Traveling in style has never been easier. While luxury travel once conjured images of the wealthiest passengers sipping champagne from cut-glass crystal flutes in first-class cabins, in recent years airlines have extended the first-class experience to extravagant airport lounges. These specially designated areas have more in common with five-star luxury hotels than with the typical waiting area of an airport, allowing guests to enjoy amazing amenities and gourmet meals as they wait for their flight.
What makes these lounges even better is that you do not necessarily have to fly first-class to enjoy them. While access to some lounges is provided as a complimentary perk for holders of certain credit cards, others allow access to travelers for a one-time fee.
Here’s our selection of the world’s best airport lounges!
Emirates First Class Lounge — Dubai International Airport

Posh and luxurious, the Emirates First Class Lounge is one of the finest airport lounges in the world. At 100,000 square feet, it’s also one of the largest, spanning the entire length of the first floor of Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A. Visitors here have their pick of how they want to keep busy as they wait for their flight. While many will enjoy the First Class Lounge’s huge wine cellar and cigar bar, others might opt for a relaxing massage at the Timeless Spa.
Meanwhile, dedicated shoppers will find great opportunities to splurge at the lounge’s duty-free shops, which include boutiques with a wide selection of fine jewelry. Flyers looking for the bare necessities will also not leave disappointed as the Emirates First Class Lounge has endless dining options and even private places to sleep or take a shower.
To gain entry to the Emirates First Class lounge, you need to either fly Emirates first class or business class or be an Emirates Skywards Platinum or Gold member. You can also pay for access, at about $130 for adults — which includes access for one guest free — and $70 for children.
American Express Centurion Lounge — JFK International Airport

Visitors to the American Express Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport will find a new reason to never leave home without their Amex Platinum card. Taking up two floors of the airport’s Terminal 4, this is one of the most luxurious first-class lounges in the United States. Along with plenty of seating, the Centurion Lounge honors the Big Apple with specially designed rooms that evoke popular New York City landmarks and neighborhoods.
Those on business trips can also make use of the lounge’s private phone rooms, small enclosures that allow flyers to take calls and conduct business without worrying about bothering other travelers. Guests looking to bide their time as they wait their flight also have many amenities to enjoy at the lounge. One of the most popular spots is 1850, a speakeasy on the lower level that offers signature cocktails. Also of note is the Equinox Body Lab, a spa that offers everything from exercise classes to massages to yoga.
It should be no surprise that access to the American Express Centurion Lounge is normally reserved for Platinum Card members and holders of similar Amex cards. But others can gain access for a very reasonable $50 admission, which includes two guests free.
Air France’s La Première Lounge — Charles de Gaulle Airport

France’s reputation as a beacon of culture and sophistication radiates at the Air France La Première Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a special representative from Air France that is available to help you during your stay. By far the most impressive spot in La Première Lounge is the restaurant, which has a menu crafted by Michelin three-star chef Alain Ducasse. Guests of the restaurant enjoy a large buffet of tasty cuisine and fine wine rounded out by heavenly desserts.
Those in need of a relaxing massage before their flight can also visit the lounge’s spa, which is sponsored by the beauty brand Sisley Paris. When it comes time to board, La Première Lounge customers are shuttled to their plane by a private car and introduced to the first-class flight staff.
Access to La Première Lounge goes to Air France First Class passengers, as well as platinum or diamond members of Air France’s frequent flyer program. Otherwise, paid access is $70 per person, but again that includes one guest.
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Capital One Lounge — Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport

Capital One helps holders of its Venture X card make their stop at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport all the more enjoyable with the Capital One Lounge. Bright and airy, this place provides a homey-feeling for wayward travelers. One of the first things that guests notice is its comfy furnishings, which include large couches and well-padded armchairs.
The lounge further offers a wide selection of complimentary food and drink items. Many visitors are especially appreciative of refrigerators that offer a quick bite of gourmet sandwiches and salads to go. Guests of the Capital One Lounge hoping to burn some calories during their stay can also hop on a Peloton bike that overlooks the airport’s runway, while more sleep-minded visitors can take a nap in a relaxation room under a ceiling of painted stars.
Again, access to the lounge is unsurprisingly for Capital One card holders of a certain level, or for frequent flyers with partner airlines. Paid access is $60 and includes two guests.
Do you have a favorite airport lounge? Tell us about it in the comments below!

