These Are the Best First Class Airport Lounges in the World
Airports are not usually associated with leisure and relaxation, what with stress factors like check-in and immigration; not to mention the fatigue that remains even when one is already on board. (Let’s not even get started with jet lag, but we’ve found ways to combat it.) To those who fly first class or business class, however, flying is made more enjoyable with the vast amenities provided by first class airport lounges. Here, we’ve rounded up the world’s most luxurious. It’s all about the journey, right?
Air France La Première Lounge
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Location: Charles de Gaulle Airport
Unique Feature: Overall dining experience
The Air France lounge at CDG Airport is arrestingly beautiful. It was renovated in 2018, and the redesign harmoniously blends together classic French aesthetic with modern touches. The lounge has a seating capacity of 540 passengers, with a bar created by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, a menu curated by famed chef Alain Ducasse, and a wellness center complete with various spa services.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal
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Location: Frankfurt Airport
Unique Feature: First Class Terminal
Lufthansa takes first class to whole a new level by giving its passengers their own terminal where passengers are whisked away in a luxury car across the tarmac to the airplane before boarding time. The lounge is outfitted with a cigar bar, nap room, and a restaurant catered by DO&CO, which is known for its premium hospitality and catering services.
Swiss First Class Lounge
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Location: Zurich Airport
Unique Feature: Private bedrooms
Near the entrance, guests are greeted by a wine display that spans an entire wall and carries over 1,000 bottles. Fronting it is a table that acts as the Champagne bar—perfect for welcoming drinks. There is also a centerpiece bar flanked by the dining and lounge areas. Lastly, the lounge highlights two private bedrooms with panoramic views of the Alps.
Etihad First Class Lounge
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Location: Abu Dhabi International Airport
Unique Feature: Gym
Etihad’s lounge has all the non-negotiables: a spa, relaxation areas, stellar buffet options, and sophisticated interior design. What sets it apart, however, are its in-house gym and salon, so travelers can stick to their fitness routine and even get a makeover, too. There is also a children’s play area so parents can get a little R&R before the flight (when the challenge of handling children officially begins).
Emirates First Class Lounge
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Location: Dubai International Airport
Unique feature: Direct boarding to the plane
The sprawling first class lounge spans the entire length of the airport and is probably one of the biggest lounges there is. This space gives travelers a lot of privacy, and because of its strategic location, passengers can board their planes directly from the lounge without breaking a sweat. Just make sure you partake of the glorious meals before leaving, because the buffet and bar come well-stocked.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge
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Location: Hong Kong International Airport
Unique Feature: Work suites
The Pier at Hong Kong airport’s Terminal 1 offers flyers an experience of comfort and tranquility with the luxe Cathay touch. Aside from the excellent buffet, the lounge also offers Day Suites and work suites so people could enjoy their privacy and focus on reading or working. What’s more, there is an in-house spa called The Retreat, so you could rejuvenate before your flight.
Qantas First Class Lounge
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Location: Sydney Airport
Unique Feature: Inventive interior design
Qantas is the third oldest airline in the world but the First Class Lounge’s interior design is nothing but outdated. Inspired by the Australian landscape, the futuristic-looking lounge features warm and woody tones. The menu is curated by popular chef Neil Perry. Other than that, it boasts of relaxation and working spaces, plus its own spa.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge
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Location: Hamad International Airport
Unique Feature: Duty-free store
First and foremost, the Al Safwa lounge is massive. From the large entryway, the high ceilings, to its number of rooms, this huge lounge has more than enough to uplift the weary first class traveler. Aside from an array of gourmet dining options that have become characteristic of lounges, Al Safwa takes pride in its many dining areas with different menus. And, there’s a dessert room. There is also a TV room, spa, nap room, a business center, and in-house duty-free shopping.
Singapore Airlines Private Room
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Location: Changi Airport
Unique Feature: A la carte menu and good service
Although Singapore Airlines’ first class lounge isn’t as jampacked as other acclaimed ones, what gives this lounge an edge is its quiet elegance and sumptuous dining options. The interiors strike a balance between old-world sophistication and modern sensibilities with wooden furnishings and marble walls.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge
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Location: Tokyo Haneda Airport
Unique Feature: Dining options
Leave it to the Japanese to curate a refined lounge experience that makes even the essentials simply excellent and worth the visit. Japan Airlines’ first class haven is spacious; there’s plenty of room to wine and dine, or to catch up on sleep. The star of the show, however, is the “Red Room” which houses four zones: a library room, gallery room, playroom, and a bar. Gourmands will definitely enjoy the teppanyaki grill and the sake bar.
Oman Air First Class Lounge
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Location: Muscat Airport
Unique Feature: Check-in area, transportation to airplane
The golden interiors of this lounge are just like everything else it offers—done with good taste. The refreshing ambiance is a stark contrast to the multitude of things and activities on offer: dining facilities, prayer rooms, shower rooms, a business center, a spa, and a children’s playroom. There are even limousines to take passengers from lounge to plane in a jiffy for an extended luxury experience.
British Airways Concorde Room
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Location: London Heathrow & New York JFK
Unique Features: Private cabanas, colorful ambiance
The Concorde Room is the “epitome of elegance” and there is plenty of reason to support this. British Airways redefines luxury by focusing on the passenger who wants nothing but privacy and the finer things in life—that includes a fine dining experience, private cabanas, and excellent service.
Turkish Airlines
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Location: Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Unique Feature: Two floors, spacious relaxation areas
With its imposing arches lined with black and walls painted a heavenly white, the maze-like, two-level lounge of Turkish Airlines is your look into the future. Decorated with lattice-like entryways and a sphere that encases the stairs, the lounge is patio-like but packed with amenities such as a golf simulator, play area, and an overwhelming variety of food.
