Departures magazine, published by American Express, has an article this month on their top ten airport lounges.
Departures comments:
Instead of feeling like the wrong side of a quarantine—and serving decidedly lack-luster food (everyone’s had a run-in with those dreaded airport “panini”)—these lounges are oases offering first-rate amenities, privacy and calm. It’s all so good, in fact, you might even want to get to the airport early. Consider how much improved an airport experience would be if you had an entire terminal to yourself, as at the Premium Terminal at Doha International, which is operated by Qatar Airways. A nearly 100-foot-tall vertical garden (not to mention a Payot Paris day spa) greets passengers at Qantas’s First Lounge at Sydney Airport, and thoughtful elements (noise-dampening felt walls, Marimekko tableware, elegant Finnish and Nordic furniture designs) mark the Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport. Freshly made Japanese noodles or a true fine-dining experience at restaurant Haven can be had at The Pier at Hong Kong International Airport.
Their list includes:
- Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse
- British Airways Concorde Room Heathrow
- Etihad Diamond First Class Lounge – Abu Dhabi
- Finnair Lounge – Helsinki
- Lufthansa First Class – Frankfurt
- The Pier, Hong Kong
- Qantas First Lounge – Sydney
- Qatar Premium Termina – Doha
- Singapore SilverKris Lounges, Singapore Changi
- Swiss Lounge – EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg
Full descriptions of the lounges, their services, and accompanying pictures can be found in the article slideshow.
Thoughts? Any amazing lounges that are missing? Honorable mention to the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai? What’s your favorite airport lounge?
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15 comments
Pretty good list. I’m a bit surprised they chose the Virgin Clubhouse at JFK over the one at LHR.
I would say that the Thai Airways First Class lounge could nudge at least one of those on the top 10 down to number 11.
The Turkish lounge in Istanbul is probably deserving of an honourable mention.
@JimInSin – Totally agree, Thai FC and Turkish could easily make the list. The Turkish lounge never seems to garner the same attention as the others, but it’s truly phenomenal.
Right? I mean, they have complimentary suites to rest in, roaming masseuses that wont accept tips, a movie theater and bluetooth-ready showers with 3 different shower heads (I found the rain shower to be my favorite)
Where’s Emirates at DXB?
@Gene – One of my favorites!
I prefer The Wing at HKG than The Pier… I also am surprised that Thai’s FCL isn’t on the list.
@Jimgotkp – Might be due to the current renovation taking place at The Wing – http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_IN/atairport/hklounge_wing
How is Turkish not on the list, or at least the Honorable Mention???
@Ivan – 100%. Mentioned below that the Turkish lounge never seems to garner the same attention as the others, but it’s truly phenomenal.
Air France CDG
Cathay Pacific at SFO
Turkish at IST
Both on Executive Traveler top 10 list.
Any of these available via the amex plat/ priority pass select?
Best one of the list above has to be the Lufthansa 1st class in Frankfurt. Makes you feel like you are in heaven….makes you want to fly even more often.
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