I’m an airline product geek, and I like to keep an updated list of some of the best products out there, ranging from the best first class airlines, to the best first class lounges, to the best business class airlines. In this post, I’ll share my favorite business class lounges around the globe — after all, a nice lounge can contribute to a great business class experience.
Let me of course acknowledge that we’re all looking for different amenities from airport lounges, depending on the purpose of our visit. Furthermore, there are many factors that can impact our perception of a lounge, including crowding levels. As a result, two people can have vastly different experiences at the same lounge — heck, the same person can have very different experiences visiting the same lounge at different times.
Because of the number of variables, I’m not going to explicitly create a ranked list. However, I’ll go roughly in the order in which I like them, at least in “clusters” (which is to say that those near the top of the list are my favorites, and preferred to those at the bottom of the list). Then I’d love to hear what OMAAT readers think, and how your list compares to mine.
With that out of the way, here are some of my favorite business class lounges in the world (and you can click each headline to read a review of that lounge)….
In this post:
Delta One Lounge New York (JFK)
Delta One Lounges are still a fairly new concept, as Delta only started introducing these within the past couple of years. However, the airline really knocked it out of the park, and the New York JFK location is easily one of the most impressive business class lounges in the world.
The lounge has an incredible restaurant, a wellness area, a beautiful terrace, luxurious shower suites, and more than anything, supremely friendly service. This really puts American Flagship Lounges and United Polaris Lounges to shame. The Delta One Lounge LAX is also excellent, but if I had to pick just one lounge, I think the JFK location has the edge.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha (DOH)
Qatar Airways has two exceptional Al Mourjan Business Lounges in Doha — there’s the original Al Mourjan Lounge North, plus the new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge South. Frankly both lounges are great, and I’m not sure which I prefer more. Time permitting, I’d absolutely recommend visiting both of them. For the purpose of this post, let me just keep the initial lounge on the list. This has to be the world’s most architecturally stunning business class lounges, which is what impresses me most about the lounge.
On top of that, though, the lounge features a couple of great dining options, including a bistro if you’re looking for a quick bite, plus a proper restaurant with a la carte dining. The lounge also has rest areas, civilized smoking rooms, showers, and more. Qatar Airways also has exceptional outstation lounges (I’d argue the best outstation lounges of any airline in the world), but I think the hub lounges are still more impressive.
Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Lounge Hong Kong (HKG)
Cathay Pacific’s The Pier Business Class Lounge Hong Kong easily has my favorite design of any business class lounge in the world. The lounge is so cozy, warm, and luxurious, and it’s such a pleasant place to relax.
It’s not just that the lounge has nice interior design, though. The lounge also has a full bar with cocktails and barista coffee, and several dining concepts, ranging from a noodle bar, to a tea room. The lounge also has beautiful shower suites, as well as a relaxation area. This lounge is an absolute treat for premium oneworld travelers. And for higher tier oneworld members, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is even better.
I also love Cathay Pacific’s consistent design template for outstation lounges, as you’ll find the same general vibe in lounges at London Heathrow (LHR), Tokyo Haneda (HND), etc.
Riyadh Air Hafawa Lounge Riyadh (RUH)
Riyadh Air’s Hafawa Lounge Riyadh is the newest addition to the list, as it’s the recently opened flagship lounge of airline startup Riyadh Air. This lounge is absolutely gorgeous, and on top of that, offers an excellent soft product.
In terms of attention to detail with design and general elegance, I’d say Riyadh Air is in a similar league to Cathay Pacific. The design is a little less consistent, though, as the lounge is broken up into several zones, each with its own unique decor.
The food and drinks in the lounge are excellent as well. There’s an extensive buffet, a restaurant with a la carte dining, a couple of barista coffee stations, and a bar serving up some imaginative cocktails. Obviously the only catch with this lounge is that there’s no alcohol, given that airlines from Saudi Arabia are all dry.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London (LHR)
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is my favorite business class lounge in Europe, and it’s probably the business class lounge with the most fun vibe. It has a quirky design, amazing views, an outdoor terrace, friendly service, a la carte dining, and top notch drinks (including great cocktails and coffee).
This lounge experience is such a stark contrast to what you’ll experience if you’re flying business class on an airline like British Airways or Lufthansa.
Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto (YYZ)
While the Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto has strict entry requirements, it really takes business class lounge dining to a whole new level. This is separate from the standard Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, so think of it almost like a great restaurant that business class passengers have access to.
