The 20 Best Airport Lounges in the World

Thought overcrowded airports, long check-in queues and gate areas without enough seats were part and parcel of the flying experience? Think again. Some lucky travellers manage to bypass the manic energy of the terminal floor for an airport lounge – an entirely different experience. But not all airport lounges are equal. Good lounges offer complimentary food and drink, ample seating, speedy WiFi and napping pods, but the best boast everything from spas and workout equipment to cigar bars and Michelin-starred dining in surroundings to rival any five-star hotel. So, from Peleton bike workouts to complimentary Finnish saunas, here are the best airport lounges in the world.

To compile this list, we analysed a range of factors including luxury amenities, fine dining options, drinks choices, luxury amenities and facilities, rules around exclusive access and a variety of spaces, including relaxation lounges and workstations. 

20. The Private Room and SilverKris Lounge by Singapore Airlines – Singapore Changi Airport

The Private Room is actually an exclusive room, set inside an exclusive First Class SilverKris Lounge. Reserved for Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class passengers only, the ultra-intimate space features a two-storey living area, a contemporary bistro and four day rooms for weary-eyed travellers, complete with silky smooth sheets, adjustable leather recliner chairs and private shower suites with Lalique amenities. In the SilverKris Lounge, guests can enjoy access to further dining amenities, like barista-made coffee, signature cocktails in the evening and four further day rooms and shower suites. 

19. Icelandair Saga Lounge – Keflavik Airport

The Icelandair Saga Lounge is an oasis of tranquillity right in the heart of the airport. Between its Nordic design and panoramic views of the Reykjanes peninsula and Faafloi Bay, it’s impossible to feel stressed here, even if you are facing hefty delays. There’s an open bar serving signature Icelandic drinks, including Reykavik Distillery speciality liquors, Icelandic Gulf Beers and Reyka Small Batch Vodka. The 14,530 square-foot space features large padded recliners set next to a cosy roaring fireplace for a luxurious slumber too. 

Access is restricted to First Class, Business Class and MVP Gold passengers. 

18. United Polaris Lounge – Newark Liberty Airport

Free-flowing champagne and a la carte dining are just two of many reasons to try and wangle your way into Newark’s prestigious lounge. There are stylish individual work pods for those playing email catchup, daybeds kitted out with plush Saks Fifth Avenue bedding for sleepy travellers and 10 shower suites with rainforest showers and Soho House Cowshed products. There’s also an exceptional concierge service offering everything from valet service to sewing and steaming clothes to polishing shoes. In need of a refreshment? Refrigerators are scattered across the lounge and there’s also a plush bar where bartenders will happily whip up your favourite cocktail. 

United Airlines First Class, Business Class and Gold-grade frequent flyers are entitled to access the lounge. 

17. Oman Air First Class Lounge – Muscat International Airport

The Oman Air First Class Lounge is every inch a grand palace, with marble floors, traditional Arabic latticework and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac. There’s a spectacular bar, offering whisky and champagne tastings and luxury tipples lik an $800-a-bottle Hennessy Paradis cognac. Food-wise, guests can tuck into anything from tasty Arabic mezze to scrambled eggs on toast. At The Spa by Shangri-La, guests can unwind with a range of hydrotherapy, massage and facial treatments or retreat to the steam room. There are also two nap rooms and showers kitted out with Amouage toiletries. 

The Oman Air First Class Lounge is exclusively available to First Class passengers. 

16. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – London Heathrow Aiport

This bucket-list airport lounge is a favourite with passengers, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the Upper-Class Wing of the terminal, it feels more like a five-star hotel than an airport lounge. You won’t have any trouble finding a seat, with Eames chairs, comfy sofas, loungers and 70s-style ball chairs to choose from. There’s a 14-metre cocktail bar, a marble deli area serving fresh bread and pastries, and an impressive restaurant offering buffet and a la carte dining. Upstairs, there’s the plant-field Clubhouse Retreat, pool table loft area and outdoor space with sun loungers for a pre-flight Vitamin D boost. 

The Clubhouse is open to Upper-Class travellers flying Virgin Atlantic, Delta One, Air France or Aeroméxico. Passengers with specific loyalty access are entitled to visit too. 

15. Japan Airlines First Class Lounge – Narita International Airport Terminal Tokyo

Not yet had your fill of sushi? At Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, guests can enjoy made-to-order sushi whipped up right in front of them by trained chefs, served alongside unlimited sake and fine wines. Once you’ve stuffed yourself, you can freshen up in the shower suites, which feature warming toilet seats, singing bidets and high-pressure showers equipped with luxurious toiletries. The main lounge area (JAL’s Salon) features soft, roomy sofas, as well as private phone rooms. 

The First Class Lounge is reserved exclusively for First Class Passengers.

14. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge – Doha International Airport

This enormous 100,000-square-foot lounge encompasses multiple seating, dining and working areas. Unlike most business-class lounges, the Al Mourjan is packed with luxury details, with polished marble floors, contemporary art and a floor-to-ceiling crystal chandelier set above a huge reflecting pool. There’s a handful of dining options on offer, ranging from a global deli and patisserie to gourmet a la carte meals. Customers looking for a quiet spot to work can make use of the private workstations, equipped with display screens. Private family areas feature widescreen TVs, games rooms, a Formula 1 simulator and a children’s nursery. There are separate shower areas for men and women with fluffy towels and Diptique amenities. 

Qatar Airways First Class, Business Class (Elite, Comfort and Classic) and Oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers can access the lounge. 

13. British Airways Concorde Room – London Heathrow Airport

In some ways, the Concorde Room feels more like a private members club than an airport lounge. The lounge features elegant wingback chairs, ottomans and private cabanas, where guests can sleep, shower and eat in privacy. There’s also an indoor terrace, offering sweeping tarmac views. Instead of a buffet, guests can enjoy an a la carte dining experience from breakfast through to dinner or even indulge in a spot of Afternoon Tea. Private bathrooms feature walk-in showers with shower owers and amenities provided by Aromatherapy Associates. For the more musical-minded, there’s even a piano available to play with headphones. 

Access to the Concorde Room is restricted to First Class passengers and Concord Room Card holders. 

12. The Centurion Lounge – San Francisco International Airport

The recently renovated Centurion Lounge at San Francisco Airport is probably the most popular of American Express’s 27 Centurion Lounges – and food plays a big part. Chef Ravi Kapur, who earned a James Beard nomination, has created an impressive menu of locally-inspired dishes, like black vinegar and honey-glazed baby carrots and roasted chicken with cilantro glaze. At the bar, guests can browse an expertly curated cocktail menu from top mixologist Jim Meehan or enjoy the tastes of Napa Valley with wines hand selected by Anthony Giglio. Beyond good food and wine, there’s a library, spacious shower suites and family rooms to provide respite for travellers with children. 

The lounge is open from 5 am to 11 pm for American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card and Centurion card holders. 

11. Capital One Lounge – Dallas Fort Worth Airport

Feeling fit? At Dallas Fort Worth’s Capital One Lounge, there are cycling and yoga rooms kitted out with Peleton bikes and yoga gear for a quick pre-departure workout. Those with less stamina needn’t worry though, there are plenty of cosy soundproof relaxation rooms with state-of-the-art immersive nap pods offering guided mediations to snuggle up inside for a few hours. The coffee bar is excellent, with fresh-brewed coffee, cold brew on tap and a full-service espresso bar with speciality coffee from Cultivar Coffee Roasting company. In the restaurant, guests can tuck into regionally inspired food while at the bar there are drinks created exclusively for the lounge, like a custom pilsner made by 3 Nations brewery. Plush shower suites feature luxury organic toiletries and fluffy towels too.   

To access the lounge, travellers should hold the Capital One Venture X Card, Venture Rewards Credit Card or Spark Miles for Business.

10. SWISS First Class Lounge – Zurich Airport

SWISS First Class Lounge oozes luxury. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a spacious reception adorned with vintage Breitling timepieces and an impressive wine humidor containing 1000 bottles of wine from all across the world. Decor is minimalist, but glamorous, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden panels and leather upholstered armchairs and ottomans. For those looking for some extra shuteye, there are two hotel rooms with double beds, en-suite bathrooms and panoramic views of the alps, as well as several mini-suites. There’s also a champagne bar with four premium bottles of bubbly on ice, immaculate shower facilities and a 353 square metre covered terrace with sweeping tarmac views next to the five-star a la carte restaurant. 

The 8,000-square-foot space can seat up to 80 SWISS First, First Class Lufthansa or HON Circle passengers. 

11. Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport 

SWISS First Class Lounge oozes luxury. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a spacious reception adorned with vintage Breitling timepieces and an impressive wine humidor containing 1000 bottles of wine from all across the world. Decor is minimalist, but glamorous, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden panels and leather upholstered armchairs and ottomans. For those looking for some extra shuteye, there are two hotel rooms with double beds, en-suite bathrooms and panoramic views of the alps, as well as several mini-suites. There’s also a champagne bar with four premium bottles of bubbly on ice, immaculate shower facilities and a 353 square metre covered terrace with sweeping tarmac views next to the five-star a la carte restaurant. 

The 8,000-square-foot space can seat up to 80 SWISS First, First Class Lufthansa or HON Circle passengers. 

7. Air France La Premier Lounge – Charles de Gaulle Airport

For a tres chic airport lounge experience, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better than the Air France La Premier Lounge. The space is split into six areas, including a relaxed lounge area with plush seating and huge flat-screen TVs, a nap zone with semi-private sleep pods and a spa operated by Sisley. Best of all is the full buffet and a la carte menu, designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. The sophisticated bar is just as tempting, with whiskies, champagne and cocktails on offer. Or, for something a little more hydrating, guests can choose from 11 different types of bottled water. To top it all off, guests can enjoy a private BMW transfer to the airport. 

