The World’s Best Airport Lounges

Seasoned travelers know that the key to keeping frequent long trips comfortable and fun, is taking advantage of the airport lounges. Below is a list of my top 10 favorite airport lounges from around the world. They aren’t listed in any particular order, though the first 3 are definitely my faves.

1. Lufthansa, Frankfurt First Class Terminal

If you are flying first class, this is the best VIP lounge! The Frankfurt First Class Terminal is one of the most luxurious lounges in the world. Their security is discrete and they provide a car service that escorts you directly to the flight. You can even request a cute little rubber ducky if you fancy a shower or a bath while you’re waiting for your flight. Of course, there are also private sleeping rooms, a fine dining restaurant, a cigar lounge, and a large bar.

2. Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge & Spa, Bangkok

You will be escorted directly from check-in, through immigration and to a waiting golf cart that will whisk you away to this impressive lounge. The spa in the Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge is the best of any airport lounge! It is beautifully designed and offers one hour treatments for first class and 30 minute treatments for business class passengers.

3. Air France Lounge, Paris

Once again you will you be escorted via private car to your flight to this exceptionally designed lounge. While you wait in the Air France Lounge you can dine on a menu created by esteemed chef Alain Ducasse and pamper yourself with Biologique Recherché massages, facials, body treatments and more!

4. Qatar Airways, Doha

With high ceilings and stunning architecture, the Qatar Airways Lounge in Doha is of the grandest airport lounges I have seen. My grandma and I had a 10 hour layover in this lounge on our way to Bali and the time passed by much quicker than we could have imagined thanks to their excellent food and red wine selection.

5. Qantas First Class, Sydney

The contemporary decor and interior of the Qantas First Lounge are vibrant and completely unlike any lounge you would experience in the United States. It is clean, quiet and relaxing. The spa here offers complimentary 20 minute massages to help you de-stress from long flights.

6. Swiss Air, Zurich

When I fly to Athens I like to take Swiss Air and reconnect in Zurich as there are no direct flights during the winter months. The Swiss Air Lounge in the main terminal is extremely neat — perfect for a clean freak like me! One of the highlights in this lounge is the chef, who will whip up a delicious omelet on the spot with any ingredients your heart desires.

7. Cathay Pacific, London Heathrow

I recently visited this newly renovated lounge in Terminal 3 and I must say I was very impressed. The restaurant in this First Class Lounge offers freshly prepared dishes made to order. I ate a zucchini pappardelle that was surprisingly delicious! The business class area is just as welcoming, featuring Cathay Pacific’s signature Noodle Bar. This is a great place for anyone who enjoys authentic Chinese delights and international dishes.

8. Emirates, Dubai

This lounge is massive — it stretches throughout the entire terminal and allows passengers to board directly from the lounge. They have a wide variety of food available, including an array of international dishes, a fresh juice and salad bar for the health conscious and a Moet & Chandon champagne bar. They also offer reclining beds and shoe shines.

9. Turkish Airlines, Istanbul

The Turkish Airlines Arrivals Lounge is perfect if you want to freshen up after a long flight. One of the unique things about this lounge is the different variety of baklava that they have available for travelers to enjoy. If you have a long layover, you must take advantage of their cozy private oases. It may not be a hotel room, but each room has a single bed, TV, desk & a phone, making it quite comfortable. There are also spacious showers and ironing services available.

10. Finnair Lounge, Helsinki

The decor in the lounge is very modern and fresh, which I love! The best thing about the Finnair Lounge is their sauna and shower area. Given the freezing temperatures in Helsiniki, it is such a cozy luxury to be able to enjoy the sauna during your layover.