The lounge is heavily focused on dining, with dozens of tables. In addition to an extensive buffet selection, the lounge also offers a la carte dining, as well as all kinds of wine, beer, and cocktails. There’s a similarly excellent facility in Vancouver (YVR), so that’s a huge advantage of being on an eligible ticket through one of those airports.
Emirates Business Lounge Dubai (DXB)
The Emirates Business Lounge Dubai isn’t about to win any design awards, but it has some cool amenities, is massive, and has a good food and drink selection. While food is entirely from buffets, the options are endless, regardless of what kind of food you’re looking for.
Personally I prefer the older Concourse B lounge to the newer Concourse A lounge. That’s because this lounge has an awesome Moet & Chandon champagne bar, plus a Costa Coffee store, where you can get a (complimentary) barista made coffee. This is a great transit stop when traveling between other regions.
Etihad Business Lounge Abu Dhabi (AUH)
The Etihad Business Lounge Abu Dhabi is excellent. It’s spread across three floors, with a ton of natural light. Thanks to its size and odd layout, the lounge should never really feel too crowded, even during peak periods.
The lounge has everything from comfortable seating, to two large buffets, to a bar with cocktails and barista coffee, to shower suites, to relaxation rooms. This is a very well rounded business class lounge, with a ton of natural light.
United Polaris Lounge Newark (EWR)
While I do think that Delta has sort of one-upped United, I’m still impressed by the network of United Polaris Lounges. They’re all pretty great, and I’m not sure one is actually that much better than the other, but I do like the one in Newark quite a bit. The lounges offer comfortable seating, quiet rest areas, cocktails and barista made coffee, and a la carte dining.
Honestly, if flying United Polaris business class long haul, I’d highly recommend just eating in the lounge, because the food gets much worse once you board a flight. Note that I haven’t been to the lounge at Washington Dulles, but I’ve heard some suggest that it’s even better, and not as crowded.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul (IST)
Turkish Airlines offers a top notch lounge at its hub in Istanbul. Admittedly this lounge can get really busy, given the size of the carrier’s operations, but I still find it to be very good. The lounge has nice decor with plenty of different places to sit, an incredible food selection, and even private bedrooms for those with extended layovers.
This lounge is a bit rougher around the edges than some of the other lounges on this list. For example, there’s not even a proper bar with a bartender, the furniture largely isn’t in great condition, and lots of seats don’t offer practical access to outlets. That being said, there’s still something special about this lounge, and in particular, the food. So while this lounge does make the list, it’s definitely toward the bottom.
Bottom line
There are some fantastic business class lounges out there, though admittedly everyone will have their own favorites. The above are some of my picks for the best business class lounges I’ve visited. They all have something special, whether it’s great buffets, a la carte dining, barista made coffee, or other cool amenities.
This list is by no means exhaustive, because there are lots of amazing lounges out there. I look forward to hearing what business class lounges OMAAT readers like most.
What are your favorite business class lounges in the world?
Turkish just reopened their revamped lounges a few months ago ant IST and there is about double the seating than there was before. The Miles and Smiles Lounge is way less crowded now- but still a sizable wait for food and showers.
I have been to 90% of lounges Ben referenced in this post.
But special shout out to Qatar lounges at SIN and BKk for the level of service and food quality. Better than lounges in DOH.
With regards to the Polaris Lounges - I think the revamped O'Hare Lounge with the new restaurant, new speakeasy bar, and updated Crate & Barrell furnishings is the best in the network and then I would select the Dulles Polaris Lounge. That said the lounge at EWR is great. I agree about the Delta One Lounge - the one drawback was that the restaurant was not open for breakfast. Also fan of Swiss Senator and Alpine Lounge at ZRH
I find the Saudia lounge inclusion incredibly odd. You don't mention sleep rooms or showers so it comes down to food and drink. Given that - as you mention - drink is not an option, that leaves food. You don't rave about how astronomically great that is so this is puzzling.
But there is no Saudia lounge on his list.
Which it's JED lounge deserves to be included.
@Christian Seriously, Ben did not mention Saudia airline at all or do they all look alike to you?
The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul is pretty bad: mostly overcrowded and no alcohol (except for some cans of Efes beer that are hidden in the lounge). If you want a coffee, you have to line up and wait for 10 minutes.
