Summary
- PS offers luxury lounge experiences in two airports – like private jet travel, with personal service, great food, and private TSA checkpoints.
- Chase Reserve Suites in NY’s LaGuardia offer a high-end airport experience for premium cardholders with exclusive amenities.
- Air France La Premiere lounge in Paris CDG and Qatar Airways’ Al Safwa lounge in Doha rank among the top first class lounge options globally.
There are plenty of excellent airport lounges around the world. The lounge experience has grown and changed since the early days of business or first class lounges for ticketed passengers. Lounge access is now commonly offered as an elite status benefit, and there are many options for third-party lounges with membership schemes or pay-as-you-go entry. Lounge offerings have expanded, too, with many top-end lounges offering much more than seating, WiFi, and food and drink.
A few lounges around the world stand out as real luxurious oases. These are the sort of places you would want to visit, regardless of taking any flight! We take a look here at a few of the best in the US, and other countries.
PS (Private Suites) in Los Angeles and Atlanta
It is fair to say that standard airline lounges in the US are not world-leading. With many people having access through memberships, elite status, or credit cards, they can often be busy and underwhelming. This has improved with higher-end lounge offerings, such as American Airlines’ Flagship lounges and United’s Polaris lounges.
For real stand-out options, there are a few third-party lounges that offer much more. Private Suite, branded as PS, is a relatively new third-party lounge offering with just two locations in Los Angeles (LAX) and Atlanta (ATL). There are plans to open further facilities soon in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA).
Photo: Private Suites (PS)
The offering here is more akin to what you would see with private jet travel. They are located away from the main terminals, with personal service, private TSA checkpoints, and a direct chauffeur to the aircraft.
Photo: Private Suites (PS)
In the lounge, there is an extensive drink and cocktail selection, chef-prepared meals, and even massages and haircuts while you wait.
Guests can choose from an open (but still quiet and exclusive) common lounge (known as The Salon) or book a private group suite for the ultimate in privacy. The lounge and transfers are also available on arrival.
As you would expect, such facilities don’t come cheap (certainly a lot more than the $79 for day access with American Airlines AAdmirals Club, for example). Access currently costs $1,095 per person and $4,850 for up to four people in a private suite space. There are also membership options for regular users.
There may be a chance to use PS when flying, as Starlux Airlines currently offers access to first class passengers flying out of Los Angeles (the Qantas first class lounge is another option).
Chase Reserve Suites lounge in New York LaGuardia
Chase operates several private lounges in the US and around the world (as does American Express). These are luxurious facilities available to premium cardholders, and are an excellent choice for lounging.
Chase takes the lounge concept further in New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The lounge in LGA is located in Terminal B, post-security on the 4th floor.
Photo: Chase
In addition to the standard member lounge, Chase has added an exclusive additional ‘lounge within a lounge’ operating here, known as Chase Reserve Suites. There are three private suite areas, which can be reserved by cardholders, offering a much higher level of service and privacy.
The Reserve Suites offer:
- A dedicated host.
- Caviar service on arrival.
- Exclusive food menus from Jeffrey’s Grocery and wine from Parcelle.
- In-suite entertainment, including TV and speaker.
- Private bathrooms with spa showers.
As with PS, this level of airport luxury comes with quite a fee. While access to the standard lounge is a benefit for cardholders, the Reserve Suites cost an extra $2,200 for up to four people and $3,000 for up to eight (according to reporting by Conde Neste Traveller).
Air France first class lounge, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Outside North America, airlines often lead the way. Several airlines offer outstanding top-level or first class lounges at their hub airports. Which is the best comes down largely to personal preference and whether the location works for you.
You won’t go too far wrong with any dedicated first class lounge. But to put things in some order, consider the latest awards from SkyTrax. In the 2023 World Airline Awards, Air France took top place for first class lounge. Its first class La Premiere lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is certainly outstanding.
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This is an exclusive lounge for ticketed first class Air France passengers (a tough cabin to get into). Access includes a private concierge service to escort you to the lounge and the aircraft. The lounge has a relatively simple and relaxed design but offers plenty of facilities, including showers, a spa, and a sleeping area.
As you would expect, the food and drink are excellent. The menu is prepared by three-time Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse (as is food onboard). Drinks include Veuve Cliquot Le Grande Dame champagne.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa first class lounge, Doha
Sticking with the 2023 World Airline Awards, second place for first class lounge went to Qatar Airways. The airline operates a number of lounges at its Doha hub, but the Al Safwa first class lounge is something special. This is an impressive, airy space, open to ticketed first class passengers and Qatar Airways Privilege Club top-level elite members (but not oneworld elites – there are separate lounges for this). Business class Qatar Airways passengers can upgrade for QAR 600 ($165).
The Al Safwa lounge has a grand design, taking elements and inspiration from the Doha Museum of Islamic Art. It features a high ceiling, Islamic design elements, and plenty of artwork. There is a space, jacuzzi area, and private resting rooms with full-size beds and bathrooms—as well, of course, as extensive dining options.
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Cathay Pacific first class lounges, Hong Kong International Airport
Cathay Pacific’s lounges were placed seventh in Skytrax’s 2023 awards, but deserve a mention. There are two large lounges at Hong Kong International Airport (alongside several business class lounges), and these are very popular with frequent flyers.
Facilities include a full-length bar, waiter-service restaurant, message service, and cabanas with full baths. The gallery below has some pictures of these lounges.
The Cathay lounges are also more accessible than many other airline first class lounges. Unlike some airlines (including Qatar Airways), Cathay does not operate separate lounges for ticketed passengers and elite members. All Cathay Diamond members, plus anyone with oneworld Emerald status, can access these lounges. This could even be on short regional flights in economy class with Cathay – making for some very luxurious affordable travel.
What do you make of the lounges discussed here? Have you visited any of these or any other outstanding lounges? Feel free to share and discuss in the comments section below.