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TPG readers’ favorite airport lounges around the world
Jordan Waller is a managing editor at TPG. He focuses on travel features and trending news, regularly writing and editing content for the site.
July 3, 2023 • 19 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
TPG Lounge readers highlighted top airport lounges worldwide, sharing personal favorites and standout amenities.
Notable U.S. and Canadian lounges include those at Dulles, Newark, Toronto Pearson, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco and Miami.
International favorites span Asia, the Middle East and Europe, with lounges in Tokyo, Bangkok, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Helsinki and more.
Access requirements vary, often depending on class of service, elite status, lounge memberships or paid entry.
What to consider
Some lounge access policies are highly restrictive, limited to specific ticket classes or elite status holders.
Guest policies, day-pass pricing and entry rules differ by location and lounge operator.
Several offers or access methods mentioned in the article may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
Firsthand insights and detailed comparisons of amenities, food quality and atmosphere at top lounges globally.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
We asked our TPG Lounge readers to share the best airline lounges around the world that they've encountered on their far-reaching travels.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers and best recommendations. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.)
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Turkish Airlines lounge at Washington-Dulles. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
Airside at Concourse B, near Gate B43.
Key features:
Accessible to people with disabilities
Wi-Fi
Full bar
Showers
Buffet
How to access:
The Turkish Airlines lounge at IAD is open to:
Star Alliance Gold members flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight
International business-class and first-class passengers on Star Alliance carriers
Priority Pass members
What our readers say:
"The food at IAD's Turkish Airlines lounge remains top-notch despite COVID-19, even as many lounges have dropped their food standards." — Meredith P.
“My favorite lounge you can access with Priority Pass is the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles. Never crowded, good views, good food, Turkish tea all the way." — Anna M.
AA Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Where to find it:
Terminal 4, near gate 40.
Key features:
Self-serve food/buffet area
Grilled cheese bar
Self-serve cocktail bar
Premium wine table
Quiet room and daybeds
Showers
Business center
Wi-Fi
How to access:
You can access the AA Flagship Lounge at LAX if you are:
Flying in first or business class on a qualifying transcontinental flight, such as from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to either LAX or San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Flying in first or business class on international flights to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand and South America
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members traveling on qualifying international Oneworld flights
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld airline
ConciergeKey members traveling on any Oneworld flight
What our readers say:
“The AA Flagship at LAX with its flagship dining is probably one of the best U.S. lounges I've been to.” — Seth M.
Capital One Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
Terminal D by Gate D22.
Key features:
Grab-and-go food and drink
Buffet
Full bar
Coffee bar
Wi-Fi
Luggage lockers
Cycling and yoga room
Shower suite
Relaxation room
Nursing room
Multi-faith room
Coworking spaces
How to access:
You can pay to access the Capital One Lounge at DFW for $65.
Alternatively, you can also get entry to the lounge if:
You're a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) holder. This grants unlimited access for yourself and up to two guests per visit. Additional guest entry is $45 per person.
Authorized users on the Venture X, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cards may use the account’s complimentary visits and are eligible for the same discounted prices for additional guests or visits.
Children under 2 years old can get in with their caregiver at no additional charge.
What our readers say:
"Capital One lounge at DFW was amazing. The food was good, the people were friendly, and I’m a big fan of the lemon pops they hand you on the way out the door. I asked for a second one to take with me for my in-flight snack." — Kristy N.
United Polaris Lounge SFO. ZACH HONIG/THE POINTS GUY
"Delta Sky Club LAX — the fantastic views and light coming in is stunning and the staff are the best in the industry. The architecture and shower rooms are on point, and the Sky Deck is life-giving. Combined with the new Delta One check-in experience, it's the place to be, hands down." — Dhiren P.
