{"id":3679,"date":"2026-04-02T09:58:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T09:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/?p=3679"},"modified":"2026-04-02T09:58:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T09:58:01","slug":"the-best-first-class-airport-lounges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/?p=3679","title":{"rendered":"The Best First Class Airport Lounges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>These lounges are a welcoming oasis away from the hustle and bustle of a busy airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/08\/britishairways_216861533570120-300x200.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"best first class airport lounges\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div>\n<p>Traveling on commercial airlines can come with its highs and lows, from enjoying world-class customer service onboard your flight to waiting for hours in a long immigration queue. When it comes to flying first class, however, the luxurious first class airport lounges are a welcome escape from the crowds.<\/p>\n<p>These first class lounges range in size and what they offer guests, but all are a welcoming oasis away from the hustle and bustle of a busy <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/luxury-transport\/4-of-the-best-airport-transfers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">airport<\/a>. Whether your preference leans toward restaurant-calibre dining, discreet spaces in which to work undisturbed, or a restorative retreat complete with spa-like amenities, these are some of the best first class airport lounges that deliver.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best first class lounges around the world<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Air France La Premi\u00e8re Lounge, Paris<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/12\/airfrancelapremiereloungeparis1.jpg\" alt=\"Air France La Premi\u00e8re Lounge, Paris\" class=\"wp-image-258597\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Large armchairs make for a comfortable seating experience in the lounge \u00a9Air France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wwws.airfrance.co.uk\/information\/prepare\/voyager-avec-la-premiere#lounge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Air France<\/a>\u2019s Salon La Premi\u00e8re <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/travel\/destination-guides\/europe\/paris\">Paris<\/a> is the airline\u2019s premium first class lounge, found at Charles de Gaulle airport (Terminal 2E). The space has been designed with two rooms, a larger one at the front and a smaller one towards the back. The larger room is decorated with stylish furniture in Air France\u2019s signature colors of red, white, and grey, while the smaller room has been designed as a private retreat with cozy sofas.<\/p>\n<p>The La Premi\u00e8re Lounge offers a cocktail bar, a relaxation area, private bathrooms and four shower suites, to allow guests to freshen up between flights or before they step onboard. The shower suites are equipped with a walk-in rain shower, toilets, a floating vanity table and amenities including bathrobes, slippers and toiletries from Biologique Recherche.<\/p>\n<p>One of the highlights of the Air France lounge is the dining area, which serves restaurant-quality dishes that could compete with several <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/finest-dining\/restaurants-finest-dining\/how-the-prestigious-michelin-star-system-really-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michelin-starred<\/a> establishments. Though there is a buffet for drinks and light bites, where the La Premi\u00e8re Lounge really shines is with its \u00e0 la carte dining, which offers a menu of dishes created by <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/finest-dining\/alain-ducasse-at-the-dorchester-dom-perignon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alain Ducasse<\/a>. Another highlight is the <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/spa-of-the-week\/spa-week-sisley-spa-loren-bermuda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sisley<\/a> La Premi\u00e8re area, where guests can enjoy complimentary facials and body treatments lasting from 30 to 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-182483 size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/08\/SWISS_FirstLounge_A0026D-1-700x467.jpg\" alt=\"Swiss Airlines first class lounges \" class=\"wp-image-182483\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Even when the lounge is busy, it feels spacious and welcoming \u00a9SWISS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Easily one of the best in the world, the luxurious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swiss.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Swiss<\/a> First Class Lounge is found at <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/travel\/destination-guides\/europe\/zurich\">Zurich<\/a> International Airport (Terminal E). Spread across 8,000 sq ft of interior space, the lounge has the capacity for up to 80 guests \u2013 and even when it&#8217;s busy, it feels spacious and welcoming.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss lounge has a unique offering that makes it one of the best airline lounges in the world; it features two \u2018day rooms\u2019, which in effect are two bedrooms available for guests to use to freshen up and relax. Each of the rooms is similar to a guest room in a five-star hotel, complete with a double bed adorned with <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/health-wellness\/hastens-drem%C9%99r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">H\u00e4stens bedding<\/a> and an en-suite bathroom, as well as panoramic views of the <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/features\/ultimate-supercar-tour-swiss-alps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alps<\/a>. Those interested in a \u2018day room\u2019 must request one from the lounge\u2019s concierge \u2013 they cannot be booked in advance.