Hi Ben, you have the North and South muddled re Qatar lounges (Garden is North)
Turkish Airlines lounge should be in the list of the worst business class lounges in the world not the best.
It was super, super overcrowded. It had the ambience of a crowded night market in Bangladesh. The lounge employees were belligerent. There was a 90 minute wait to get a shower suite. Most of the food stations are abandoned and the ones that were still in service had a soup kitchen line in front...
Turkish Airlines lounge should be in the list of the worst business class lounges in the world not the best.
It was super, super overcrowded. It had the ambience of a crowded night market in Bangladesh. The lounge employees were belligerent. There was a 90 minute wait to get a shower suite. Most of the food stations are abandoned and the ones that were still in service had a soup kitchen line in front of it. Plus they don't have a bar. They have a couple of wine carts with mediocre wine that are not so easy to spot. Overall, a very subpar experience.
Worst is harsh but I agree and say it every time it's featured on this list that it is hugely over rated (and always over crowded). The old TK lounge - absolutely on this list. The new one, not so much.
The basic expectation from a lounge should be that you should be able to lounge. This fails that basic test.
How about (i) worst lounge, and (ii) quirkiest airport with a lounge? I'll weigh in:
Worst: SJU - Former Priority Pass Lounge in San Juan (I believe it's been relocated now - can only be better). So bad we opted to leave and sit at an impossibly over-crowded gate.
Quirkiest: SCY - San Cristobal in the Galapagos (secondary of the two airports with commercial flights to and from Ecuador's mainland). Only 2-3 commercial Latam and...
How about (i) worst lounge, and (ii) quirkiest airport with a lounge? I'll weigh in:
Worst: SJU - Former Priority Pass Lounge in San Juan (I believe it's been relocated now - can only be better). So bad we opted to leave and sit at an impossibly over-crowded gate.
Quirkiest: SCY - San Cristobal in the Galapagos (secondary of the two airports with commercial flights to and from Ecuador's mainland). Only 2-3 commercial Latam and Avianca jets operate daily here, yet there is a wonderful Priority Pass lounge after security. What a pleasant surprise, especially given that we were leaving SCY on an emergency basis.
Virgin Clubhouse hands down is my most favoured. I very much enjoy its serving of pate and the chicken curry and the fantastic views for plane spotting. Nor one does plane spotting better than LHR.
Virgin's Clubhouse in London is my favorite. Their afternoon tea at the lounge blows away high priced afternoon tea in London.
Delta One JFK lounge has much nicer staff than United's Polaris lounge at EWR, who are borderline rude. I'm a recovering 1K.
I find the Turkish lounge in IST highly overrated. It’s much too crowded. It’s a complete zoo! There is no chance to enjoy one’s time there. Seats are not equipped with any tech. I’m relatively often passing through IST and after 30 minutes in that lounge I’m usually so annoyed that I leave.
Maybe not on the level of “amazing “ but I really like the Star Alliance lounge in CDG (non-Schengen)
Maybe not one of the best overall, but I would say that Starlux T2 Galactic lounge in Taipei has the funkiest interior design while being perfectly fine in all other aspects. They went all in with the Start Wars aesthetic. Shower room doors alone are worth the visit.
*STAR* Wars, obviously.
Of the lounges mentioned I have been many times just at TK Istanbul.
It is very nice, yes, but I find food and service slightly better at SQ Lounge Changi Terminal 3.
Also, United Polaris at SFO last month was a total - positive - surprise.
Have you been inside The Garden by EVA in Taipei? It's a Diamond Member exclusive. They have Din Tai Fung dumplings.
@Henry So, you should ask Ben to do a separate article. Your mentioning of the Garden Lounge by EVA does not apply to Ben’s Best Business Class Lounge article as it is not a standard business class lounge. It is only for people who are most loyal to the airline. And seriously, if I want something from Din Tai Fung I would just go its many restaurant locations to have a more expansive menu rather...
@Henry So, you should ask Ben to do a separate article. Your mentioning of the Garden Lounge by EVA does not apply to Ben’s Best Business Class Lounge article as it is not a standard business class lounge. It is only for people who are most loyal to the airline. And seriously, if I want something from Din Tai Fung I would just go its many restaurant locations to have a more expansive menu rather than through this EVA lounge who probably just reheats those juicy dumplings in a microwave.
@Ben - I just talked with a close friend who visited delta one lounge JFK last week, whom also visited it closer to opening. He was quite vocal about how much the lounge had changed (negative) since his first visit… at least soft product and service.