Star Alliance Lounge LAX RAVI GHELANI/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
The sixth floor near the central atrium of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Key features:
Indoor and outdoor terraces
Shower suites
Buffet
Staffed and self-serve bar
Wi-Fi
Printers
How to access:
The Star Alliance Lounge at LAX can be accessed by:
Star Alliance Gold members with a same-day outbound boarding pass
Star Alliance business-class and first-class passengers
United Gold and Star Alliance Gold members flying domestically with United
What our readers say:
“LAX’s Star Alliance lounge, which Virgin Atlantic has been using since their Clubhouse disappeared, is delightful. It has a pho bar, outdoor sofas, fire pits, Californian wines and hot showers.” — Andrew L.
AA Flagship Lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA)
AA Flagship Lounge at MIA. EMILY MCNUTT/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
North Terminal, Concourse D.
Key features:
Self-serve food/buffet area
Self-serve cocktail bar
Showers
Printers and copiers
Wi-Fi
How to access:
The AA Flagship Lounge at LAX is accessible to the following passengers:
First- or business-class travelers on flights operated by American or Oneworld partners on qualifying international flights, including between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand and South America.
ConciergeKey members regardless of class of service and itinerary. Guest access for ConciergeKey members includes immediate family or two guests.
AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members on qualifying international flights, regardless of class of service. Exec Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members cannot access it on solely North American itineraries.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members if departing or connecting to any flight marketed or operated by AA or a Oneworld partner, regardless of cabin. Emerald and Sapphire members can bring in one guest.
What our readers say:
“AA Flagship Lounge in Miami International Airport (MIA) is surprisingly good for a U.S. offering, with decent food. Usually, U.S. lounges underwhelm!” — Peter T.
There’s nothing like a well-done business- or first-class lounge in Asia or the Middle East. Below are some of our TPG Lounge readers' all-time favorites.
ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo International Airport (HND)
ANA AIRLINES
Where to find it:
Terminal 3 across from Gate 110 on Level 4.
Key features:
Free Wi-Fi
Newspapers and magazines (digital and physical)
Private work areas
Relaxation zones with massage chairs
Shower suites
Full bar
Noodle bar
How to access:
First-class passengers flying ANA or another Star Alliance airline
ANA Diamond elite status members flying ANA or another Star Alliance airline
Passengers with ANA Million Miler Program "Lounge Access Card" holders
What our readers say:
“ANA at Tokyo's Haneda Airport blew my mind. The noodle kitchen, the open bar, the cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff.” — Becca G.
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at BKK. QATAR AIRWAYS
Where to find it:
Level 3, concourse D near gate D8.
Key features:
A la carte dining
Buffet
Martini bar
Shower suites
Wi-Fi
Newspapers and magazines
How to access:
The Qatar Airways BKK Premium Lounge lounge can be accessed by passengers flying on a Qatar Airways or any Oneworld member-operated flight:
In first class or business class, excluding Business Class Lite fares
Passengers connecting between Oneworld marketed and operated flights
Lounge access is not included for those upgrading economy tickets to business class using Avios, but you can access the lounge for full award redemptions in business class using Avios.
What our readers say:
“The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport is unreal, I went in with Oneworld status on a Finnair biz basic ticket last year, and the fine dining was amazing! Filet mignon with king prawns, and the server even paired the wine to it!” — Dave H.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge. BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
The international terminal on the departure level near Gate E1.
Key features:
Luggage storage
Business center with iMacs
Wi-Fi
Kids area
Buffet and salad bar
Made-to-order food
Self-serve bar
Coffee stations
How to access:
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at IST is accessible to:
Business-class passengers flying with Turkish Airlines or its Star Alliance partners.
Star Alliance Gold status holders flying in economy
Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
Terminal 1, though security on Level 7, near Gates 1-4
Key features:
Staffed bar
Workstations
Wi-Fi
Cabanas with day beds and bathtubs
Buffet
A la carte dining
Tea and coffee bar
How to access:
Cathay Pacific's The Wing lounge at HKG can be accessed by Oneworld Emerald elites and first-class passengers traveling on a Oneworld member airline.
What our readers say:
“Cathay Pacific's The Wing, at HKG. The free massages are great, I still dream of the sesame noodles sometimes, and there are plenty of private spaces to nap or decompress along with a top-notch bar and food selection." — Kevin C.
