The airports of London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkey have the most premium lounges for customers
While some airlines are cutting costs and reducing lounge offerings, others are going above and beyond to provide a premium customer experience.
Check out four VIP rooms selected by Forbes that fit this model:
Privilege and Privacy
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport has a private entrance, making arrival at Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive Upper Class Wing feel more like arriving at a private airport terminal than one of the busiest airports in the world. The entrance to the Upper Class Wing is attached to Terminal 3 of the English airport, and upper class passengers are quickly taken by car to the Clubhouse, as there is also a private security channel that leads directly to the lounge. While the private entrance and security screening are the real differentiators of this Clubhouse, there are also plenty of amenities to enjoy within the lounge, like Peloton bikes, a brasserie with table service, and quiet nooks for reading.
High Stile
Cathay Pacific’s sophisticated Pier Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport has an elegant feel and high-quality design. Regardless of how fantastic the amenities may be, most airline lounges have a sterile, corporate atmosphere and lack any style; however, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier lounge in Hong Kong is the exception to the rule. Designed by Ilse Crawford, one of London’s leading residential interior designers, creative director and founder of Studioilse, this lounge is elegant, with expanses of milky green onyx, gold lighting and thick carpeting. It is infused with a unique fragrance – a blend of lavender, bamboo, green tea and jasmine – designed to make travelers feel relaxed. The overall effect is very sophisticated while still maintaining a sense of comfort. In addition to the sophisticated design, the lounge also houses an elegant horseshoe-shaped bar; day suites with large windows overlooking the courtyard; and a mini spa with quick treatments.
Complete Banquet
Turkish Airlines’ main lounge, Istanbul Miles & Smiles, is filled with Turkish delights. With an elevated area of over 10,000 square meters at Istanbul’s new airport, scheduled to be fully completed by 2027, the food offering is exceptional. While there’s cuisine from around the world, Turkish cuisine is the star of the show, with grilled meat and vegetable stations, along with signature roast dishes like simit, börek and pide. There are also regional products, such as butter from the Trabzon countryside, and the mezzes are second to none, with more than 40 options from all over Turkey. For drinks, there are all the usual options (easily accessible in free-standing fridges), plus a range of high-quality loose-leaf teas and traditional Turkish coffee. Dessert tables serve lokum (Turkish delight), as well as other classics like baklava.
Real Rest and Relaxation
Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room lounge at Changi Airport in Singapore has dedicated nap rooms. Some lounges have low chairs for you to relax and rest your feet, while others have quiet areas or relaxation nooks. All are great, but not always conducive to deep sleep. At Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room at its Changi Airport hub, visitors have access to full nap rooms. More like basic hotel rooms, there are four nap rooms available, each with a table and chair and, most importantly, a real bed for complete rest between flights.
