With food by Michelin-starred chefs and spa treatments, these luxe lounges are destinations in their own right.
There are two types of travelers: Those who amble into an airport with hours to kill and those who make a mad-dash to the gate with seconds to spare. The best airport lounges in the world will convince you to be the former.
Most airports aren't exactly the lap of luxury, with fast food joints and coffee shops swarming with comically long lines. Some are the exception, not the rule, but if you're a savvy traveler there's a sure-fire way to make your jet-setting experience more enjoyable.
Frequent fliers and first-class travelers know to make a beeline for the airport lounge, where they can relax or work in style while waiting for their flight to board. Lounges might seem out of reach for the average traveler, but many are surprisingly easy to access (you'll most likely have to pay a fee), but the one-time cost is often worth it for long layovers, or for the luxury experience itself.
Of course, not all airport lounges are created equal. While some might appear bare bones with only a sad buffet station and beat-up armchairs, the best airport lounges are destinations in their own right. They make arriving early to the airport more than worth it, providing not only top-notch service and gourmet food, but also unique amenities such as spa services, private offices, luxury car rentals, and more.
Before you fly, check out our list of the best airport lounges in the world. It might finally inspire you to apply for that travel credit card you’ve been eyeing.
Best Airport Lounges in the World
1. Air France La Première Lounge
Paris-Charles De Gaulle, France
It’s a big oui from us when it comes to Air France’s first-class cabin, so it’s no surprise its first-class lounge at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport is top notch. For lucky travelers flying La Première and connecting through CDG, you’ll have a driver waiting for you as soon as you step off the plane to whisk you to the lounge. Upon entry, you’ll notice the red-and-white-themed space is divided into two rooms—one open space perfect for working or reading from and a smaller one with big sofas to relax on. Weary travelers can rest their head on actual beds or daybeds depending on what’s available, or book a complimentary 30-minute spa treatment. The cuisine is curated by chef Alain Ducasse (think seared scallops with potatoes and caviar), and it wouldn’t be France without an excellent selection of wine.
Hours and access: La Première Lounge is open from 6a.m. to 9p.m., and available to all travelers flying in the eponymous cabin. Access can also be purchased if you're departing on an Air France or Delta flight from CDG that’s not equipped with La Première cabins for 500 euros or 75,000 miles.
2. Qantas First Lounge
Sydney Airport, Australia
Qantas’ First Lounge in Sydney is arguably the best in the country. The sprawling space is segmented by dramatic European oak frames that add visual intrigue to otherwise minimalistic decor. Spend time in the library reading, get work done in the business center, or grab a gourmet meal at Rockpool by Neil Perry. Our personal recommendation is to get a cocktail from the bar before heading over to the spa for a complimentary 20-minute treatment. Another iconic postmark of the lounge is its vast and unexpected greenery designed by tropical botanist Patrick Blanc. There's a large vertical garden at the lounge entrance and plant-lined walls in the spa’s treatment rooms.
Hours and access: The First Lounge is open from 5a.m. until the last scheduled Qantas international departure, and available to first-class fliers on Qantas, Emirates, or Oneworld partner flights. Certain Qantas, Emirates, and Oneworld elites departing on Qantas, Emirates, or Oneworld partner airline flights can also enter. If you’re not flying first, you can purchase access to the lounge or use airline miles.
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3. American Express Centurion Lounge
San Francisco International Airport, California, U.S.
This luxe lounge by American Express was just expanded at the end of 2022 to accommodate a growing number of travelers. There's more seating, bigger bathrooms, an additional dining area, and more shower suites for those in need of a refresh. In between working or relaxing, feast on fare by chef Ravi Kapur; complement your meal with a seasonally rotating flight of local wine at the bar.
Hours and access: The Centurion Lounge is open from 7a.m. to 7p.m. daily and available to all American Express card members with a Centurion- or Platinum-branded card, such as The Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card. The caveat to this lounge is that you can’t simply purchase access—it all depends on what’s in your wallet.
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4. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge
Hamad International Airport, Qatar
Travelers can expect the utmost opulence from every aspect of their experience at Al Safwa—the highest-tiered lounge by Qatar Airways within Doha Airport. The word “cavernous” doesn’t cut it. With soaring ceilings, a high-shooting (photo-worthy) fountain, a waterfall wall, art by esteemed artists like Keith Haring, and ancient artifacts on display, this feels more like a museum than an airport lounge. After you’re done ogling, take a seat in an armchair, or head upstairs for a meal or cocktail. Those with a long layover should try to snag a private room in the “Quiet Area,” which are first-come, first-serve and come decked with a twin bed, desk, television, private bathroom and more. The QSpa is also accessible, but unfortunately there are no complimentary services.
Hours and access: The Al Safwa Lounge is open 24/7 and is accessible to all Qatar and Oneworld first-class flyers. It’s worth noting the business class lounge, Al Mourjan, is also stunning, and Qatar recently added three more lounges to its Doha dossier: Platinum, Gold, and Silver, open to both Privilege Club loyalty members and equivalent Oneworld status members. Those flying business class can also purchase access to Al Safwa for roughly $165.
