Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 15 Best First Class Lounges in the World [2024]

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au
Stephen Au's image

Stephen Au

Senior Content Contributor

486 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24U.S. States Visited: 22

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3112 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When you’re traveling, airport lounges are a welcome benefit over the alternative — waiting at the gate of a crowded terminal.

One of the ways to access some of the best airport lounges in the world is by flying first class. First class airport lounges are typically even more luxurious than business class airport lounges.

First class lounges have unique amenities, including spas, private restaurant dining areas serving haute cuisine, cigar lounges, and even gyms. These lounges are usually much more private than business class lounges, which can get quite crowded.

So whether you’re traveling on an international first class ticket and want to see where your lounge ranks compared to the world’s best, or you’re curious about which airlines have invested the most in a lavish ground experience, this guide will show you the best first class airport lounges in the world.

What Makes a Great First Class Airport Lounge?

So what’s the difference between a fantastic first class lounge and merely a good first class lounge? The answer is that the experience should feel peaceful, relaxed, and rich with amenities.

An ideal first class lounge includes the following elements:

  • Exclusive access rules (with the absence of crowds or cramped spaces)
  • “Wow-factor” amenities that set apart first class from business class, like complimentary spa treatments, in-lounge gym access, private beds, and cigar bars
  • À la carte fine-dining options curated by renowned chefs in a white tablecloth setting
  • Top-shelf drink choices curated by mixologists and baristas
  • Luxurious shower suites showcasing designer toiletries
  • Serene atmosphere for relaxation

The 15 Best First Class Lounges in the World

There’s a strong correlation between the world’s best first class airlines and the world’s best first class lounges. The best first class airlines recognize that an unparalleled lounge experience is essential to the overall first class experience!

Mainstays like Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, and Air France are unsurprising names in this ranking. But there are probably a few options you didn’t know about. So let’s dive into our favorites, in no particular order!

1. Etihad Airways First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Terminal A

Etihad First Class Lounge Terminal A AUH
The new First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi’s newly opened Terminal A is now Etihad’s flagship premium lounge. Image Credit: Etihad

Location: Terminal A, north side between the C and D gates and nearest C29, inside the Etihad lounge
Hours: 24/7

Etihad’s flagship lounge inside the airport’s new Terminal A demonstrates the airline’s dedication to its reputation for orchestrating the world’s best air travel experiences, from check-in to flight to touchdown.

The 3-story Terminal A lounge dominates its part of the new terminal (and Etihad’s new home). The business lounge includes all-day dining, a rooftop bar, relaxation rooms with day beds, 18 shower suites, a game room, a family room, a smoking room, prayer rooms, direct access to Etihad gates, and, naturally, views of the runway.

The first class lounge takes things to the next level, adding:

  • A dedicated first class lobby
  • A private elevator to the rooftop lounge
  • A secluded, first class Emirati and international dining room with à la carte meals and a special wine list
  • Private rooms with daybeds
  • A parlor with pastries, desserts, and tea and coffee, including a selection of tea ceremonies
  • Private suites, complimentary for those flying in The Residence (other first class lounge guests must make reservations)
  • Direct boarding from the lounge
  • Chauffeur services for passengers flying from AUH (which includes access to the Etihad Chauffeur Lounge with showers, snacks, and drinks)

That said, the first class lounge is still a work in progress, and more amenities are incoming, including a spa. We’ve listed this lounge first because we expect many good things from it as it finds its footing.

2. SWISS First Class Lounge at Zurich Airport (ZRH)

SWISS Air First Class Lounge Day room
SWISS First Class Lounge at ZRH day room. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Location: Terminal E, on the second level above the main terminal, halfway down the concourse
Hours: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The SWISS First Class Lounge at ZRH is, without a doubt, one of our favorite first class lounges in the entire world. Nestled in the unassuming Zurich airport, this exclusive first class lounge brings a breath of fresh air to the otherwise drab airport.

Offering one of the most well-rounded experiences in first class, the ground experience starts with a private immigration counter. If you’re connecting onto another flight, you’ll be guided by an attendant and possibly chauffeured directly to the lounge’s reception.

This lounge is spread over 8,000 square feet and can host up to 80 guests. One of the first things you’ll notice in the lounge is a massive wine humidor, holding up to 1,000 bottles of wine!

