I write a lot about airport lounges on the blog, ranging all the way from domestic lounges in the United States, to the best business class lounges, to the best first class lounges. When I rank the lounges I like most, some readers understandably have very different takes.
I thought it would be fun to start a discussion about the basic standards of airport lounges, and what makes them exceptional.
In this post:
The basic value proposition of an airport lounge
Obviously lounge standards should differ depending on whether you’re using Priority Pass to access a lounge or are traveling in international first class, so we’ll get into more detail on that below.
Broadly speaking, what I’m looking for in a lounge is a (relatively) quiet place to sit, connect to Wi-Fi, recharge electronics, use a clean bathroom, and maybe have some water or coffee. Other things are good to have, but not something I necessarily expect.
There are also some deal killers for me when it comes to airport lounges. Personally, if a lounge is packed, I have no interest in being there, and that largely reflects that over the years, terminals have become much better places to spend time:
- Unlike a couple of decades ago, a vast majority of airports offer free Wi-Fi, so that’s not usually something that differentiates lounges anymore
- Many gate seating areas have been improved with plenty of outlets; you can almost always find a completely deserted gate to sit at, with no one around
So unless you’re looking to chow down or drink up, you’re generally going to find more comfortable accommodations in the terminal. And before someone says “you’re so obsessed with privacy,” let me point out my biggest issue with crowding — it’s that there’s invariably going to be someone within earshot making a phone call or watching something without headphones.
My take on what makes a lounge good
I figured I’d share my expectations for lounges, and I’ll break it up into three tiers of lounges (admittedly some of the lines are blurred here):
- The first tier of lounges are those belonging to Priority Pass, contract lounges, credit card lounges, and membership lounges
- The second tier of lounges are those specifically for long haul international business class
- The third tier of lounges are those specifically for long haul international first class
I think it’s also important to note that everyone is looking for different things in lounges:
- If you have a long connection, resting facilities can make or break a layover
- If you’re traveling in long haul economy, chances are you’ll appreciate lounge food a lot more than someone traveling in business class, who hopefully has access to great food onboard
- Some people are looking for a festive start to their trip, and just want to drink
I think the two below videos from Cathay Pacific from several years ago oh-so-beautifully sum up what makes lounges great. The commentary in the videos is almost poetic.
With that out of the way, let me share my basic expectations of various types of lounges, and admittedly these reflect my preferences and biases.
Priority Pass & membership lounges
My expectations for Priority Pass lounges, airport contract lounges, airline membership lounges, and credit card lounges, are pretty simple. I’m happy if I can actually consistently get in and have a quiet place to sit. Sadly that’s not as straightforward as it may sound, with so many stories of lounges denying entry to club members, Priority Pass members, etc.
What sets a “basic” lounge apart? I’d say showers, bathrooms that are significantly nicer than in the terminals, workstations, a good food selection (ideally with hot food), good coffee, and employees who actually make you feel welcome.
Just to give some examples of lounges in this category that I consider to be exceptional:
- I’d often consider credit card lounges to be the best in this category, with Capital One Lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounges slightly beating out Amex Centurion Lounges; I’d say that two standout lounges are the Capital One Lounge DFW (which has delicious food, cold brew on tap, and grab & go options), and the Chase Sapphire Lounge LGA (which has a la carte dining, spa treatments, and more)
- The Primeclass Lounge MCT is probably my favorite Priority Pass lounge, as it has endless features, and even has nap rooms
- As far as airline membership lounges go, I’d say that Delta Sky Clubs are the gold standard when it comes to quality, with the caveat that they’re also the most consistently crowded
International business class lounges
My expectations are a bit higher for purpose-built international business class lounges. In addition to what I expect from the more “standard” lounges above, I hope that international business class lounges will have hot food, a more premium drink selection, showers, and workstations.
What sets an international business class lounge apart? I’d say a la carte dining, nap rooms, barista-made coffee drinks, and generally elevated decor.
Just to give a few examples of lounges in this category that I consider to be quite good (we’re actually pretty lucky in North America):
- Delta One Lounges are relatively new, and are exceptional, among the best business class lounges in the world; these have beautiful decor, and a phenomenal food and drink selection
- United Polaris Lounges are also good, with a la carte dining, nap areas, barista-made coffee, shower suites and individual bathrooms, and great decor; that being said, I think Delta outdid United here
- The Air Canada Signature Suites (in Toronto and Vancouver) are probably the world’s most elevated business class lounges in terms of food quality
- For international business class lounges that also allow elite members access, I think American Flagship Lounges are top notch as well
International first class lounges
International first class lounges are as premium as they get, so expectations should be high. In international first class lounges I expect a la carte dining, barista-made coffee, some sort of an area to rest, a truly tranquil environment, and staff who make you feel welcome.
