A Guide to the Admirals Club at JFK

A credit card with lounge access can get you into some of the most amazing airport lounges in the world. Discover how to get airport lounge access with a credit card to help upgrade your travels.

The American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is arguably the number one airport lounge credit card, giving you Centurion Lounge access. You can find these in Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), LaGuardia (LGA), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Seattle (SEA), and San Francisco (SFO). There’s also an international location in Hong Kong (HKG).

Just remember to book your journey to the airport using Blacklane’s professional airport transfer service if you find yourself in one of these locations.  

If you’re traveling with someone, they can also gain access to Centurion Lounges at a cost of 50 USD. An annual fee for this card is 550 USD and with that comes:

• Delta Sky Club membership

• Priority Pass membership

• Rewards points when booking directly with an airline or with Amex Travel

• Rewards points when booking hotels through Amex Travel

• 200 USD credit to use toward airline fees throughout the year

The chance to earn 5x Membership Rewards points on airfares booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (along with 5x on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel), is just one of the reasons why so many people consider it to be the best credit card for airport lounge access.

There is also a business version - the American Express Platinum Business Card, which comes with Amex gold lounge access. That means access to 1000+ airport lounges across 120+ countries with the American Express Global Lounge Collection, making it one of our top credit cards for business travel. It costs 450 USD a year.

United MileagePlus Club Card

This airport lounge credit card gives you access to every Star Alliance business lounge and United Club lounge around the world, as well as Amtrak Acela lounges. At a cost of 450 USD per year, you’ll earn 1.5 United Miles for every dollar spent and double your miles on all United Airlines purchases.

Additional benefits include:

• Two free checked bags for two people per flight

• Waivers for certain fees

• Priority boarding

• 50,000 bonus miles if you spend 3,000 USD in the first three months

Of all credit cards with lounge access, the United MileagePlus Club Card grants entry into a wide range of lounges around the world making it a very popular choice.

Citi/AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard

Another one of the top credit cards with lounge access is the Citi/AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard. With this, you can get complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership and bring two guests in with you absolutely free. The annual cost for the card is 450 USD and additional benefits include:

• 50,000 bonus miles if you spend 5,000 USD within the first three months

• 10,000 miles if you spend 40,000 USD each year

• Two miles per dollar for qualifying American Airlines purchases

• No foreign transaction fees

• Priority boarding

• One free checked bag on domestic flights with the airline

Priority boarding and the first checked bag for free on domestic American Airlines itineraries is available for yourself and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.

Best of all, Citi has updated their airport lounge credit card perks to include membership for authorized users of this card. Up to 10 authorized users can be added for free and since they will get up to two guests for lounge access as well, that amounts to up to 33 people with just this one card.  

Find out which credit card gets you into your preferred airport lounge. Image credit: martin-dm/iStock

Delta Reserve from American Express

To gain free access to all Delta Sky Lounges around the world, you’ll need the Delta Reserve from American Express. Unfortunately, any guests you have have to pay an entry fee of 29 USD.

For an annual fee of 450 USD,, your benefits include:

• Up to 30,000 miles when you spend 60,000 USD each year

• Priority boarding

• One free checked bag

• 20 percent off in-flight purchases

The 30,000 miles you earn are broken down into two parts. You’ll receive 15,000 miles after you spend 30,000 USD and the other 15,000 miles when you spend 60,000 USD.

There’s also a business version of this airport lounge credit card - the Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card. This provides the opportunity to get an annual reserve companion certificate for first/business (or economy) travel within the 48 contiguous United States.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

With the order of a Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes Priority Pass Select, a third-party company that provides clients with access to more than 1200 airport lounges around the world. It also allows two guests to join for 27 USD each.  

The annual cost for this airport lounge credit card is 450 USD and has a string of other benefits:

• 300 USD annual travel credit

• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance

• Lost luggage reimbursement

• Triple reward points on all travel and dining purchases

• One point per dollar for all other purchases

This card was named "Best Premium Travel Credit Card" for 2018 by MONEY Magazine.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

Unlike the other airport lounge credit card outlined above, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card has some restrictions when it comes to accessing airport lounges. You only get two complimentary lounge visits per year in more than 700 airport lounges around the world. However, the card does give you Lounge Club membership, which means you can access to a wide range of lounges often at a discounted day entry price.