Next to the wine humidor is a Champagne bar with 4 varieties. There’s a magazine rack and a small snack bar nearby, too. But what you’ll notice throughout the lounge is thoughtfully placed seating, including leather armchairs, couches, coffee tables, and day beds.

The lounge is cordoned off into 3 distinct areas:

  • The main bar
  • The à la carte restaurant
  • The terrace

The bar has a full selection of premium beverages. The restaurant has white tablecloth service and gorgeous views of the runway. It serves fantastic food, including an exclusive “SWISS Taste of Switzerland” menu that offers rotating specialties from different cantons.

Favorite dishes include roasted lamb chops, salmon filet, Swiss cheese fondue, and vitello tonnato. The wine list is even more impressive, drawing from inspirations around the world.

The clear highlight of this lounge, however, is the duo of day rooms, which are basically private hotel rooms guests can freshen up in. These rooms can’t be booked in advance — request a day room as soon as you step foot in the lounge if you want it.

Each of the day rooms is furnished with a double bed, an en suite bathroom, and incredible views of the runway. The bed is adorned with HÄSTENS bedding, which is famous for making the most expensive mattress in the world.

There’s also a TV, bottles of sparkling and still water, and plenty of power outlets. The en suite bathroom is an all-glass enclosure with a private toilet, a walk-in rain shower, a floating vanity, a backlit mirror, and plenty of luxury amenities.

If you don’t get a chance to reserve a day room, there are immaculate restrooms and shower suites to help you freshen up.

The lounge has an outdoor terrace with plenty of seating and gorgeous views of both the apron and the runway. You’ll also find a large conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in a ton of natural light.

3. Air France La Première Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

La Premiere Lounge Air France CDG. Image Credit: Air France
La Première lounge at CDG. Image Credit: Air France

Location: Terminal 2E, after security, up the red elevators on the third level
Hours: Daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Air France Salon La Première Paris, also known as the Air France La Première Lounge at CDG, is a perennial contender for the best first class lounge in the world.

Air France operates an exclusive first class product called La Première, and it’s also one of the most challenging first class flights to book with points. When you arrive in Paris on a connecting flight in La Première, you’re fast-tracked through immigration and whisked from your arriving flight to the lounge by a private chauffeur.

After arriving in the lounge, you’ll notice 2 rooms — 1 larger room and a smaller room toward the back. There are numerous red-and-white lounge chairs throughout the space.

The larger room has traditional leather armchairs, dining tables and chairs, and couches in nooks along the walls. The smaller room is more private and consists entirely of couches set into the walls. There’s also a relaxation area with chaise lounges.

The cocktail bar is off to the side and has barstool seating where you can get custom mixed drinks made for you.

But the 2 biggest highlights of the lounge are the spa by Biologique Recherche, where you are entitled to a complimentary 30-minute spa treatment (make reservations in advance!), and the dining service.

The restaurant technically has a buffet, but it’s more for drinks and light bites. The star is the à la carte dining by Alain Ducasse. This lounge puts many Michelin-starred restaurants to shame. Meals we’ve seen include pasta with black truffle, foie gras atop warm brioche, filet of beef with peppers, roasted pigeon, black pudding, free-range chicken with crayfish fricassée, fresh turbot, and so on. It’s truly a special lounge dining experience.

Elsewhere in the lounge are private bathrooms with en suite toilets and sinks. There are 4 shower suites with private toilets, a floating vanity, a backlit mirror, a walk-in rain shower, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries by Biologique Recherche.

When it’s time to board your flight, Air France staff will fetch you and drive you directly to your plane. You board on an exclusive jet bridge in true elegance and be off for your flight!

Hot Tip:

You can purchase access to the La Première ground experience for €500 (about $545), not including taxes and fees, or 138,000 Flying Blue miles on departing or connecting flights. You can buy arrival services (which only include fast-track through immigration and no lounge access) for €200 (about $220), not including taxes and fees, or 64,000 Flying Blue miles. 

4. The Wing, First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

The Wing, First at Hong Kong International Airport cabana
Shower cabana at The Wing, First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Location: Near Gates 1 to 4 on the balcony level (seventh floor) in Terminal 1
Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. until the last departure

Managed and operated by Cathay Pacific, The Wing, First Class Lounge at HKG is essentially a large, open-air space above the main terminal, and it features varied seating throughout, including armchairs and quirky lounge chairs.

