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 overcrowded, which is an issue
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 couple of examples of lounges in this category that I consider to be exceptional:
- United Polaris Lounges are awesome, even by international standards, with a la carte dining, nap areas, barista-made coffee, shower suites and individual bathrooms, and great decor
- The Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto is probably the world’s most elevated business class lounge, and offers true restaurant-quality dining
- 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?
I think it has to be a better experience than being at the gate. Consider that many US lounges are over crowded, not well stocked, not enough power areas, etc. Not all lounges will be as good as some of the best first or business class lounges but the basics are important.
Comfortable seating, a tarmac view, showers, and dedicated sleep areas are most important to me for international F/J lounges...and ideally not crowded and no obnoxiously loud kids or rude adults using devices without headphones. Secondary to me are drink and food quality. I'll just be drinking beer or coffee, and I'll be eating enough on the F/J flights, so maybe one or two high quality local dishes as a small snack is plenty. If I...
Comfortable seating, a tarmac view, showers, and dedicated sleep areas are most important to me for international F/J lounges...and ideally not crowded and no obnoxiously loud kids or rude adults using devices without headphones. Secondary to me are drink and food quality. I'll just be drinking beer or coffee, and I'll be eating enough on the F/J flights, so maybe one or two high quality local dishes as a small snack is plenty. If I eat a lot in a lounge I usually regret it.
Loved the chase/etihad lounge in JFK T4… forrrr about a month until word got out now every time I pass through security I look over and see a line.
1. The lounge has to be large enough so it will never get too crowded even during peak hours.
2. Shower facilities.
3. Decent hot and cold food.
4. Large windows with natural light.
5.Friendly staffs.
I agree. for me it is the shower facilities. If I am on an early morning flight (and this can be divisive) I shower in the lounge. Makes me get to the airport earlier and I don't feel so rushed.
Polaris lounges aren’t very good when there is no seating available.
Prefer no over crowding and no queue at the door.
Decent hot food, quiet zones, view of planes, no children, no long walk to gate.
I've found the US lounges are the worst. Crowded, bad food, impersonal, sometimes very knocked about.
Emirates lounges are the benchmark. Silver Kris lounge at Changi ticks most of my boxes apart from over crowding at times.
Even air New Zealand lounge is better than any...
Prefer no over crowding and no queue at the door.
Decent hot food, quiet zones, view of planes, no children, no long walk to gate.
I've found the US lounges are the worst. Crowded, bad food, impersonal, sometimes very knocked about.
Emirates lounges are the benchmark. Silver Kris lounge at Changi ticks most of my boxes apart from over crowding at times.
Even air New Zealand lounge is better than any US lounge I've been in except maybe Polaris.
Some priority pass lounges in Asia are pretty decent especially on the hot food side of things.
Agree sometimes maybe better to find quiet space in the terminal. That's not easy to find these days either.
For major hub international lounges, ample nap rooms are vital.
I think 1st class lounges should have gyms! Even if it’s a small studio attached to some of the FCFS rooms or even if there’s a charge/prebooking process!
Only one I’m familiar with is the VS upper club with the pelaton bikes - but they are in the open and not in a dedicated area
Oh and private & clean bathrooms. A lot of 1st (and Biz)class lounges in Asia and EMEA get this point… they even have bidets!! But this obsession with half doors & half walls… is disgusting & creepy!
The bikes have gone, it’s now another seating area, same as the pool table area now more seating.
The value proposition changes based on frequency of travel. As someone who flies about 20 times a year, a small amenity like having take-away bottles of water can add up to nearly a $100 savings throughout the year versus buying at the airport. This is much more pronounced for meals, even basic ones. I'm not looking for fancy. I just don't want to spend any money at the rest of the airport. Capital One gets...
The value proposition changes based on frequency of travel. As someone who flies about 20 times a year, a small amenity like having take-away bottles of water can add up to nearly a $100 savings throughout the year versus buying at the airport. This is much more pronounced for meals, even basic ones. I'm not looking for fancy. I just don't want to spend any money at the rest of the airport. Capital One gets this the best with great hot food and an amazing grab and go selection that includes bottled water and sandwiches.
Agree! Most lounges are removing bottled water which is bad!
You can always just bring your own bottle and refill it once past security.
Most can Learn from Capital One Lounges! A little too crowded but worth it if you have Venture X
I did not realize that capital one lounges are that nice, but everyone including Ben seem to be raving about them.
Comfy seat with foot rest
Cocktail table next to said seat
Apron views
Premium whiskey or beer
Tasty spicy short eats
Charging ports
Speedy Wi-Fi
Quiet Zones
Table service
Clean bathrooms
No loud booming background music
No children
No instagramers
No tipping regime
No fish dishes that stink the lounge out
Less people. Less crowds. Crispy bacon. A lot of booze. Places to sleep and relax. Did I mention less people?
My question after reading the comments is, where are these airport restaurants with good food ? At great majority of airports what you get is overpriced, underwhelming crap.
Heck, go to a major airport like SFO and looking at the menus on different restaurants it looks like evrery one of them is managed by the same set of people or at the very least they source their food from the same place. And all...
My question after reading the comments is, where are these airport restaurants with good food ? At great majority of airports what you get is overpriced, underwhelming crap.
Heck, go to a major airport like SFO and looking at the menus on different restaurants it looks like evrery one of them is managed by the same set of people or at the very least they source their food from the same place. And all of it is overpriced and super ordinary.
