Best Airport Lounges In The World

Whether you love or loathe hanging around at the airport before you fly, booking yourself into an airport lounge can make a real difference to your pre-flight experience.

You might be someone seeking some luxury, or maybe you want somewhere simple and quiet, but at a good price. Whatever your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best airport lounges from airport lounges around the world that are worth visiting if you’re flying from these airports, many of which have lounge passes bookable through Alternative Airlines.

Quick summary: best airport lounges in this guide

If you want the highlights without reading the full list, here are our favourite airport lounges featured in this article:

• Delta Sky Club - New York JFK
• Emirates Business Class Lounge - Dubai International Airport
• Strata Lounge - Auckland Airport
• Singapore Airlines The Private Room - Singapore Changi Airport
• Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge - London Heathrow Airport
• Plaza Premium Lounge - Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport
• Bidvest Premier Lounge - Cape Town International Airport

Keep reading for more details on what makes each lounge worth visiting and how to access them.

Alternative Airlines' favourite airport lounges

Delta’s Sky Club - New York JFK

We don’t know what’s more impressive at Delta’s Sky Club lounge at Terminal 4 of JFK International Airport — the impeccable service or the magnificent view of the runway.

A visit to Delta’s Sky Club comes complete with all inclusive drinks, a varied food menu, free Wi-Fi and even a rooftop terrace, which has outdoor seating in the summer.

With the addition of a breakfast bar in the morning and a buffet during the afternoon and evenings — Delta’s Sky Club is great to visit at any time of the day.

How do I get access to Delta Sky Club?

Passengers who are a member of the SkyMiles frequent flyer program and have Diamond Medallion status are given free access to all of Delta's Sky Clubs (over 45 in total). Alternatively, you can purchase a years’ membership which gives unlimited access to any of the Delta Sky Club lounges. You must either have a same-day Delta Airlines ticket, or a ticket on one of Delta’s partner airlines to gain access to the lounge.

Delta Sky Club access depends on your ticket type, frequent flyer status, or membership. You’ll need to be travelling on a same-day Delta flight, or flying with a Delta partner airline (such as Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and others).

For the full list of eligible partner airlines, check Delta’s official website.

Emirates Business Class Lounge - Dubai

After a $11 million USD upgrade in 2016, Emirates’ Business Class lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport exudes opulence and might just be the most luxurious and over-the-top lounge on this list.

The lounge is stretched across the terminal, with a restaurant, spa, duty free shops and — most famously — a Moët & Chandon champagne bar.

Emirates Business Class has all the amenities you’d expect plus an extra area for direct boarding on all Emirates’ flights.

How do I get access to Emirates Business Class Lounge?

To access Emirates Business Class Lounge at Dubai International, you must be an Emirates Skywards member. Depending on your level of membership and the class you’re flying in, you might be entitled to complimentary access. You also must be flying on either an Emirates flight or a Qantas codeshare flight.

Strata Lounge - Auckland Airport

The Strata Lounge in the International Terminal at Auckland Airport might not be the most luxurious entry on this list, but a strong case can be made for it having the best bang for your buck.

For only $36 USD, you can enjoy unlimited drinks from the self-serve bar, speedy Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and a selection of great food — with everything from cheese and crackers to rigatoni with rabbit.

Strata Lounge is known for being one of the quieter, less-busy airport lounges, so it’s the perfect place to relax pre-flight!

How do I get access to Strata Lounge?

Strata Lounge is open to passengers flying internationally from Auckland Airport, regardless of airline. You can pay at the door or save money by pre-booking online in advance.

Singapore Airlines The Private Room - Singapore Changi Airport

Being located inside the First Class SilerKris Lounge, the Private Room at Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport is well-hidden and not easily accessible. Not only do you have to be departing or connecting to a Singapore Airlines flight, you also must have a First Class ticket.

