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.
But it doesn’t take long to realize the thrill fades. 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. The kind of lounge that makes you pause and wonder:
Should I actually plan extra time just to hang out here?
What makes a lounge worth a long layover?
Most lounges are “nice to have.” A small handful are “I wouldn’t mind being stuck here for hours.” In my book, the lounges that justify extra time usually have at least a few of these:
- Showers (and enough of them that you’re not waiting forever)
- Real food — made-to-order options, better variety, and something beyond the same buffet staples
- Space that feels calm: good layout, quiet areas, and enough seating
- Comfort upgrades: daybeds, nap rooms, or genuinely comfortable lounge chairs
- Extras that change the experience: outdoor terraces, spa/massage options, or staff who proactively help
- Convenience: easy access near your gates (or even boarding support from the lounge)
And one reality check: the “best lounge” on paper can still be miserable if it’s overcrowded. Rules and access policies change, too, so it’s always smart to check the lounge’s official info before you plan anything around it.
U.S. lounges vs. international lounges
Let’s be real: U.S. lounges have gotten better, but they still don’t consistently hit the same highs as the top international lounges.
That said, credit card lounges have absolutely raised the bar. American Express, Chase, and Capital One have been pushing U.S. lounge quality forward with nicer design, better food, and more “premium” touches than what a lot of domestic airline lounges offered for years.
In fact, one of the biggest changes lately is that some of the best U.S. lounge experiences aren’t airline-branded at all — they’re tied to your premium credit card and the lounge network it unlocks.
And yes, there are some excellent newer airline lounges in the U.S. (including newer Delta Sky Clubs that feel like a real step up). But even the nicest domestic lounges still tend to be places I’m happy to spend a couple of hours — not places I’d deliberately extend a layover just to linger.
Lounges we still remember
We’ve only visited a handful of lounges that genuinely stood out — the kind where I didn’t mind spending more time than necessary.
Thai Airways Lounge (Bangkok)
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 itself was nice, but the massage perk is what elevated the whole experience.
Star Alliance Lounge (LAX)
Another standout was the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles. Between the sleek dining area, the outdoor terrace, and a hidden noodle bar (yes, I found it!), it’s still one of the more memorable lounges we’ve visited.
We spent a couple of hours there before our flight to Australia — not because we were trying to soak up 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.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (Singapore)
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.
Reader favorites: lounges people will actually plan around
When we ran the original version of this post, a bunch of readers chimed in with lounges they’d actually schedule extra time for — and the answers were pretty consistent:
- True first class flagships that feel more like a private terminal than a lounge (separate buildings, personal assistance, quiet rooms, premium dining).
- Top-tier oneworld lounges with standout design, great views, and genuinely high-end food and service.
- The rare “small airline” surprise — a lounge that over-delivers because it reflects the country/brand, not just “generic airport buffet.”
Some of the specific callouts from readers included:
- Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge (DOH) — mentioned for private spaces, premium service, and a “you could spend hours here” vibe.
- Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge (HKG) — praised for the atmosphere, comfort, and the kind of lounge experience that feels like a destination.
- Lufthansa First Class Terminal (FRA) — yes, the famous separate building experience that multiple readers said they’ve planned flights around.
- United Polaris Lounges — the most common “best of the U.S.” answer from readers, especially for longer international connections.
- Icelandair Saga Lounge (KEF) — a niche pick, but one reader raved about how comfortable it is, with strong Icelandic touches.
- Chase Sapphire Lounge (BOS) — one reader specifically called out the massage chairs and shower combo as “worth arriving early.”
And I loved one very honest take from the comments: for some travelers, the “best lounge” is simply the one that helps justify a cheaper itinerary. If an extra-long layover saves hundreds of dollars, a lounge with a decent bathroom and a stale bagel might be good enough.
When a lounge becomes part of the vacation
Here’s the thing: I still can’t imagine taking time out of my vacation just to hang out in a lounge. No matter how luxurious, lounges are still a means to an end.
And if I have the choice between:
- Spending an extra two hours in a lounge… or
- Spending those two hours actually experiencing the city I’m traveling to…
…I’m picking the city.
Since I often book trips based on available award space, I’ve never had the luxury of picking a flight purely 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 mostly first-class lounges, or do some business-class lounges also deliver that wow factor?
- Do they still feel special after a few visits, or is it mostly about the novelty?
- And have you ever picked an itinerary specifically to maximize lounge time?
Let me know what you think!
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1 comment
Where id the Air France lounge at CDG?? Listed