If you spend 2000 USD in your first three months, you can earn 20,000 bonus Membership Rewards points. Points are earned for every dollar spent, which you can redeem with a large range of shopping, travel and lifestyle partners.

As well as Amex gold lounge access, travel benefits with this card include hotel room and car rental upgrades. The annual fee for this card is 180 USD, but the annual fee is waived in the first year.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

This card provides a Priority Pass Select, which means you can relax in more than 1000 lounges across 130 countries. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card provides 10 free passes per year. After these run out, you can access the airport lounge at a cost of 27 USD per visit.

For Amex lounge access using this card, it will cost you 95 USD a year.

Barclaycard Business Premium Plus Credit Card Mastercard

Similarly, the Barclaycard Business Premium Plus Credit Card Mastercard costs 100 USD annually and lets you access airport lounges for free twice in the year. Additional visits after that cost 15 USD.

Designed for businesses with frequent overseas travel and trade, this premium credit card offers a whole bunch of perks on top of lounge access, including reduced foreign exchange fees and cashback on all your spending.

Discounts apply to a number of the Barclays Business Rewards partners, which include Amazon Business, Experian, and booking.com.

United Explorer Business Card

Also costing 95 USD a year is the United Explorer Business Card. This acts differently to the Hilton Honors American Express Business card, though in that you get two single day passes issued per card anniversary year.

You’ll get 75,000 bonus miles after you spend 5000 USD in the first three months after your account is open. There’s also the opportunity to earn two miles for every dollar spent on United purchases and in selected restaurants, gas stations, and office supply stores.

Priority boarding and free first checked bag saved 120 USD per round trip.

These credit cards offer airport lounge access as part of their membership fees. image credit: katleho Seisa/iStock

Coutts and Co Silk Credit Card Visa

Want visa card lounge access? Then this card is worth considering. You’ll get a membership to LoungeKey, which gets you access into more than 700 airport lounges worldwide. It’s a free airport lounge access credit card in that there’s no annual fee attached to it, but you will be charged 15 USD per visit to an airport lounge.

There’s also a Coutts and Co Silk Charge Mastercard option. This gives Mastercard lounge access to 700 executive airport lounges in more than 350 major airports around the world.   

HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard

The HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard acts exactly the same way as the Coutts and Co Silk Credit Card Visa and is another option worth considering if you don’t want to pay an annual sum.

The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard costs 200 USD per annum and give you membership to LoungeKey. This opens up a wide range of complimentary access to more than 750 airport lounges globally.

Santander World Elite Mastercard

This airport lounge credit card is slightly different from all the others in that there is a monthly fee of 15 USD attached to it. The Santander World Elite Mastercard also provides LoungeKey membership and gives complimentary airport lounge access in over 1000 airports around the world.

This is a beneficial card for frequent flyers. As well as LoungeKey membership, it also provides cashback, Mastercard Concierge, and World Elite Privileges discounts and offers.

AIB (GB) Visa Gold Card

At a cost of 75 USD per annum, the Allied Irish Bank (GB) Visa Gold Card is your Priority Pass to more than 600 executive airport lounges.

The AIB card, offered on the Visa network, can be used globally in more than 20 million locations. It is a charge card though, so users are expected to clear their balance every month. This payment flexibility does have its benefits. You can buy something at the start of the month and pay for it at the end of the month, and enjoy a few attractive perks along the way.

N26

This is one of the newest credit cards with lounge access. The N26 credit card offers the benefits of a standard N26 account, with perks including LoungeKey membership. That means LoungeKey Airport Experiences membership, which gives you access to 1,000 destinations.

Extra benefits include:

• Free unlimited ATM withdrawals and travel insurance, which protects against unforeseen expenses.

• Metal account holders get exclusive access to dedicated customer support for quick troubleshooting.

The lounge before the lounge: Blacklane airport transfers

Stress-free, premium travel begins as soon as you open your hotel or front door. Blacklane's global chauffeur service has been specializing in getting our clients to and from over 500 airports around the world for over 14 years.

