Forget fluorescent lighting, stale buffet food, and spotty Wi-Fi. These days, the best airport lounges feature amenities like yoga studios, detox bars, spa treatments, and dining rooms with menus by celebrity chefs. Of course, you generally have to pay for the privilege of luxuriating in these wonderful way stations by flying business or first class. But some premium credit cards will also grant you access. Here are 13 of the world’s best airport lounges, and how you can get into them.
Some of these lounges might be closed at the moment, but all are expected to reopen. Before any intended visit, be sure to check with your airline about what facilities and amenities are available, and what cleaning and health protocols are in place.
Air France La Première Lounge, Paris
Air France’s La Première first-class cabin is one of the most fashionable flying experiences in the world, and the airline’s ground game is très chic, too. The airline reopened its flagship first-class lounge at Charles de Gaulle in May after an extensive refurbishment that included freshening up the cozy cocktail bar to be brighter and more inviting, adding semi-private relaxation areas and installing new pieces of art. Fliers can still expect cuisine created by star chef Alain Ducasse in the dining room. Hopefully, the Biologique Recherche spa treatments will resume soon, too.
Access: If you’re one of the lucky few departing or connecting in Paris in Air France’s La Première cabin, you’re golden. You can also purchase access if you’re departing on a long-haul Air France or Delta flight that’s not equipped with La Première cabins for 500 euros ($600), or 75,000 of the airline’s Flying Blue frequent flier miles, per person.
American Airlines Flagship First Dining
…