What sets an international first class lounge apart? Dining that’s (high-end) restaurant quality, an amazing drink selection, individual nap rooms, spa treatments, and a ground experience that extends beyond the lounge. That’s to say either tarmac transfers or an escort to the gate, and that’s no doubt an area where many airlines fall short.
I’ve reviewed the world’s top first class lounges in detail, so it’s no secret what my favorite options are the Air France La Premiere Lounge Paris and Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt.
Bottom line
We’re all looking for different things from airport lounges, and I think that’s totally fair. Standards should differ based on what kind of a flight you’re taking, how you access the lounge, what you’re trying to accomplish by visiting a lounge, etc.
Everyone will have a different take on which lounges are great vs. just okay, and that’s fine. While I care about tranquility and good coffee, others care about great food and drinks.
I’m curious to hear from OMAAT readers — what makes a lounge great, in your book?
The "La Premiere" lounge at Nice is basically an overblown Priority Pass lounge and I forgot how much it sucks until I was at it last week. Food is tragic, facilities are lame. It's big tho, so, you know, got that going for me. Shocking considering the high value passengers that go through here - everyone going to the riviera that isn't flying private
This article would be better if you mentioned some of the lounges in the Middle East and Asia. Some of the lounges are on par with those that you mentioned such as in the Priority Pass lounge area, some are far superior. Even the mentioned lounges depend on specific location as to if Chase is a better lounge than Amex. One major problem with the Chase lounge is that it is also a priority pass lounge.
I prefer lounges with not too many kids in there…
Also don’t like inconsiderate people who make loud phone calls. Many of them around.
Lounges in Japan are known to have individual phone booths.
You mention nothing about showers in the lounge and airline agents that can assist during flight cancellations, etc. Those are my top two lounge needs. Food is secondary. Alcohol - don't drink. Also small or crowded bathrooms. Capital lounge in DFW has only individual toilet rooms (unisex) - there is always a long wait to use. For men you need a group restroom with urinals for quick in and out.
The Air Canada Signature Suites (in Toronto and Vancouver) are probably the world’s most elevated business class lounges in terms of food quality
Yeah, no, just no.
The food portions (and quality) have gone downhill. Assuming you can even get a seat. The YYZ lounge is notoriously crowded in the evenings, especially with AC's endless delays making people linger longer.
I do enjoy reading your comments on the topic. Your deep dive into U.S. lounges is logical, since you are appealing mostly to people flying domestic, and are availing themselves of the access to U.S. credit cards.
I do, however, take a different look-see because we retired and moved to Malta six years ago. (I will be happy to discuss the why's of our decision.).
LH is our primary airline, for both European and International...
I do enjoy reading your comments on the topic. Your deep dive into U.S. lounges is logical, since you are appealing mostly to people flying domestic, and are availing themselves of the access to U.S. credit cards.
I do, however, take a different look-see because we retired and moved to Malta six years ago. (I will be happy to discuss the why's of our decision.).
LH is our primary airline, for both European and International travel. Malta has one airport, which makes lounging an easy choice. The airport is so overcrowded that you cannot possibly find a single gate access area seat that is empty. There is one lounge. It is a private one, also accessed by each airlines' business class flyers. Busy, never full. Open 24 hours a day. Comfortable seating. Decent Maltese based food( buffet style (serve yourself), great Maltese wines and spirits. An absolutely incredible view of the tarmac and runway.
My major airport for flying through Europe and to the world, is Frankfort. LH does an interesting take on clubs. They have numerous business class, Senator and FC Lounges. Everyone with a LH biz ticket has access to their biz lounges. Generally crowded, but a fair offering of food and drink. Reasonable seating. (Unlike in the States, gate area seating is often busy.) I would rank their biz lounges acceptable. But if busy, finding a gate area seat is not a bad choice. There are great food kiosks throughout.