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When you're flying through San Francisco Airport (SFO), knowing where to find an airport lounge, a place to eat, or the best shopping options can help to make your stay enjoyable.

As the second-largest airport in California and the seventh-largest in the U.S., SFO Airport services about 58 million passengers each year. Take a look at this helpful airport guide to get you started.

Airlines flying through San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport hosts three domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3), plus a terminal for international flights into San Francisco, which opened in 2000. Thirteen domestic airlines and 39 international airlines fly out of the airport to a total of 128 cities. Look for your airline on this list to determine which terminal you need to go to.

Terminal 1

• Delta Airlines

• Frontier Airlines

• Southwest Airlines

Terminal 2

• Alaska Airlines

• American Airlines

Terminal 3

• United Airlines (domestic flights only)

International Terminal

• Aer Lingus

• AeroMexico

• Air Canada

• Air China

• Air France

• Air India

• Air Italy

• Air New Zealand

• ANA

• Asiana

• Avianca

• British Airways

• Cathay Pacific

• China Airlines

• China Eastern Airlines

• China Southern Airlines

• Copa Airlines

• El Al Israel Airlines

• Emirates

• EVA Air

• Fiji Airways

• Finnair

• French Bee

• Hawaiian Airlines

• Hong Kong Airlines

• Iberia

• Icelandair

• Interjet

• Japan Airlines

• JetBlue

• KLM

• Korean Air

• XL Airways France

• Level

• Lufthansa

• Norwegian

• Philippine Airlines

• Qantas

• SAS

• Singapore Airlines

• Sun Country Airlines

• SWISS

• TAP Air Portugal

• Thomas Cook Airlines

• Turkish Airlines

• United Airlines (international flights only)

• Virgin Atlantic

• WestJet

San Francisco airport lounges - relax before you fly

Each terminal at SFO features lounges for premium passengers to give you the opportunity to relax, have a drink and a bite to eat, and take a shower. Take a look at your lounge options.

Terminal 1

Delta Sky Club

credit@AmEx

This newer lounge features stunning design work, plush seating, great views, and lots of outlets. The business center offers both individual cubicles and communal tables for working, and the cold buffet serves up a range of dishes. Delta premium passengers and American Express Platinum cardholders can access this lounge.

Terminal 2

American Airlines Admirals Club

Premium passengers on American Airlines or oneworld airline partners' flights have access to this lounge, as do oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members and Admirals Club members holding tickets on those airlines. A business center offers computers with internet access and free Wi-Fi, and conference rooms are available by reservation. Showers are also available, as is food for purchase.

Terminal 3

American Express Centurion Lounge

This lounge is open only to American Express Platinum cardholders and Centurion members with same-day tickets, plus their guests. Shower suites allow a moment of refreshment, while a wine-tasting area features Napa Valley wines. The table-service dining features a menu from a James Beard Award-winning chef, with a noted mixologist behind the craft cocktails at the bar. Workspaces are also available for those who need to work.

United Club lounges

Three United Club lounges in Terminal 3 (near Gates 60, 71A, and 80) welcome United Club members with same-day boarding passes, as well as other Star Alliance passengers. Each lounge features a full bar, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a small business center, as well as comfortable seating.

International Terminal

If you're prepping for international flights at San Francisco, find some serenity in these lounges.

Air France - KLM Lounge

Not flying Air France? You can also get access to this lounge if you're a first-class or business-class passenger on a plane that's a member of the SkyTeam Alliance (AeroMexico, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Qantas, Finnair, Hong Kong Airlines, and Air Italy). A cold buffet, free Wi-Fi, and a wide array of newspapers are all available at this lounge, which closes for a couple of hours every mid-afternoon.

British Airways Terraces lounge

This lounge is actually closed for renovation but should reopen again by fall 2019. In the meantime, British Airways premium passengers have access to the China Airlines lounge.

Cathay Pacific first and business-class lounge

Spacious workstations and shower suites allow you to stay productive and refreshed while traveling, while an ample buffet and noodle bar keep you fed. This lounge is also open to oneworld alliance members, including those flying in premium classes on Korean Air.

China Airlines Lounge

In addition to taking care of British Airways passengers while the airline's lounge is renovated, this lounge welcomes premium passengers from China Eastern, Iberia, Icelandair, and Norwegian. There is a large bar and a noodle bar, TVs, free Wi-Fi, and newspapers to help you fill your waiting time.