For someone on the go, food is essential. Specially if say you are running meetings that do not give you enough time to have a meal and than go to the airport for your flight.
Along with it easy access, comfortable place to sit, restroom cleanliness and great wifi, all are essential.
Well for me it’s not *good* food, it’s acceptable food that’s preferable to gross buffet style lounge food.
The best of both worlds is made to order lounge food (or fairly “fresh” pre-plated food with good turnover) but that’s not super common in the US.
“it looks like evrery one of them is managed by the same set of people or at the very least they source their food from the same place.”
Because they are run by the same organization and source their food from the same place. That’s well known. Almost all airport restaurants that have a well-know, local “name” are actually run under license, not by the actual local restaurant.
Ironically SFO is actually one of the major US airports where this is not true and restaurants are managed independently under a normal leasing model to independent tenants: https://www.flysfo.com/business/doing-business-sfo
The New York Airports on the other hand, have exclusive contracts with large caterers and your choice is which storefront of theirs you'd like to visit. As someone based on the West Coast it's always been super weird to see.
The first round of tenant contracts...
Ironically SFO is actually one of the major US airports where this is not true and restaurants are managed independently under a normal leasing model to independent tenants: https://www.flysfo.com/business/doing-business-sfo
The New York Airports on the other hand, have exclusive contracts with large caterers and your choice is which storefront of theirs you'd like to visit. As someone based on the West Coast it's always been super weird to see.
The first round of tenant contracts in the international terminal mostly went to local restaurants who I believe in at least one version were also required not to sell for higher prices than their stores in the city.
Bar and bathrooms for me. Although a sky terrace is a huge perk too.
Never understood the fascination with free mediocre airport lounge food. If I need food that badly I’ll either bring my own or track down the most reliable restaurant in the terminal.
Barista coffee station is nice albeit rare.
More functional things (that American Admiral Clubs do not have)
1. Decent Wifi that can handle the traffic
2. Adequate bathroom space and clean bathrooms
3. Quite areas (varies by lounge/club)
4. More frequency in the food offerings
I don't use a lounge for really good, "fancy" food. If I want that I'll go to one of the better airport restaurants.
True. Polaris food never changes. It’s also gone way downhill and is literally the same buffet at the UC. At least in SF. Terrible food.
Always Prefer Capital One Lounges to AA!
The question asks about *good* as opposed to *over the top*. Given that, to me, the design of the new Delta SkyClubs sets the standard for business class lounges. It is visually appealing, the layout flows, generally quiet, and the food is good. If any lounge can couple this with attendance restrictions that prevent waits and overcrowding, you have a winner. As for first class lounges, add in slightly elegant table-service dining.
How NOT to do an international first class lounge: the dull, unimaginative, industrial-designed Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX.
Pretty hard to beat the Cabanas in Cathay's The Wing First. The lounge generally is very lavish, with champagne bar, buffet dining and menu dining with table service, etc. But there's also a huge bathtub in a private room, while they press one's clothes. Highly recommended.
Any lounge that doesn't allow social media narcissists record their experience is a good lounge.
But reviews by bloggers are OK? If so, why the different treatment?
taste and refinement
@OCTinPHL, most decent bloggers take photos without shoving the camera in lounge guests faces. And like DenB said in the above comment, taste and refinement.
@ Ocean - TikTokers are shoving the camera in their own faces, not other guests. And taste and refinement? Please, sounds like snobbery.
None of them are ok. Put away your phones. Hate social media.
No mention of IRROP assistance? Strange. As a DL flyer, it's a massive perk with my SkyClub membership. Sadly, these bean counting fools at DL are taking away help desks at some airports now like LGA. Perhaps a future topic for an article Lucky?
Indeed. In the old days as an American flyer, when trouble arose, or when I wanted something a wee bit extra, I'd pop into the Admirals Club: The Land Of Yes. Talk to an AAngel and good to go.
Some people definitely seem to value this, but I have to say for the most part I don't. United's app is extremely functional for IRROP issues and I don't think I've ever once actually needed to contact their desks. It's much faster to decide it myself rather than stand in a line, even a shorter one in the lounge. In the cases where they'd set aside some seats or automatically rebook or prioritize elites the...
Some people definitely seem to value this, but I have to say for the most part I don't. United's app is extremely functional for IRROP issues and I don't think I've ever once actually needed to contact their desks. It's much faster to decide it myself rather than stand in a line, even a shorter one in the lounge. In the cases where they'd set aside some seats or automatically rebook or prioritize elites the app seems to do that too.
While you're making your way to the lounge or chatting to an agent who is telling you how valued you are and what they're going to do to solve your problem, I'm tapping my phone and confirming a seat on the flight that looks best to me.
My lounge bare minimums:
1. Ability to get in easily (not full or with a long line to get in).
2. Place to sit with power outlet.
3. Easy to access, clean bathrooms (too many lounges have bathrooms far too small for the number of people in the lounge). I've had to leave the lounge to use the terminal bathrooms.
4. Some kind of hot food offering.
5. Free beer.
Strangely...
My lounge bare minimums:
1. Ability to get in easily (not full or with a long line to get in).
2. Place to sit with power outlet.
3. Easy to access, clean bathrooms (too many lounges have bathrooms far too small for the number of people in the lounge). I've had to leave the lounge to use the terminal bathrooms.
4. Some kind of hot food offering.
5. Free beer.
Strangely enough, over time I find that the Admirals Club can more consistently hit all of these marks than Centurion, etc.