Using an airport lounge is synonymous with traveling to your desired destination in style. Isn’t it? Well, we know how fondly you adore those peaceful moments at airport lounges before your departure, or after you arrive. That’s why, we have curated a list of the top 10 Luxurious Airport Lounges in the World so that you don’t miss out on that much-needed experience in your travel journey.
It is true that luxury airport lounges bring an enriched feeling and enable an escape from the stress and hassle of the airport. You can treat yourself to a comfortable and exclusive space to relax, work, eat, drink, or enjoy other services whether you are flying for vacation or a business event. Luxury airport lounges provide travelers with a variety of benefits.
So, if you are the one desirous of enhancing your travel moments with a world-class experience, dive deep into the detailed blog and explore ten of the most luxurious airport lounges.
British Airways Concorde Rooms, London Heathrow Airport
Reflecting impressions of the graceful British culture and design, British Airways Concorde Rooms are situated in London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5A. This lavish lounge is no less than a 5-star hotel and never fails to woo travelers with its incessant elegance. You can visit anywhere from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM on any day of the week.
This lounge boasts of private dining sections with an exclusive à la carte menu. You can enjoy a sumptuous pre-flight dining experience and relish delectable meals along with premium wines, champagnes, etc., made available from across the globe. You can also avail of a dedicated waiter service.
All those who need a quick nap and stay refreshed can visit the Forty Winks nap lounge located within this main lounge. Featuring comfortably built sleep pods, this lounge ensures travelers get the best relief amid a peaceful ambiance.
Who Can Access?
It can be accessed by passengers flying in first class on a British Airways flight. Whether they are departing from London or arriving in first class and then continuing on British Airways in any other class, maybe on short-haul flights not having first-class cabins, they are eligible to use the lounge.
Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International Airport
Conveniently set in Terminal 3, Concourse A in Dubai International Airport, this lounge is considered the biggest first-class lounge in the world. Whether you travel for vacation or business, you will have an unforgettable time in this exquisite space. It remains open 24X7.
A massive space dedicated to this lounge has the capacity for 600 travelers. You will find it fully equipped with a wine cellar, a cigar bar, a special duty-free shopping section, prayer sections, and a kids’ club. A shower facility is also made available for passengers who need to quickly refresh themselves before catching their connecting flight and so on. Besides, a rejuvenating spa treatment awaits you at a separate segment located nearby.
Offering excellent dining with a variety of international specialties, a spacious restaurant located at the central area is a must-visit spot.
Who Can Access?
Emirates First Class lounge offers complimentary entry to passengers flying in Emirates first class and those enrolled in the Emirates Skywards Platinum status membership. If you are unable to meet the eligibility criteria, you can purchase access to these lounges located in Dubai International Airport.
Apart from this, this lounge also provides access to Oneworld Emerald members if they fly on Qantas 1/2 and 9/10.
Air New Zealand International Lounge, Auckland Airport
Featuring world-class decor, this VIP lounge is located at the International Terminal of Auckland Airport in New Zealand. Owned by Air New Zealand, this lounge can accommodate over 400 people. It opens at 4:30 AM and operates till the last departure of an Air New Zealand flight.
Travel enthusiasts will surely love the lounge boasting a spacious terrace and offering beautiful runway views. So, seek pleasure in enjoying the taking-off views of planes while savoring your favorite beverage.
Not only you can enjoy snacks, premium food, beer & wine, spirits & liquor, etc., but you can also use facilities including high-speed wi-fi, printers, and copiers for your official use. A shower facility is available to help you get relief from travel stress and boost your mood.
Who Can Access?
You can access the lounge if you are departing in an Air New Zealand flight’s Business Premier™ section. Else, those holding Airpoints™ Elite, Gold, Elite Partner, or Koru membership are also eligible to use the lounge along with a guest.
It may also be highlighted that Silver members are provided with 2 complimentary eVouchers on a yearly basis to access the lounge. They can use the same within their period of membership.
United Polaris Lounge, Chicago
United Polaris Lounges by United Airlines have been the epitome of elegance and good taste. The airline introduced these one-of-its-kind lounges at some of its hubs, keeping in mind the choices or preferences of specific target customers.
The mothership lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 1, Concourse C, is a heaven for passengers seeking relief away from the commotion at the terminal. Operating on all days of the week, it can be accessed anytime from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
You will find a fusion of several interior styles featuring the creations of famous artists. You will enjoy spectacular views through the ceiling beautified by a mirror, showcasing a glimpse of the night sky. Moreover, modishly furnished comfortable zones are made available for you to relax while relishing the charming aura. At the same time, a buffet with great culinary flavors by expert chefs, served at a lavish dining area, will win your heart, especially if you are an epicurean. Beverages like premium wines, spirits, and more add more flavor to your travel moments.
You can also take a refreshing shower at a well-maintained facility. Whether you wish to gel with people and share some nice thoughts or just choose to work on your official tasks at an individual space provided for single travelers, it’s all up to you.
Who Can Access?
Passengers flying in United Polaris business class on a long-haul international flight can access the lounge. Those traveling in international business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline are also eligible to use the lounge.
Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden, Hamad International Airport (Qatar)
Hamad International Airport, which was formerly known as Doha International Airport, is known for housing some of the best lounges in the world.
Elevating the level of glitz and luxury, this space is an expansion of the Al Mourjan Business Lounge and is located at the northern end of the airport (Terminal 1). You may be amazed to know that it features the first Louis Vuitton Lounge of the world and provides scenic views to the airport’s indoor tropical garden i.e., The Orchard.
The lounge operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Hence, it is accessible anytime.
Featuring a stylish chef-owned restaurant (charges apply), the lounge awaits to provide an authentic experience to travelers. Moreover, designer and unique furniture pieces reflect artistic elegance and enable moments of sheer comfort.
Other major facilities include prayer rooms and well-maintained luggage storage areas.
Who Can Access?
Passengers flying in first class on a Qatar Airways flight (be it Elite, Comfort, or Classic category) or in first class on a Oneworld-operated flight can use the Al Mourjan Business Lounge located in the Garden, Hamad International Airport. It must be noted that the lounge does not allow access to Business Class (Lite) passengers.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt Airport
Offering individualized services, this luxurious lounge occupies a whole terminal in Frankfurt Airport, Germany. Premium travelers can spend some time in opulent exclusivity amid the cheerful ambiance of this facility. This lounge operates from 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM on a daily basis.
The entire setting has been meticulously designed to provide a rich experience to premium travelers. It is the only terminal in the world which has been built to accommodate first class passengers. Personal attendants are there to aid passengers in proceeding with a smooth check-in process. Eligible guests are all escorted across the tarmac while they are ready to board the aircraft.
Be it food or beverages, you will get to savor the best flavors. The bar has an amazing assortment of over 100 whiskies.This is also considered one of the few lounges with bathtubs in the shower areas.
Who Can Access?
Passengers traveling in International first class (whether traveling from or transiting through Frankfurt) on Lufthansa Airlines flights can access the lounge. Those flying with Austrian Airlines or SWISS Airlines are also permitted into the lounge. Members of Lufthansa Airline’s most elite status i.e., HON Circle are also eligible to use the lounge.
Air France La Premiere Lounge, Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport
Located in Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Terminal 2E, Concourse K, Air France La Premiere Lounge is counted among the best lounges in the world. It operates from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM on all days of the week.
Embellished with contemporary art and furniture, marble floors and gold accents, this exquisite space encompasses a living room, dining room, library, relaxation areas, spa section, and more. You can unwind in a peaceful environment while gorging on delish concoctions and sipping the flavors of some premium wines and cocktails.
Passengers can enjoy a personal assistant service and get escorted from check-in to boarding. A chauffeur service is also provided to take them to and pick up from the airport in a luxury vehicle. Passengers may also avail of a private Porsche vehicle service that drives them to their aircraft.
Who Can Access?
This lounge allows complimentary access to La Première passengers who either fly into or out of Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Apart from this, the lounge may also be accessed by eligible Air France business class passengers for a charge of €650.
Delta Sky Clubs, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Although Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport houses various Delta lounges, you must visit Delta Sky Club located in Concourse F if you ever get a chance or if your travel plans align with timings and location of the lounge. This lounge operates from 6:45 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
You will enjoy the ecstatic outdoor sky deck enabling a space for travelers to have snacks and beverages while basking in the pleasure of enchanting runway views.
Apart from this, also try the Delta Sky Club which is set in Concourse B and remains open from 5:45 AM – 10:30 PM every day. Ornamented with eye-catchy interiors, decor pieces, and artistic works, the lounge is a stand-alone space where you can spend memorable moments with your family or share great thoughts with business colleagues. You can please your taste buds with a great selection of wines, tapas, and much more.
Who Can Access?
Passengers belonging to the following categories are eligible to access the lounges:
- Delta Sky Club members
- Delta One / SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passengers
- SkyTeam Elite Plus [including Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members]
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express / Platinum American Express Card members
- Delta SkyMiles Diners club card / Delta SkyMiles TRUST CLUB Platinum VISA card members
- Delta SkyMiles TRUST CLUB Gold VISA cardholders,
- Centurion Card or Platinum Card Members from American Express
- LATAM Business Class passengers
- LATAM Black Signature / Black / Platinum / LATAM Pass members
- Virgin Atlantic Business Class Passengers
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Members
- WestJet Business Class passengers
- WestJet Rewards Gold / Platinum members
SWISS First Class Lounge, Zurich Airport
The SWISS First Class lounge located in Terminal E, Zurich International Airport, Switzerland, remains open from 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM on a daily basis. This lavish space is equipped with mini suites, 2 hotel rooms, and a club with comfortable leather chairs.
There is also a work area and a meeting room for business travelers to complete their official tasks on a laptop, connect with their colleagues in an online meeting, or have meaty discussions with clients.
You will also find a relaxation room and sophisticated furnishings by Swiss designers that enable moments of warmth and pure comfort. A smokers’ lounge with a private outdoor area is also provided for passengers who may need to smoke.