The Emirates Lounge

This lounge is small but ample enough to serve the first-class and business-class passengers on Emirates' sole flight out of SFO each day. A separate dining room serves hot and cold food, and the relaxation section of the lounge also has a self-service bar and snacks. Shower suites let you freshen up before your flight, and a small business center helps you stay productive.

Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge

This lounge admits all Japan Airlines ticket-holders, plus most JMB members. It's a smaller lounge since JAL only has one flight per day departing from San Francisco. A hot and cold buffet includes pre-packaged grab-and-go options including fish-free sushi, and a separate room is available for first-class passengers.

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge

Premium passengers on Philippine Airlines or elite members of the airline's frequent flyer program can enjoy snacks and hard drinks at this lounge, where staff work hard to make flyers comfortable. A small business center offers computers and printers.

United Airlines lounges

United Club members and their guests with same-day boarding passes have access to one arrivals lounge and one departures lounge in the International Terminal. Other same-day passengers may also be able to purchase day passes. Complimentary bar service, private phone booths, and a small business center are available at each of the lounges, and staff are on hand to help with local dining options and flight reservations.

The United Polaris lounge welcomes those flying first-class or business-class on United, as well as those flying first-class or business-class on long-haul international flights flown by Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, EVA AIR, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Avianca, ANA, Asiana, Turkish Airlines, Copa Airlines, Air India, or Tap Air Portugal.

This large, two-story lounge features shower suites and nap rooms for those waiting to make a connection. Even when the lounge gets crowded, you can still enjoy a sense of privacy thanks to the mini-cubicles, which include desk space. The dining area features an à la carte restaurant as well as a hot and cold buffet, with a wide variety of options, and barista-made cappuccinos at the bar.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Virgin Upper Class (i.e., business-class) passengers are welcomed to this sleek, high-end lounge, as are premium passengers on EVA Air, China Southern, and El Al. You can get waiter service anywhere in the lounge, and order from an appealing menu. Showers are available, the service is friendly, and the lounge also features a couple of computers if you need to get online.

Hotels near San Francisco Airport — when you want more than a lounge

Because San Francisco International Airport is located significantly south of the city, you may want to book a hotel near the airport if your flight is coming in at a late hour. Check out these fine hotels within easy reach of the airport.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport

Only five minutes from the airport, the Hyatt Regency features coffee makers and refrigerators in every room, so you can get your day started in peace. Multiple restaurants are available for business meetings or healthy meal options, and a business center lets you get any work you need in hard copy printed. The outdoor pool and fitness center gives you a chance to work out any tight muscles from your flight.

The Westin San Francisco Airport

Only 1 mile from SFO, with a BART rail station at hand, The Westin in Millbrae has double-paned windows to protect you from the sound of airplanes taking off. Room service is available 24/7, or stop at the family-friendly hotel restaurant, Grill & Vine. Both the fitness center and business center are also open around the clock, so you can keep going even if your brain's in a different time zone.

San Francisco Airport shopping - souvenirs and more

With a wide variety of shops in all four airport terminals, SFO makes it easy to pick up a new outfit, grab necessities for your flight, or take home something special to your family.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 only hosts a handful of shops, but you can pick up gifts and souvenirs at City by the Bay. Choose some reading material for the flight and grab the sundries you need at Hudson, or take home some California foods and candies ready for gifting at Simply Gourmet.

Terminal 2

If you're a reader, Terminal 2 is the place to be, with reading material for your flight available at Compass Books, SFO News Express, and Sunset News. Two Zoom Travel Store kiosks let you buy travel products and convenience items. Fill out your toiletries kit with hair and skin products from Kiehl's, or pamper yourself with a quick visit to Xpres Spa.

Terminal 3

When you need to grab last-minute gifts from your trip to California, stop in at Chalo, District Market, Greetings From San Francisco, or California Lifestyle. The CNBC SmartShop, Hudson News, San Francisco Magazine News, and Compass Books supply you with reading material, while three InMotion Entertainment stores have all the gadgets and electronics you need. Gourmet foods and chocolates are available at Marilla and See's Candies, and you can upgrade your luggage at Tumi.