<\/p>\n<p>The rest of this exclusive lounge has been designed with three areas: a bar, a restaurant and a large outdoor terrace. Part of the bar has been dedicated to the lounge\u2019s incredible wine humidor, which is capable of holding up to 1,000 bottles of <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/finest-dining\/wines-and-spirits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wine from all over the world<\/a>. Meanwhile, diners at the lounge\u2019s restaurant will be treated to white tablecloth service and an exclusive menu featuring Swiss regional specialties.<\/p>\n<p><em>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/cars-jets-and-yachts\/aviation\/the-best-first-class-airlines-in-the-world\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Best First Class Airlines in the World<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Singapore Airlines Private Room, Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized wp-image-182482 size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/08\/SingAirlinesFirstClass-700x461.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-182482\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Singapore Airlines First Class passenger\u2019s journey begins as soon as you reach the airport \u00a9Singapore Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singaporeair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Singapore Airlines<\/a> has always been a world leader when it comes to customer service. For those flying in <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/cars-jets-and-yachts\/aviation\/inside-the-singapore-airlines-suite-class\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Singapore Airlines\u2019 Suite Class<\/a> or first class, this service goes one step further with the introduction of the Private Room \u2013 an exclusive lounge found within the airline\u2019s home airport, the world-famous Changi Airport (Terminal 3).<\/p>\n<p>A Singapore Airlines First Class passenger\u2019s journey begins as soon as you reach the airport. There is a dedicated check-in area for those flying first or Suite Class, as well as a private entrance to the airport that leads directly to immigration. After this, guests are invited to visit the airport\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singaporeair.com\/en_UK\/us\/flying-withus\/before-the-flight\/lounges\/silverkris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SilverKris lounge<\/a> \u2013 and it is within this lounge that you will find the mysterious Private Room.<\/p>\n<p>Within the Private Room, you\u2019ll find comfortable leather lounge chairs and armchairs, which have mostly been arranged as pairs or individual seats to give passengers space and privacy. There are also two private rooms, a collection of shower rooms and a family room, as well as the latest addition: a cozy nap room to rest in between flights. The highlight of the lounge is its silver-service dining room, where you can enjoy a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/top-restaurants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">restaurant-quality<\/a> dishes from around the world.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Etihad Airways Residence Lounge, Abu Dhabi International<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/12\/etihadairwaysresidenceloungeabudhabiinternational.jpg\" alt=\"Etihad Airways Residence Lounge, Abu Dhabi International\" class=\"wp-image-258596\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tall bar seats are arranged around a central bar \u00a9Etihad Airways <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etihad.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Etihad Airways<\/a> Residence Lounge is actually located within Etihad Airways\u2019 main first class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport. While the main lounge is available to all Etihad Airways first class passengers, the only guests able to access the Residence Lounge are those traveling in <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/features\/the-residence-by-etihad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Residence<\/a>: a three-room private suite found on Etihad\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/cars-jets-and-yachts\/aviation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A380 aircraft<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Residence Lounge has been designed as the ultimate space to relax and unwind before your flight. In the living room space, there are lounge chairs and leather sofas, a dining table, a television and a personal bar counter. Guests of the Residence Lounge are also treated to personalized butler service.<\/p>\n<p>The larger first class lounge outside of the Residence is also an impressive location in its own right. Guests of the Etihad Airways first class lounge can enjoy the relaxation area, the TV rooms and a range of world-class food and beverage options, from Arabic mezze to high-end cocktails.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cathay Pacific The Wing \/ The Pier, First Class Lounge, Hong Kong<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-182479 size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/08\/LOU_WIF_C030Y15_E0-1-700x467.jpg\" alt=\"The Wing first class lounges\" class=\"wp-image-182479\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Within the lounge, there are five shower cabanas that have been designed as mini spas \u00a9Cathay Pacific<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Wing is one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cathaypacific.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cathay Pacific<\/a>\u2019s two first class lounges at Hong Kong International Airport (Terminal 1). Designed as a large, open-air space, The Wing offers guests a range of seating options, from armchairs and lounge chairs to office-style furniture where you can work in peace and quiet.<\/p>\n<p>There are four food and beverage areas within The Wing, including an excellent \u00e0 la carte restaurant called The Haven \u2013 dishes include everything from butter chicken masala to Wagyu beef \u2013 and a Champagne bar where guests can help themselves to several varieties. Within the lounge, five shower cabanas have been designed as mini spas. Each one is temperature-controlled, comprising a walk-in shower, deep bathtub, daybed, workspace, and amenities from Jurlique.