This lounge has 4 main food and beverage areas:

  • The Haven: The main à la carte restaurant
  • Champagne Bar: An area with self-serve Champagne varieties
  • The Atrium: A buffet-style section with counter seating and high chairs
  • The Bar: A marble-clad cocktail bar serving numerous drinks

The Haven serves exceptional dishes, ranging from wagyu beef to dan dan noodles and soup with wontons and noodles to butter chicken masala.

Every first class lounge has something special. In the case of The Wing, First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, the crown jewels are the shower cabanas.

The Wing has 5 shower cabanas, which are huge spa-like sanctuaries where you can freshen up to the max. Each temperature-controlled room contains a gigantic walk-in shower, a deep soaking tub, a pampering area, a daybed, a stone sink, a private toilet, working spaces, complimentary ironing service, and Jurlique amenities.

Be sure to reserve a cabana as soon as you enter the lounge because even though each guest can reserve a cabana for up to 90 minutes, the wait can get long.

Even if you don’t have the chance to book a shower cabana, you won’t go wrong by snagging 1 of the 12 shower suites, each of which comes with complimentary pressing service, a spacious vanity, a humongous backlit mirror, amenities from Jurlique, a walk-in rain shower, and a private toilet.

This lounge has a business center with phones, workstations, printers, and comfortable office chairs.

Hot Tip:

Learn about the best ways to book Cathay Pacific first class using points in our step-by-step guide!

5. The Pier, First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International (HKG)

The Pier, First at Hong Kong International Airport dining room seating 2
The Pier, First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Location: Near Gate 63, down the escalator from the departures level (sixth floor) in Terminal 1
Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The Pier, First Class Lounge at HKG, is Cathay Pacific’s sister lounge to The Wing, First Class Lounge at HKG. This space offers a totally different experience from The Wing.

Whereas The Wing is flamboyant and lively, The Pier is calm and serene. Reminiscent of a natural underground sanctuary, this space, created by a British interior designer, is filled with a flurry of velvet furniture, artisanal wood furnishings, and choice lighting. There’s plenty of seating available, ranging from leather wingback chairs to sunken, woven armchairs.

As far as food and beverages go, there are 3 dining areas dotted around the lounge:

  • The Dining Room: The main à la carte restaurant, serving multicourse meals and drinks
  • The Pantry: A self-serve salad bar, small bites, bread and cheese, pastries, and self-serve alcohol
  • The Bar: A circular cocktail bar to enjoy mixed drinks, spirits, and more

The Dining Room serves a greater variety of food than The Haven (The Wing’s à la carte restaurant). If you’re a fan of fresh and delicious food, enjoy yourself at The Dining Room.

The Pier has a few notable amenities, too! There are 8 day suites, which are basically private spaces separated by thick curtains. These day suites each contain a long daybed, power outlets, and incredible views of the tarmac and runway. The lounge guidelines gently ask you to leave after 90 minutes in a day suite, but this is never really an issue.

Additionally, The Pier offers a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment with a choice of a foot massage, a neck, shoulder, and scalp massage, or an eye revitalizer. Remember to reserve your massage as soon as you get to the lounge!

There are 14 shower suites, each with a marble vanity, a dressing room bench, Bamford amenities, a walk-in rainfall shower with excellent water pressure, and common toiletries like hairspray, deodorant, slippers, and shaving foam.

And lastly, this lounge offers meticulously cleaned restrooms. In fact, the whole lounge is spotless all the time, thanks to a stringent cleaning schedule.

6. Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt International (FRA)

Lufthansa First Class Terminal Bath and Champagne
Champagne with your bath at Lufthansa First Class Terminal. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Location: Terminal 1, follow signs for First Class Terminal
Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lufthansa has really taken its commitment to first class to a new level. Offering the Lufthansa First Class Terminal as a totally separate complex, this experience is sure to be one of the best you’ll ever have in an airport.

This lounge measures nearly 20,000 square feet, and it’s filled with leather armchairs, couches, dining tables and chairs, lounge chairs with ottomans, reclining chaise longues, and more.

The dining room is the centerpiece of the lounge, offering white tablecloth à la carte service in addition to the buffet. Popular à la carte dishes include filet of beef, creamy veal goulash, Wiener schnitzel, baked spring chicken, grilled Atlantic salmon, and a variety of antipasti and smoked salmon.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal is the selection of liquor. You can basically arrange a tasting flight of any type of alcohol you want, including whiskies (over 130 different kinds!), wine, and beer.

