If you're like me, then the journey to your next adventure is just as important as the joy you feel when you get there.
When you're jet-setting around the world, sometimes it's nice to have a little corner of seclusion when there are crowded airports, screaming kids, or when you just want a nice shower, a drink, and a meal to relax.
Over the course of my travels, I’ve come to appreciate some of the best lounges that airports and airlines around the world have to offer. Here are a few of my favorites, and if you have the time, they’re well worth the price of admission.
There are many great lounges around the world, but we'll start with my favorite in the United States, as I fly almost exclusively with American Airlines domestically.
I fly out of DFW regularly and just spent over four hours in this lounge waiting for my flight to Bahrain. American Airlines partners with local chefs and the James Beard Foundation to deliver some of the best food I've ever had in a living room.
In the DFW restaurant you can enjoy a full dining experience, but a reservation is often required and it is quite exclusive. But there is a full menu and you will be served like in any other fine dining restaurant.
The culinary experience, coupled with their exclusive selection of premium wines, beers and spirits, makes it easy to come back for more. Best of all, much of the food is self-serve, even the alcohol!
There are also showers, a business center and several dedicated staff to help you with your travel plans and to resolve any issues that may arise.
Access is limited to customers traveling internationally in First or Business Class, as well as customers with OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire status.
Additionally, some long-haul transcontinental flights also count.
Finally, members who possess the coveted Concierge Key can also enjoy access regardless of the cabin of travel or the distance of the flight.
This is one of my favourite lounges internationally and is located in Heathrow Terminal 3 in the 'H' section of the lounge.
On my last visit to Heathrow I was able to gain access to this highly coveted club, so popular that recently Virgin Airlines Access had to be made more difficult due to the large number of people.
Virgin's Clubhouse spans over 26,000 square feet and features one of the swankiest bars I've seen in a lounge. It's spread across multiple floors, with the second floor housing secluded areas filled with TVs, pool tables, swivel chairs, and a beautiful view of the tarmac.
The upper level is a nice little outdoor area where you can sit and watch the planes take off. However, it is a bit small and the seating can fill up quickly, especially in nice weather.
Finally, the food is fantastic with full menus for every meal of the day and a waiter will come to your table to help you. Plus, there is a small buffet available so you can help yourself if you are feeling a bit fussy between meals.
Lounge access is limited to premium class tickets on Virgin flights as well as Delta One members and Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion members traveling in premium class.
Previously, Delta Gold Medallion and Platinum Medallion members could access the lounge regardless of their fare class. Now, Gold and Platinum members will be redirected to the Club Aspire Lounge to reduce traffic in the Clubhouse Lounge.
First of all, this place is huge. Like HUGE, over 107,000 square feet. But that shouldn't be a surprise because Qatar Airways has become one of the world's leading luxury airlines and this lounge is located at its hub at Doha's Hamad International Airport.
As someone who frequently travels to Southwest Asia, it is always one of the highlights of a trip when I fly with Qatar departing from or connecting through Doha.
A spiral staircase will take you to several dining rooms featuring cuisines from around the world. The a la carte restaurant is one of my favorites, but you can't go wrong as the lounge offers, or technically “mirrors” a resort experience. The atrium in the middle of the lounge is a spectacle and adds to the ambiance.
There is also a Louis Vuitton cafe, but you have to pay for the experience.
Overall, this is the cleanest and most spacious lounge I have ever visited and it offers by far the best dining experience, both in terms of quality and choice available.
Qatar Airways and OneWorld customers travelling in First or Business Class can access the lounge free of charge. Those travelling in Business or Economy Class can purchase lounge access for an additional cost.
And there you have it! Part one of our three-part series that will cover the best domestic (US) and international salons available around the world!
