Top 9 best lounges in the world

Anyone who spends enough time in airports throughout the year knows how important it is to find comfort - especially when your flight schedule does not go as planned. Quiet, serene areas with refreshments and comfortable seating (and ideally a plug nearby) are impossible to find in most airports, unless of course, in the lounges. From private rooms for napping, spa treatments, or fine-dining experiences, some lounges can be a luxury worth splurging on.

Prices can vary depending on which lounges you may want to frequent and which amenities these include. If you are accessing a lounge that is not affiliated with a certain airline, these fees tend to revolve around €30 to €80 per entrance. Lounge memberships, on the other hand, which allow you to access several different lounges all year around, can range between €100 and €400 per year. However, with Flight Delayed Premium, you could gain access to over 1500 lounges worldwide for free whenever you experience a flight delay of at least 1h, or a last-minute cancellation, for only €29.99 per year ! That is less than a single lounge entrance fee. Would you like to experience ultimate comfort when experiencing a flight disturbance? Then get Flight Delayed Premium today!

Airport lounges come in two categories: airline-affiliated lounges and independent lounges. Airline affiliated-lounges are lounges that are operated under a single airline or group, whereas independent lounges grant access to passengers who aren’t necessarily loyal to a single airline, and thus cannot gain access to airline lounges. The 12-month Flight Delayed Premium membership offers access to many of these lounges. Read on to find out more!

Airline-affiliated lounges:

AirFrance La Première Lounge - Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Vastly rated as the best lounge in the world, you can find it in the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. It offers a private car service, driving you to and from your plane, private check-in, and your own security lane. It spans 929 sq. m., and holds around 20 people in the main lounge. They also offer private suites of 45 sq. m. each, accommodating up to 4 people each. It has a bespoke cocktail bar, and a spa offering complimentary Sisley facials. There is a dining experience, curated by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, and special wine pairings. 

You can access this lounge if you are flying in AirFrance’s La Première cabin. Select business-class ticket holders may also access this lounge if the La Première cabin is not available on their flight, for about 990€ per person, per entry. 

Lufthansa First Class Lounge - Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Lufthansa has created and curated a lounge dedicated to its First Class passengers, offering services such as a private security screening area, chauffeur service to and from your plane, and a separate customs and immigration line. This lounge offers a quiet space to unwind, with perks such as private shower rooms including one equipped with a bath, a cigar lounge, a bar equipped with 100 different whiskies, offices if you want to be productive during your wait, or a full-service dining area. 

This lounge is accessible for First Class Lufthansa travellers departing from Frankfurt, or arriving on a First Class Lufthansa ticket, and connecting to a flight operated by Lufthansa, SWISS or Discover Airlines. Hon-Circle members (you can earn this by flying around 30 Business Class flights on Star Alliance airlines throughout one calendar year) are also eligible to the lounge, provided they have a ticket from select airlines ( Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa, Lufthansa City Airlines, SWISS). Those who are travelling with one of these passengers are also eligible to enter the lounge.

Qantas First Lounge - Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

This lounge boasts marble floors and California Knoll furniture. Once inside, you gain access to Neil Perry à la carte dining, private suites and private bookable showers, and lots of available seating. The star of this lounge is the restaurant, taking up roughly one third of the space, and offering a three-course meal menu. The kitchen is open, providing a view of the cooks. There is a 14.6 metre tended marble bar offering all manner of drinks, specifically Australian wines and premium French champagne. 

Access is granted to Qantas First Class ticket holders, and one guest; Qantas frequent flyer members (Platinum or Platinum One) and one guest; OneWorld International First Class customers (Emerald status) and one guest; single entry first class lounge passes, gifted by Platinum One holders. 

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge - Doha Airport (DOH)

This lounge, designed to accommodate a wide number of people, is a space with many luxurious amenities. From exclusive duty free, to bookable spa treatments, massage tables, private suites to rest, a sushi bar, a game room, an art centre or a business centre, there is no shortage of entertainment and pampering at this lounge. The main restaurant offers three-course meals and an open-plan kitchen to add life to your dining experience. 

Access to this lounge is reserved for First Class Qatar Airways passengers, Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class, or OneWorld First Class passengers.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse - London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

This premium lounge offers a fun spirit and atmosphere, making your layover lively and spirited. It boasts an extensive cocktail bar, an à la carte menu, and some Pelotons if you are looking for a workout between flights. It has an observation deck and pool tables for relaxing and enjoying. There is a chauffeur service available to those who book, taking you from your plane to the lounge. 

To gain access to the lounge, you must be flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, First Class on Aeroméxico, Delta One, or some combination thereof.