Next up the line is the Senator Lounge. LH privileges are based upon points earning: Biz, Senator, and First Class (Honored Circle, equivalent to Global Services.) If you have a Star Alliance Gold card, you have access to the Senator lounge, no matter what class of flight you are booked. Spacious lounges throughout the terminal. Shower lounges (shower, sink, toilet), sleeping areas, great booze choices, very good buffets( self-serve) changing throughout the day, very helpful staff. Seldom will you see bag lizards' in the Senator Lounge. One look from anyone and the bags are removed immediately. And NO ONE would drape their feet over the next chair. A good way to view this lounge is as a peaceful oasis. Again, several in LH terminals.
When we travel abroad, we often fly FC. For that, there are two options. First, they have multiple FC lounges in the LH terminals. Smaller and more intimate than the Senator lounges, your treatment is very personal, from greeting you at the entrance, to walking you through all aspects of the lounge. Just show your boarding pass (and passport if flying International). And sit down. When it's time for your flight, they will come and get you, taking you to your limousine for the ride to your plane. If you are coming from your international flight to your domestic biz flight, they still will transport you. If you are an Honored Circle member (I am not, even close), you can choose this lounge no matter what class you are flying.
It goes without saying. comfort is yours for the taking. Food is offered, both buffet and a la carte dining. And a very well-stocked bar. Great restrooms/showers and sleeping area. This is a lounge that never gets full. Their are three busy times. Morning flights westbound, Afternoon flights to the East, and late-night flights, both east and west.
But my absolute favorite lounge is their FC TERMINAL. Set a few meters away from Terminal 2, the FC terminal is complete unto itself. If your incoming flight from within Europe arrives at least 2-3 hours before your departing FC flight, stretch your legs and walk over to the FC terminal. On our flight to Japan in March got changed due to time change. Our incoming flight was no longer coordinated with our departing flight, so we stayed overnight in Frankfurt (many hotels adjacent to terminal). In the morning, we walked over to FC terminal. You can also arrive by your own vehicle, and it will be parked for you.
When you enter, you will be greeted at the entrance. You are guided to a small security area, for baggage check-in. They will go through the process, and take your tickets and passport (they will be given back to you a few hours later when they come to pick you up and take you to your plane. After being taken for a tour, including their own duty free shop, we sat down for a Sunday brunch. I ordered a la carte, while my wife had the buffet. Both served with champagne. Took a nap. Then browsed the duty free. Finally, about 20 minutes before departure, they came for us. We went downstairs and into their small immigration office. They handed us back our tickets and passports.
The driver put our carry-on's in the boot of the Porsche. Then he took us to our flight to Haneda. Before we got into the elevator taking us up to the entry, I noticed a plaque on the plane : Pfalz. My kind of plane. Great Pinot noir comes from Pfalz.
On to the plane, immersing ourselves again into learning basic Japanese.
As I mentioned in the beginning, lounges in Europe are seemingly very different than in the U.S. Personally, I think that U.S. lounges have deteriorated in the six years we have been gone. We are very happy with our current situation. European banking is very different. Hence, no real mileage points/earnings as in States. Clubs are often based on airline mileage status. When we moved here, I was a Lifetime Premier 1K (Star Alliance Gold). On way to earning Senator status.
As travel is an important part of our retirement, this works well for us. With my wife's prior work, she has Accor Platinum, which we used recently in Moorea, Tokyo and Kyoto. And will gain more in Paris.
One thing I do want to mention is that I hope your travel, whether for work or pleasure, is serene. Anyone who spends so much time involved with travel, should make certain you do enjoy each destination
This was way, way too long. My god. Nobody wants to read 5,000 words from someone who lives on some little poverty island.
I loved the comment. It was long and every word was thought out. Worthy of a guest post.
Lounge staff that keeps visitors from using speakerphone or watching movies without headphones.
Long-haul -
Showers with amenities (and ventilation! I’m looking at you QR DOH and BA LHR! CX HKG F Pier is perfect, QF also very good)
Food (DL is great; AA Flagship still better; I haven’t experienced UA)
Drinks
Seating with Privacy
Decor
And aircraft views are a plus
Domestic US -
Decent snacks or small plate food
Seating
Drinks
and always like aircraft views
Food:
AA FF Dining > DeltaOne > Polaris >> Flagship > SkyClub > AAdmirals >> United Club
The most underrated amenity is showers.
The 2nd most underrated amenity is pressing while or before your shower.
The 3rd is shoe shine.
I agree on the showers.