There’s also a cigar lounge that serves top-shelf scotches!

There are 2 private nap rooms, each with a daybed and power outlets. Next to the nap rooms is the shower reception, where you can request one of 4 shower suites and a first class rubber duck!

All of the shower suites come with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, a floating marble vanity with a backlit mirror, a walk-in shower with both a rainfall showerhead and a handheld shower wand, ETRO luxury bath amenities, a private toilet, and a changing bench. If you have the opportunity, reserve the shower suite with a deep soaking tub and ETRO bath salts!

The Lufthansa First Class Terminal has 5 workstations, each with a comfortable office chair, a wall-mounted lamp, a landline telephone, and a sliding door.

There’s a duty-free shop and immigration counter on the lower level. Lastly, once it’s time for your flight, you’re driven directly from the First Class Terminal to your plane in a Porsche or Mercedes-Benz.

Hot Tip:

Take a tour of the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt in our full review of Lufthansa’s first class product on the Airbus A340-600!

7. Chelsea Lounge at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Chelsea Lounge JFK barstools
Chelsea Lounge Champagne Bar. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Location: Terminal 8, above Gate 14
Hours: 4:15 a.m to 11:30 p.m. (premium check-in ends at 10:30 p.m.)

American Airlines’ most exclusive lounge (operated in partnership with British Airways), the Chelsea Lounge at JFK is named after neighborhoods in both London and New York City, emphasizing the historical bond between these 2 cities and cultures.

Though some have been disappointed by the 9,700-square-foot lounge’s lack of natural light, it’s got a stunning Champagne bar, a fireplace lounge, serene vibes, comfortable seating, and family-friendly alcoves and work nooks.

Besides a small snack station, the dining is all à la carte, with an all-day menu including both American and British staples like curries, burgers, fish and chips, and cheesecake.

The lounge also features relaxation areas and 3 shower suites.

It’s a new space, and we’ve had some issues with service and staffing, but overall, this premium lounge shows promise.

8. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Concourse A

Emirates First Class Lounge Concourse B
Emirates First Class Lounge. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Location: Concourse A
Hours: 24/7

The Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB Concourse A is one of the world’s most sprawling and colorful lounges. This lounge occupies an entire floor in Concourse A, meaning there are many amenities and lots of ground to cover.

There’s seating aplenty, ranging from dining tables and chairs to armchairs and lounge chairs. You can savor dining choices with 2 tiers of buffets. The first buffet offers small bites, coffee, premium tea, and Mediterranean pastries. The next one has fresh sushi, sashimi, antipasti, and other cuisines from India and the Mediterranean.

But make no mistake: The fine-dining restaurant is the highlight here, offering favorites like eggs Benedict, dukkah-encrusted salmon, Black Angus tenderloin, braised veal cheeks, paneer tikka masala, superfood salads, Italian burrata, foie gras terrine, tres leches cake, and freshly prepared omelets available all day. Of course, you can also quaff fresh juices, craft cocktails, and top-shelf liquor.

Another eye-catching area is the cigar lounge, where you can smoke Cohibas while enjoying just a drink or a full meal.

Another great facility in the Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB Concourse A is the quiet area, a separate section appointed with armchair-ottoman duos for taking a nap. There are also chaise lounges if you prefer a bit more curvature in your resting positions. This area features dim lighting and fantastic air conditioning to seduce you into a deep slumber.

To freshen up, make use of the countless shower suites stocked with VOYA products. These shower suites are simpler than you’d expect — you’ll find a walk-in shower, a sink, a toilet, a bathrobe, slippers, and a hair dryer.

Remember, you can get a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment at the Timeless Spa, right next to the entrance just outside the lounge.

Other amenities include a spacious business center with cubicles and standalone workstations, duty-free shops selling designer products, and a large playroom (which includes video game consoles!).

The last major novelty is that this lounge boasts direct access to many boarding gates, meaning you can walk directly from your lounge to the gate without entering any common areas.

Hot Tip:

Craving a look at the Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB? You’ll find a thorough tour in our review of Emirates first class on board the Boeing 777-300ER.