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for a more secluded space? Visit Cathay Pacific\u2019s other first class lounge, The Pier. Designed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studioilse.com\/projects\/airline-lounge-hong-kong\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studioisle<\/a>, The Pier is found downstairs, under HKG\u2019s Departures level. Designed as a calm retreat, The Pier features three food and beverage options, eight day suites with daybeds and complimentary massage service.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thai Airways Royal First Lounge, Bangkok<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/12\/thai-airways-royal-first-lounge-bangkok.jpg\" alt=\"Thai Airways Royal First Lounge, Bangkok\" class=\"wp-image-258598\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The lounge has a timeless, refined design \u00a9Thai Airways <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This first class lounge has a dedicated check-in area designed to fast-track guests through security, and cold towels and bottled water are offered on arrival. The space boasts two VIP rooms and six private corners, each containing seating, a TV, and coffee table.<\/p>\n<p>The lounge is predominantly known for its service and the its unique offering of a complimentary one-hour spa treatment in the Royal Orchid Spa, stocked with L\u2019Occitane amenities.<\/p>\n<p>For dining, there\u2019s a small buffet or \u00e0 la carte options in The Dining Room, serving up a selection of local culinary delights.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>British Airways Concorde Room, London<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-182480 size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2021\/08\/britishairways_216861468045431-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Concorde room first class lounges\" class=\"wp-image-182480\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Concorde Room has been designed to feel residential \u00a9British Airways<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Situated in London\u2019s Heathrow Airport (Terminal 5), you must be flying on a <a href=\"https:\/\/britishairways.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Airways<\/a> flight in first class to gain access to this exclusive area. Deep within Heathrow airport, the private space can be found inside the Galleries First Class Lounge.<\/p>\n<p>The Concorde Room has been designed to feel residential, reminiscent of a luxurious living room; it is appointed with comfortable sofas, armchairs, and beautiful chandeliers. Within the lounge, there is also a space designed as an indoor-outdoor terrace that offers expansive views of the runways, ample natural light and daybeds to relax on.<\/p>\n<p>The Concorde Lounge features a dining room where those waiting for their flights can enjoy restaurant-quality fine dining and full table service, with extensive seasonal menus and pairings with fine wines and champagnes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chelsea Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/12\/british-airways-new-york-jfk-chelsea-lounge-bar.webp\" alt=\"jfk first class airport lounge\" class=\"wp-image-258594\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A large bar is an attraction within the space \u00a9American Airlines \/ British Airways<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Operated in partnership with British Airways, the Chelsea Lounge at JFK bridges the historical bond between <a href=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/travel\/destination-guides\/north-america\/new-york-destination-guide\">New York<\/a> and London. A large champagne bar and fireplace lounge act as the centrepieces for the space, which has come under some fire for lacking any natural light.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The dining is all \u00e0 la carte, spanning an all-day menu with both British and American culinary influences, with a small snack station also on offer. Relaxation areas and three shower suites are also available for use.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge &#8212; South, Doha<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/elitetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/12\/qatar-airways.jpeg\" alt=\"qatar airways first class airport lounge\" class=\"wp-image-258592\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The space feels open and airy \u00a9Qatar Airways<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sprawling across some 10,000 sq metres, Qatar Airways\u2019 flagship business-class lounge&#8217;s scale is almost disorienting. An elaborate chandelier is framed by spiral staircase is framed by and black-tiled pool. A sequence of dining options (the \u00e0 la carte one serving up Arabic specialities that share the stage with sushi, hot dishes, and extravagant desserts, should you need a sugar boost) and several relaxation zones form the wider space.<\/p>\n<p>Stretch out in a sleep pod, surrender to chaos in the games room, or catch up on emails in the expansive business center \u2013 there&#8217;s plenty of spaces to explore if you can find the time.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These lounges are a welcoming oasis away from the hustle and bustle of a busy airport.\u00a0 Traveling on commercial airlines can come with its highs and lows, from enjoying world-class customer service onboard your flight to waiting for hours in a long immigration queue. When it comes to flying first class, however, the luxurious first [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3680,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"","beyondwords_project_id":"","beyondwords_content_id":"","beyondwords_preview_token":"","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3679"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3680"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/facesjournal.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}