Air France's and Lufthansa’s business- and first-class lounges were a big hit with our TPG Lounge crowd. Those by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair and Cathay Pacific also received a nod.
Air France La Premier Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Air France La Premiere Lounge CDG. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
Terminal 2E after security, near Saint Laurent and Buy Paris Duty-Free.
Key features:
A la carte dining
Buffet
Massage and spa treatments
Newspapers and magazines
Full bar
Extensive wine list
Shower suites
Wi-Fi
Printers and copiers
How to access:
The Air France La Premier lounge is accessible to passengers travelling in Air France La Première on a departing flight.
What our readers say:
“La Premier Lounge in CDG is my favourite lounge. From the spa — courtesy treatments with Sisley products with half a dozen different options just for mood lighting during your treatment. To the dining — one of my favorite things to eat there is the Baba Au Rhum, a dessert presented with a bottle of rum or Armagnac. To the wine list — it's France. They have quite a selection. To overall service — it’s an intimate lounge but even when it is busy, they somehow manage to maintain the same standard of service. Shortly before your flight, someone will find you and take you via private transport to your flight. I once delayed my connecting flight by several hours to spend additional time here." — Rob V.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge at Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow's Cathay Pacific lounge. CATHAY PACIFIC
Where to find it:
Terminal 3. Lounge C in the Central Concourse, near Gate 11.
Key features:
Noodle and dim sum bar
Buffet
Staffed bar
Showers
Wi-Fi
Printers and copiers
Newspapers and magazines
How to access:
The Cathay Pacific business-class lounge at Heathrow is accessible to:
Business or first class passengers flying with Cathay Pacific or any Oneworld airline
Oneworld Sapphire elite status (AAdvantage Platinum status/BA Executive Club Silver) flying with a Oneworld airline from terminal 3
An Admirals Club lounge members traveling on a Oneworld carrier
Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Lufthansa First Class Terminal. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
First Class Terminal, after security.
Key features:
Nap rooms
Cigar lounge
Showers
A la carte dining
Full bar
Wi-Fi
Printers and copiers
How to access:
Lufthansa's First Class Terminal at FRA is accessible only to passengers with a first class ticket flying with Lufthansa or Swiss for a same-day flight can use the terminal. This includes travelers departing Frankfurt for a long-haul flight and those connecting in Frankfurt from a first-class flight to a regional hop on Lufthansa, Swiss or Austrian (regardless of the cabin of the onward connection) on the same day.
What our readers say:
“First Class Terminal at FRA. An amazing experience from start to finish. Of course, top-notch food, service, and chance to collect Lufthansa rubber ducks!” — Annna MM.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LHR
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London's Heathrow Airport. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Where to find it:
Terminal 3 after security, inside the Upper-Class Wing.
Key features:
Quiet room
A la carte dining
Full bar
Showers
Kid's area
Printers and copiers
Shoe shine
Wi-Fi
Peleton stationary bikes
Pool table
Outdoor terrace
How to access:
You can access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse if you are flying in the following cabins:
Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic plus guest traveling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta
Delta One on Delta
Clase Premier on Aeroméxico
Or if you hold the following status:
Flying Club Gold Card members, plus one guest traveling with Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeroméxico
Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallions, plus one guest traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium
Flying Blue Platinum members, plus one guest traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge at Helsinki Airport (HEL)
FINNAIR/FACEBOOK
Where to find it:
Terminal 2, Non-Schengen. Next to the Finnair Lounge, near Gate 52.
Key features:
Full bar
Buffet
A la carte dining
Newspapers and magazines
Printers and copiers
Wi-Fi
Sauna
Massages and spa treatments
Showers
Kids area
How to access:
The Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge is accessible if you have the following status and are flying with a carrier operated and marketed by a Oneworld airline:
Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo (up to four guests)
Finnair Platinum member (up to one guest).
Oneworld Emerald members can access with one guest.
What our readers say:
“Helsinki Finnair Platinum Wing lounge is a fabulous one for the Nordics. Buffet and table menu as well as a good bar and puddings! " — Conrad F.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
