Enjoy the VIP Treatment: What’s In The Best Airline Lounges?
The expectations you may have and how they are met will mean that the best airline lounges for you are anything but for someone else. Some people want creature comforts like comfortable seats, showers, and plenty of food and drink. Others prioritize getting work done in a quiet environment with ample electrical outlets and all the right interfaces for their various cable types.
And then there are the travellers who just want to relax before their flight without any distractions of any kind, where peace is only ever interrupted by the tannoy call for a passenger who is now asleep in some quiet corner. So, what creates the best airline lounge and where are the most luxurious airport lounges?
My lounge or yours?
The airport lounge is a facility available at many airports that provides travellers with a place to relax, work, or eat & drink before their flight. There are lounges for first-class and business-class travellers as well as for members of certain airline loyalty programs. Some airport lounges are also available for purchase by any traveller.
Airport lounges are exclusive areas found in most international airports that provide travelers with a comfortable and luxurious place to rest and relax while they wait for their flights. These lounges are usually reserved for passengers flying in business or first class, as well as elite members of certain airline loyalty programs.
One of the best airport lounges is the Delta Sky Club, which can be found in airports around the world and offers a range of amenities including a dining room, shower rooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the airport. The Emirates First Class Lounge is another top choice, with its dining room offering a variety of international cuisine and la carte dining options.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you may want to check out the flagship lounges of various airlines. The American Airlines Flagship Lounge and the United Airlines Polaris Lounge are both highly rated, with the latter featuring private rooms and shower suites for first class passengers. Other top flagship lounges include the Lufthansa Lounge and the Swiss First Class Lounge.
Airport lounges have a long and diverse history, beginning in the late 1930s as private aviation companies sought to provide extra amenities for their VIP customers. After World War II, airline loyalty programs began creating lounges within airports to offer customers even more luxurious experiences. Today, while airlines still offer exclusive lounges for their best customers, there are also plenty of independent airport lounge providers who cater to all types of travellers.
Lounges are becoming increasingly popular with travellers from all walks of life. Intended to provide a more comfortable experience than traditional waiting areas, these relaxing spaces come with an array of services and amenities to keep weary passengers entertained and content until their flight.
Airline Loung Access
Gaining access to airport lounges can be a bit tricky, as they are usually reserved for business class or first class passengers or elite members of certain loyalty programs. However, there are ways to gain access even if you’re not flying in one of these classes. One option is to use a lounge access program such as Priority Pass, which allows members to use a variety of lounges around the world for a fee. Some credit cards, such as the American Express Centurion Card, also offer complimentary lounge access as a benefit.
If you’re flying in business class or first class with a particular airline, you may also have access to that airline’s lounges. For example, business class passengers flying on United Airlines have access to United Club lounges, and first class flyers with Singapore Airlines have access to the Singapore Airlines Lounge.
In addition to the usual amenities found in airport lounges, such as comfortable seating and free food, some lounges also offer additional perks such as spa treatments, outdoor terraces, and cigar lounges. For example, the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Lounge at Heathrow Airport has an outdoor terrace and the British Airways Concorde Room at JFK Airport has a spa.
Lounge-goers can get access to comfortable seats, complimentary snacks, refreshing beverages, power outlets for charging devices, access to Wi-Fi and a variety of other features – all for the price of a lounge membership. For those seeking some peace and quiet away from the bustle of the airport, lounges also offer the perfect refuge in which they can rest while they wait for their flights
Whatever the reason, airport lounges can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal. If you are looking for an airport lounge, be sure to check out the amenities that each lounge offers to make sure it meets your needs.
How to get the most out of a lounge
Most travellers would love to have an airport lounge experience that is comfortable and relaxing and offer a variety of amenities to help make their travel more enjoyable. But how can air travellers make sure they are getting the most out of their experience? Here are a few tips:
- Do your research: Not all airport lounges are created equal. Some may be better suited for business travellers while others may be more geared towards leisure travellers. It is important to do your research ahead of time to find the lounge that best meets your needs and expectations.
- Arrive early: If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxing experience, aim to arrive at the airport lounge early. This will give you more time to enjoy the amenities and take advantage of the complimentary services offered.
- Make use of the amenities: Most airport lounges will offer a variety of amenities such as Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, and TV or reading areas. Be sure to take advantage of these during your visit.
- Take advantage of the complimentary services: Many airport lounges offer complimentary services such as massages, shoe shines, and luggage storage. If these are available, be sure to take advantage of them to help make your travel experience more enjoyable.
- Purchase an upgraded membership: If you find that you often use airport lounges and want to get the most out of your experience, consider purchasing an upgraded membership. This will typically give you access to additional perks and amenities not available to non-members.
Which are the best airport lounges?
As mentioned above, the best airport lounge for you depends on your particular wants and needs, but most people would agree that it should be comfortable, with plenty of choices when it comes to refreshments. People using lounges will be arriving from different time zones at various times of the day, and they will be of differing ethnicities. Consequently, they will want a wide selection of food and drink.
One way to decide which of several lounges to use during your journey through a particular airport is to read online reviews from other travellers. Another way is to ask friends, family, and colleagues for their recommendations, or you could post the question online on social media to see what responses you receive from the wider world.
Cost is another factor. If your airline loyalty card provides the benefit once you reach a certain tier, you may find that you have free access to the airline lounges at any airport that contains them, or at least a discounted entry price. On the other hand, you may have joined an airport lounge pass scheme which gives you discounted or free entry to the lounges on its list in return for an annual fee.
Using the lounge for work
If you’re someone who loves to get work done even while travelling, then you know how important it is to find a good airport lounge with plenty of electrical outlets and a quiet environment. Here are some of the best airport lounges for those who prioritize getting work done.
Here are some examples in the USA:
The United Club at San Francisco International Airport: This lounge features plenty of electrical outlets, as well as fast Wi-Fi and a variety of food and drink options. It’s also relatively quiet, making it ideal for getting work done.
The Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: This lounge also has plenty of electrical outlets and fast Wi-Fi, and it’s usually fairly quiet. They also have a great selection of snacks and drinks.
The American Airlines Admirals Club at Los Angeles International Airport: This lounge has everything you need to get work done, including plenty of electrical outlets, fast Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment. They also offer a complimentary buffet with snacks and drinks.
Airport lounges outside the USA
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is one of the largest and most luxurious airport lounges in the world. With over 26,000 square feet of space, it has everything you could need to relax before your flight, including restaurants, bars, a spa, a movie theatre, and even a napping area.
For travellers passing through Dubai International Airport, the Marhaba Lounge is an excellent option. It offers complimentary food and drinks, showers, Wi-Fi, TV entertainment, and more. Plus, it has amazing views of the runway so you can watch planes take off and land while you relax.
If you’re flying out of London Heathrow Airport, be sure to check out the No1 Traveller Lounge. This stylish lounge has everything you need for a relaxing experience, including delicious food, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating areas, showers, and more. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Airport also has showers, as well as a spa with treatments like massages and facials.
The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Doha has shower suites with rainfall showerheads, private changing areas, and complimentary toiletries.
In conclusion
Using airport lounges around the world can make your flight experience a luxurious and stress-free one. From comfortable seating to complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as access to elite services, it can make a potentially unpleasant experience much more pleasant. Depending on the lounge you choose, some features include Business Centers with printers, Wi-Fi access, rest zones for frequent travellers, options for kids’ entertainment and even private showers. Travelling through airports doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable hassle—take full advantage of these fantastic lounges and enjoy your unique travel experience.