9. Thai Airways Royal First Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Thai Airways Royal First Lounge Seating
Thai Airways Royal First Lounge. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash

Location: Concourse D, third level
Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The Thai Airways Royal First Lounge at BKK, also known as the Thai Airways First Class Lounge at BKK, represents Thailand’s commitment to culture and top-notch service.

Your experience here starts with a dedicated check-in area designed to fast-track you through the security and departure processes. You’re offered bottled water and cold towels, reminiscent of the check-in process at a 5-star hotel. If you’re arriving on a connecting flight and departing from Bangkok in first class, you get picked up and driven here on a golf cart!

Once you get to the lounge, you’re escorted to wherever you’d like to sit. There are 2 VIP rooms and 6 private corner areas you can use. Each contains a couch, armchairs, a TV, and a coffee table. In the other parts of the lounge are armchairs and wingback lounge chairs.

The shining star at the Thai Airways First Class Lounge is the service, whether it’s accommodating you through the check-in process or just ordering food.

But what’s exceptional about this lounge is that you get a complimentary 1-hour spa treatment! Just set up your appointment, and 5 minutes before your scheduled treatment, you’ll be escorted to the Royal Orchid Spa. Your treatment room has a private shower and toilet, too.

Shower suites are available outside the spa, each with a walk-in shower, L’Occitane amenities, a private toilet, and a sink.

If you get hungry, you can sit at the à la carte restaurant, The Dining Room. Pro tip: Stick to the local food — it’s incredible. You can also order fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, coffee, tea, cocktails, and more! You can have your food and drink sent directly to your seat anywhere in the lounge.

There’s a small buffet available, but only check it out if you’re in a rush for a quick bite and don’t have time for The Dining Room.

The lounge has a business center with desktop computers, chairs, printers, and desk lamps. If you’re in rest mode, check out the private slumber rooms with a daybed, pillows, a bench, a side table, a wingback chair, and plenty of privacy.

10. Singapore Airlines Private Room at Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)

Singapore Airlines First Class The Private Room Lounge - Dining
Singapore Airlines First Class The Private Room. Image Credit: Alex Miller

Location: Within the SilverKris Lounge, Terminal 3, third level, Unit 03-MS-06 (closer to the A gates)
Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

One of the most exclusive experiences you can have in an airport is in The Private Room, a lounge within a lounge by Singapore Airlines. To be precise, it’s a lounge within a lounge within another lounge.

The Private Room is in the Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge, which is in the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge — you’ll feel like you’re watching “Inception” all over again.

Passengers departing on a Singapore Airlines first class or Suites class flight are entitled to enter, while passengers arriving in Singapore on a first class or Suites class flight are also unofficially granted access.

The Private Room is an ultra-exclusive enclave with comfortable leather armchairs and wingback lounge chairs, mostly arranged individually or in pairs.

The highlight of this space is the triangular dining room, which boasts white tablecloth service and cognac leather high-back tufted chairs. This area’s elegant midcentury décor is reminiscent of an Old World fine-dining establishment. But the best is yet to come.

Once seated, you’ll be presented with a leather-bound menu with drool-inducing choices like lamb shank stew, kampong chicken rice, lap mei fan (clay pot rice), baked lobster with 3 kinds of cheese, baked Chilean sea bass en papillote, satay, and dim sum!

Be sure to have a glass of Dom Pérignon or Johnnie Walker Blue Label with your meal. You may notice the small buffet in the corner of the lounge, but why even bother?

There are 2 private rooms with a chair, an ottoman, a side table, and charging facilities. Nearby is a family room containing 2 armchairs, chairs for kids, a sink, and a changing area.

The shower rooms are on the smaller side, but they get the job done with a sink, a backlit mirror, a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead, luxury amenities, and more.

You’ll also find a couple of workstations with desktop computers and ergonomic office chairs available for use.

Hot Tip:

11. Qantas First Lounge at Sydney International Airport (SYD)

Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney
The Qantas First Lounge in Sydney. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Location: Terminal 1, up the escalator to the third level, follow the signs for Qantas First Lounge
Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Qantas First Lounge in SYD, more specifically, the Qantas International First Lounge in SYD, is one of the most wonderful lounges in the world. It’s undoubtedly the best space in Australia for first class passengers, but it holds its own with its competitors’ offerings, too.

The lounge emphasizes stylish white marble throughout, with bright red, brown, and black design elements. It stretches across the length of the terminal and has soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light and views of the apron.