International Terminal

You'll find some great duty-free choices in the International Terminal, including fine apparel at Burberry, Hermès, Swarovski, Coach, and Gucci — and, of course, a wide range of duty-free liquor, fragrances, tobacco, and cosmetics at the Dufry Duty-Free Shops. Convenience items are available at Ingenuity and New Stand, and unique gifts await you at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Museum Store.

San Francisco Airport restaurants - sit down to eat, or grab and go

When you're looking for things to do at San Francisco Airport, dining should be high on your list. While you'll find your most intriguing dining options in the International Terminal, San Francisco airport food tends to rely on locally sourced ingredients, providing tasty meal and snack choices in every terminal.

Terminal 1

From excellent coffee to comfort foods galore, the restaurants in Terminal 1 will keep you happy (especially if you're a baked goods lover):

• Dogpatch Bakery & Caffè: That espresso gets your day started right, and the sandwiches and baked goods are on point as well.

• Green Beans Coffee: More top-notch coffee for your caffeine fix, and yes, baked goods, sandwiches, and bagels.

• Willow Creek Grill: This quick-serve spot has everything from burgers and pizza to pasta and breakfast.

• Max Eatz and Fresh Bakery: The baked goods go without saying. The "eatz" include barbecue and other entrées.

• Three Twins Ice Cream: Waffles and crepes go beautifully with the organic ice cream at this spot.

• Farmerbrown: This sit-down restaurant serves Southern comfort food including fried chicken and waffles.

Terminal 2

Locally sourced ingredients pairs with grab-and-go at SFO restaurants throughout Terminal 2:

• Lark Creek Grill: Seafood, steak, and a full bar await you at this sit-down restaurant.

• Sweet Maple: Expect to be happy when you order anything that includes this table-service restaurants signature Millionaire Bacon.

• Burger Joint: This spot may sound ultra-casual, but that's Niman Ranch beef they're using in their burgers.

• Cat Cora: Need a drink? This full cocktail bar is happy to comply — and they serve small plates as well.

• Napa Farms Market: Make this your grab-and-go destination, with a gourmet deli and plenty of pre-packaged choices.

• Vino Volo: A wine-tasting bar at an airport? Yes, please.

Terminal 3

Lots of varied choices among these San Francisco airport restaurants help you while away your pre-boarding time in this terminal:

• Fraîche: Both frozen yogurt and traditional yogurt provide a fresh pick-me-up here.

• Ladle & Leaf Restaurant: Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients fuel the inspiration on this spot's menu of salads, soups, and sandwiches.

• Limon Rotisserie: Savory rotisserie chicken for those times when only Peruvian food will do.

• Mission Bar & Grill: A full bar and table service elevate your sandwiches and salads here.

• San Francisco Giants Club House: If you're craving the menu served at AT&T Park, including Crazy Crab sandwiches, it's all here at this sports bar.

• Urban Tortilla: Quick-serve Mexican food made with locally sourced ingredients.

• Klein's Deli and Coffee Bar: Terminal 3 hosts two of these quick-serve places, ideal when you need an espresso and a made-to-order sandwich.

• Amoura Cafe: Flatbreads are among the Mediterranean offerings you'll find at this quick-serve stop.

International Terminal

Some of the best airport dining in the world awaits you when you're getting ready for your long-haul international flight:

• 1300 on Fillmore: This soul food-inspired restaurant, an outpost of the well-known bistro in San Francisco's Fillmore Jazz District, has won raves as one of the top airport restaurants in the world for its Southern comfort food.

• 24th & Mission Taco House: When only a made-to-order taco will satisfy your cravings.

• Boudin Bakery: The famous sourdough bread bakery extends its repertoire to include sourdough pizza as well as sandwiches and sweet treats.

• Joe & the Juice: Fresh-pressed juices and smoothies add a healthy burst of energy to your layover.

• The Manufactory Food Hall: Thai food, Mexican food, and baked goods all in the same place.

• Pick Up Stix: Fast Asian fusion choices.

• Gott's Roadside: Local craft beers pair with fresh local seafood and salads — plus mini hot dogs for the kids.