I always look forward to the "Snack Tower of Sadness" in the Admirals Clubs!
Seriously, no matter how poor the quality of food/beverage offerings are, I most appreciate the space and (hopefully) relative calm of a lounge.
At the other end of the spectrum, things I really dislike in airline lounges today:
Children running amok;
People using mobile phones on speaker mode, blaring usually in Spanish (sorry Miami, but this is the Avianca...
I always look forward to the "Snack Tower of Sadness" in the Admirals Clubs!
Seriously, no matter how poor the quality of food/beverage offerings are, I most appreciate the space and (hopefully) relative calm of a lounge.
At the other end of the spectrum, things I really dislike in airline lounges today:
Children running amok;
People using mobile phones on speaker mode, blaring usually in Spanish (sorry Miami, but this is the Avianca lounge and AC at tiimes);
Toilets that are not properly kept up;
Feet on furniture;
Nail clipping in the lounge;
Fido running amok in the lounge;
And most of all, lounge staff that refuses to do anything about the behavior of lounge guests.
Ben, I saw the new golf simulators at DEN airport were added to priority pass recently, albeit only for the priority passes with the restaurant benefit included.
Ben - It would be interesting to see you do a comprehensive & updated review of Amex vs CSR vs CapOne lounges, especially given many people are re-evaluating their credit card strategy in light of recent CSR and Amex changes.
If I'm not mistaken, I think there are a lot of new CC lounges you haven't reviewed yet. I've been hearing great things about some of the newer CSR lounges, especially BOS, PHL, and SAN....
Ben - It would be interesting to see you do a comprehensive & updated review of Amex vs CSR vs CapOne lounges, especially given many people are re-evaluating their credit card strategy in light of recent CSR and Amex changes.
If I'm not mistaken, I think there are a lot of new CC lounges you haven't reviewed yet. I've been hearing great things about some of the newer CSR lounges, especially BOS, PHL, and SAN. I've also been hearing CapOne lounges are losing their appeal due to crowding and somewhat reduced standards for food. Amex seems to be mixed - Centurion Lounges were starting to be seen as past their prime but I've heard there's been some improvements lately with improved food and somewhat less crowding due to revised guest policies.
Would be interesting to get your updated take on Chase vs. CapOne vs. Centurion lounge networks in light of new lounges and product refreshes on CSR and Amex Plat.
This would be interesting, however Lucky likes hit every lounge at 5am, so expect breakfast-only reviews and no crowds.
How about " What makes a Lounge Great"?( Hotels & Airports)
1) Not too many people to have the Benefits of a Lounge.
2) Not too many Asians ( Indians & Chinese) they Stuff everything from Ketchup packets to Jams & Jellies in their Back packs/Suitcases. (Maybe have them check in their Backpacks at the Front Desk) Please see their activities in Bangkok, Bali,etc on the social media. it is Full of them stealing from the Lounge.
On point number 2, I don't think it's considered stealing when it's complimentary for those who have access. I'll admit, I've taken some stuff home such as teabags and some butter, but not to that extent. Maybe someone can clarify this.
Funny. Isn't it surprising that no American Americans ever do such incompressible things in lounges.
@Alan Z
SkyClub bananas?
And I don't know why other guests care if someone is stuffing their bags with ketchup.
1. Cathay Pacific The Wing F because Cabanas. That tub fills in 3 minutes and it could seat 4. Meanwhile clothes are being pressed. I mean, this is a 5star hotel room with only bed missing.
2. Plaza Premium Lounge Phnom Penh PNH. Believe it or not.
3. AA Flagship ORD. There's a JL AAngel in there and the showers are epic. Oh, yeah, and Bacon.
4. Infinity Lounge TPE. Because EVA. This one might...
1. Cathay Pacific The Wing F because Cabanas. That tub fills in 3 minutes and it could seat 4. Meanwhile clothes are being pressed. I mean, this is a 5star hotel room with only bed missing.
2. Plaza Premium Lounge Phnom Penh PNH. Believe it or not.
3. AA Flagship ORD. There's a JL AAngel in there and the showers are epic. Oh, yeah, and Bacon.
4. Infinity Lounge TPE. Because EVA. This one might be a tiny bit less than objective. Just, EVA.
5. ANA F Lounge HND. First, it's 777,000 square feet. Second, everything is excellent. Finally, Japan. If flight is 4pm, go at 9am LOL cuz it's better than your hotel.
