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This article was first published 12 years ago

World's 10 best airport lounges

Last updated on: January 10, 2012 10:37 IST


If you are a first class or business class passenger and you are travelling on an international route, you know that you can only be expected to be treated like a 'king'. So, once you enter the airport the airlines ensure that every step you take only enriches your luxury status.

Here, an airport lounge plays a key role in enhancing your king-like experience. The attendants ensure that they cater to all your needs. In fact, the lounge is nothing short of a luxury suite at a five-star hotel.

In this slide show we present some of the world's best airport lounges (in no particular order) that are an over-the-top testament to the VIP privilege.

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Tags: , VIP

World's 10 best airport lounges


Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific's The Wing

This is probably one of the largest lounges: 3,994 square metres over two floors, with a 24-metre long bar of hot and cold buffet items, Japanese noodle bar, four restaurants, 24 shower suites with soaking tubs, 26 IT workstations and a spa.

What's more? It offers a perfect view of the planes landing.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


London: British Airways' Concorde Room

The interiors speak for its exuberance. It is styled in posh velvet and herringbone, with chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Concorde Room offers its passengers individual shower suites, spa treatments and a sit-down meal before night flights (so its premium passengers' sleep won't be interrupted by food and beverage carts on the flight).

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Sydney: Qantas' First Lounge

Qantas' first-class lounge is designed after its sleek A380 airplane fleet.

Here, one can indulge in a Payot Paris day spa, a 48-seat open-kitchen restaurant headed by Australian star-chef Neil Perry, an entertainment area with Sony PlayStations and movies.

The best features here are the 180-degree views of Sydney, and an air-freshening tropical garden of 8,400 plants set into a 30-metre wall.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Frankfurt: Lufthansa's First Class Terminal

Lufthansa offers you the luxury of personal assistant who will help you speed through security and other check-in process.

After you are through with all the formalities, you can unwind into pod-like 'relax chairs' and daybeds, a cigar lounge, indulge in some a la carte dining, or browse through the bar that serves 100 types of single malts.

Further, passengers here also get chauffeured in Porsche or Mercedes, which are at their disposal.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Abu Dhabi: Etihad's Diamond First Class Lounge

Etihad Airways flagship lounge offers an a la carte restaurant with a fancy chef's table in the kitchen, a spa with 15-minute treatments (from pedicures to facials), a champagne bar, a cigar and cognac lounge, a business centre and a library.

The best feature of this lounge is: A proper nursery filled with books and toys complete with its own children's menu and nannies to look after your kids.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways' Premium Arrivals Lounge

Chic decor and splashy amenities that is in sync with the airline's $90-million premium terminal (which has five bedrooms, Jacuzzis and gourmet dining).

It also has shower rooms with luxury hotel style amenities that offer a perfect opportunity to freshen up on arrival.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Singapore: Singapore Airlines's Silverkris First Class Lounge

This 2,787-square-metre flagship lounge promises to attend to all your needs -- including showers with free toothbrushes and razors, low-lit 'slumberettes' for napping, massage chairs, meeting rooms, a hot buffet and business centres.

The lounge also offers free phone service to Singapore from soundproof booths.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


San Francisco: Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a $3.2-million, 8,000-square-foot lounge that includes locally sourced art and floor-to-ceiling views across the bay. You also have concierges taking care of check-in for flights, and pay-to-stay access.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


New York: American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge

American Airline's flagship lounge serves its highest-paying customers on domestic and international flights.

The 650-square-metre lounge, which is pay-to-stay is based on American AAdvantage membership levels, has a staffed business centre, a children's room, showers and free house wines.

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World's 10 best airport lounges


Marrakesh: La Mamounia's VIP Lounge

La Mamounia's VIP airport lounge is exclusive for its guest. It is the only luxe hotel in Marrakech to develop such a service. The lounge is 560 square feet in size, it is plush and offers a soothing spot for its guests.

Here, guests have access to concierge service, gourmet food and cocktails. They are also chauffeured around the area in a bespoke garnet red Jaguar Daimler or Range Rover.