Which Airport Lounges Are Worth a Long Layover?

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When you first step into an airport lounge, it feels like a whole new world. Free snacks and drinks? Wi-Fi that doesn’t cut out? Comfy chairs with plugs for all your devices? Sign me up! At first, every lounge feels like a little slice of magic.

But it doesn’t take long to realize that the thrill fades after a while. You can eat only so many snack mixes, crudités, and mini-sandwiches before they all blur together. And then, out of nowhere, you find that lounge—the one that changes everything. It’s not just a place to kill time; it’s an experience. These are often the flagship lounges at major hubs, like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London, the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul, or the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.

These lounges make you pause and wonder, Should I plan extra time just to hang out here?

US Lounges vs. International Lounges

Let’s be real: U.S. lounges are improving, but they’re still not on the same level as some international counterparts. That said, lounges by American Express, Chase, and Capital One are starting to elevate the quality of U.S. lounges at major airports, adding a new layer of comfort and luxury to the travel experience.

AMEX Centurion Lounges, for example, offer high-quality food (including chef-designed menus), premium beverages, and modern spaces that provide a real escape from the chaos of the airport. Chase Sapphire and Capital One are also introducing lounges with similar luxury touches—curated food menus, spacious seating, and a more relaxed, upscale atmosphere—making these lounges fast becoming a go-to for travelers seeking extra comfort during layovers.

Additionally, the new Delta SkyClubs in LGA, JFK, and MSP are great for spending a couple of hours, but they’re not the kind of spaces where I’d extend a layover to linger.

Memorable Lounge Experiences

We’ve only visited a few lounges that genuinely stood out, where I actually wanted to spend more time than necessary. The first was the Thai Airways Lounge in Bangkok. Even though we were flying business class, it included a complimentary massage (which my wife enjoyed but I skipped). The lounge was nice but not mind-blowing—though the massage perk elevated the experience.

Another standout was the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles. With its sleek dining area, outdoor terrace, and a hidden noodle bar (yes, I found it!), it’s one of the more memorable lounges we’ve visited. We spent a couple of hours there before our flight to Australia—not because we wanted to soak in the lounge but because we were paranoid about missing our flight. Years later, we visited again, and while it was busier than I remembered, the charm was still there.

Then there was the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge. After a long flight from Los Angeles to Singapore, we spent several hours there, taking showers, enjoying breakfast, and relaxing before our connecting flight. It felt like an oasis after a long-haul journey.

When a Lounge Becomes Part of the Vacation

But here’s the thing: I still can’t imagine taking time out of my vacation to hang out in a lounge. No matter how luxurious, lounges are still a means to an end. At what point does a lounge become part of the vacation experience itself?

Since I often book trips based on available award space, I’ve never had the luxury of picking a flight just for the lounge. The closest I came was when we booked a layover in Dublin long enough to leave the airport, grab lunch, and explore for a few hours.

Questions for Readers

Now I’m curious—are there lounges so exceptional that you’d go out of your way to visit them? Are these primarily first-class lounges, or do some business-class ones also deliver that wow factor? And do these lounges still feel special after you’ve visited them a few times, or is it more about the novelty of the first experience?

Let me know what you think!

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