7 Best Airport Lounges You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Visit)
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 is a well-regarded airport lounge that offers a comfortable space to relax before flights.
With an open buffet of premium entrees and beverages, as well as unlimited fast WiFi, the lounge provides a quality experience for travelers.
The lounge's location near the runway allows for views of the planes taking off and landing, adding to the ambiance.
The Plaza Premium Lounge network is known for its consistent experience across its 60+ global locations, focusing on delivering quality food and beverage options.
While access is typically through Priority Pass, the lounge does limit stays to a maximum of three hours.
Nonetheless, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 is highly rated for its comfortable seating, wide selection of drinks, and attentive staff, making it a worthwhile option for travelers passing through Heathrow.
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 is strategically located near the runway, offering aviation enthusiasts a unique vantage point to observe the intricate ballet of aircraft takeoffs and landings.
Interestingly, the lounge's food presentation remains consistent across its global network of over 60 lounges, ensuring travelers can expect a reliable culinary experience, even outside of regular meal hours.
Contrary to typical airport lounges, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 allows children under two years old to access the facility free of charge, making it a family-friendly oasis within the airport.
The lounge's strategic location on Level 4, adjacent to the terminal transfer, enables seamless access for passengers connecting between terminals, optimizing their time between flights.
Uniquely, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 offers a maximum stay of three hours, ensuring a consistent flow of travelers and maintaining an uncrowded, relaxing atmosphere throughout the day.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul Airport
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Emirate's First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport
- 7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport
The Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport stands out as a highly regarded airport lounge, offering a contemporary design, comfortable seating, and a diverse selection of culinary delights.
However, the lounge has historically faced issues with overcrowding, a common challenge for premium airport lounges.
To access the Centurion Lounge, travelers can present their American Express Platinum Card, which also provides entry to other exclusive lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass and Delta Sky Clubs.
The Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport is one of the largest Centurion Lounges in the American Express network, spanning an impressive 15,000 square feet.
The lounge features a dedicated yoga and meditation room, allowing travelers to unwind and recharge before their flights through guided mindfulness sessions and stretching exercises.
Interestingly, the Centurion Lounge in Miami is the only location that offers a full-service barbershop, providing travelers with complimentary haircuts, shaves, and other grooming services.
Unique to this Centurion Lounge is a dedicated cocktail bar serving a wide selection of premium spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and rare, vintage wines not found in other lounges.
The lounge's culinary team includes James Beard Award-winning chefs, who create a constantly evolving menu of seasonal, locally-inspired dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Miami's vibrant food scene.
Surprisingly, the Centurion Lounge in Miami features an advanced air purification system, using HEPA filters and advanced ionization technology to ensure the highest levels of air quality for guests.
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a luxurious haven for business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
With its spacious layout, diverse culinary offerings, and premium amenities like showers and massage chairs, the lounge provides a comfortable and rejuvenating experience before flights.
Despite its impressive size and facilities, the lounge's location opposite gate 3 in the domestic departure hall may limit its visibility, making it a hidden gem that savvy travelers should seek out.
The lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art air purification systems that utilize HEPA filters and advanced ionization technology to maintain exceptional air quality for guests, ensuring a refreshing and healthy environment.
Interestingly, the lounge's shower suites are designed with advanced water-saving technology, reducing water consumption and contributing to the airport's sustainability efforts, while still providing guests with a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
Uniquely, the lounge offers a dedicated workspace area equipped with high-speed internet, modern workstations, and state-of-the-art printing and scanning facilities, making it an ideal environment for business travelers to stay productive during their layovers.
Surprisingly, the lounge's capacity of 172 passengers is among the largest for any Thai Airways lounge, allowing for a spacious and comfortable experience, even during peak travel seasons.
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers a comfortable oasis for travelers, with multiple locations across the airport terminals.
Featuring amenities like a pancake machine, ample seating, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the Alaska Lounge is a must-visit for passengers looking to relax and unwind before their flights.
The North Satellite Terminal location is the flagship lounge, boasting an upscale design and a large fireplace, making it a standout option among the airport's lounges.
The Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the only airport lounge in the Pacific Northwest to offer a self-serve pancake machine, allowing travelers to indulge in freshly made pancakes before their flights.
Interestingly, the Concourse D lounge is the only Alaska Lounge location that serves craft cocktails, offering a unique selection of locally-inspired concoctions made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients.
Despite its relatively small footprint, the Concourse C lounge maximizes its space by incorporating an innovative modular seating design, allowing for flexible configurations to accommodate varying passenger flow during peak and off-peak hours.
Surprisingly, the Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one of the few airport lounges in the United States to offer an extensive selection of premium teas, catering to the discerning tastes of tea enthusiasts.
Interestingly, the Concourse D lounge features a dedicated napping area, complete with comfortable recliners and blackout curtains, enabling travelers to recharge before their onward journeys.
Contrary to the typical airport lounge experience, the Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers a complimentary self-service laundry facility, allowing guests to freshen up their clothing during extended layovers.
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul Airport
The SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul Airport is a comfortable and well-equipped lounge for passengers traveling with SkyTeam alliance airlines.
While it is currently closed due to recent fire damage, the lounge typically operates 24 hours a day and offers a range of amenities, including locally sourced dishes, drinks, complimentary WiFi, and other services to help passengers relax before their flights.
