The world’s best airport lounges are re-establishing the glamour of travel’s golden age through elevated lounge design.
The thrill of exploring a new destination often wanes in the face of check-in queues, security screening and overcrowded gates. However, enjoying the offerings of a fabulous airport lounge can quickly imbue your airport experience with comfort and style. A striking exterior was long considered the height of airport design; however, recent years have seen elements of biophilic and residential interior styling infiltrate the airport aesthetic. In response to the luxury traveller’s expectation that beautiful facilities accompany exclusive services, today’s leading business and first-class lounges are developed through a creative lens by renowned architects and interior design studios.
Boasting leisure, grooming and business facilities, a restaurant or buffet, bar, snacks, Wi-Fi access and power outlets, the best airport lounges allow you to kick back and relax away from the hubbub of the transit hub.
An aesthete’s guide to the world’s best airport lounges
Seventeen years ago, Qantas emerged as the leader in lounge design, engaging designer Marc Newson in collaboration with Woods Bagot to produce the Qantas First Lounge Sydney. Offering multiple dining options, a spa, library and private suite, the fusion of form and function saw the lounge become one of the world’s best, and it’s remained so. Since then, we’ve seen more airlines adopt a design state of mind.
The Pearl Lounge by Champalimaud Design at Bahrain International Airport, which opened in 2022, has an ambience reminiscent of a five-star hotel. Elevated food, beverage, gaming and business zones are spread across 10 elegant rooms. The same year, Singapore Airlines had Hirsch Bedner Associates refurbish its lounges and The Private Room, a flagship first-class venue for executive travellers with dining outlets, productivity pods and meeting rooms. And in 2023, Qatar Airways partnered with Louis Vuitton and Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno to launch the Louis Vuitton Lounge, a lounge-within-a-lounge fine dining concept furnished with pieces by India Mahdavi, Paola Lenti and Costela.
It’s no surprise that other frequent flyer favourites, such as Cathay Pacific’s The Pier in Hong Kong, Oman Air’s First and Business Lounge in Muscat, Qatar’s Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha and Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse in London, were also crafted by design professionals. Industry heavyweights Studioilse, Fabio Mazzeo Architects, Antonio Citterio and Softroom (respectively) are responsible for these elevated lounges. And while each one has a unique selling point, be it fine dining, spa treatments or high-tech installations, all share a single commonality: layered, tactile and characterful spaces that create a sense of glamour and occasion through the power of design.
Qatar Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad
Inspired by the design of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, the Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad International Airport is a luxurious retreat considered one of the best airport lounges in the world. Designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio and Partners, the lounge combines minimalist sandstone and marble with original artwork and artifacts. Exclusive to Qatar Airways first class passengers, it offers a serene Qspa, a cinematic media room, and a high-end Duty-Free, blending Western and Arab elegance with ease and sophistication.
Who can access Qatar’s Al Safwa First Class Lounge?
- First Class passengers
- Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class with Qatar Airways
- oneworld First Class passengers
The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain International Airport
The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain International Airport was designed by Champalimaud Design and offers a five-star hotel ambience. Opened in 2022, this sophisticated space is one of the most beautiful airport lounges in the world and spans 10 elegant rooms, blending traditional Arabic hospitality with modern luxury. With diverse zones for dining, working, and relaxation, including cafés, bars, and a la carte restaurants, the lounge caters to all needs. Managed by Hala Bahrain Hospitality, it is open to all travellers via pay-per-entry, making it a premium yet accessible retreat.
Who can access The Pearl Lounge?
- All travellers willing to pay the entry fee
Cathay Pacific ‘The Pier’ at Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay Pacific’s The Pier Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong is regarded as one of the best airport lounges in the world. Designed by Studioilse, this 35,000-square-foot sanctuary offers seating for 550 travellers and a tranquil, luxurious atmosphere. Guests enjoy a seamless experience in beautifully crafted, interconnected spaces featuring a signature Noodle Bar, tea house, bar and refreshing shower facilities. Located near Gate 65, The Pier is an oasis of calm and comfort.
Who can access The Pier by Cathay Pacific?
- Cathay Pacific First and Business Class passengers and eligible oneworld members.
