5 Elegant Airline Lounges Worth Visiting

Executive class commercial air travel is about elegance, luxury, and customization. While full-service airlines offer their executive customers a comfortable and luxurious experience in the air, they also indulge them in a pre-flight treatment on the ground. From themed interiors and beautiful fixtures to exquisite cuisines and beverages, the first class travel perks generally begin before you board.

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 spaces. Located at several hub 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)

Photo: Virgin Atlantic

The lounge offers an elegant and relaxing atmosphere for its elite guests, pampering them with specialty food, desserts, and cocktails. The lounge also offers several quiet areas for passengers to catch up on work and business meetings. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK Airport offers additional amenities, including chair and private massages, high-end salon services, and pool tables. Each Clubhouse area features different colors and aesthetics that are pleasing to the eyes and emphasize the specific vibe.

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2

Air France La Première Lounge

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

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

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

The coveted lounge offers 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 plane à la carte dining

Photo: Air France

The lounge offers à la carte dining led by legendary chef Alain Ducasse. The exclusivity of ingredients and fineness of dining at the La Premiere Lounge can leave many Michelin-starred restaurants behind. The lounge offers specialty drinks, cocktails, and a massive collection of French pastries and desserts. When it is time, the dedicated concierge service drives guests up to their flight.

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3

Lufthansa First Class Terminal

Frankfurt Am-Main Airport (FRA)

Unlike many airlines that offer specific lounges to its elite customers, the German flag carriers has the entire terminal to offer at its Frankfurt hub. The 20,000-square-foot First Class Terminal at FRA has some of the best offerings for Lufthansa’s international first class passengers. The dedicated facility comes with its own perks that further enhance the travel experience. Having a dedicated terminal means first-class passengers can bypass the main terminal completely.

Photo: Lufthansa

The Lufthansa First Class Terminal offers:

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

The terminal offers unique work and resting spaces, bathrooms and showers, a selection of a la carte food, and a range of European delicacies. Other amenities include:

• Private pods with plush bedding
• Shower suites with soaking tubs
• Extensive selection of foods and beverages
• Terminal concierge services
• Guests are chauffeured directly to their flights when it is time for boarding.

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4

Emirates First Class Lounge

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

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

With over 100,000 square feet of lounge space, it is one of the largest airport lounge spaces in the world. The lounge certainly mimics Emirates’ colors, with most interiors, furnishing, and fixtures reflecting gold and beige colors. Located in Terminal 3 at DXB, the lounge runs the entire terminal length, offering large and private space for its first class passengers.

Photo: Sorbis | Shutterstock

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

• Moët & Chandon champagne tasting
• A complimentary 15-minute Timeless Spa services treatment
• A dedicated cigar room
• Work and meeting spaces
• Shower spas
• Pillows and blankets

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The massive real estate dedicated to guests also offers a variety of international foods, desserts, and cocktails. When it is time, guests can access their flight directly from the lounge.

5

Qatar Airways Al-Safwa Lounge

Doha International Airport (DOH)

One of the big three Middle Eastern airlines, Qatar Airways, believes in providing an outstanding experience to its elite guests. From cathedral-like ceilings to elegant fixtures, Qatar Airways’ Al-Safwa First Lounge provides an architectural ambiance from the first look. The grandeur of the space, the light colors of the interior, and the individual selection of pieces give the “art exhibit” vibe.

Photo: Qatar Airways

The lounge offers:

• Over a dozen private rooms
• Twin beds with luxury bedding
• Private work desks.
• En-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers
• A full spa, massage, and facial services
• A Jacuzzi room

Whether you are traveling alone or with a company, Qatar Airways’ dedicated personnel will ensure you get the best pre-flight treatment. Needless to say, the space offers a wide selection of hot and ethnic foods along with a wide selection of international dining options. Similarly, desserts and beverages include everything from Middle Eastern delicacies to choices for Western taste buds.

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