First class airport lounges from The Chairman’s Lounge to Virgin’s The Club

FROM the Chairman’s Lounge to Virgin’s The Club. There’s another level above First Class and this is it.

FOR the majority of the population, visions of luxurious first class travel are the things of a fevered fantasy.

Out of reach for most, a first class cabin is typically roomier than your house and gives the impression the lucky traveller is on their way to a private island of some sort. Well high, high, high above even these lofty heights sits a range of invitation only clubs that are very particular about whom they allow entry to and even more secretive about what membership entails once you arrive.

We couldn’t get pictures of the Qantas Airways Chairman’s Lounge because it’s so exclusive but the new Qantas lounge at LAX is still pretty nice. Picture: Pawle Fred

Qantas Airways Chairman’s Lounge

One of the more widely discussed entries on the list The Qantas Chairman’s lounge is a rarefied club that one must earn entry into by either business prowess or celebrity. Rumour has it that Leigh Clifford, Qantas CEO, personally vets each member before the invitation is extended and once accepted, the place is only secure for a period of two years, after which the invite comes up again for renewal. Membership includes access to the literal Chairman’s lounge, concepted by Australian design laureate Marc Newson. Here you’ll find all manner of things required by captains of industry like À la Carte service and a book-lined library for quiet reflection or acquisition planning.

Qantas lounge, LAX. Picture: Pawle Fred

Virgin Australia’s The Club

Initially codenamed ‘Invite+’, Virgin’s new Invitation Only service has been recently given the more regal sounding ‘The Club’. Aside from access to a sophisticated lounge and the usual first class amenities, where this club adds value is in the personalised concierge service available upon the invitee’s arrival to the airport. Your personal guide ushers you through the check in and security process to make your journey as seamless as possible and should a delay arise your Virgin staff member will sort with a minimum of fuss. This club is so exclusive, Virgin wouldn’t even supply us with pictures!

Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai. It’s not the Emirates IO but it’s still fancy.

Emirates IO

The most secretive of all Invitation only clubs, Emirates IO is shrouded in mystery. Not much is known about the criteria, the members or even the perks of belonging to Emirates’ Invitation Only club, but what is out there sounds awesome. It’s rumoured that to qualify a customer must take a minimum 50 Business or First Class flights a year at the full fare rate. Invitees are then given the classification of HVC+ or High Value Customer+ and receive a set of customised luggage tags, a matching Montblanc travel wallet and a personalised phone number to call for all bookings. Your call is said to always be answered on the first ring.

Singapore Airlines First Class Living Room.

Singapore Airlines PPS Solitaire Club

Singapore Airlines First Class suites are a world apart when it comes to luxury air travel. Their cabins give the overall appearance of a sleeper suite from the era of luxury train travel, complete with a real(ish) bed and privacy screen. So it stands to reason that Singapore’s premium club beyond all clubs: the PPS Solitaire Club would be something special. Unlike the other clubs, this one can be bought into. To qualify, a traveller must accrue $250,000 worth of flights over a consecutive five-year period. Once membership is secured, a member must then maintain a $25,000 balance of qualifying flights yearly. Perks include access to a rarefied marble lined lounge and a guaranteed seat on any Singapore Airlines flight, going anywhere at any time.

British Airways Premier Status

Somewhere between 300 and 1200 frequent flyers around the world are in possession of the British Airways ‘Premier’ status, a level of recognition given only to those who have incredible purchasing power with BA. It’s rumoured that to even be considered by the board, you must send £1 million annually the One World partner’s way. Perks include a dedicated on premise concierge, chauffeur service to and from the airport and access to the First Class Lounge at any time for you and two guests regardless of who you are flying with on that occasion.