Summary
- Dubai is one of the top autumn destinations with a cooling climate, offering posh airport lounges.
- Bangkok is a sunny budget-friendly travel spot with a rich culture and premium airport lounges.
- Seoul is a top destination in East Asia, with extensive flight routes and excellent lounges.
While summer is typically the busiest season (and the most profitable) for travelers and airlines worldwide, autumn and winter offer their ownadvantages, especially for those looking to escape the dark and rainy months.
Priority Pass, thelargestindependent airport lounge access program,has handpicked the top five fall and winter travel destinations from the United States based on global lounge visit data from the last two years.All of these destinations are excellent choices for those wanting to escape chilly autumn weather and enjoy top airports with premium travel experiences.
1
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
Although not the capital of Turkey, Istanbulis consideredto bethe capital of aviation, acting as a bridge between East and West.Istanbul Airport (IST) has long served as amajortravel hub,not only asa gateway to Turkeybut also tothe world.In 2023, the airport handled over 76 million passengers and more than 506,000 aircraft movements.
Photo: tolga ildun | Shutterstock
Priority Pass members have access to three lounges at Istanbul Airport
, including the IGA Lounges in both the
international and domestic terminals. The international terminal lounge features an outdoor terrace, a pool table, and complimentary massage services on most days. Meanwhile, the domestic terminal lounge offers an open buffet with delicious options from both Turkish and international cuisines.
- IGA Lounge, Domestic Terminal
- IGA Lounge, International Terminal
- Pop UpLounge, International Terminal
Turkey’s flag carrier operates several direct flights from the US, including between New York (JFK) and IST, Washington DC (IAD) and IST, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and IST, Miami (MIA) and IST, among others.
2
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Destination airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Priority Pass has handpicked Dubai as one ofthetop five travel destinationsfor this autumn season.Indeed, the scorching summer heat in Dubai begins to cool down, making it ideal for outdoor activities in autumn.
Photo: Yatrik Sheth | Shutterstock
Dubai Airport
is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering a seamless experience for both business and leisure travelers.
According to the airport’s official data
, DXB witnessed a surge in passenger numbers, reaching
a total of
86.9 million in 2023.
It is particularly convenient for those with connecting flights. Programs like Priority Pass
provide access to premium lounges, which include amenities such as
spas, sleeping pods, showers, and gourmet dining.
Passengers can access eight lounges with Priority Pass at DXB airport.
- Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 1
- Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 2
- Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 3A
- Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 3B
- Marhaba Lounge, Terminal 3C
- AhlanBusiness ClassLounge, Terminal 1
- Ahlan Lounge, Terminal 3B
- SkyTeam Lounge, Terminal 1
Notably, Emirates
offers the most direct flight options from various US cities to Dubai (DXB).
3
Bangkok, Thailand
Destination airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is well-known for its vibrant, bustling atmosphere.With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, it provides an ideal escape for travelers seeking warm weather, rich gastronomic experiences, white sand beaches, and diverse culture—all at reasonable prices.
Photo: Tooykrub | Shutterstock
In addition to exploring the city, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), the country’s largest, has been ranked among the top five airports with exceptional lounges, as per Priority Pass.Below is a list oflounges at BKK that areaccessible with Priority Pass.
Domestic Concourse A |
Domestic Concourse D |
International Concourse A |
International Concourse C |
International Concourse D |
International Concourse E |
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|
|
|
|
|
4
Seoul, South Korea
Destination airport: Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
According to Priority Pass, Seoul is another top autumn destination this year. The company emphasizes that the capital of South Korea stands as a beacon“for travelers exploring East Asia during the autumn and winter months.”
Photo: Alla Tsyganova | Shutterstock
In addition, Seoul is home to the country’s largest aviation hub, Incheon International Airport
. The airport is known for its extensive network of international routes.
It is worth noting that ICN accommodated 56 million passengers in 2023, according tothe airport’s official data. Additionally, ICN airport boasts an enhanced travel experience featuring convenient airport lounges.Here is the list of lounges at ICN airport that are accessible with Priority Pass.
Terminal 1 |
Terminal 1 Concourse |
Terminal 2 |
---|---|---|
|
|
Multiple airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Premia, offer direct flights between Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).
5
Lima, Peru
Destination airport: Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)
Lima has been featured in Priority Pass’s list of top autumn destinations andis recognizedas one of the most popular choices for travelers heading to South America. As one of the largest urban areas on the continent, Lima is also home to the second-largest desert in the world after Egypt.
Photo: Travers Lewis | Shutterstock
Peru’s largest airport, Jorge Chaves International Airport (LIM), features four lounges accessible with Priority Pass. Here is the list of lounges at LIM airport:
- Bleriot Bar & Lounge
- El Salon byNewrest
- Hanaq VIP Lounge
- La Bonbonniere
Multiple airlines operate direct flights from the United States to Lima (LIM). Delta Air Lines
and LATAM airlines
offer direct service between New York (JFK) and LIM. Meanwhile, Sky Airlines Peru operates direct flights from Miami (MIA) to LIM.