Hopeless: CUN all terminals all lounges. They are tiny pointless hutches and still they have a 2 hour waitlist to enter. The don't take PriorityPass but they do VISA and Mastercard DragonPass etc. They text you when you get to enter. By then you've departed. So stupid.
Sad: Toronto YYZ both terminals, except AC Signature Suite which is available only if your departing segment is not bound for US or Canada and only if you paid cash or booked "Flexible" with points (generally 17% more points than "standard").
The amazing thing at CUN is that you can't get into the lounge as an Aeroméxico business class passenger. I don't know whether it's because they're too cheap for it (they do pay for contract lounges at NLU and other places) or it's just due to the lack of capacity.
ANA F lounge at HND? Seriously?
1. no line (sorry delta)
2. toto washlet (hello japan, taiwan, korea)
3. barista-made coffee (c'mon sydney)
4. decent food (shout out to cathay's dim sum and haneda's noodle counter)
5. nice showers with no queue (shoutout to TPE and the showers in baggage claim!)
6. enclosed areas for kids to play and loud phone calls (la guardia chase lounge game room!)
Number * T W O * on your list is having your derrière sprayed with water? Basic hygiene much? I think we have a 250 lbs+ person here, guys,
Having a local touch also makes the lounge experience memorable, especially on transit where you have no time to hang out in the city. Tea Room in the Pier, Business at HKG; a traditional coffee ceremony in Cloud Nine at ADD, a signature Swiss regional full course dining in Swiss First at ZRH, are some examples that come to my mind.
When I read amenities, I was hoping you were going to write about amenity kits.
Now that Rimowa kits are gone, is there any AK worh a booking? Emirates has the greatest contents, but I don't know if any case stands above the others.
Would it be a bonus if you can board directly from flight? I'm not sure what airports have this option besides DXB. From what I read, JFKs new terminal 6 I think will have this option as well as an expanded Bridge lounge at HKG.
And I've always wondered, do you ever help yourself to the buffet?! I've only seen you taking photos on what's on offer!
The Aegean Lounge at SKG (Thessaloniki) lets you board the flight directly from the lounge.
If only they can do workout rooms in lounges, a few treadmils for me to run before a long flight will make sleep so much better.
Hopefully you can get a free shower stall before your flight.
It’s amazing how different people’s views can be on lounges. I am the exact opposite of Ben. I only care about high-quality hot food and fancy cocktails in the lounge, especially for domestic (whether flying first or economy) travel. I don’t understand why bloggers (especially Gary Leff) drool over the new AA lounge concept at DCA and Denver when the food options are still inferior to Delta, Chase, Capital One, and even AMEX/UA lounges. Airport...
It’s amazing how different people’s views can be on lounges. I am the exact opposite of Ben. I only care about high-quality hot food and fancy cocktails in the lounge, especially for domestic (whether flying first or economy) travel. I don’t understand why bloggers (especially Gary Leff) drool over the new AA lounge concept at DCA and Denver when the food options are still inferior to Delta, Chase, Capital One, and even AMEX/UA lounges. Airport food and cocktail prices are out of control (even airport Starbucks are 50% more than regular SB), so it’s all about the food in the lounge.
Other than the first class bit, I don't really understand your classification.
Is your average SEN lounge, or the South African Airways one at JNB an 'airline membership lounge' or an 'international business class' one? Does it really make sense to classify the AENA facility at T1 in Barajas as either a 'Priority Pass lounge' or one for 'long haul business class passengers' (it's both, and it's far better than the average contract lounge...
Other than the first class bit, I don't really understand your classification.
Is your average SEN lounge, or the South African Airways one at JNB an 'airline membership lounge' or an 'international business class' one? Does it really make sense to classify the AENA facility at T1 in Barajas as either a 'Priority Pass lounge' or one for 'long haul business class passengers' (it's both, and it's far better than the average contract lounge in Central America or the North of England)?
Most airline-run lounges out there cater for a mix of premium class passengers and frequent flyers, and quite a few of them accept holders of credit cards (e.g. AMEX at Lufthansa) or lounge passes (e.g. LATAM at GRU), and lots of non-hub airports don't have any airline lounges whatsoever, even if there's long haul business class service from there.
IYKYK
I think it's mostly a case of using the situation in North America, which Ben definitely knows really well, and sort of assuming that the rest of the world works in the same way, which he should know that it doesn't. When I tried accessing a UA lounge at ORD at 07:00 having just arrived on a short domestic flight after a sleepless night and they told me to go to the other one, the...
