People want to travel more than ever, and as a result, airports are hectic. Everyone is looking for some tranquility, and the overcrowded, basic lounges of yesterday no longer serve to provide travelers with a premium experience. As a result, hyper-exclusive lounges have popped up around the world, offering standout amenities like spas and complete privacy.
We’ve rounded up the best options, taking into consideration the Priority Pass Excellence Awards, the World’s Top 10 Airports by Skytrax, and reviews from fellow travelers. Here’s everything to know about the coolest airport lounges in the world, including how to get in.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, LaGuardia (LGA), New York, NY
The Chase Sapphire Lounge network has seven locations currently open, with two more on the way. Frequent travelers consistently praise the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in LaGuardia as being one of the best lounges in the country. It also ranked fourth in the 2024 Skytrax awards.
Sapphire Lounges put a heavy emphasis on locality — at the LaGuardia location, you’ll enjoy seasonal menus and chef-created items from local restaurant Fairfax, craft cocktails by Apotheke, and a wine list from Parcelle. You can also have self-serve or barista-made coffee and tea from Joe Coffee.
The lounge provides ample space to relax or work on two levels. You can even enjoy a complimentary 30-minute facial treatment from Face Haus and receive a skin care travel kit to take with you. There’s also a dedicated game room complete with a pinball machine, which is rarely seen in airport lounges.
If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve or J.P. Morgan Reserve cardmember, you can book one of three private Reserve suites for a fee, which include a dedicated host, an in-room TV and game console, and an ensuite bathroom. From the caviar service on arrival to a special menu from local restaurant Jeffrey’s Grocery, you will certainly not leave hungry.
How to get in: Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve, and Ritz-Carlton Credit cardholders can access the lounge with their Priority Pass membership. If you don’t have any of these cards but have a Priority Pass membership, you can enter one Sapphire Lounge each year for free. Alternatively, you can pay $75 for a day pass.
Delta One Lounge, John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York, NY
Over the past few years, Delta Sky Club locations have become immensely overcrowded, so much so that Delta has limited access for credit card holders. However, the Delta One Lounge at JFK, which opened in 2024, is a shining example of the luxury that travelers have come to associate with Delta.
You’ll start with a Delta One Lounge Ambassador, who will help curate your experience before your flight. You can enjoy full-service dining curated by celebrity chefs and expert mixologists, and then visit the wellness and relaxation center with Grown Alchemist products, massage options, and shower suites. Be sure to reserve a relaxation pod so you can hang out in a full-body massage chair before boarding.
The lounge design is quintessential New York City, with elevated touches like pillows and coffee table books from Missoni. There’s a 140-seat Brasserie that serves a three-course meal, or you can serve yourself from the buffet selection at The Market and Bakery. The best area of the lounge might be the terrace, which features seasonally updated plants and a retractable roof so you can enjoy it all year long.
How to get in: Arriving or departing Delta One passengers can visit the Delta One Lounge at JFK. Delta 360 members can also enter the lounge with a first-class ticket. You can also enter if you are traveling in the following cabins on partner airlines:
- Air France La Premiere or long-haul business class
- LATAM Premium Business Class
- KLM Business Class
- Korean Air First Class and Prestige Class
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
The Centurion Lounge, Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), Atlanta, GA
The Centurion Lounge in ATL opened in 2024 and is the largest in the network. The lounge is incredibly unique, with outdoor terraces, a craft whiskey bar, and custom art. Enjoy a Southern-inspired menu designed by James Beard Award Semifinalist, restaurateur, and author Deborah VanTrece.
The Reserve by American Express is a first-of-its-kind whiskey bar with over 20 whiskeys to choose from. You can also enjoy a cocktail crafted by mixologist Jim Meehan or sample wine selected by Anthony Giglio. The beautiful design, spaciousness, and impeccable menu ensure you can relax at one of the busiest airports in the world.
How to get in: You will receive complimentary access to the lounge with one of the following cards:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card
- Amex Centurion Card
PS LAX, Los Angeles International (LAX), Los Angeles, CA
If you want guaranteed privacy, relaxation, and luxury while waiting for your flight, PS LAX in Los Angeles is the place to go. You’ll arrive in a private terminal, so you’re already experiencing smaller crowds away from the main terminal.
You can tailor your experience based on what you’re looking for:
- The Salon: Enjoy complimentary cocktails and chef-prepared meals in a social setting with fellow travelers. You’ll take shared transportation to and from the aircraft.
- Private Suite: The private suite is perfect for groups who want privacy. Amenities include dedicated staff, a day bed, an entertainment center, a private restroom, a stocked pantry, and a private chauffeur to or from the aircraft.
- PS Direct: If you want an A-List celebrity experience, PS Direct offers a chauffeur from your home or hotel to the aircraft.
How to get in: If you have one of two PS LAX memberships, you’ll receive preferred pricing per visit. The Salon membership costs $1,250 per year and discounts The Salon and PS Direct for $850 per person. The All Access membership costs $4,850 per year and allows you to book The Salon and PS Direct for $750 per person or the Private Suite for $3,550 for four travelers.
If you don’t have a membership, you’ll pay $1,095 per person to visit The Salon. Private Suites for those without a membership or with The Salon membership cost $4,850 for up to four travelers. Those without a membership will be on the waitlist for reservations.
Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai International (DXB), Dubai, UAE
The Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai is massive, so there’s plenty of space to spread out. You can refresh in the shower spa with luxury toiletries, smoke a cigar at the cigar bar, or sip on a signature Grapefruit Jalapeño Sour at the bar.
