Blog Archive ? Notable airline lounges across the globe

Business and leisure travelers alike know that the travel process itself isn?t always the most efficient use of time. The entire process beginning with waiting in a lengthy security line to sitting at the gate to actual time in the air can consume what would otherwise be productive work or personal time. To make the most of time spent at the airport, many travelers use their frequent flyer status and airline of choice to enter the world of airport lounges.

Some lounges are opulent, others more practical, but they all offer a chance to rejuvenate, log-in online and prepare for or decompress from a trip of any kind. The entrance fees to these airport safe havens range from free to hefty annual fees, and many airlines sell day passes for one-time use of their facilities.

So whether you?re hoping to squeeze in a massage on a long layover or make use of a free Internet connection, here are some unique, notable airport lounges around the world:

American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia Premium Lounge
Miami International Airport

The American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia first joint lounge spans 6,000 square feet and offers seating for 120 guests at Miami International Airport. The space boasts a multi-functional Business Center with complimentary Internet access, two TV lounges, a children?s room and spa-like showers for travelers to enjoy before catching their next flight. Travelers can also take advantage of complimentary food and beverages. The lounge even offers a complimentary lunch, afternoon tea or light supper menu sure to rival the snacks you may or may not be served in-flight.

Cathay Pacific ?The Wing?
Hong Kong International Airport

The Wing has been revered as one of the best airport lounges in the world for years. First and Business Class passengers, Silver and above Marco Polo Club members and Sapphire and above oneworld members can enjoy free Wi-Fi while lounging in an exclusive Cathay Solus Chair or freshen up in one of the 24 shower suites lined with Travertine stone and warm bamboo wood. A self-serve buffet counter features a wide variety of quality Asian and Western hot dishes along with cold food selections that are sure to please any traveler.

Continental President?s Club
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas

The travel guides rave about this lounge in Terminal E of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This three-story, 26,000-square-foot club has showers, conference rooms, and work areas, along with free snacks and liquor. The editors at Frommers.com described the lounge as ?sophisticated Texas charm,? and the lounge won Priority Pass?s 2010 Lounge of the Year award.

Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounge
Washington Dulles International Airport

In 2009, Lufthansa opened the doors to a two-story, 10,000 square-foot lounge bursting with amenities. The lounges are outfitted in Lufthansa?s latest design elements and offer both a generous comfort zone with cozy leather seats and TVs, a work area with complimentary Internet access from stationary Internet-terminals and a bistro zone featuring various snacks and drinks. This lounge is part of the airline?s USD $190 million upgrade of lounge facilities across its worldwide network.
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Luxury at London Heathrow (LHR): LHR is known for some of the most popular sky clubs. Here are some favorites that are sure to impress any Trans-Atlantic traveler:

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Clubhouse

Glass of champagne? Shoe shine? Massage? Steam bath? Virgin Atlantic?s Upper Class passengers can experience these and more in the LHR Clubhouse. It?s a modern oasis filled with a made-to-order deli, full restaurant and bar, luxurious Cowshed Spa, secluded business center, pool table and more. Ask for a tour if you have the chance to visit, as you don?t want to miss any of the fantastic opportunities at your disposal in the Clubhouse. I recently spent a few hours in this impressive venue, and within minutes I was treated to a fresh plate of sushi, a special Virgin Atlantic drink and a maintenance manicure. The Clubhouse made me wish for more time in the airport?something I have never experienced before!

SkyTeam Lounge

SkyTeam is the first airline alliance to unveil a permanent, common facility in one terminal at London Heathrow, and this co-branded lounge is sure to impress. The design is unique and high-end with an international range of complimentary food and beverage.? All types of travelers can feel at home in this lounge with separate wellness, business, children?s and VIP areas. In addition, the lounge houses an ?oxygen bar,? which features ten-minute sessions of pure oxygen from a disposable headset with a choice of scents. Traveling as a SkyTeam Business, First or SkyTeam Elite plus customer definitely has its benefits.

What the travel guides say:

Which airport lounges would you recommend for fellow travelers?

Source: http://www.cwtsavvytraveler.com/2011/05/notable-airline-lounges/

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