TPG readers’ favorite airport lounges around the world – The Points Guy
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
We asked our TPG Lounge readers to share the best airline lounges around the world that they’ve encountered on their far-reaching travels.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers and best recommendations. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.)
The best lounges in the US and Canada
Many TPG Lounge members praised the United Airlines Polaris and Delta Air Lines Sky Club lounges across the U.S. Others preferred to spend time in Turkish Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada lounges.
Here’s a round-up of the best.
Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Where to find it:
Airside at Concourse B, near Gate B43.
Key features:
- Accessible to people with disabilities
- Wi-Fi
- Full bar
- Showers
- Buffet
How to access:
Sign up for our daily newsletter
The Turkish Airlines lounge at IAD is open to:
- Star Alliance Gold members flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight
- International business-class and first-class passengers on Star Alliance carriers
- Priority Pass members
What our readers say:
“The food at IAD’s Turkish Airlines lounge remains top-notch despite COVID-19, even as many lounges have dropped their food standards.” — Meredith P.
“My favorite lounge you can access with Priority Pass is the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Dulles. Never crowded, good views, good food, Turkish tea all the way.” — Anna M.
United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Where to find it:
Terminal C, mezzanine level, near gate C123.
Key features:
- Full-service bar
- Full buffet
- Showers
- Wi-Fi
How to access:
What our readers say:
“Newark, United Club, C Terminal. For a domestic lounge, I was seriously impressed.” — Laura CP.
Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Where to find it:
Terminal 1, Level 3, Node F.
Key features:
- Cell-free quiet zone
- Complimentary light snacks and beverages
- Wi-Fi
- Showers
- Newspapers and magazines
- Printers and copiers
- Conference rooms
How to access:
You can gain entry to the Maple Leaf Lounge if you are:
- A Star Alliance Gold member flying with a Star Alliance airline
- Flying business class with Air Canada
- If you have an Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership or are a United Club member.
What our readers say:
“Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1 sets the bar high.” — Dave J.
AA Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Where to find it:
Terminal 4, near gate 40.
Key features:
- Self-serve food/buffet area
- Grilled cheese bar
- Self-serve cocktail bar
- Premium wine table
- Quiet room and daybeds
- Showers
- Business center
- Wi-Fi
How to access:
You can access the AA Flagship Lounge at LAX if you are:
- Flying in first or business class on a qualifying transcontinental flight, such as from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to either LAX or San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Flying in first or business class on international flights to Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand and South America
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members traveling on qualifying international Oneworld flights
- Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld airline
- ConciergeKey members traveling on any Oneworld flight
What our readers say:
“The AA Flagship at LAX with its flagship dining is probably one of the best U.S. lounges I’ve been to.” — Seth M.
Capital One Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Where to find it:
Terminal D by Gate D22.
Key features:
- Grab-and-go food and drink
- Buffet
- Full bar
- Coffee bar
- Wi-Fi
- Luggage lockers
- Cycling and yoga room
- Shower suite
- Relaxation room
- Nursing room
- Multi-faith room
- Coworking spaces
How to access:
You can pay to access the Capital One Lounge at DFW for $65.
Alternatively, you can also get entry to the lounge if:
What our readers say:
“Capital One lounge at DFW was amazing. The food was good, the people were friendly, and I’m a big fan of the lemon pops they hand you on the way out the door. I asked for a second one to take with me for my in-flight snack.” — Kristy N.
Related: Guide to lounge access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum
United Polaris Lounge at SFO
Where to find it:
Terminal G, near gate G93.
Key features:
- Made-to-order meals
- Fully-stocked and tended bar
- Shower suites
- Quiet rooms for napping
- Newspapers and magazines
How to access:
You can access the United Polaris lounge at SFO if you are traveling with the following fares:
- United Polaris business class
- Star Alliance long-haul first class
- Star Alliance long-haul business class
You’ll need to be ticketed for long-haul intercontinental travel if you’re flying between the US and Canada, Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean; otherwise, you won’t be able to get in. Passengers arriving in Polaris and connecting to another United flight also have access, but those flying into SFO on another Star Alliance carrier do not.
What our readers say:
“Polaris Lounge at SFO. Beautiful space, ample seating, good restaurant and buffet, nice bathrooms.” — Anna MM.
Delta Sky Club Lounge at LAX
Where to find it:
Past the TSA security checkpoints in an airside corridor that connects Terminals 2 and 3.
Key features:
- Two bars (indoor and outdoor terrace)
- Premium cocktails
- Two buffet dining areas
- Shower suites
- Wi-Fi
- Phone booths
How to access:
You can access the Delta Sky Club lounge if you hold the following credit cards:
Or if you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, you can pay $50 for one-time Sky Club access.
You can also pay for a Sky Club membership as follows:
- Individual membership: $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles, per year.
- Executive membership: $1,495 or 149,500 SkyMiles, per year.
Individual membership provides access. Only the member can enter the Sky Club, though you can pay $50 per guest per club visit.