The lounge is certified as a 4-Star Airline Lounge and is part of the SkyTeam alliance's network of branded lounges across several airports globally.
The lounge is temporarily closed due to recent fire damage, but it usually operates 24 hours a day, making it accessible to travelers at any time.
Despite having received only 2 reviews, the SkyTeam Lounge is rated 1288 out of 1714 things to do in Istanbul Airport, indicating that it may be overlooked by many travelers.
The lounge is certified as a 4-Star Airline Lounge, recognizing its high quality in terms of product, facilities, and staff service.
While the lounge is part of the SkyTeam alliance, it welcomes passengers from seven different SkyTeam member airlines, including Aeroflot, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.
The lounge offers a dedicated buffet with a selection of local and international dishes, including freshly prepared Turkish pide (pizza), allowing travelers to experience the flavors of the region.
In addition to the food and beverage offerings, the lounge provides complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and access to business and entertainment facilities, catering to the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
The lounge's strategic location on Level H, accessible after immigration through the main concourse, ensures that it is conveniently located for passengers to access before their flights.
Surprisingly, the lounge features a wide variety of Turkish wines and spirits, offering travelers a unique opportunity to sample the local alcoholic beverage offerings.
Contrary to the common perception of airport lounges, the SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul Airport does not impose a maximum stay duration, allowing passengers to relax and unwind for as long as they need.
Interestingly, the lounge's amenities and services are designed to cater to the diverse needs of travelers, with options ranging from business facilities to recreational activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Emirate's First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport
The Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport is a lavish and expansive retreat for passengers flying in the airline's premier cabin.
Spanning over 100,000 square feet, it is the largest first-class lounge in the world, offering an impressive array of amenities including shower spas, a Timeless Spa, and a central location near the airline's check-in facilities.
While the lounge is praised for its sheer size and luxurious offerings, some reviews suggest that it may not be the best-kept secret, as it is one of seven lounges operated by Emirates at Dubai Airport.
At over 100,000 square feet, the Emirates First Class Lounge is the largest first-class lounge in the world, providing ample space for its premium passengers.
The lounge features a dedicated Timeless Spa, where passengers can indulge in complimentary 15-minute rejuvenating treatments and beauty therapies to revitalize before their flights.
Interestingly, the lounge's central location in Concourse A, adjacent to the airline's First Class and Business Class check-in facilities, ensures seamless access for passengers.
Contrary to typical airport lounges, the Emirates First Class Lounge offers shower spas equipped with luxury toiletries and hairdryers, allowing passengers to freshen up in style.
The Emirates First Class Lounge is one of seven luxurious lounges operated by the airline at Dubai International Airport, with the others located in Concourses B and C of Terminal
Interestingly, the lounge's floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the airport's runway and the surrounding Dubai skyline, creating a serene ambiance for passengers.
Uniquely, the lounge features a business center equipped with high-speed internet and state-of-the-art facilities, catering to the needs of business travelers during their layovers.
Contrary to typical airport lounges, the Emirates First Class Lounge offers a dedicated cigar lounge, providing a sophisticated setting for passengers to indulge in premium cigars.
Interestingly, the lounge's advanced air purification system, which utilizes HEPA filters and ionization technology, ensures a clean and refreshing environment for its guests.
7 Best Airport Lounges You've Never Heard Of (But Should Visit) - Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The newly opened Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has been making waves among savvy travelers.
With a capacity of 180 seats, this lounge is conveniently located in the main terminal and can be accessed by purchasing a day pass or using a Priority Pass.
The lounge is divided into two sections, each offering its own unique amenities.
Regardless of the section, the Aspire Lounge provides a comfortable and rejuvenating experience, complete with shower facilities, restrooms, and a business center.
Interestingly, there are two Aspire Lounges at Amsterdam Airport, one near Gate 26 in the Schengen area and another near Gate 41 in the non-EU departures area.
Both locations offer similar services, ensuring that travelers can enjoy a consistent experience throughout their journey.
The Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has a seating capacity of 180, making it one of the largest lounges at the airport.
The lounge is divided into two sections, with the right side offering more seating and a larger snack bar, while the left side has less seating and a smaller snack bar.
In addition to the main Aspire Lounge near Gate 26, there is a second Aspire Lounge located near Gate 41, catering to passengers on non-Schengen flights.
The Aspire Lounge 41 (non-Schengen) does not have a designated smoking area due to a change in local law in January
The Aspire Lounge near Gate 26 (Schengen) is located on the upper level between Lounges 1 and 2, near the D gates, and is open daily from 0600-
Both Aspire Lounges at Amsterdam Airport offer similar amenities, including business areas, seating, and a wide selection of complimentary food and drinks.
The Aspire Lounge 41 (non-Schengen) is a popular choice among travelers, with reviewers praising its spaciousness, cleanliness, and attentive staff.
The Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers paid entry, ranging from €30-€40 for a 3-hour stay, and is also accessible for free with Priority Pass/DragonPass.
The Aspire Lounge near Gate 26 is located in the Schengen area of the main terminal, while the Aspire Lounge near Gate 41 is situated near the non-EU departures area.
The Aspire Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is suitable for both work and relaxation, offering a range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of travelers.