There are many perks of business class travel – access to some of the best business class lounges in the world ranks highly among them.
While passengers on economy dread waiting at airports, first and business class travelers look forward to it!
Who wouldn’t love to enjoy full-body massages, meals prepared by Michelin starred chefs, and being driven to the plane in a BMW or a Porsche!
Some airlines set the bar higher than others. For your convenience, here’s a list of some of the best business class lounges in the world.
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
Now, let’s get into some of the pros and cons of each one of these airlines so you can make an informed choice.
Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways has consistently been rated number one for its services, including offering the best lounge experience.
Most of their lounges are known for their over-the-top luxury; be it the high ceilings at the Al Safwa Doha (first class) lounge, or the subtle references to its Arabic heritage at the Al Mourjan lounge.
Although this airline was founded on November 22, 1993, this lounge was not accessible until July 2014.
To say this lounge is huge would be an understatement. At the time of this writing, it stands to be around 10 times the size of an Olympic swimming pool.
But the size of this lounge doesn’t take away from its quality in the least bit. In fact, it has been the recipient of the prestigious Seven Star First Class Lounge Award.
Pros:
- Private sit-down check-in
- Comfortable private lounge seating
- Refreshment station (with water, soft drinks and more)
- Fully staffed restaurant
- Snack Bar (with sushi, salad and dessert room)
- TV Room
- Business Center
- Duty-free shop
- Nap room
- Spa (with hot tub)
Cons:
- Too much space
- Minimalist to a fault
See also: The top 20 airports in the world
Emirates:
Did you know that you can board your flight directly from the Emirates Dubai lounge?
Yes, they have a dedicated gate for every flight! And before you leave, don’t forget to get a complimentary spa treatment.
The lounge is very spacious, with several nap rooms, a couple of restaurants, and several duty-free shops as well.
This lounge is a perfect place to meet new people and build your business contacts, or enjoy some alone time.
Due to its size, it’s perfect for just about any experience you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Shower spas (with towels, toiletries and hairdryers)
- Cigar bar
- Dedicated quiet areas
- Duty-free boutique
- Business center
- Wine cellar (with staffed sommeliers)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Expansive restaurant menu
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming (it’s MASSIVE)
- Can be pricey
Etihad Airways:
Besides a la carte meals and complimentary spa treatments, Etihad Airways offers several facilities for business class travelers.
Guests get to enjoy access to free WiFi and a wide range of international magazines.
The Dubai business lounge is one of the finest examples of Etihad luxury – chic décor, ample amenities, and children’s play areas staffed with nannies being a few of them.
Unlike other lounges, you don’t have to be a special member of the airline to access these amenities.
Etihad allows all flight passengers to pay for access to their wonderful lounges.
Etihad also added additional locations to their lounges and you can now find lounges located in London, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Pros:
- Quick check-in process
- Duty-free shopping
- Attentive lounge personnel
- Multi-cultural buffet selection with salad and dessert options
- Six Senses spa
- Style & shave salon
Cons:
- Shortage of power outlets
Turkish Airlines:
Turkish Airline lounges across the world are a perfect blend of modern and traditional décor.
The Istanbul lounge, for example, covers around 6000 sq. meters and can seat around one thousand people.
Some of the traditional foods you’ll find here are rarely ever found anywhere else.
This lounge is one that can be a ton of fun for the entire family.
You and your children are sure to enjoy the console gaming experience.
The lounge even has a large children’s play area for those parents that would rather watch from the sidelines.
Pros:
- Wide open spaces
- Nap nooks
- Television room
- Kids area
- Manned cooking stations
Cons:
- Not quite as charming as the former lounge
- The Decor doesn’t always feel top-notch
- Getting wi-fi access can be problematic
- Below-average wine selection
Cathay Pacific:
Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong’s lounge is the ultimate in business class luxury.
The lounge is complete with Carrara marbles and black granite where guests get to sample a la carte meals at their leisure before their comfortable flight.
If there was a top lounge on the list, Cathay Pacific would take the cake.
It offers everything from business perks, to personal perks. No detail was overlooked with the construction of this lounge.
Give it a visit and you’ll be sure to be back.
Pros:
- Champagne bar
- Noodle bar
- Business center
- Big, comfy chairs
- Private nap rooms
- Complimentary foot massages
Cons:
- No real cons to speak of