Curious to see how the other half lives? Take a peek inside these upscale airport lounges, where cramped cabins and crowded security lines become a distant memory. From French champagne to private napping rooms, these luxurious airport lounges are sure to satisfy your need to be pampered.
Want to get access to lounges, but don't have airline status? Check out our roundup of the best credit cards for airport lounge access.
Emirates First-Class Lounge
Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates
The city of Dubai is known for its over-the-top opulence and the Emirates First-Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport is no exception. First-class passengers are able to access this exclusive space, which is both indulgent and massive. Running the length of the terminal, the sheer size and abundance of amenities offered by Emirates are astounding. The lounge provides private duty-free stores for personal shopping, a wine cellar, and a cigar bar. In addition to social lounges, there are quiet zones for sleeping and relaxing, while spa offerings range from massages to hair styling services. Best of all, boarding is hassle-free since elevators allow first-class passengers to access the jet bridge directly from the lounge.
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge
Helsinki Airport, Finland
Should business or pleasure take you to Finland, make sure you spend time in Helsinki’s Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge. It's quite the relaxing way to start or end your trip. Reserved for Finnair frequent fliers in addition to oneworld emerald members, this sleek, modern lounge is sure to impress. Inspired by everything Nordic, from the minimal design aesthetic to the food and beverage provided, the Platinum Wing Lounge feels like a luxurious oasis. With enough seats for 155 passengers, the exclusive space is often uncrowded and quite peaceful. In addition to the private showers available for guests, the lounge also offers a Finnish smoke sauna to sweat out toxins before your next flight.
Qantas First-Class Lounge
Sydney International Airport, Australia
Although Qantas also has first-class lounges in Los Angeles and Melbourne, the lounge at Sydney International Airport is its best byfar. At 23,000 square feet, the space was designed using feng shui principles, which allows for optimum energy flow within the modern décor. The entrance to the lounge features an Instagram-worthy vertical garden and the individual spa rooms are decorated similarly with live plants adorning the walls. In addition to being a business space for working travelers, there are also several cozy reading nooks and open lounging spaces. From the expansive, light-filled windows to the long Carrera marble-top bar, everything about this lounge allows for beauty and ease.
Cathay Pacific, The Pier, First
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific’s first-class lounge, which is simply called The Pier, First, aims to be a welcoming home away from home for travelers. The lounge was intentionally designed in warm, earthy tones with dark wood and bronze finishings used throughout. If you’re hungry, head to “The Dining Room” for a gourmet meal or “The Pantry” to partake in a plentiful buffet. The lounge’s “Living Room” provides plenty of open seating and an inviting horseshoe-shaped bar. If privacy is what you’re after, there are also several individual rooms for napping, lounging, or working. To promote the sense of well being and relaxation we seek in our homes, the spa specializes in reflexology foot massages to revitalize the weariest of travelers.
Air France First-Class Lounge
Charles de Gaulle International Airport, France
Most people fall in love with Paris for its beauty, style, and delectable food. If you’re lucky enough to be a first-class passenger on Air France, you’ll find Charles de Gaulle’s First-Class Lounge is no different. In addition to its gourmet restaurant and bountiful buffet, the chic bar flows with French champagne at all hours of the day. The bathrooms are completely private and spacious shower rooms come equipped with fancy shampoos and cozy robes. Whether you choose to board first or last, you'll be traveling in style.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, United States
This stateside lounge is likely the most attainable on the list since those with the American Express Platinum or Centurion cards are allowed complimentary access. The American Express Centurion Lounge still offers a luxurious respite from the rest of Dallas-Fort Worth, which is a busy hub for American Airlines. During long delays or overnight stays, the Centurion is an elegant place for passengers to recharge and refresh between flights. In addition to private conference rooms, high-speed WiFi, and a computer bar, the Dallas Centurion features a delicious menu crafted by a James Beard Award-winning chef and handmade, complimentary cocktails. Plus, there’s a soundproof room for kids, private showers, and a spa for relaxing amidst the chaos.
Al Safwa First Class Lounge
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Platinum members of Qatar Airways can find five-star luxury when they travel to or through Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. The stunning Al Safwa First Class Lounge is a stunning open space that combines Arabian grandeur with ultramodern features. This oasis of luxury includes cavernous open spaces, which offer a nice respite from a cramped airplane cabin, Islamic art installations, including a waterfall feature, and delicious dining options. Best of all is the lounge's Qspa, where you can relax in a jacuzzi, enjoy a mani-pedi, or find serenity in the relaxation room.