British Airways Concorde Room at London Heathrow Airport
A step above your average business or first class lounge, the Concorde Room at London Heathrow Airport in Terminal 5 is considered one of the best airport lounges by British Airways. With chandeliers, private booth dining, full waiter service, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace, it’s quite the venue. The menu, shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, charging outlets, nap lounge, and reading materials make this airport lounge a worthwhile transit stop.
Who can access the British Airways Concorde Room?
- British Airways First Class passengers departing Terminal 5
- Executive Club Gold members
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Located at Concourse D in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge provides passengers with elevated dining and beverage options, shower facilities, Wi-Fi and power connections, and private rooms for Royal First and Royal Orchid Plus Platinum members. Indulge in a selection of specially created hot and cold Thai signature dishes, or help yourself to the coffee machines and gelato bar.
Who can access Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge?
- Thai Royal First Class, Silk Class passengers
- Star Alliance First Class, Business Class passengers
- Royal Orchid Plus Platinum/Royal Orchid Plus Gold status members
- Star Alliance Gold status cardholders departing on a THAI or Star Alliance flight
- Thai Smile Airways’ Smile Plus passengers
Air France Salon La Première at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
La Première guests departing from Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, or Nice airports can enjoy a complimentary Hertz DriveU airport transfer service. At the airport, a concierge will take care of your baggage before ushering you into a private check-in lounge. Air France’s Salon La Première at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport boasts a fine dining menu created by chef Alain Ducasse and a fantastic wine selection. A Sisley La Première beauty treatment area, a relaxing lounge with reading materials, bathroom facilities and sleeping zones round out the offering.
Who can access Air France Salon La Première?
- Passengers travelling on a La Première ticket
Qantas First Lounge at Sydney International Airport
One of just three First Class lounges operated by Qantas, the First Lounge in Sydney showcases design by Marc Newson and an extensive seasonal menu managed by Neil Perry. A champagne and cocktail bar, spa services, shower facilities, library, meeting rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi are all readily available.
Who can access Qantas First Lounge?
- Platinum and Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyers
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport
With a leafy outlook thanks to it’s position on the edge of Doha Airport’s Orchard central forest in Concourse C, Al Mourjan Business Lounge is one of the best airport lounges in the world. The 10,000 sqm facility has 24-hour quiet rooms, gym, day spa, reflection pool, showers, prayer rooms, and meeting rooms. Choose between continental or oriental brasseries, a deli, patisserie, or imbibe at the fine beverage bar.
Who can access Al Mourjan Business Lounge?
- Qatar Airways First Class and Business Class passengers
- Oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers
- Business Class (Lite) and Economy Class passengers can purchase lounge access
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Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport
Looking to indulge in fine wine and award-winning food, or relax in the Cigar Lounge with a whiskey in hand? Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport has it all, including bathrooms with bathtubs and a wellness program available at the spa. Business facilities such as laptop connections, wifi, telephones, printers, photocopiers and fax machines are also available.
Who can access Lufthansa First Class Terminal?
- Passengers travelling on a First Class ticket with a Lufthansa group airline
- Lufthansa HON Circle members
Singapore Airlines The Private Room at Singapore Changi Airport
Located within the SilverKris Lounge precinct at Singapore Changi Terminal 3, The Private Room by Singapore Airlines provides a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu featuring lobster, burgers, satays, and champagne alongside bar and barista services. Parents travelling with young children will appreciate the playroom, baby care room, rest area, quiet rooms and grooming facilities.
Who can access The Private Room?
- Passengers travelling on First Class tickets with Singapore Airlines
Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
Spread over 60,000 square feet, Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge has gaming consoles, 3D simulators, a golf simulator, library and entertainment room. Shower units are available to those wishing to freshen up, alongside a few nap rooms. You can also quell those hunger pains with a range of international restaurants. Located within the CIP Lounge is the Miles & Smiles Lounge, a premium space exclusively for Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles program members and eligible credit card holders, making it one of the best airport lounges for both economy and premium travellers alike.
Who can access Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge?
- Passengers can book a timed access to the lounge online
- Miles & Smiles program members and eligible credit card holders.
Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi Airport
Located in Terminal 3, the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa features destination-inspired dining, a bar staffed by a resident mixologist, and mini buffet. To ensure you board your flight feeling fantastic, Etihad provides a fitness room, prayer room, barber, relaxation room, and a cigar lounge. First Class and Residence guests can enjoy complimentary treatments in the Six Senses Spa, such as massages and facials. For those travelling with children, a nanny service is available in the play zone.
