As travel journalists, we spend most of our time, well, traveling. And, while it may seem glamorous, the reality is that we log countless hours at airports around the world. However, instead of wasting time sitting at a gate or nursing a watery iced latte at a subpar coffee chain, we like to keep every aspect of our travels sophisticated–meaning we do our due diligence and investigate airport lounges across the globe.
Our travels have led us around the world and back again, yet no matter where we go, the same five lounges are hard to beat. Ahead, check out some of our editor’s favorite airport lounges worldwide.
Emirates First Class Lounge (Dubai)
Simply put, the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai is the crème de la crème. Spanning nearly the entire length of Terminal 3, this sprawling lounge is more like a private terminal than a traditional airport lounge. It has everything from quiet relaxation areas to business facilities, making it ideal for any pre-flight experience. What’s more, there’s even a dedicated cigar lounge, along with premium shopping boutiques.
In terms of food, guests can enjoy a fine dining experience with an à la carte menu that features a wide range of international cuisines. The lounge also has multiple buffets with fresh seafood, salads, and freshly made desserts. Champagne lovers will appreciate the exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, serving some of the finest bubbly in the world. Pro tip: try one of the signature cocktails, like the Grapefruit Jalapeño Sour or Sips Fizz.
Note: Access is exclusively available to Emirates First Class passengers and Skywards Platinum members traveling on Emirates flights.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal (Frankfurt)
Frankfurt is home to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. Exclusively for first-class passengers traveling with Lufthansa or its partner airlines, this dedicated terminal is separate from the main airport. Here, personalized service is the standard, as each visitor has a personal assistant who will take care of their travel needs.
As for the amenities, this lounge has two quiet rooms with day beds, four shower rooms (one with a bathtub), and a Cigar Lounge. The Wining & Dining area has a diverse range of à la carte options along with over 130 different whiskies. There are also discreet working sports with five separate office units where people can work in peace.
Note: Access to this terminal is only for Lufthansa First Class passengers, and reservations must be made in advance to enjoy the premium services.
The Wing, First Lounge by Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
Designed with a modern aesthetic, The Wing, First is the epitome of chic. What makes this lounge special is its five cabanas that have large baths and rain showers, comfortable day beds, and ample working space. As for dining, the lounge is home to The Haven restaurant, which has a menu that changes every week. Additionally, it has specially sourced fine wine pairings for each main course on the à la carte menu. There’s also a buffet that includes traditional Hong Kong dim sum, fine cheeses and cold cuts, and premium chocolates.
Note: Access to The Wing is reserved for Cathay Pacific First Class passengers and select Marco Polo Club members, making it an exclusive and highly sought-after destination for travelers.
Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport (New York)
Opened in January 2024, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport is one of the newest and nicest around. Aside from the lounge’s ultra-chic design that it’s known for, it also offers a range of amenities. The lounge’s culinary offerings are top-notch, with a fresh, seasonal menu that includes chef-created items from NYC’s West Village bistro, Joseph Leonard. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails from Apotheke as well as a curated wine list from Parcelle. For coffee lovers, the lounge has both self-serve and barista-made offerings from Joe Coffee, a beloved NYC-based coffee roaster.
Note: Access to the lounge is available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and their guests.
American Express Centurion Lounges (Global)
As a proud Amex Platinum Card holder, I’m a huge fan of the American Express Centurion Lounges. What I personally love about these lounges is that they offer more than just a place to relax—the experience is tailored to both comfort and productivity. Most of these lounges feature workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi, private phone rooms, and quiet areas that are nice to relax in, making them my go-to choice when I need to work on the go. Plus, each location offers gourmet, chef-inspired dishes that reflect local flavors as well as signature cocktails made by professional mixologists. The best part? These lounges have curated wine lists and top-shelf liquors available at the open bar.
Note: Only AmEx Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cards can access these lounges.