The lounge has an exquisite approach to dining, with locally sourced ingredients used to prepare dishes from around the world. Whether you want to select specific menu items or sit down for a three-course meal with drink pairing, you have several options to fill up before your flight.
While inside, visit the Moët & Chandon bar, try some Dilmah teas, or visit Le Clos to buy fine wines and spirits to take home with you. You’ll also receive a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment, so don’t forget to take advantage.
How to get in: First-class passengers and Skywards Platinum members receive complimentary access to the lounge. You can also pay $300 to access the lounge or $175 to upgrade from the business class lounge to the first class lounge. Skyward members receive a special discounted rate.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge, Doha International (DOH), Doha, Qatar
Qatar Airways is known as one of the most luxurious airlines in the world, so it makes sense that its first-class lounge at its home airport is one of the coolest lounges in the world. The lounge was designed to resemble the architecture of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, so be prepared for a stunning space.
Say goodbye to queuing at the buffet. Guests at Al Safwa can enjoy a meal at the 250-seat restaurant with an à la carte menu and selections from the executive chef. The highlight of the lounge, though, is the Qspa with nine treatment rooms. If you don’t want a treatment, you can step into the thermal jacuzzi, get a manicure or pedicure, or simply unwind in the relaxation room. You can pick up some last-minute presents from the exclusive duty-free or watch a movie in the cinematic media room. If you have at least four hours before you flight, you can even snag a bedroom all to yourself for up to six hours. This lounge will make you want to arrive at the airport very early to visit.
How to get in: You can enter the lounge if you fly first class on a Qatar Airways or Oneworld airline flight, or if you fly business class on a Qatar Airways flight and are a Privilege Club Platinum member.
Cathay Pacific The Pier, Hong Kong International (HKG), Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific’s The Pier first-class lounge is a beautifully designed space and perfect for any traveler to find respite from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Start your visit at The Bar, a room with green onyx walls and walnut wood panels, to grab a signature cocktail or a made-to-order meal. If you aren’t hungry enough for a meal, head to The Pantry, where you can find bite-sized snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Next, go to The Retreat, which offers eight suites with day beds, privacy curtains, and incredible views over the runway so you can take a quick nap before your flight. Once you wake up, you can get a massage or take a shower so you feel rejuvenated before your flight.
How to get in: You can visit The Pier first class lounge if you fly first class on a Cathay Pacific or Oneworld carrier flight. You can also enter if you are a Cathay Diamond or Oneworld Emerald member departing on a Cathay Pacific or Oneworld carrier flight.
JAL First Class Lounge, Haneda Airport (HND), Tokyo, Japan
Skytrax named Tokyo’s Haneda Airport the third best airport in the world, behind Singapore Changi and Doha’s Hamad International. So it makes sense that the JAL First Class Lounge made this list. The lounge was meticulously designed by Ryu Kosaka from Aoyama Nomura Design to reflect the traditional Japanese spirit, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows with runway views. The designer focused on a room-to-room concept for the lounge, so each space is unique, and transitional walkways blend the spaces together.
You can enjoy handmade sushi or ramen at Sushi Tsurutei or try a wide selection of food at JAL Table. Next, head to The Red Suite, which has a more premium and peaceful feel and is split into four zones — the Bar, the Retreat, the Gallery, and the Library. AV geeks will love the Library, where you can find a collection of JAL memorabilia.
Lastly, move to JAL’s salon, which serves Japanese artisanal beverages. From start to finish, a visit to the JAL First Class Lounge is a phenomenal experience steeped in local culture and top-tier amenities.
How to get in: First-class passengers and those with JMB Diamond or JGC Premier status can enter the lounge.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow (LHR), London, UK
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow feels like a five-star hotel. Guests can visit the Brasserie for a traditional restaurant experience with table service, or use the QR code at their table elsewhere in the Clubhouse to take advantage of online ordering.
There are three menus depending on the time of day: breakfast, lunch and dinner, and afternoon tea. Whether you decide on a full English breakfast or the Clubhouse venison pie, you’ll be delighted with the menu options. You can also go to the deli bar for salads, meats, cheeses, and pastries. Be sure to check out the Clubhouse Retreat if you’d like to take a quick nap or get some work done before your flight.
How to get in: Guests traveling in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, Delta One on Delta, or Clase Premier on Aeromexico can visit the Clubhouse.
You can also enter if you are:
- A Flying Club Gold Card member traveling on Virgin Atlantic, Delta, or Aeroméxico
- A Diamond Medallion or Platinum Medallion member traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta
- A Flying Blue Platinum member traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta
Vienna Lounge, Vienna International (VIE), Vienna, Austria
The Vienna Lounge scored the prized Global Winner spot in the Priority Pass Excellence Awards in 2024. Although it didn’t earn the title two years in a row, it did earn the award for the best lounge in Europe in 2025.
The standout feature of the lounge is the art collection on display from the Leopold Museum, including works from Klimt and Schiele. When you’re not admiring artwork from world-renowned artists, you can enjoy some freshly prepared Austrian specialties, hang out on the terrace with a view of the airfield, work from the Vienna Coffee Shop, or take a quick shower.
How to get in: You can enter the lounge with a Priority Pass membership or a first-class ticket with select airlines. If you don’t have a membership but still want to visit the lounge, you can purchase a day pass at a per-visit rate of 57 euros per person.
Summary
These 10 airport lounges represent the best of the best. Whether you get access through Priority Pass, a specific credit card, or a first-class plane ticket, you’ll start your vacation early by visiting one of these lounges. Luckily for you, they are spread out around the world, so you might be able to check a few off on your next vacation.
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