Около

With great views of the airport, the astroturfed roof terrace is an attractive spot for plane spotters and other travellers keen to get some perhaps-not-so-fresh London air before their long flight onwards. For ease, I’m profiling the former but a visit to Miles&Smiles should be just as enjoyable. Next door, a brass-topped horseshoe bar makes a convivial place to chatter over classic cocktails with other travellers. Here, design firm Studioilse was tasked with creating a lounge with the feel of a contemporary apartment, but to me, it’s more akin to a miniature hotel. Of Cathay Pacific’s two first-class lounges at Hong Kong International Airport, most fliers visit The Wing, which waits just beyond security. But the real star of the space – which is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there – is the gold-fronted Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge, an amenity only available in this particular Emirates facility.
Air France designed this lounge to feel like an exclusive Parisian apartment rather than an airport facility. You can purchase memberships or sometimes buy single-visit passes. The facilities are a testimony to how luxury can entertain itself with high-stakes gaming. These facilities include numerous Casino Games such as baccarat, blackjack, and poker, as well as electronic game machines. These destinations are designed for discerning travellers, with complete offerings where each element is meticulously planned to cater to their refined sensibilities.
Air France’s La Première experience represents the pinnacle of French luxury, starting well before boarding. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the Peloton bikes available for quick workouts before long-haul flights. The space features a stylish cocktail bar where passengers can socialise while enjoying premium beverages crafted by expert mixologists. Together with my team, we provide expert reviews and curated guides on hotels, restaurants, airlines, retreats, and more.
Elegant seating areas framed by floor-to-ceiling windows provide aviation enthusiasts with expansive tarmac views. Access requires Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus cabin bookings on international flights or qualifying transcontinental routes operated with three-cabin aircraft. Beverage selections feature premium champagne, fine wines from France and the United States, and expertly crafted cocktails. When departure time arrives, a private car delivers passengers directly to their aircraft. For the ultimate indulgence, travellers can reserve a private suite featuring a double bedroom, television, outdoor patio, and personal butler service. Passengers can arrange complimentary transportation to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) up to 6 hours pre-flight, followed by private check-in and dedicated security screening.
High roller casinos provide an unparalleled gaming experience for those who seek the thrill of high-stakes gambling in luxurious settings. In the casino’s lounge area and cocktail bar, guests have access to cocktails 24 hours a day. It also provides its clients with special private poker packages at a hefty price tag. The champagne selection is expertly curated and the spirits list is extensive (that said, showcasing multiple still and sparkling water brands in vitrine-style displays feels excessive and pretentious). For those who aren’t United States citizens, the country’s airports can feel unwelcoming at times.
Access requires Lufthansa First Class tickets or top-tier Star Alliance status on qualifying flights. The lounge features a book-the-cook dining service where you can pre-order restaurant-quality meals, a premium bar, and private rest areas. Beyond the food, there’s a spa with complimentary treatments, a wine bar showcasing Australian vintages, and private relaxation areas.
These facilities operate continuously and welcome travellers up to 4 hours before departure. Additional amenities include an art gallery showcasing local artists, well-appointed shower facilities, and convenient grab-and-go dining options for time-pressed travellers. Airlines and credit card companies now compete fiercely in the luxury lounge space, creating experiences so enticing that passengers occasionally "miss" their flights deliberately. Everything feels thoughtfully designed rather than just luxurious for the sake of it. It’s impressive as hell, but honestly feels a bit sterile for what should be a premium experience. The shower suites feel like luxury hotel bathrooms, complete with high-end toiletries and rainfall showerheads.
The lounges are judged on 379,966 member ratings and reviews across a wide range of criteria, including quality of facilities, customer service, food and beverage selection and overall satisfaction. With innovative lounges opening all the time, a definitive list of the world’s best airline lounges will never be static, but there are several deciding factors and places to look. A switched-on team who can provide immediate assistance is invaluable if a problem comes up or you’ve missed a connection. It just seems right, for example, that Finnair’s Platinum Wing lounge in Helsinki should include a sauna, or that a September visit to Lufthansa’s business-class lounge in Heathrow would include a cutesy Oktoberfest-themed buffet display, complete with pillow pretzels and big bowls of Bavarian Weisswurst sausages.