Who can access Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa?
- Guests of The Residence
- Etihad First Class guests travelling in First Class onwards from Abu Dhabi
- Etihad Guest Platinum members plus one guest
- Eligible guests from Etihad Airways Partner airlines
Delta Sky Club Terminal 3 Sky Way at Los Angeles Airport
Featuring an indoor/outdoor all-weather SkyDeck terrace bar, premium showers and views of the Hollywood Hills, Delta Sky Club lounge at Los Angeles Airport is one of the best airport lounges around. A full-service buffet, private phone booths, a relaxing area and a nursing room are included in the concept, along with an ever-changing food program that spotlights local makers and restaurant talent.
Who can access Delta Sky Club?
- Annual memberships to Delta Sky Club are available for purchase by Medallion members of the Delta SkyMiles Program.
Swiss First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport
The Swiss First Class Lounge at Terminal E Zurich Airport has two hotel rooms, a conference room, a champagne bar and a restaurant serving up a five-star à la carte menu and an American diner. Mini business suites with seating for up to six people are also available. However, the real highlight is the wine humidor positioned at the lounge entrance, which showcases more than 1,000 bottles of wine from around the world.
Who can access Swiss First Class Lounge?
- Passengers of Swiss First, First Class Lufthansa and HON Circle
Cathay Pacific The Wing, First at Hong Kong International Airport
Located in Terminal 1, The Wing, First by Cathay Pacific gifts passengers temperature-controlled cabanas fitted with a rain shower, bath and day bed. The Haven restaurant serves up wine-paired Western and Asian cuisine alongside cheese, cold cuts, and traditional Hong Kong dim sum. Working spaces with outlets and connectivity, champagne bar, and leisure space make The Wing, First one of the best airport lounge experiences in the world.
Who can access The Wing, First?
- Cathay Pacific First Class passengers
- Oneworld Carrier First Class passengers
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport
Young, fun and packed with personality, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 has dining options serviced by waitstaff and an online QR code system. Expect to find fine dining, a tapas selection, breakfast and afternoon tea menus. The Clubhouse Retreat is a quiet relaxation area, and those who love a workout before boarding can use the Peloton bike zone and on-site shower facilities. A bar, entertainment zone, and pool table ensure any wait in this airport lounge is an enjoyable experience.
Who can access Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse?
- Upper Class Virgin Atlantic passengers
- Delta One members on a Delta flight
- First of Business Class China Airlines passengers
- Flying Gold Club card members
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta
- Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members
Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport
Decorated with neutral hues and gleaming gold metallics, the Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport has a business centre, prayer rooms, premium food and wine selection, entertainment area and nap zone. A kid’s play space, family room and baby changing facilities are also integrated into the lounge.
Who can access Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge?
- Passengers flying Oman Air in Business or First Class
- Oman Air Sindbad Silver or Gold members
Airport lounges: worth the hype?
Most airport lounges are set back from the general chaos of an airport terminal, providing comfortable and spacious seating options within a quiet environment. Many airport lounges provide food, meals or drinks free of charge, a worthwhile consideration when airport restaurants are renowned for high prices. Given the seating options and access to the internet and charging stations, airport lounges are also conducive to getting work done while on the run. Furthermore, most airport lounges are child-friendly with dedicated play zones, which can reduce the stress felt by parents travelling with tired children. The best airport lounges in the world also provide leisure and wellness services.
How do I access an airport lounge?
Airport lounges are available to passengers travelling on business or first-class tickets, passengers who have achieved certain tiers within an airline membership scheme, or passengers carrying particular credit cards. Sometimes, access to an airport lounge may be purchased for a specific period of time.
What is the best airport lounge access app?
LoungeBuddy and PriorityPass are considered the best smartphone apps for finding and gaining access to the best airport lounges around the world.
What is the largest airport lounge in the world?
Emirates First-Class Lounge in Dubai is believed to be the largest airport lounge in the world. Known as one of the best airport lounge facilities, Emirates First Class Lounge boasts a full-service restaurant, bar, spa, private showers, and an in-lounge duty-free boutique. These lounges are exclusive to passengers flying in first or business class or as an upgrade for Skywards members.
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