It might be worth a re-visit to ensure your review is still accurate.
Delta One at JFK and Polaris at EWR have been too crowded and noisy whenever we've visited (admittedly, usually during the early evening rush hour). I'd rather have a quieter calmer lounge, even if the food, etc. were not quite as good.
agree about the crowds - esp late afternoon - with all the flights both airlines fly across the Atlantic
I actually prefer the Qatar garden lounge because of the views. Also has a gym but not well equipped.
Another interesting list you could do: the best outstation lounges (for both first and business class).
I’d rate the ORD Polaris lounge over the EWR one, given the face lift and renovations it received.
Yes agreed - I would even rate the IAH Polaris Lounge on par with EWR at this point mostly from a crowding perspective.
Though EWR Polaris is great if you are either the very last flights out, or say the morning Tokyo flights where it is near empty.
agree! ORD is awesome - also like the IAD one
Agree on both Delta One at JFK and the LHR Virgin Lounge at LHR. Both have great food, service, and neat atmosphere. Too bad the rest of the Virgin lounges are not that great - but at least at JFK you can skip the Virgin lounge and have access to Delta One through Skyteam.
The heart button doesn't work anymore. Heartbreaking :'(
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Emirates with a Costa Cafe. Costa is perfectly fine, however inappropriate in a lounge ?
I found Al Mourjain South to be a bit too humid, as it overlooks the Orchard. It's also not as architecturally interesting as the original.
What's also notable is the increase in "non-status" business class lounges. On this list, over half of these require an actual business class ticket, not just frequent flyer status.
There seems to be an increase in need for segmentation beyond generic status lounges and true business class ones.
I was at the Signature Suite for the first time a few months ago, and I was really impressed for a J lounge. This could easily be an F lounge if it had showers and day rooms. You get access with an LX F boarding pass. I was told it does get packed later in the day (LX leaves at 5 pm). Would love to have one in YUL.
Also wish the Signature Suite had showers but at least in Toronto it’s pretty easy to walk over to the (nice) MLL and take one
Finally the overrated SQ lounges are gone.
There is also Saudia JED lounge that is underrated and could possibly make the list.
Good point. I was trying to think, huh, what's missing here. SIN T3 SQ removed!? "Yowzers!"
Agreed on Al Mourjan Garden at the top (it has a little gym, too!) Disagree on EK's lounges, since they're past their prime (DXB is due for a refresh; if the drones don't strike it.) Quite the snub on promoting United's EWR Polaris, but not Delta's JFK D1 (or LAX/BOS) or AA/BA's Chelsea/Soho... CX at LHR T3 is also pretty decent for a J lounge, if it isn't packed. I liked ANA's lounges at HND....
Agreed on Al Mourjan Garden at the top (it has a little gym, too!) Disagree on EK's lounges, since they're past their prime (DXB is due for a refresh; if the drones don't strike it.) Quite the snub on promoting United's EWR Polaris, but not Delta's JFK D1 (or LAX/BOS) or AA/BA's Chelsea/Soho... CX at LHR T3 is also pretty decent for a J lounge, if it isn't packed. I liked ANA's lounges at HND. I know some won't agree, but I'm still a fan of KLM's Crown 52. As much as I am no fan of Erdogan, TK has done a good job with the new IST (I just wish you didn't have to bribe the attendants for a daybed.)
Greenwich is the "business class" lounge not Soho. So those are out of scope.
And Greenwich is just a typical Flagship lounge with maybe a bit extras from specialty area that isn't open all day.
I have to admit, I haven't checked DXB for a while and would like to see what EK has done with the drones. EK seems out price the rest of ME3 lately.
Delta was the first one listed, so hardly a snub. Soho is reserved for top tier OW status and first class (with specific AA/BA customers afforded access to Chelsea). That said, I found Soho very underwhelming on my recent visit.
avgeekagent, thank you for pointing that out. Huge 'whoosh' on my part. Yikes.
Eskimo and avgeekagent, yes, I am well-aware of the distinctions with Soho/Chelsea, but, still feel they're business/first lounges, regardless of the technicality; meanwhile, yikes, Greenwich definitely should not be on the list of 'great' lounges. Okie, so Ben was right, after all. Good list.
Did you visit the new Air India lounge on the business class side at Delhi? How does that compare?
Love the new Air India lounge at SFO!