• Mustard's Bar & Grill: This table-service restaurant serves American classics with an international twist, taking its inspiration from the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• Potrero Grill: American comfort food with an emphasis on burgers, pizza, and sandwiches.

• Samovar Tea: An ideal stop if you prefer tea to coffee, with artisanal toasts so you can enjoy San Francisco's latest dining trend.

• Tomakazu: A sushi bar that also serves noodles and rice bowls.

Because San Francisco Airport is so far south of the city itself, your journey isn't over when your plane lands. Make your final connection smooth as silk when you book a professional Blacklane airport transfer for San Francisco Airport (SFO) to get you into the city in comfort and style.

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Here’s a look at the best airport lounges for you to consider next time you find yourself airside with time to spare.

Virgin Atlantic's New York JFK Clubhouse. Image credit: Virgin Atlantic

Here at Blacklane, over the past 14 years we've made airport transfers our specialty. Now serving over 500 airports all across the globe, we'd like to think we know a thing or two about how to best spend time in an airport. That's why we've chosen a few of the best lounges out there in which to spend the time before wheels up.

8 Great Airport Lounges to Pass the Time

As your chauffeur drops you off at the terminal with ample time before your flight, regardless whether you're a business traveler or on vacation, it's easy to see the appeal of the airport lounge. From their humble beginnings, the busyness of air travel (and, with it, airports) in the 21st Century means that a peaceful, well-equipped airport lounge is more coveted than ever.

And with that, the airlines and independent operators have been upping their game. Whether it's Michelin-starred cuisine, stunning architecture, or high-end spa treatments, these spaces have made themselves a must-visit when travelling. If you happen to be in one of the below airports, make your way straight to one of these luxurious lounges.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, New York - where guests feel welcome

Located in JFK’s Terminal 4, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is one of, if not the best, airport lounge in the U.S. With swanky decor and futuristic furniture, it oozes glamor and elegance.

Highly skilled mixologists behind the bar and the billiard table will make you feel as though you’re in an exclusive cocktail bar. In fact, staff here have gained a reputation for spoiling their guests. Enjoy a massage, a facial, and a foot rub in the luxurious spa where Dr. Hauschka products are used, or get a haircut in the Bumble salon.

^{The award-winning Plaza Premium Lounge in Rome. credit@AmericanExpress}

Plaza Premium, Rome Fiumicino - classic Italian style

Fresh from winning first place in the 2025 Skytrax Awards for Best Independent Airport Lounge, the Plaza Premium aims to reflect the old-world glamor of the Eternal City. Located on the upper level of Terminal 3, the Plaza Premium is incredibly roomy, with vaulted ceilings and full of stylish touches like uplighting on the walls and soft lamplight at table areas.

Unsurprisingly for the Italian capital, food is at the forefront of their offerings, with made-to-order pizza and pasta available to give you one last taste of heaven before you take off.

^{Find repose in The Sanctuary. credit@CathayPacific}

The Pier, Hong Kong - where travelers can find their Zen

Cathay Pacific has a remarkable seven lounges in Hong Kong International Airport and this is one of its shining stars. The Pier recently made claims to be one of the best airport lounges in the world after opening a 700-square-foot area called The Sanctuary, which is divided into two parts called The Body Sanctuary and The Mind Sanctuary.

The former allows visitors the space to practice their own yoga and Pilates moves if they’re already well practiced, or follow guided videos if they’re still amateur, while the latter provides travelers with two types of meditation. One uses audio from noise-canceling headphones and the other uses gazing meditation, where guests practice Trakata, which involves staring at a single point.

Besides that expect exquisite soft furnishings throughout, relaxation rooms with massages, a teahouse, and noodle bar, among much else.

Cathay Pacific Lounge, London - enjoy a meal at a world-class restaurant

The international airline turns heads again, this time in among Heathrow's many airport lounges. Renovated in 2016, this Terminal 3-based first class lounge allows its guests to help themselves to a glass of bubbly from the self-serve bar. A fully-stocked pantry provides all the snacks you need or if you’re hungrier and have more time, meals can be enjoyed in its restaurant, open all day.