However, if you’re lucky enough get yourself a golden ticket into the Private Room, you’ll ravish in the exclusivity of the lounge. The lounge boasts a restaurant with two menus — one with local cuisine and one with Western inspired dishes. Additionally, it has private showers, private booths for sleeping or relaxing in and an extensive champagne menu.

How do I get access to the Private Room?

As mentioned before, to gain access to the Private Room, you must have a First Class Singapore Airlines ticket. The Private Room has a strict policy of one person per ticket, so unless your whole party is flying First Class, you’ll have to enjoy the Private Room all by yourself.

Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge is located at Concourse D at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and in our opinion is infinitely better than the other Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

The lounge is huge and refined with multiple rooms, semi-private suites, a spa and an á la carte menu that you order food from on iPads.

Plus, don’t forget to get your complimentary massage from the lounge’s masseuse!

How do I get access to Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge?

The Royal First Class lounge can be accessed by passengers with a Thai Airways Royal First Class ticket or by any First Class passenger on a flight operated by Star Alliance.

Star Alliance includes airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada and many more. For the full list of eligible airlines, it’s best to check Star Alliance’s official website before travelling.

Malaysia Airlines Business Class Golden Lounge - London Heathrow

Malaysia Airlines Business Class Golden Lounge at London Heathrow airport is an award-winning airport lounge and with its friendly staff, superb bar and authentic Malaysian cuisine, it’s for good reason.

The lounge is located airside at Heathrow’s terminal 4. The lounge has private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a children’s area and is right next to the boarding gates for Malaysia Airlines.

How do I get access to Malaysia Airlines Business Class Golden Lounge?

If you’re flying Business Class on Malaysia Airlines or any other airline part of the Oneworld airline alliance, you can access the lounge.

Additionally, if you have Oneworld Sapphire elite status and you’re flying on a Oneworld flight, you’ll also be given access.

There’s also a First Class section of the lounge which is available to use if you’re flying First Class on Malaysia Airlines or any other airline part of the Oneworld airline alliance, or if you have Oneworld top-tier Emerald status.

Oneworld includes airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Qantas and others. For the full list of member airlines, check the Oneworld website.

Plaza Premium Lounge - Rio de Janeiro Galeao Airport

Although it can get busy at peak times — the Plaza Premium Lounge is a relatively new airport lounge located in Terminal 2 at Rio de Janeiro Galeao Airport and is perfect for pre-flight relaxation.

The Plaza Premium Lounge is modern and sleek, with complimentary Wi-Fi, great food, showers and private rooms for an additional fee.

If you can, try and get a seat by the window for a great view of the planes landing and taking off on the runway.

How can I gain access to Plaza Premium Lounge?

The Plaza Premium Lounge is available for any passenger that is flying internationally from the airport. You can pre-book to stay in the lounge online.

Bidvest Premier Lounge - Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport’s departure terminal can get pretty busy, so a visit to Bidvest Premier Lounge at the airport’s international terminal is highly recommended.

The lounge is basic compared to other entries on this list. But with an all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited drinks and complimentary Wi-Fi, it's great value and perfect for catching up with emails before a business trip or relaxing before a holiday.

How can I get access to Bidvest Premier Lounge?

Bidvest Premier Lounge is open to anyone flying internationally. All you need to do is pre-book online through Bidvest Premier Lounge’s website.

Make your next trip more comfortable

Airport lounges are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your travel experience. Whether you want a quiet space to work, a more comfortable place to relax, or simply unlimited food and drink before your flight, the right lounge can make airport time feel far less stressful.

Many lounges can be accessed through airline loyalty programmes, Business and First Class tickets, or lounge passes that can be booked in advance.

If you’re planning your next trip, Alternative Airlines makes it easy to compare flights from airports all over the world, with over 600+ airlines available. You can also choose from flexible payment options to help spread the cost of travel.

Ready to book? Search flights with Alternative Airlines and start your journey the smarter way.

You might also like:

• The best credit cards for airport lounges
• The best airports for shopping