February 22, 2014

My 5 Favorite Airport Lounges

One of the best perks of international premium travel are the lounges.  What's better than relaxing in a comfortable chair while drinking champagne and eating great food?

We're Star Alliance flyers (both United Gold for 2014) and several of these lounges allow access for Star Gold members even when traveling in Economy.  But for the most part, the ticket to these lounges is a First Class ticket.  The great news is that you can receive access (hasn't always been the case) to premium first class lounges even on an award ticket!

We've been fortunate to relax in some of the best lounges in the world so it was tough to narrow down the list.

Here are my top five favorite lounges:

1)  Lufthansa First Class Terminal at FRA

The First Class Terminal as a lounge within a dedicated terminal located down the street from the main terminal buildings at Germany's Frankfurt International Airport.  We visited the First Class Terminal after our first class flight on Lufthansa from Dallas to Frankfurt.  The terminal includes private security, a cigar room, a bar with over 100 premium whiskey's, a sit-down restaurant, amazing shower rooms complete with the famous "rubber ducky" and chauffeur service to the plane in a premium German automobile.

Frankfurt Lufthansa FCT


FCT "Water Bar"

To gain access to the FCT, you must be departing on a Lufthansa/Swiss first class ticket.  If you are arriving on a Lufthansa/Swiss FCT, you must be then continuing in to your final destination (as we were during our visit) in Lufthansa/Swiss business or first class.

2)  Singapore Airlines Private Room at SIN

The great thing about this lounge is the exclusivity.  To gain access, you must be flying on Singapore Airlines in first or suites class.  If you are flying another Star Alliance partner (Asiana, EVA, United, etc...) in first class, you do not gain access.  Arriving at the front door of the lounge, you are escorted past the business class lounge, past the first class lounge (reserved for partner first class flyers) and into the Private Room.  The lounge is stunning.  If I had an unlimited budget, I would buy all the furniture from this place and put it in my house.  The lounge contains shower rooms, day rooms, showers and a sit-down restaurant.  We had breakfast here during our last visit and really enjoyed the service and the food.  I can't wait to return during our trip this summer to Bali!


The Private Room Entrance 




3)  ANA Business Class Lounge at NRT

This one made the list because it's Emily's favorite lounge.  There is just something cool about being in Japan although we have yet to leave the airport!  Everything is hyper-organized and efficient.  Star Alliance Gold flyers can gain access to this lounge which is located at Tokyo's Narita airport.  The lounge is big and typically pretty crowded (we have been several times).  There are many seating areas, very clean and nice shower rooms, a noodle bar, a sake bar, and an automated Kirin beer dispenser!

Automated Beer Dispenser!

4)  The Centurion Lounge at DFW

American Express is starting to open their own branded lounges in the US.  American Express Platinum cardholders gain access for free while other Amex cardholders can pay $50 a person for access.  The lounge puts every other lounge in the US to shame.  The food is outstanding.  The people working there are really great.  They have shower rooms, a phenomenal bar, amazing fresh food, and offer a complimentary spa treatment.  Last time we were there, Emily got a manicure and I got a 15 minute massage.  The perfect pre-flight routine!


5)  Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at IST

This is the biggest lounge I have ever seen.  It keeps going and going and going.  The lounge has so many features it's hard to list them all.  Luggage storage, a pool table, a putting green, movie theater, library, grand piano, shower rooms, and unreal food.  You can gain access to this lounge if you're Star Alliance Gold or flying on Turkish in a premium cabin.  We visited the lounge a couple of times during our trip last year to Istanbul and Dubai and absolutely loved it!  Known as probably the best business class lounge in the world!

IST Turkish Lounge Entrance

Pool Table
Putting Green
Piano & Olive Tree in an Airport 
Amazing Food Spread

Honorable mentions go to The Centurion Lounge Las Vegas, Thai Airways Bankgok Business Class lounge, and The United Club in Hong Kong.  If you have an upcoming trip and have questions about which lounge to checkout or access, feel free to email me and I'd be happy to help you out!

No comments:

Post a Comment