you through immigration. From there, you’ll be driven to the first class lounge in a buggy.

Lounge attendants will give you a tour of the lounge if it’s your first time and offer to help book a complimentary full-body massage at the Royal First Spa.

The lounge itself is large and spacious with comfy chairs in the main seating area. Semi-private rooms are on one side of the lounge. These are mini living rooms you can call your own for the duration of your stay. It has a glass shield, several chairs, and sofas, a desk, as well as a television set.

A full dining room is at the back of the lounge where you can order á la carte service. They have a full choice of local Thai dishes and some Western cuisine. You can choose to eat the meals in your private room or anywhere in the lounge if you prefer.

There’s also a small buffet section with pastries, desserts, and light meals. If you want something from here, just let the attendants know and they’ll plate it for you.

For drinks, there’s a good selection of tea, coffee, wines, and champagnes. They offer Moët & Chandon Imperial in the lounge.

Shower rooms, as well as bathrooms, are also available in the lounge in case you need to freshen up. Although if you go through with the complimentary massage, there’s also a shower area there.

Once you’re ready to leave, an attendant will get you and then escort you through the terminal and to your gate.

How To Get Inside

To enter the THAI Royal First Lounge you have to be flying first class on a THAI Airways flight. Those flying first class on any Star Alliance member airline can also gain access. THAI Royal Orchid Platinum members can also gain access.

The Royal First Lounge is located at Concourse D, Level 3 of the International Departures area. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

15. Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at MCT (Muscat International)

From the outside, you can already tell the lounge is extra special. With its stylish all-black wall and a glowing gold arched entryway to the reception, it’s as if entering a modern palace.

A stunning mountain landscape is strategically located behind the reception, echoing the beautiful land of Oman.

The aesthetic of the lounge is essentially historical luxury with a modern twist. You’ll find gold rings decorating strategic areas of the space like the walls and ceilings, lush green plants, stunning chairs, and warm lamps. There’s no denying it’s a nod to Oman’s culture.

Move further inside and the space opens up, with areas for private daybeds so you can take a nap as well as shower rooms to freshen up.

A dedicated cigar lounge is available in one corner including a prayer room. A large playroom filled with toys and colorful walls is the perfect escape for those traveling with kids. Children can also enjoy special nap rooms and cinema rooms as well as a private family space.

There’s a large buffet section available inside a semi-circular dining room. The food is varied so don’t expect the usual business class fare here.

First class guests have a separate area within the lounge and have the option to order á la carte meals when they dine. Guests in first class can even enjoy having the chef come out and discuss their potential dishes with them.

A well-stocked bar is available inside the lounge. It’s a manned bar so in case you’re having trouble picking a drink, you can just ask for advice. From their signature cocktails to a Hennessy Paradis, you’ll find something to indulge in while inside the lounge.

How To Get Inside

Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge is located in the same area so both First and Business passengers of Oman Air can access the same lounge. However, the first class section is only available to Oman Air First passengers only.

The lounge is located on the fifth level of the New Terminal at the Muscat International Airport. It is open daily, 24 hours a day.

16. American Airlines Flagship First Class Dining and Lounge

Dedicated to the most exclusive AA passengers, the Flagship lounges are currently available in 6 locations, although there are plans to add more. With a focus on U.S. premium travel, it’s easy to see why many of these are the best airport lounges in the U.S.

Flagship Lounge Locations: 

• London Heathrow (LHR) 
• Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) 
• John F. Kennedy International (JFK) 
• Los Angeles International (LAX) 
• Miami International (MIA)
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

Flagship Dining Locations: 

• John F. Kennedy International (JFK) 
• Miami International (MIA) 
• Los Angeles International (LAX) 
• Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) 

All Flagship First Lounges are designed to accommodate not just first class passengers on AA, but also premium guests from their partner airlines.

From the moment you check in, you’re greeted by staff where your boarding pass is quickly checked.

The Flagship Lounge offers chic decor with a large chunk of the space dedicated to seating. From swivel chairs, bar seating, leather seats, and loungers with a view of the runway, you’ll easily find a spot to get comfortable in.

Flight information monitors are available all around so you can keep an eye out for your flight. Reading material, a self-serve buffet and cocktail bar, shower rooms, quiet rooms, and business areas are also provided for guests. There’s even a premium wine table that you can indulge in.

While the self-serve buffet is delicious, if you have access to Flagship Dining, you get to enjoy restaurant-quality á la carte dining at the airport.

Not only does the restaurant feature stunning modern decor, but the food is of impeccable quality. Pair your dish with a host of beverage choices including a Krug Grande Cuvée, which retails for around $400 per bottle. It’s the same drink of choice for premier airlines like Singapore Air.

How To Get Inside

To enter the American Airlines Flagship First Class Dining and Lounge, you need to be an American Airlines first class or business class passenger. Oneworld Emerald and Oneworld Sapphire members can also gain entry.

Travelers with an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, a Platinum Pro or simply hold Platinum status who are flying or connecting on an international flight can also gain access. Finally, those with an AAdvantage ConciergeKey status flying out on the same day also have complimentary access.

Flagship First Lounges are open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Flagship Dining is only available starting at 8:00 a.m. until the lounge closing time.