I think it's mostly a case of using the situation in North America, which Ben definitely knows really well, and sort of assuming that the rest of the world works in the same way, which he should know that it doesn't. When I tried accessing a UA lounge at ORD at 07:00 having just arrived on a short domestic flight after a sleepless night and they told me to go to the other one, the following dialogue ensued:
- What do you mean? Are you saying that I can't access this lounge as a *G passenger in business class?
- No, I'm saying that you can access our lounge at gate XYZ.
- But why shouldn't I use this one instead? Is the other lounge better?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
“you’re generally going to find more comfortable accommodations in the terminal”
Are the seatsvat gates really more comfortable than the ones in the lounges? Less crowded depending on the gate and time of day, but not more comfortable…
Certainly, Delta is upping the ante regarding airline-operated lounges. As a whole, I've always had a better experience with airline-operated lounges relative Priority Pass/credit card issuer lounges. Others might have a different experience. And, I never ever ever ever use Amex Centurion Lounges.
I'll probably not be popular with the nit-picking lounge assessors, but I think there are 'better' and 'not so good' lounges but in my limited experience I haven't been to a 'bad' lounge. Even when cheddar cubes were prominent. Some food is great, some just okay, some makes up in taste what it lacks in appearance. QF domestic business in Sydney, I'm looking at you!
Must do? Espresso coffee, machine is okay, barista is
... better; hot food, a la carte is a bonus.
On a recent trip I visited several Admirals Clubs, an Alaska Lounge (JFK), Qantas domestic business and international first (in Sydney and LA). QF1 in Sydney at 7am was the pick, service, food, coffee, ambience.
The other thing that makes a great experience (for me at least) is a great view of the tarmac and runways. Quiet and uncrowded isn't essential, but being away...
... better; hot food, a la carte is a bonus.
On a recent trip I visited several Admirals Clubs, an Alaska Lounge (JFK), Qantas domestic business and international first (in Sydney and LA). QF1 in Sydney at 7am was the pick, service, food, coffee, ambience.
The other thing that makes a great experience (for me at least) is a great view of the tarmac and runways. Quiet and uncrowded isn't essential, but being away from the often frenetic activity in the terminal is good.
Surely the combination of roaming mice and uncovered food at the buffet in the KLM Schiphol lounges must be sufficient to classify them as bad!
Hm I'm not sure I can avoid calling the Amex Lounge MEX bad. It's just bad.
Sorry, Den B, but there's a difference between people in Costco clothes from 2007 and actual premium travelers. You're not group 2.
Lounges used to be a refugee from crowded, loud, chaotic gate areas. That's gone. Airline lounges used to have staff that could really help with irregular operations. That's pretty much gone. Lounges used to have clean and available bathrooms/stalls. That gone.
So you essentially have the gate area with Wawa level food (maybe a bit better with premium lounges) and freeze booze. And you have someone to print you a new boarding pass if...
Lounges used to be a refugee from crowded, loud, chaotic gate areas. That's gone. Airline lounges used to have staff that could really help with irregular operations. That's pretty much gone. Lounges used to have clean and available bathrooms/stalls. That gone.
So you essentially have the gate area with Wawa level food (maybe a bit better with premium lounges) and freeze booze. And you have someone to print you a new boarding pass if you need to change flights do to irregular operations.
Delta's refreshed lounges are nice. And, while I've experienced a well-attended Delta lounge, I've never had to wait to get in and never thought it was too crowded. I think Delta has "motivated" AA to do something about its lounges. And, that's a good thing. Once this refresh cycle is completed, I think airline-operated lounges as a whole will be a notch above the Priority Pass/card issuer lounges.
I am not sure lounges used to be refugees, to be fair. But I agree, I miss the time when lounges excluded people without basic education, say, people who didn't know the word 'due'.
... and English isn't even my first language.
Good coffee goes an incredibly long way!
For when when flying long haul international (usually is east coast to se Asia) with a mid journey layover, the number 1 thing that will make a lounge for me are showers with little to no wait time during peak banks.. In that regard, some of the “worlds best” lounges are failures such as Al Safwa or the TK mega lounge in IST.
Cubes of cheddar cheese.
Just kidding.
Luxury!!
I would've killed for some of those during some extended stays around China etc.