Independent Lounges

We are now going to be going through a list of independently-operated lounges. These are those that you can buy a single entry to, as they aren’t reserved for particular passengers. Most of the lounges on this list are available to access with our Premium Service (only €29.99 per year!). Make sure you check out our Premium subscription to learn more. 

Chase Sapphire Lounge - La Guardia Airport (LGA)

This lounge is designed for ultimate comfort before your flight. A two-story lounge with luxury amenities such as meditation pods or facial massages is the perfect place to unwind before hopping on another flight. There is an extensive dining selection, including menu items from renowned Manhattan restaurants. They also have a large selection of drinks, including signature cocktails from expert mixologists. This lounge also features a game-room, a photobooth, or private hotel-room like suites to relax in privacy. 

This lounge is accessible to those carrying a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, J.P. Morgan Reserve card, or Ritz-Carlton credit card. Priority Pass passengers may visit the lounge once per calendar year, with every additional visit costing $75 (€65). 

These Chase Sapphire lounges are also available in other international airports, all boasting similar luxurious features (e.g., Hong Kong International Airport).

This lounge is available with our Premium Subscription.

The Pearl Lounge - Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

This lounge, found near security, is a spacious and luxurious area offering 5-star hotel-like service. It is comprised of 10 rooms, each with a distinctive look and feel, offering you with seating for any mood. It includes a game-room, a prayer room, a family room, a smoking area, a bar, a library room, a restaurant, a coffee-shop and more. Many different foods are available from all cultures, offering diversity in taste. It also has shower facilities, if you need to freshen up. 

There is a Pearl Arrivals lounge, which is a much smaller version of the main lounge. It has showering facilities if you need to freshen up before leaving the airport, and is available to access for about 27€.

Anyone can access this lounge for a fee of around 58€, or British Airways passengers with a Business or First Class ticket, British Airways Silver (or higher) status, OneWorld Emerald (or higher) passengers, or Mastercard / Dragon Pass holders.

This Pearl lounge is also available to visit at Abu Dhabi airport.

This lounge is unfortunately not available with our Premium Subscription.

Plaza Premium Lounge - Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

This independent lounge, found both in Terminals 1 and 3, are luxurious and spacious areas offering plenty of amenities. These include multiple seating areas, shower facilities, a large buffet with different food options, drinks, and meeting rooms. The lounge in Terminal 3 (destined for non-Schengen passengers) is bright, with big bay windows and high ceilings. 

This lounge can be accessed by anyone for a fee. The fee depends on whether you are a walk-in, a Smart Traveller member, or you booked online. The walk-in fee is 53€, Smart Traveller members get 20% off (42€), and those who booked online in advance pay 38€. The lounge is accessible for free to those who have a Priority Pass membership, LoungeKey, and Dragon Pass. This lounge is also part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection. 

This chain of lounges is available in many different airports, all subject to the same entry requirements (although entry fees may differ by destination). These airports include (but are not limited to) Los Angeles International (LAX), London Heathrow (LHR), Dubai International (DXB), Helsinki International (HEL), Hong Kong International (HKG), and many more. 

This lounge is available with our Premium subscription.

Vienna Lounge - Vienna Schwechat (VIE)

This lounge, as the name states, is situated at Vienna Airport. It has many amenities, catering to all wants and needs. Indeed, this lounge includes many types of seating areas depending on your preference, a smokers area, a substantial buffet, a stacked bar, a family area, and family changing rooms, showers, luggage storage, prayer room, conference room, and a media area. You can find quiet if that is what you are looking for, or more lively entertainment if it suits your mood.

Entry is available to anyone, regardless of ticket type. A one-time entrance fee is 57€. Most passengers flying with a First Class / Business Class ticket, or frequent flyer programme will be admitted with no extra charge, however, it is important to check this beforehand, as it does not apply everywhere. Certain memberships will grant access in reduced fees, such as Dragon Pass, Lounge Key, or Priority Pass.

This lounge is available with our Premium Subscription.

Conclusion

Whether you are a frequent flyer or are just curious about what lounges are the best rated, we hope our list sated your curiosity. Although airline-operated lounges top the ranking, they tend to be reserved for an elite few. On the other hand, independently-operated lounges, although available to the general public, still remain luxurious, and provide comfort for all travellers looking for a peaceful moment. 

Although these independent lounges operate on a fee basis if you do not have a particular membership or are not a particular ticket holder, Flight-Delayed is here to offer you a solution to this. For only 29.99€ a year (that’s 2.50€ a month!), you gain access to many independent lounges worldwide with our Premium subscription. Curious to know which other lounges are available? This website will tell you which lounges are available with the subscription. Choose comfort, Choose Premium.