Executive membership allows you to bring up to two guests for free. Additional guests beyond that cost $50 per visit.
You can also use your status to enter the lounge as follows:
- Delta Diamond*, Platinum and Gold Medallion members when traveling in Premium Select or Delta One seats on a same-day, international itinerary.
- Delta One travelers can access Sky Clubs on domestic flights or international flights booked in Main Cabin or Comfort+ if they also have an eligible Amex card.
Delta Diamond Medallion members must have selected an individual Sky Club membership with one of their three annual Choice Benefits.
If you’re a SkyTeam Elite Plus member from another airline, you can access Sky Clubs on long-haul flights even if you’re flying in Main Cabin or Comfort+. For more information on non-alliance partner airline access, please check out our full Sky Club Lounge access guide.
What our readers say:
“Delta Sky Club LAX — the fantastic views and light coming in is stunning and the staff are the best in the industry. The architecture and shower rooms are on point, and the Sky Deck is life-giving. Combined with the new Delta One check-in experience, it’s the place to be, hands down.” — Dhiren P.
Star Alliance Lounge at LAX
Where to find it:
The sixth floor near the central atrium of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Key features:
- Indoor and outdoor terraces
- Shower suites
- Buffet
- Staffed and self-serve bar
- Wi-Fi
- Printers
How to access:
The Star Alliance Lounge at LAX can be accessed by:
- Star Alliance Gold members with a same-day outbound boarding pass
- Star Alliance business-class and first-class passengers
- United Gold and Star Alliance Gold members flying domestically with United
What our readers say:
“LAX’s Star Alliance lounge, which Virgin Atlantic has been using since their Clubhouse disappeared, is delightful. It has a pho bar, outdoor sofas, fire pits, Californian wines and hot showers.” — Andrew L.
AA Flagship Lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA)
Where to find it:
North Terminal, Concourse D.
Key features:
- Self-serve food/buffet area
- Self-serve cocktail bar
- Showers
- Printers and copiers
- Wi-Fi
How to access:
The AA Flagship Lounge at LAX is accessible to the following passengers:
- First- or business-class travelers on flights operated by American or Oneworld partners on qualifying international flights, including between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Mexico City, New Zealand and South America.
- ConciergeKey members regardless of class of service and itinerary. Guest access for ConciergeKey members includes immediate family or two guests.
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members on qualifying international flights, regardless of class of service. Exec Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members cannot access it on solely North American itineraries.
- Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members if departing or connecting to any flight marketed or operated by AA or a Oneworld partner, regardless of cabin. Emerald and Sapphire members can bring in one guest.
What our readers say:
“AA Flagship Lounge in Miami International Airport (MIA) is surprisingly good for a U.S. offering, with decent food. Usually, U.S. lounges underwhelm!” — Peter T.
Related: The 9 best Priority Pass airport lounges in the US
Favorite lounges in Asia and the Middle East
There’s nothing like a well-done business- or first-class lounge in Asia or the Middle East. Below are some of our TPG Lounge readers’ all-time favorites.
ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo International Airport (HND)
Where to find it:
Terminal 3 across from Gate 110 on Level 4.
Key features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Newspapers and magazines (digital and physical)
- Private work areas
- Relaxation zones with massage chairs
- Shower suites
- Full bar
- Noodle bar
How to access:
- First-class passengers flying ANA or another Star Alliance airline
- ANA Diamond elite status members flying ANA or another Star Alliance airline
- Passengers with ANA Million Miler Program “Lounge Access Card” holders
What our readers say:
“ANA at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport blew my mind. The noodle kitchen, the open bar, the cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff.” — Becca G.
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Where to find it:
Level 3, concourse D near gate D8.
Key features:
- A la carte dining
- Buffet
- Martini bar
- Shower suites
- Wi-Fi
- Newspapers and magazines
How to access:
The Qatar Airways BKK Premium Lounge lounge can be accessed by passengers flying on a Qatar Airways or any Oneworld member-operated flight:
- In first class or business class, excluding Business Class Lite fares
- Passengers connecting between Oneworld marketed and operated flights
Lounge access is not included for those upgrading economy tickets to business class using Avios, but you can access the lounge for full award redemptions in business class using Avios.
What our readers say:
“The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport is unreal, I went in with Oneworld status on a Finnair biz basic ticket last year, and the fine dining was amazing! Filet mignon with king prawns, and the server even paired the wine to it!” — Dave H.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Where to find it:
The international terminal on the departure level near Gate E1.
Key features:
- Luggage storage
- Business center with iMacs
- Wi-Fi
- Kids area
- Buffet and salad bar
- Made-to-order food
- Self-serve bar
- Coffee stations
How to access:
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at IST is accessible to:
- Business-class passengers flying with Turkish Airlines or its Star Alliance partners.
- Star Alliance Gold status holders flying in economy
What our readers say:
“Best I’ve experienced so far is the Turkish Airlines Business lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST). Several different seating options and just an exquisite variety of freshly prepared foods.” — John S.