The main attraction is a large barista station where travelers may relish a variety of specialty coffees and select from various Swiss grappas and additional fruit brandies. Culinary delights are made available in a la carte restaurant and a front cooking section.
Who Can Access?
Passengers traveling in SWISS first class, Lufthansa first class, or those holding a HON Circle membership can access the lounges. In addition, guests flying on a connecting flight with their first-class flight can access this lounge. However, there is a condition that their entire journey must have been reserved in first class.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Airport
Located in Istanbul Airport, International Terminal, this luxurious lounge is decked up with swanky interiors and comfortable furnishings. It operates 24X7.
You will find private cabins provided for passengers looking for a serene place to relax or work on a laptop. There is also a fully-equipped business center, a multimedia room, and a wall of entertainment televisions. Kids can enjoy their time at a separately dedicated playground. With multiple food stations available at the lounge, you will have a great choice of delights, be it the buffet menu or made-to-order delicacies.
Additionally, you can head to one of the private shower rooms for a pre-flight refreshment. There are also private sleeping rooms which may be used by passengers with connection time from 4 hours to 9 hours. Also, the duration of one of the flights must be above 8 hours.
Who Can Access?
The following travelers are eligible to access the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport:
- Turkish Airlines International First and Business Class Passengers
- Star Alliance Gold Members, Star Alliance Business Class Passengers
- Turkish Airlines Corporate Club cardholders
- Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members
Luxury Card Airport Lounges
Luxury Cards are an important component of the premium credit card network or market. You can purchase a Luxury Card membership as per any of the three categories – Mastercard Gold Card, Mastercard Black Card, or Mastercard Platinum Card.
Using a Luxury Card lets you enjoy complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges all over the globe with Priority Pass Select. Mastercard Gold Card and Mastercard Black Card members get automatically enrolled in the Priority Pass Select program.
Your access to a lounge using a Luxury Card or Priority Pass Select membership does not depend on the airline you travel with or the class ticket you hold. Passengers of all airlines are eligible to use them for access to related lounges.
Concluding Thoughts
That was an in-depth analysis of the 10 Luxurious Airport Lounges in the World which might have given you a clear picture of what makes them special. Be it a high level of comfort, service, and exclusivity before or after a flight, these lounges unfailingly serve passengers to their best.
These are generally meant for travelers who fly in first class or business class with certain airlines or their partner airlines. Not only this, but those holding a special status or tier-level membership in an airline’s frequent flyer program are also eligible to access these lounges.
Well, some of them also allow paid access that can be purchased in advance. Thus, if you are looking for a much-elevated experience to be added to your travel diaries next time, conduct good research and consider spending time at a luxurious lounge that goes well with your travel choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried addressing some of the major queries raised by travelers on the most luxurious airport lounges in the world. Take a look.
Air France La Première Lounge, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (France), Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa, Abu Dhabi International Airport (United Arab Emirates), SWISS First Class Lounge, Zurich Airport, Air New Zealand International Lounge, Auckland Airport, and Singapore Airlines Private Room Lounge, Changi Airport (Singapore) are some of the most opulent lounges in the world that provide a lavish experience to travelers.
Some of the best first class lounges operating across the world are Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Hamad International Airport, Singapore Airlines Private Room in Singapore Changi Airport, Oman Air First Class Lounge in Muscat International Airport, Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Lufthansa First Class Terminal Lounge in Frankfurt Airport.
Generally, passengers who fly in first class or business class with certain airlines or their partner airlines have access to the world’s most luxurious airport lounges. The frequent flyer program of an airline or a partner program may also make them eligible to visit some of these lounges. On the other hand, a solid online research may be conducted to verify if the luxury lounge that may be on your mind offers access on the basis of a one-time fee, a subscription fee etc. It may also accept entries on the basis of a luxury credit card.
American Express Centurion in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Primeclass Lounge in Muscat International Airport, Primeclass Lounge in Muscat International Airport, Pearl Lounge in Bahrain International Airport, Quito Sala VIP in Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, and iGA Lounge in Istanbul Airport are some of the best lounges run by independent operators.
Luxurious lounges are decked up with artistic elements exhibiting refined taste and elegance. They pave the way to a separate space full of sheer comfort and relaxation. You can enjoy a great selection of snacks, meals, tea, coffee, tea, soft beverages, wine, beer, and spirits for free or at a discounted price.
These lounges also offer free or quick Wi-Fi, power outlets, workstations, printers, scanners, or fax machines for business travelers who can simply carry on with their pending tasks. With entertainment options like TVs, magazines, newspapers, books etc., you can surely have some amusing moments. Furthermore, many of the luxury lounges boast of private suites, individual sleep pod areas, spa treatment services, personal escort services, and much more that enriches your experience as that of a 5-star property feeling.
Spanning over 100,000 feet area, Emirates first class lounge set in Terminal 3, Concourse A in Dubai International Airport is counted among the biggest lounges in the world. It operates 24X7 and can accommodate more than 600 people in one go.
A Luxury Card membership provides you access to premium lounges. You can visit over 1,300 airport lounges all across the world. You can apply for any of the three categories i.e., Mastercard Gold Card, Mastercard Black Card, or Mastercard Platinum Card.