Travelers can rest in tufted leather armchairs in cream, black, and red. There are also loveseats available for couples.

The lounge contains plenty of dining tables and chairs to savor a full à la carte menu designed by Australian restaurateur Neil Perry’s team at Rockpool. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, and you can find breakfast favorites like eggs Benedict, egg white omelets, buttermilk pancakes, and sweet corn fritters. But the cult favorite is the salt-and-pepper squid served during lunch and dinner. Those facing a time crunch can check out the self-serve buffet counter.

Of course, there’s a staffed cocktail bar ready to conjure up creative alcoholic potions.

Further in the lounge are many shower suites, each built with robust marble walls and kept squeaky clean. The shower suites have walk-in showers, rainfall showerheads, private sinks and toilets, and amenities from ASPAR.

One of the lounge’s highlights is the Aurora spa, which offers a complimentary 20-minute treatment — you’ll be contacted to book this a day before your flight.

The business center has comfortable office chairs, landline telephones, and desktop workstations. There’s also a quiet library area that’s a peaceful space to relax in.

Hot Tip:

See photos of the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney, including the stunning views of the apron, in our guided tour.

12. British Airways Concorde Room at London Heathrow (LHR)

British Airways Concorde Room at LHR
British Airways Concorde Room at LHR. Image Credit: British Airways

Location: Terminal 5A South
Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

British Airways has an elite first class experience called The Concorde Room, available only at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

The Concorde Room at LHR is in the Galleries First Class Lounge, and you’ll immediately notice that this lounge is designed to feel residential and warm. Intimate seating options range from sofas to luxurious armchairs and couches. The lounge also contains a “terrace,” an indoor space with sweeping views of the apron and runways. Here, there’s natural light and day beds and an open-air section with couches, armchairs, and sheer curtains drawn for added privacy and comfort.

Without a doubt, the pinnacle of this space is the full-service dining room. The extensive menu includes the BA Burger, a full English breakfast, eggs Benedict, aged ribeye, and decadent cheeses. Also, there’s a curated wine menu.

You can make a 1-hour booking at one of the Cabanas, private rooms with a chair and an ottoman, tables, a TV, an extra armchair, and a private bathroom. Each private bathroom is clean, furnished with Aromatherapy Associates amenities, and has walk-in showers with multiple shower nozzles, toilets, sinks, and mirrors.

As London is a huge business hub, you’ll find a meeting room and a business center with 4 desktop computers, 2 laser printers, and office chairs. You can even play a silent piano with headphones on (so it doesn’t disturb other guests)!

13. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge at DOH
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge at DOH. Image Credit: Qatar Airways

Location: Terminal 1, up the escalator to the third level, between the A and B gates
Hours: 24/7

The Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge at DOH resembles a vast, open-air museum.

The lounge is utterly gargantuan, the ceilings are almost too far for the naked eye to see, and the space is sparsely occupied by other guests, considering how few Qatar Airways aircraft offer first class service (it is only available aboard the Airbus A380). If you’re not flying Qatar Airways first class, you can purchase access or leverage Qatar Airways elite status to get into the Al Safwa Lounge.

The lounge is a long rectangle, and the facilities are scattered throughout. You’ll first notice the incredibly high ceilings, the artwork around the lounge, and the ridiculously tranquil ambience.

This lounge has a waterfall wall and showcases ancient ceramics, antiques, and historical artifacts, like a museum. But the coolest fixture is the giant fountain, where water drips from the ceiling into a flat metal circle and creates a reflective surface.

The many kinds of seating throughout the greater space include egg-shaped lounge chairs, leather armchairs, mesh low chairs, and dining tables and chairs.

There are numerous incredible amenities, but the most notable is the wellness and relaxation area. The quiet area and the spa are both in the same part of the lounge.

The quiet area consists of a dozen first-come, first-served private rooms. These rooms each have either 1 or 2 twin beds, a desk, a chair, charging ports, a television, and a private bathroom with a sink, toilet, walk-in shower, bathrobe, towels, and backlit mirror.

This spa is called the Qspa, and treatments come at an extra charge. Lastly, there’s a relaxation area at the end of the lounge containing day beds that are similar to bean bags.

Nearby, there’s a Jacuzzi room, which you can use if no spa customers are using it.

