5 elegant airline lounges worth a visit

Summary

• Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive clubhouses offer first-class amenities, from specialty foods to relaxing spa treatments.
• Air France’s La Premiere Lounge at CDG offers exclusive services and fine cuisine by Alain Ducasse.
• Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal in FRA offers luxurious amenities including private cabins, bathtubs and concierge service.

Commercial flights in executive class are all about elegance, luxury and personalization. While full-service airlines offer their executive customers a comfortable and luxurious experience in the air, they also pamper them with upfront treatment on the ground. From themed interiors and beautiful furnishings to exquisite meals and beverages, the benefits of first class generally begin before boarding.

This article explores some of the most elegant and luxurious airport lounges.

1 Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• Upper class passengers
• Flying Club Gold Members
• Confirmed Virgin Atlantic First Class Passengers
• Day passes can be purchased by Main Cabin Select guests and Elevate Gold members.

Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive clubhouses are some of the most elegant lounge areas and are located at several major airports in London, New York, California, Washington DC, Hong Kong and Johannesburg.

• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
• New York-JFK (JFK)
• Newark Liberty Airport (EVR)
• Boston Logan Airport (BOS)
• Washington Dulles (IAD)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• Hong Kong Airport (HKG)
• Johannesburg Airport (JNB)

The lounge offers its elite guests an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, pampering them with specialty dishes, desserts and cocktails. The lounge also offers several quiet areas where passengers can get work done and hold business meetings. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK Airport offers additional amenities, including chair and private massages, premium salon services and pool tables. Each Clubhouse area features different colors and aesthetics that are pleasing to the eye and accentuate the respective atmosphere.

2 Air France La Premiere Lounge

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

The French airline offers one of the most exclusive first class products on board its aircraft. With only four exclusive first class seats, passengers feel the warmth that the airline and French culture have to offer. On the ground, it is no different for Air France’s elite first class guests. The tranquil La Première Lounge in Terminal 2E at CDG is known for its simplicity and elegant design.

The coveted lounge offers a dedicated concierge service and special arrangements for each passenger. The lounge offers several high-end services, including:

• A complimentary 30-minute Sisley spa treatment
• Shower suites (with bathrobes, slippers and Biologique Recherche toiletries)
• Concierge service to and from the aircraft, à la carte dining

The lounge offers a la carte dining under the direction of legendary chef Alain Ducasse. The exclusivity of ingredients and the delicacy of the food at La Premiere Lounge can put many Michelin-starred restaurants to shame. The lounge offers specialty drinks, cocktails and a huge selection of French pastries and desserts. When it’s time, the dedicated concierge service will drive guests to their flight.

3 Lufthansa First Class Terminal

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Unlike many airlines that offer special lounges to their elite customers, the German carrier can use the entire terminal at its Frankfurt hub. The 1,858 square meter First Class Terminal at FRA offers some of the best deals for Lufthansa’s international first class passengers. The special facility offers its own advantages that further enhance the travel experience. Having a dedicated terminal means that first class passengers can bypass the main terminal entirely.

The Lufthansa First Class Terminal offers:

• Dedicated check-in counters
• A private security checkpoint
• A passport control station

The terminal offers unique work and relaxation spaces, bathrooms and showers, a selection of à la carte dining options and a range of European delicacies. Other amenities include:

• Private pods with luxurious bedding
• Shower suites with bathtubs
• Extensive selection of food and drinks
• Concierge service in the terminal
• At boarding time, guests are chauffeured directly to their flight.

4 Emirates First Class Lounge

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Platinum members (together with a guest)
• First class passengers

With over 9,300 square metres of lounge space, it is one of the largest airport lounges in the world. The lounge is distinctly decorated in Emirates colours, with most of the interiors, furniture and fittings in gold and beige tones. Located in Terminal 3 at DXB, the lounge stretches the entire length of the terminal and offers its first class passengers a large and private space.

Platinum members can bring one guest, regardless of travel class. The accompanying guest must travel on the same flight number as the lead passenger (member). The Emirates Lounge offers a wide range of amenities, including:

• Moët & Chandon champagne tasting
• A complimentary 15-minute treatment at Timeless Spa
• A private cigar room
• Work and meeting rooms
• Shower spas
• Pillows and blankets

The huge guest-only area also offers a selection of international dishes, desserts and cocktails. When it’s time, guests can catch their flight directly from the lounge.

5 Qatar Airways Al-Safwa Lounge

Doha International Airport (DOH)

Qatar Airways, one of the three major airlines in the Middle East, places great importance on providing an outstanding experience for its elite guests. From cathedral-like ceilings to elegant furnishings, Qatar Airways’ Al-Safwa First Lounge offers an architectural ambience at first glance. The grandeur of the space, the bright colors of the interior and the individual selection of pieces convey the atmosphere of an “art exhibition.”

The lounge offers:

• Over a dozen private rooms
• Single beds with luxurious bed linen
• Private desks.
• En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower
• A complete spa, massage and facial treatments
• A whirlpool room

Whether you are travelling alone or with a company, Qatar Airways’ dedicated staff will ensure you receive the best treatment before your flight. Of course, the space offers a wide selection of hot and ethnic dishes as well as a wide range of international dining options. Likewise, desserts and beverages include everything from Middle Eastern delicacies to offerings for Western palates.