Some have special dog-friendly areas and others come with breathtaking views.
By Travel + Leisure Editors Travel + Leisure Editors
Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on November 15, 2024
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The bar and terrace over looking the tarmac at LAX’s Delta Sky Club . Photo: Courtesy of Delta
So much of plane travel can be stressful. Whether it’s the race to the airport, the interminable security lines, or the fear of flying itself, there are plenty of ways for anxiety to build.
One surefire way to reduce that unease is to access a nice airport lounge, as many come with fun views of plane activity, free food and drink, and even amenities like massages or saunas. Whether you’re looking to try an airport lounge for the first time or keen to experience an impressive spot with unique facilities, Travel + Leisure editors have picked their favorites from around the world.
JetBlue T5 Rooftop & Wooftop: Lounge
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Near Gate 28 at the JetBlue Terminal, this 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden is not only open to all passengers, but you can also take your dog there. One corner is designated as a pet-relief area and called a “wooftop.”
— Denny Lee, Articles Editor
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Interior of the Air France La Première lounge at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Courtesy of Air France
Air France La Première
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
With a menu by chef Alain Ducasse, a Sisley Paris spa space, and a private check-in lounge, the Air France La Premiere lounge at CDG is a super-luxe experience. During my transfer at CDG, a crewmember whisked me down to the tarmac to drive me from the plane directly to the lounge, where everything was taken care of for me. My only complaint is not having enough time there!
— Elizabeth Rhodes, Senior Editor
Hawaiian Airlines Apartment 1929 Lounge
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Hawaiian Airlines' Apartment 1929 Lounge is the perfect place to rest and relax before your upcoming flight out of paradise. Not only do you get access to two private indoor and outdoor spaces, but you also get an entire meal that you select online days in advance, a chauffeur through security, and a drop off directly at your gate when it’s time for wheels up.
— Jalyn Robinson, Assistant Editor
Delta Sky Club
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
As a Seattle native, I miss the views of Mount Rainier (Mountain's out!), but Delta's Sky Club (Concourse A near gate 1) offers a breathtaking view of Ranier through its wall of 30-foot windows. With two levels and 21,000 square feet, I can always find the perfect perch to take in the vista and enjoy one last bowl of Ivar's award-winning clam chowder (with bacon!) — a Seattle classic since 1938 — until my next visit to the Emerald City. Bonus: Delta's announced a second 23,000-plus-square-foot Delta Sky Club at SeaTac's A Concourse will open in 2025.
— Lisa Kay Greissinger, Research Editor
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Courtesy of Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines Lounge Business
Istanbul Airport (IST)
This lounge has so many food stations I felt like I was visiting a food market and not killing time at an airport. It's spacious, has lots of seating (including pods to work with isolated privacy), and you can even queue up to rent a mini room to sleep and shower.
— Susmita Baral, Travel Editor
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Almost nothing could have pried me off the plane and out of my first Qatar Airways QSuite experience last year, but I’m glad I made it to the airline’s Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha. A la carte, restaurant-style dining in an airport lounge always feels like the ultimate luxury to me (here, served from a live open kitchen), especially when you can sit down to a meal after taking a long, hot shower. Better yet, add a visit to the QSpa, where spa treatments are accompanied by access to a thermal jacuzzi and relaxation room. The only downside is how easy it is to forget you’re in an airport; I think we almost missed our connecting flight.
— Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director
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Interior of the Delta Sky Club Lounge at LAX airport.
Courtesy of Delta
Delta Lounge
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The Delta Lounge at LAX is always a perfect stop before boarding a red-eye flight back to New York. There's a ton of seating to wind down, a semi-outdoor space to take in some last bits of fresh air, a beautiful bar, and great food options.
— Christine Burroni, Senior News Editor