The food and beverage offerings are tremendous. This lounge contains a staffed cocktail bar and à la carte dining room. The menu balances Western and Middle Eastern choices, like a Qatari set menu, Moroccan lamb skewers, pan-grilled grouper, grilled filet of beef, spaghetti Bolognese, and spicy fish in tahini. Desserts range from Arab-style bread pudding and milk pudding to tiramisu and opera cake.

The Al Safwa Lounge has a business center with plenty of office spaces, desktop computers, office chairs, desks, and more. Nearby, there’s a game room, nursery room, nanny room, media room, and duty-free shop.

14. ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), Terminal 2

ANA Suite Lounge at HND Terminal 2
ANA Suite Lounge at HND Terminal 2. Image Credit: ANA

Location: Terminal 2, near Gate 110
Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. until the last ANA departure

The ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo-Haneda Airport Terminal 2 is the awe-inspiring lounge by All Nippon Airways that premiered in 2020 when ANA was moving its international operations to Terminal 2.

The ANA Suite Lounge at HND’s Terminal 2 has been given a massive facelift compared to ANA’s older first class lounges in Tokyo (both at HND and NRT). This space has a capacity for 360 guests.

Focusing mostly on comfort, the main seating includes sunken leather armchairs that are low to the ground, as well as recliners and lounge chairs.

The area focuses on an elevated dining experience, especially considering the new live kitchen with an à la carte menu and a new cocktail bar. Note that the new bar has a bartender and a barista.

The buffet includes sushi, pastries, salad, and more. There’s also a noodle bar.

Notably, the ANA Suite Lounge now has a dedicated rest area with 6 beds, a handful of recliners, and massage chairs. There are also private work areas, full shower suites with walk-in showers, and more.

15. Oman Air First Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport (MCT)

Oman Air First Class Lounge at MCT
Oman Air First Class Lounge at MCT. Image Credit: Oman Air

Location: Terminal 1, fifth level
Hours: 24/7

Oman Air’s ornate first class lounge at Muscat International Airport is an eye-catching space. Nestled in the brand-new terminal, this lounge has plenty of amenities for solo travelers and families alike.

Oman Air’s first class product is available only on a handful of aircraft, specifically those flying to and from Bangkok (BKK), Frankfurt (FRA), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), London Heathrow (LHR), and Salalah, Oman (SLL).

The luxurious first class lounge is decorated with beautiful golden Omani architectural touches.

Make a beeline for the restaurant, which features scrumptious à la carte dining. In the same area is the cocktail bar, which is the only place alcohol is served in this lounge. Foods include jumbo prawns, mezze, and afternoon tea service! You might even be able to find Hennessy Paradis there, which retails for $1,000 or more per bottle!

There’s 1 shower suite with golden accents throughout, reflective of the true opulence of Oman Air. This shower suite has a floating vessel sink vanity, a private toilet and bidet, and a walk-in shower.

The business center has desktop computers, and there’s also a prayer room, a playroom, a family room, and a private family room. There’s a spa, though you have to pay for treatments.

Final Thoughts

These lounges all have exceptional amenities, some of which are not found in any other lounge worldwide.

Whether you’re focused on the highest echelons of à la carte dining, looking for a luxurious full-body massage, or want to have the equivalent of a 5-star hotel bedroom to yourself in a first class lounge, you’ll find it in these world-class lounges. Experience these incredible oases where you can forget all the worries in the world — until you’re called to board your flight, that is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get lounge access with first class?

If you’re traveling internationally in first class on a long-haul flight, you will usually get lounge access. There are exceptions, but you should look up the access rules and lounge benefits for each flight you’re booking, as they vary from airline to airline.

What airline has the best first class lounge?

We believe the best first class lounges include the SWISS First Class Lounge at ZRH, the Air France La Première Lounge at CDG, and The Wing and The Pier First Class Lounges at HKG.

Are first class flights worth the money?

It depends. For a vast majority of people, first class tickets are too expensive. However, if you have the means to pay for it or if you can use points, it’s totally worth it. The exclusivity, service, amenities, and perks you get make travel so much more fun!

What's so great about airport lounges?

Airport lounges are exclusive, peaceful, and well-appointed with amenities. And if you can access the world’s best first class lounges, you might find awesome amenities like complimentary spa treatments, fine dining, and shower suites.

Stephen Au's image

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status