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5. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
London Heathrow International Airport, United Kingdom
As one would expect from the “fun” airline, Virgin Atlantic’s flagship London Clubhouse is a great reflection of its unique ethos, providing travelers to Heathrow with a covetable space to kick back in before (or in between) long-haul flights. The main attraction here is its huge bar lounge, the perfect place to unwind with a drink and potentially meet fellow travelers, or enjoy afternoon tea. While the pandemic unfortunately put an end to its salon, there are now Peloton bikes that can be reserved for a quick workout, a billiards table, cozy seating, and delicious dining. Perhaps the best feature, though, is the Clubhouse’s open-air rooftop, from which you can relax and watch planes take off.
Hours and access: The Clubhouse is open from 6a.m. to 10:30p.m., or the latest Virgin Atlantic departure, and is accessible to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One flyers. Certain cardholders (such as those with Delta SkyMiles Diamond or Platinum Medallion), can also enter.
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6. Etihad First Lounge & Spa
Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates
Not many lounges in the world offer an actual gym, let alone a Six Senses Spa, style and shave barbers, a nail salon, and more. These luxe features are all part of Etihad’s 16 different lounge zones, whose functions range from total relaxation to a space for children to play. Grab an Arabic coffee and dates on the open foyer before heading to the cigar lounge for a luxurious smoke session, or to the Champagne bar for a glass of bubbly. Complimentary 15-minute sessions are available at the spa, and shower suites are up for grabs by request, featuring everything from a marble vanity and private toilet with bidet to Acqua di Parma products to use after you rinse.
Hours and access: The First Class Lounge is open 24/7, and is accessible to those arriving in or departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport with Etihad Airway’s First Class or The Residence, travelers with Etihad Guest Platinum status, or by paying a fee depending on the class you’re flying in.
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7. Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge
Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul
Most of the luxurious lounges on this list have plenty to offer in terms of relaxation, but CIP Lounge by Turkish Airlines takes it a step further when it comes to entertainment: Take advantage of the golf simulator, cinema, pool table, and video game consoles. It can get a bit crowded thanks to the fact it’s available to both first- and business-class travelers, but that doesn’t detract from the experience (especially because the lounge is a whopping 60,000 square feet). Hungry travelers can head to the restaurant to indulge in Turkish cuisine, try Turkish beers, or even visit a Turkish tea garden for—you guessed it—Turkish tea.
Hours and access: Both the Miles & Smiles and Business Lounge are open 24/7, and both are nearly identical in appearance and amenities. The Business Lounge is available to business-class passengers flying Turkish Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, and Star Alliance Gold status holders flying in economy. Elite and Elite Plus members of the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program and Star Alliance Gold travelers can enjoy the Miles & Smiles Lounge. You can also purchase lounge access.
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8. Thai Airways Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
There’s a reason why this lounge by Thai Airways is called “Royal.” The experience is meant to make weary travelers feel like royalty, thanks to top-notch service and amenities. A fast-track through security and departure procedures already makes the hassle of flying easier, starting with pick-up service in a golf cart. Arrival at the lounge is marked by the offering of water and a cold towel before you’re whisked to one of the seating areas to decompress. For further relaxation, sign up for a whopping one-hour-long complimentary spa treatment, then take advantage of amenities such as steam rooms and saunas. An a la carte restaurant is available if you’re hungry, offering Thai food, coffee, cocktails and more; or you can request your food and drinks be sent to wherever you’re seated in the lounge.
Hours and access: Royal First Lounge is open from 5a.m. until 1a.m. every day, and is accessible to any Royal First Class or First Class passengers departing on a flight the same day, as well as any Royal Orchid Plus Platinum card holders departing on a Thai Airlines flight.
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9. Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Frankfurt Airport, Germany
Forget a lounge, German airline Lufthansa has created an entire terminal for its first-class passengers departing or connecting through Frankfurt. Here, experience private security and passport control even before entering the 20,000-square-foot lounge filled with a variety of cushy seating, a white tablecloth restaurant, a cocktail bar offering rare spirits and over 130 varieties of whiskey, and more. Those in need of a rinse can request a shower suite, some of which include a bathtub. Travelers with work to do can head to one of five workstations—each appointed with a sliding door and office setup. A cigar lounge is available to those who desire a smoke, and the pièce de résistance is the luxury car service that delivers you directly to your plane once it’s time to take off.
Hours and access: First Class Terminal is open from 5:30a.m. until 10p.m., and available to those flying first class on Lufthansa or SWISS flights that day. Those with HON Circle Elite status can also use the terminal for any same-day Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian flights.
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10. Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge
Muscat International Airport, Oman
Perhaps the most eye-catching lounge on this list (which is saying something), Oman Air’s First Class Lounge at MCT is quite literally gilded—with wavy wall and ceiling details. Where some lounges tend to feel a bit too bustling for true relaxation, this one is usually sparse, thanks to a limited amount of first-class flights available. For context, there’s only one each day to London Heathrow, and the only other destination where you can fly first class is Salalah. Golden accents can be found everywhere, even in the shower suite, restaurant, and cocktail bar. Enjoy an a la carte meal or spa treatment before your flight.
Hours and access: The First Class Lounge is open 24/7 and available to those flying first class on Oman Air. If you aren’t one of the few flying first class, try Business Class Lounge, which is accessible to business- and first-class passengers, as well as Oman Air Sindbad Silver or Gold Members.
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