Access to The Premier Lounge is available for first-class Air France travellers or Business Class travellers for an additional fee.

6.  Qantas International First Class Lounge – Sydney Airport 

Qantas International’s flagship First Class lounge regularly ranks as the world’s favourite airport lounge, for good reason. Designed by Marc Newson using the same Chinese Feng Shui principles adhered to in the rest of the airport, the lounge features dazzling wooden beams that divide the lengthy space into sections for lounging and working. There’s a library corner with plush leather sofas and stylish coffee table books, seasonal fare from Australian celebrity chef Neil Perry and a dedicated business centre, with private conference rooms for impromptu meetings. Bathrooms are crafted from Italian Carrara marble and feature rainfall showers, stereo volume and lighting controls and La Gaia products. 

Access is restricted to First Class Qantas, Emirates and Oneworld travellers, as well as Platinum Card members.

5. Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge – Istanbul Airport

This two-storey airport lounge sprawls across a whopping 5,000 square feet. There are pool tables, a library, super-size TV screens, a golf simulator, a self-playing piano, and more. It’s ideal for high-net-worth families too, with playrooms stuffed full of toys and lego, kid loungers and a private infant room to stop little ones from disturbing other fliers. 

Those hoping to catch up on emails can head to the business centre, which is kitted out with PC and Mac desktop computers, a printer and shared workspaces. Feeling sleepy? Take your pick from 15 private suites with plush bedding and a wall-mounted TV or settle into one of the many daybeds dotted around the lounge. Travellers also rate the spectacular self-serve buffets, live cooking stations and open kitchens highly too, so make sure you arrive hungry for your pick of the best mezze, salads and Turkish desserts.

4. Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge – Hong Kong International Airport

Cathay Pacific sets the tone for this elegant lounge right from the get-go, with a self-serve champagne bar at the entrance. Once you’ve picked up a glass of bubbles, there are several spaces to choose from, including The Haven a la carte restaurant, The Atrium buffet and workstations equipped with phones, printers and high-speed web access. But the lounge is best known for its ‘cabanas’, six spa-like sanctuaries featuring a huge walk-in shower with Jurlique amenities, a deep soaking tub, a dedicated ‘pampering’ area and a day bed. You can also request ironing services at the touch of a button; the concierge service will press your clothes while you shower undisturbed. 

The Wing First Class Lounge is available to Cathay Pacific First Class and Oneworld carrier First Class travellers.

3. Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa – Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi isn’t a city known to do things by halves, and the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa is a case in point. This glitzy, glamorous lounge targets the airlines big-spending customers with a cigar room serving special cigars made by the Bolivar Emirati, a Six Senses spa offering a complimentary massage on entry and a Relax and Recline Room kitted out with Plotrona Frau leather chairs. Those travelling with little ones can make use of the playrooms filled with games and toys. There’s even a personal nanny service, with nannies trained at the world-renowned Norland College, on duty at all times. No expense is spared when it comes to winning and dining whether, with Bollinger, customized cocktails and a la carte dining on offer. 

The lounge is open to Etihad Platinum members or travellers can pay $150 for four hours. 

2. Finnair Platinum Wing – Helsinki Airport 

Furnished with soft natural textiles inspired by Nordic nature, the Finnair Platinum Wing is a world away from the whirlwind of Helsinki Airport. The lounge features multiple spaces, including a living room decked out with cosy sofas, an upscale bar for wining and dining, and a dining area with a seasonal buffet and a la carte dining. There’s a dedicated space for working with complimentary WiFi too. Best of all is the Finnish sauna, with private shower suites kitted out with organic skincare amenities. 

Finnair doesn’t offer a First Class service, so to gain access to the space you’ll need to be a Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo, Platinum or OneWorld Emerald member. The space is limited to 155 seats.

1. Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai Airport

The capital of bling deserves a glamorous airport lounge to match – and this airport lounge certainly lives up to the task. Dubai International Airport boasts six airport lounges, but Emirates First Class Lounge in Concourse A is the glitziest. The mammoth 10,000 square feet lounge is one of the biggest first-class lounges in the world. Exclusively available to customers flying in First Class and for Emirates Skywards Platinum members, interiors are kitted out with Italian marble floors, leather couches and gold-plated wall clocks imported from Geneva.

The lounge features designer shower spas, a wine cellar and a Moet & Chandon bar, where guests can enjoy an exclusive champagne-tasting experience with canapes. For something a little more substantial, there’s an all-day a la carte dining menu. The Timeless Spa offers complimentary treatments for those looking to unwind after a long flight. For smokers, there’s a swish Cigar Room too.