Epic Airports

Lounging in Global Style

By Leah Etling on May 5, 2017 in News

Traveling long distances is no longer a burden for a few people. Almost all airlines offer relaxing areas and peaceful lobbies, but some have taken lounges to a whole new level of sophistication. So premium passengers do not get special treatment only in the sky, but also on ground. Access to a plethora of luxurious amenities varies from one airline to another – you may have to book a certain class of travel, pay a fee or use mileage points. These extravagant lounges make crappy sandwiches and people talking too loud on their phones seem like they’re from a different world. Bon voyage!

• Air France’s La Premiere Lounge, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

Going to Paris is everyone’s hidden yearning, so Paris cannot afford to disappoint. This is probably the way airlines think as Air France’s La Premiere lounge in Charles De Gaulle Airport will certainly become part of an unforgettable experience. The minimalist design, the red mood lighting in the bar, the deluxe shower rooms and private relaxation suites with daybeds contribute to a pre-boarding privileged treatment. Biologique Recherche, an exclusivist spa, pampers even the most pedant passengers by offering tailor-made services meant to alleviate stress, jet lag, dehydration and the heavy legs effect. The lounge includes a library, stocked with newspapers and a wide selection of books and magazines. Michelin-starred chef Alan Ducasse’s menu completes the lounge experience with finger-licking French dishes. Staff can assist by creating a schedule that maximizes on the lounge’s amenities.

(Pictured right, photo courtesy of Air France website)

• Etihad Airways’ Business Class Lounge at New York’s JFK International Airport

This 7,500-square-foot lounge is considered to be one of the most luxurious lounges in the U.S. The unique travel environment reflects twenty-first century Abu Dhabi modernism and embodies the highest level of comfort for passengers accustomed to world-class air travel experiences. Etihad’s JFK lounge is adorned with the brand’s geometric design concept. Amenities include a sculptural showcase bar, a la carte and international buffet options, as well as upscale suites with showers and changing rooms. The lounge even offers a secret smaller lounge with private separate entry to protect the passengers’ privacy.

Video courtesy of the Business Insider

• Finnair Lounge, Helsinki Airport in Finland

Three Finnair Lounges at the Helsinki Airport in Finland offer passengers the warmest experience, as opposed to the bitter Scandinavian weather. The two-level chrome interior lounge is lit by white, cream and grey shades everywhere. Private shower suites, play areas for kids, hot breakfasts and other foods, gourmet snacks and beverages are some of the amenities offered, but the extensive wine cellar attracts passengers like a magnet. As this is a typical Nordic lounge, the traditional Finnish saunas could not have missed. The place even includes iMac desks for passengers who need to get some work done.

Image courtesy of Finnair

• Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Germany’s Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa’s first class lounge in Germany’s Frankfurt Airport is not a classic lounge, it’s an entire terminal. Actually, the building is so remote from the actual airport terminal that guests need to drive to the main terminal to catch their flight. But this driving experience is no regular ride – a Porsche or Mercedes car is provided to loungers for transfer. This first class terminal offers private rooms for fatigued travelers, as well as showers and bathtubs (rubber ducks included).

 

• Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge, London’s Heathrow Airport

Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge is like a tranquil sanctuary in the London Heathrow Airport beehive. Wide windows overlook the runway, sit-down meals can be ordered off a menu and pretty to-go boxes are available for onboard snacking. Moreover, a selection of champagnes pleases even the most frequent fliers. The Arabian water fountains in the 750-square-foot lounge are meant to soothe the senses by bringing passengers to a vacation-like environment. Private showers with heated floors, large mirrors and luxury brand products make travelers fell like they’re in a boutique hotel.

Image courtesy of heathrow.com

• Turkish Airlines’ CIP Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Turkish Airlines’ CIP Lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport is not a first-class lounge, but it surely makes all passengers unwind. The more than 5,000-square-foot two-story lounge can accommodate up to 2,000 customers. The CIP Lounge is considered business class, but it includes showers, a play room for kids, authentic Turkish dishes and beverages, massage areas, a movie theatre, a video game room, a slot-car racing track, as well as a golf simulator. Upon request, staff can even iron fliers’ clothes. The natural light, the olive garden with real olive trees and the spherical architecture enchant any traveler who wishes to spend some pleasant time while waiting to embark.

Image courtesy of loungereview.com