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17. ANA New Suite Lounge at HND (Haneda Airport)

ANA recently refurbished its airport lounges at Haneda Airport. The renovation was done from September to December 2019 and was a bid to help “standardize” all ANA lounges around the world.

The New Suites are designed by Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. With a clear, crisp, and modern aesthetic, the newly-renovated lounges are also meant to match the ANA Suites up in the air.

These revamped lounges include the ANA Suite Lounge (first class), ANA Lounge (business class), and an Arrival Lounge.

All three have different opening times and amenities. The refreshed lounges are made bigger too than their previous counterparts, providing around 1,300 seats in total.

The ANA Suite Lounge comes with a “Live Kitchen” where guests can watch the chefs prepare meals in front of them. There’s a restaurant-style dining space dubbed “Dining H.” Menus are swapped throughout the day, so you’ll get something different depending on the time of your visit.

There’s a manned bar on the fourth floor. Guests can enjoy fresh coffee and other beverages courtesy of a barista during the mornings. In the afternoons, coffee and juices will be swapped for some 20+ cocktail options including Japanese sake, and wines.

Also on the fourth floor, is a sleeping room with six beds and several reclining chairs. These are arranged in booths for privacy and comfort. What’s more, the reception area is designed with a Japanese-style bamboo forest and room for wheelchair accessibility.

For business passengers, the ANA Business Lounge is a great hideaway before leaving for your flight. Designed as one large rectangular space, seating is divided into sections to help break up the large expanse.

There’s a seating space with communal tables and chairs as well as dining tables. At the sides, there are rows of chairs facing the windows with a counter table for those wanting seats with a view.

A buffet is offered in the lounge, with a selection of cold options like fruit, muffins, chocolate, bread, sandwiches, yogurt, and more. There are also choice hot meals like dumplings, fried rice, and curry. A made-to-order noodle bar is also on hand. All the drinks are self-serve at the lounge. They also have shower rooms inside the lounge.

The ANA Arrival Lounge comes with 18 shower rooms and even designates two of them as wheelchair accessible. What’s great with an arrival lounge is that passengers arriving from an overnight flight can freshen up, get settled, and head to their meeting right away without even having to drop by their hotel first.

Light meals together with beverages are also available in the lounge. It’s got full views of the tarmac thanks to the large windows. Even better, guests get a special treat by having a chance to experience a unique foot bath with tiny fishes nibbling on their toes.

How To Get Inside

Access to the ANA New Suite Lounge is open to first class customers flying on ANA or any Star Alliance member. Those with an ANA Diamond Service membership onboard an ANA or Star Alliance flight also have access. Guests can bring one person with them into the lounge. It is open from 5:00 a.m. until the last departure of the day.

Access to the ANA Lounge is available to first class and business class ANA/Star Alliance flyers. ANA Diamond Service, ANA Platinum Service, and ANA Super Flyers Cardmembers can also enter. Star Alliance Gold as well as premium economy service customers can enter the lounge too. It is open from 5:00 a.m. until the last departure of the day.

Access to the ANA Arrivals Lounge is open to first class and business class flyers on ANA. Those who are ANA Diamond Service, ANA Platinum Service, and ANA Super Flyers Card arriving from an ANA international flight also get complimentary entrance to the lounge. It is open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The ANA New Suite Lounges are located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Haneda Airport.

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18. United Polaris Lounge at ORD (Chicago O’Hare International)

First opened in 2017, the United Polaris Lounge comes with over 16,000 square feet of space which can accommodate around 300 people inside.

United first launched its Polaris program back in 2016 as a way to promote its refreshed premium cabins. Of course, the service on the ground has to match what’s in the air, hence, the Polaris lounges were opened.

Once you’re at the lounge entrance, just scan your boarding pass and you’ll be welcomed inside. The lounge echoes a different feel depending on the time of day you visit.

If you happen upon it at night, you’ll love the blue accent lights found all over the space. There are stars on the ceiling and various warm lamps for a cozy and relaxing ambiance.

From bar-style chairs and tables hugging the wall, solo pods for work, down to family sofas and lounges with tarmac views – there’s always a spot to relax.

Aside from the main lounge area, there’s also seating available in the bar sections. These come with high chairs spread around a marble bar.

Food at the Polaris is considered a highlight. Guests can enjoy various treats on the buffet like salads, desserts, pastries, and more.

On the other hand, if it’s a full-service option you’re after, the Dining Room is always available. Attentive waitstaff is on hand from the moment you sit down. Go for a full-course meal along with your choice of cocktail or wine.

Other amenities you can enjoy at the Polaris Lounge include Wi-Fi, a business area, showers, and even comfortable daybeds.

How To Get Inside

Access to the United Polaris Lounge is open to all international long-haul flight passengers using the Polaris. They get access if they’re not even departing from Chicago.

Travelers in a Star Alliance airline taking a first or business cabin also have access to the lounge. However, it’s worth noting not all Star Alliance Gold members will get access to the lounge.

The lounge is located at Terminal 1, in Concourse C. Just follow the signage after you move past security. It is open from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Travel can be stressful but when you have access to these amazing airport lounges, you’ll likely forget all your stresses away.

From a complimentary chauffeur service to an hour-long body massage, or even a customized meal prepared just for you – these lounges will make you feel like you’re truly a premium guest.

Make sure to leave time to enjoy these lounges the next time you travel.

Have a safe flight!

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Featured Image Credit: United