These exclusive areas offer travelers desirable amenities to stay comfortable before their flight. However, not all airport lounges are created equal. Some airports go above and beyond with luxurious features that appear out of reach for someone who is about to be crammed for hours in a middle seat.
Look beyond these top-tier airport lounges to relax and enjoy some nice perks before flying. We also discuss how you can access these areas on your next trip.
Air France La Première Lounge in Paris
After strolling along the Seine and admiring the Eiffel Tower, end your trip by relaxing in the opulent Air France La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. The satisfactory dining table service available in the lounge allows you to enjoy a snack, full meal, or cocktail. There’s also a spa where you can get Botanical treatments, facials, and body treatments.
You must be a first-class passenger on an Air France flight to gain access. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a ticket, you could use one of the airport’s less expensive lounges. Passes range in price from €35 to €60, depending on your terminal, and you can also pay with Miles.
United Polaris Lounge in Chicago
Chicago is home to one of the country’s most upscale airport lounges. The United Polaris Lounge’s extensive buffet and full-service bar will help you feel satisfied before takeoff. Quiet suites and showers are available to feel refreshed before long-distance travel itineraries.
How to Get There: The Polaris Lounge is accessible to United business class passengers. For $59, other travelers can purchase a one-time pass to use this lounge. If you’re a frequent flier, consider buying an annual membership for $650.
Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge in Hong Kong
Would you like to enjoy a glass of champagne as you wait to board your flight? You are greeted in the Wing first class lounge with a fine champagne. The fact that this lounge is in Hong Kong makes it the ideal place for travelers who are departing from or changing terminals.
One of the workstations is available for guests to use while unwinding in a temperature-controlled Cabana with a tub, rain shower, and day bed. You can also go to The Haven restaurant, which offers a menu that combines Western and Asian cuisine.
To gain access, you must fly first class on a Cathay Pacific or Oneworld airline. Emerald status from Oneworld’s top tier is also required to access it.
Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy relaxing in Dubai’s Emirates First Class Lounge. Before boarding your flight, you can savor some vintage wines in the Le Clos Wine Cellar. Passengers can also benefit from direct boarding, shower spas, and a cigar bar.
How to Access: First Class, Business Class, and eligible Emirates Skywards customers are welcome to use this lounge at no cost. Other travelers can pay $300 to access this lounge for up to four hours.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha
Once you enter the Al Safwa First Lounge, you won’t even remember being in an airport. Sandstone and marble accents decorate the area, drawing inspiration from Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. Additionally, visitors can take in the impressive water feature, the fine art installations, and even the museum artifacts that have been borrowed.
The amenities in this lounge match its opulent decor. Take advantage of the spa’s vital services, the jacuzzi, or the restaurant’s Arabic-influenced menu. A complete business center and a cinematic media room are also available.
How to Get There: This lounge is accessible to First Class passengers and Privilege Club Platinum members flying Business Class on Qatar Airways. Additionally, those travelers can lend up to two guest passes to friends or family members.
Etihad First Lounge in Abu Dhabi
The Etihad First Lounge has a lot of positive aspects. Located in the Abu Dhabi airport, this upscale area has a restaurant serving food with Middle Eastern and travel-related influences. You can reserve a private lounge, work out in the gym, and unwind with a beverage from the Etihad cellar. How to Get There: No matter which cabin you’re in, you can pay to enter this lounge. At $180 per adult, it’s reasonably priced when compared to other first-class lounges.
The Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas
Visitors to The Centurion Lounge can anticipate a satisfying meal. The lounge offers a menu created by chef Kim Canteenwalla with regional influences. Along with delicious food, guests can enjoy other cozy amenities like the family room, premium bar, television, and other home comforts. How to Access: For the use of American Express cardholders, there are more than 40 Centurion lounges located in airports around the globe. You can search online to determine whether your card qualifies. Guests may accompany members for a fee of $50 per person.
First Class Terminal in Frankfurt
A first-class lounge is the best thing possible. There is a first-class terminal at Frankfurt Airport. This terminal, reserved only for first-class passengers, is more than 19,000 square feet. They can go to the bar, where they can pick from more than 130 different whiskies. There are plenty of lounge chairs, a cigar bar, and fine dining options.
Accessibility: Passengers traveling first class must enter this terminal, but companions with valid boarding passes may be admitted as guests.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London
It makes sense that the Heathrow Airport Clubhouse is compared to a five-star hotel rather than a lounge. Order food in the Brasserie, lounge on the roof terrace, rejuvenate in the relaxation areas and enjoy a stress-free airport experience. You can even work up a sweat on one of the Peloton bikes that look out over the runway.
How to Access: This lounge is accessible to passengers flying Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, Delta One, Flying Club Gold members, and many other cardholders.
ANA SUITE LOUNGE in Tokyo
The ANA SUITE LOUNGE at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is the pinnacle of stylish airport lounges. There is a ton of contemporary furniture made for both working and unwinding. If you start to feel peckish, chow down at the buffet, noodle bar, or restaurant-style meals. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, massage chairs, and shower rooms.
First-class passengers and Diamond Service Members are eligible on ANA-operated or Star Alliance flights. They may also invite one additional person.
Is it worthwhile to pay for airport lounges?
There are many justifications for spending money on an airport lounge pass. They might want to relax in more comfortable seats, escape the hubbub in the terminal, or work in a more peaceful setting. Whether or not that would be useful while traveling is entirely up to you.
Look into more reasonably priced lounges if you don’t need the flash and glamor that first-class lounges provide. Despite waiting at your gate, you can still benefit from luxuries that are nice to have.
Purchase Lounge Passes Online
How can passengers in a coach who don’t have automatic access to airport lounges get access? Start by investigating the benefits of your credit card. A network of Centurion Lounges around the world is accessible to some American Express cardholders, for instance.
According to CNN, depending on your required visits, you can purchase a lounge membership, which costs anywhere between $99 and $429 annually. Additional strategies for getting a seat in an airport lounge include:
- Obtaining an elite airline status;
- Purchase a one-time pass and;
- Fly internationally in a premium cabin.
Featured Image: Unsplash © Mohamad Ilham Fauzan