Just down the hall is the airline’s business class lounge, which is home to one of the airport’s best restaurants - the world-famous Noodle Bar. After indulging in some world-class cuisine, have a quick power nap in one of the comfortable chairs overlooking the tarmac. The Cathay Pacific Lounge is definitely a VIP airport lounge not to be missed.

^{LA's stunning Star Alliance lounge. credit: Star Alliance}

Star Alliance First Class Lounge, Los Angeles - an ultra-exclusive lounge

Inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX is another contender for best airport lounge in the U.S. It’s also one of the strongest contenders for most exclusive and most secure.

Used by VIP travelers from around the world, entry into the Star Alliance first class lounge must be made via an access code which unlocks a door inside the Star Alliance business class lounge. Very clever. As well as benefiting from two-in-one VIP rooms, the Star Alliance Lounge also provides one of the best views from its outdoor terrace of the airfield and Hollywood Hills in the distance.

Air France La Première Lounge, Paris - enjoy Michelin star cuisine

^{Air France La Premiere Lounge at Paris CDG. credit: Air France}

Located in Terminal 2E of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Air France La Première Lounge is one of the finest on earth. Guests are greeted at a special entry area and have their bags taken care of while they’re personally escorted through a priority security screening point. The sophisticated lounge has a sultry-looking bar with HD TVs showing news and sport. Semi-private work desks are available for passengers, as is a library with art books and periodicals.

The standout appeal of the lounge though has to be the food and the spa. The restaurant menus are created by French cuisine legend, Alain Ducasse, so expect lobster Caesar salad and Normandy-style veal escalope. First class passengers are entitled to a complimentary 30-minute facial or massage in the lounge’s Biologique Recherche spa, making it the perfect way to enjoy your time pre-flight.

As of early 2026 however, La Première is undergoing renovations. While temporarily disrupting, good things come to those who wait, so who knows what the latest iteration will bring!

Swiss First Lounge, Zurich - enjoy breathtaking views

^{SWISS Airport First Lounge. Credit: SWISS International Airlines}

Zurich Airport’s SWISS First Lounge has all the qualities required to make it one of the best airport lounges in the world. It can be found in Terminals E and A and is home to a number of quiet areas as well as two hotel rooms for visitors to recharge their batteries and enjoy some privacy-as well as Alpine views.

It also has an five-star restaurant for exceptional cuisine, plus a humidor containing more than 1,000 bottles of wine, so connoisseurs will be truly spoilt for choice. The lounge includes champagne and whiskey bars if you prefer those over wine, and an American-style diner if you’d rather enjoy a classic milkshake. All of these options mean it's not surprise that the SWISS First Lounge was voted Best Airline Lounge for Dining for 2024 and 2025.

As incredibly luxurious as all this is though, nothing can beat the views from its outdoor terrace, which is gigantic at 353 square meters. Guests can see what’s going on down on the runways, while the beautiful Alps can be admired in the background.

Qatar Airways Premium Terminal, Doha - a spacious airport lounge

In 2017, Hamad International Airport became the first airport in the Middle East to be awarded a five-star rating, so it’s only right that they would have one of the best airport lounges. The Qatar Airways Premium Terminal is a 10,000 square foot metropolis that’s completely separated from the rest of the airport. It cost 100 million USD to build and is spread out over two stories.

Colored in soft hues to calm jangled nerves, there are separate dining and lounging areas. The dining area has three different buffets as well as a bar area. There are vast selections of sushi, salads, and hot dishes such as stews and curries. After an impressive meal fit for royalty, relax in a leather recliner or a massage chair. Other impressive features include a clinic, prayer rooms for men and women, PlayStation consoles for kids (and big kids), a nursery for the little ones, and a business center for the professionals.

Lounge luxury starts at your doorstep

So there you have it—our roundup of some of the most elite airport lounges out there, designed to take you far away before you've even set foot on a plane. It's the commitment to high-standards of service underpinning the lounges on this list which makes Blacklane's airport transfers so popular over the past decade and a half.

Our chauffeurs are trained to the same high standard wherever you touch down in the world, and are equipped with flight tracking to enable them to perfectly match your schedule, making your journey as smooth as possible. Touches of class such as 60 minutes free wait time, new-model high-end vehicles equipped with all mod cons help to complete the experience. So what are you waiting for?