The Wing at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Where to find it:
Terminal 1, though security on Level 7, near Gates 1-4
Key features:
- Staffed bar
- Workstations
- Wi-Fi
- Cabanas with day beds and bathtubs
- Buffet
- A la carte dining
- Tea and coffee bar
How to access:
Cathay Pacific’s The Wing lounge at HKG can be accessed by Oneworld Emerald elites and first-class passengers traveling on a Oneworld member airline.
What our readers say:
“Cathay Pacific’s The Wing, at HKG. The free massages are great, I still dream of the sesame noodles sometimes, and there are plenty of private spaces to nap or decompress along with a top-notch bar and food selection.” — Kevin C.
Related: The best credit cards for airport lounge access
Memorable lounges in Europe
Air France’s and Lufthansa’s business- and first-class lounges were a big hit with our TPG Lounge crowd. Those by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Finnair and Cathay Pacific also received a nod.
Air France La Premier Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Where to find it:
Terminal 2E after security, near Saint Laurent and Buy Paris Duty-Free.
Key features:
- A la carte dining
- Buffet
- Massage and spa treatments
- Newspapers and magazines
- Full bar
- Extensive wine list
- Shower suites
- Wi-Fi
- Printers and copiers
How to access:
The Air France La Premier lounge is accessible to passengers travelling in Air France La Première on a departing flight.
What our readers say:
“La Premier Lounge in CDG is my favourite lounge. From the spa — courtesy treatments with Sisley products with half a dozen different options just for mood lighting during your treatment. To the dining — one of my favorite things to eat there is the Baba Au Rhum, a dessert presented with a bottle of rum or Armagnac. To the wine list — it’s France. They have quite a selection. To overall service — it’s an intimate lounge but even when it is busy, they somehow manage to maintain the same standard of service. Shortly before your flight, someone will find you and take you via private transport to your flight. I once delayed my connecting flight by several hours to spend additional time here.” — Rob V.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge at Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Where to find it:
Terminal 3. Lounge C in the Central Concourse, near Gate 11.
Key features:
- Noodle and dim sum bar
- Buffet
- Staffed bar
- Showers
- Wi-Fi
- Printers and copiers
- Newspapers and magazines
How to access:
The Cathay Pacific business-class lounge at Heathrow is accessible to:
- Business or first class passengers flying with Cathay Pacific or any Oneworld airline
- Oneworld Sapphire elite status (AAdvantage Platinum status/BA Executive Club Silver) flying with a Oneworld airline from terminal 3
- An Admirals Club lounge members traveling on a Oneworld carrier
What our readers say:
“Cathay Pacific Business class lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) T3. Great food. Calm away from the crowd. Beautiful design. Good staff. Great tarmac views. And, of course, their noodle bar.” — Cris F.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Where to find it:
First Class Terminal, after security.
Key features:
- Nap rooms
- Cigar lounge
- Showers
- A la carte dining
- Full bar
- Wi-Fi
- Printers and copiers
How to access:
Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal at FRA is accessible only to passengers with a first class ticket flying with Lufthansa or Swiss for a same-day flight can use the terminal. This includes travelers departing Frankfurt for a long-haul flight and those connecting in Frankfurt from a first-class flight to a regional hop on Lufthansa, Swiss or Austrian (regardless of the cabin of the onward connection) on the same day.
What our readers say:
“First Class Terminal at FRA. An amazing experience from start to finish. Of course, top-notch food, service, and chance to collect Lufthansa rubber ducks!” — Annna MM.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LHR
Where to find it:
Terminal 3 after security, inside the Upper-Class Wing.
Key features:
- Quiet room
- A la carte dining
- Full bar
- Showers
- Kid’s area
- Printers and copiers
- Shoe shine
- Wi-Fi
- Peleton stationary bikes
- Pool table
- Outdoor terrace
How to access:
You can access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse if you are flying in the following cabins:
- Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic plus guest traveling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta
- Delta One on Delta
- Clase Premier on Aeroméxico
Or if you hold the following status:
- Flying Club Gold Card members, plus one guest traveling with Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeroméxico
- Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallions, plus one guest traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium
- Flying Blue Platinum members, plus one guest traveling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium
What our readers say:
“The only lounge I’ve ever been impressed with is the Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse. All the rest are just blah.” — Judy SN.
Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge at Helsinki Airport (HEL)
Where to find it:
Terminal 2, Non-Schengen. Next to the Finnair Lounge, near Gate 52.
Key features:
- Full bar
- Buffet
- A la carte dining
- Newspapers and magazines
- Printers and copiers
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Massages and spa treatments
- Showers
- Kids area
How to access:
The Finnair Platinum Wing Lounge is accessible if you have the following status and are flying with a carrier operated and marketed by a Oneworld airline:
- Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo (up to four guests)
- Finnair Platinum member (up to one guest).
- Oneworld Emerald members can access with one guest.
What our readers say:
“Helsinki Finnair Platinum Wing lounge is a fabulous one for the Nordics. Buffet and table menu as well as a good bar and puddings! “ — Conrad F.
Related reading:
