Top five new business class lounges in the world
From private sleeping “slumberettes” to spa treatments, cinemas and outdoor bars, these international airline lounges are taking it to the next level.
We have rounded up the best new business class and first class lounges around the world from LA to South Korea and Singapore. Millions of dollars have been spent to entice frequent flyers to have the best facilities while in international transit. Whether you’re looking for a private sleeping area or somewhere to get a spa treatment whilst you’re killing time in between flights, these new airport lounges take luxe travel to a new level.
1. Oneworld Seoul Lounge, South Korea
Oneworld’s first branded lounge, opened at the end of last month in Terminal 1 at Seoul Incheon international Airport, is bold and beautiful. It has visual treats aplenty courtesy of Jochem Straatman of Dutch creatives D/Dock.
The entrance (near Gate 28) is lined with metal “wings” inspired by hanji paper. Above the bar is a metal installation shaped like a gat, a Korean traditional hat, in Oneworld’s signature dark blue. Honey-hued drop lanterns create screens around seating, while alcoves for coffee-making are papered with iridescent dichroic foil.
The venue measures 555sq m, with capacity for 148 guests. Find your spot: a stool at the bar, a personal work pod, a mini conference room, on a sofa backed with bolsters in fine mohair, or on a leather lounge chair with big views to the tarmac.
The food selection on opening day included pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce, mie goreng, chicken tikka with saffron rice, a hearty seaweed soup, and beef bulgogi. Rather than French champagne there’s Spanish sparkling and Chilean wines, but the best bevvy is a refreshing cinnamon punch.
Access: Business and first passengers and frequent flyers with Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status departing on one of the alliance’s 14 member airlines (which includes Qantas, and Oman Air later this year).
2. SilverKris Business Class Lounge, Singapore
The Batik Wall near the entrance to the SilverKris Business Class Lounge at Changi Airport creates a vibrant visual welcome for travellers. The 12m long installation features 105 glass flowers by Singapore-based Australian artist Barbara Jane Cowie.
The lounge, in Terminal 3, is the biggest of Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris lounges, with more than 570 seats. Seating zones include a quiet rest area, dining hall with buffet, living-room space with sofas, and a courtyard-style spot offering light bites for travellers on the go. The 14 new “slumberettes”, semi-private cubicles with Rolf Benz leather chaises longues (blankets and pillows on request), are in high demand.
Each nook has an adjustable reading light, two universal power plugs and charging ports. The lounge gets big ticks for its marble shower suites, 24/7 opening hours and barista (morning) and bartender (evening).
Access:Business class customers departing on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance-operated flights; PPS Club members departing on Singapore Airlines-operated flights; PPS Club, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members may bring one guest ticketed on the same flight.
3. Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden, Doha, Qatar
The Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden, in Hamad International Airport’s northern expansion near the lush Orchard precinct, is a new sibling of Qatar Airways’ award-winning Al Mourjan Business Lounge – South. With a footprint of 7390sq m, it can accommodate 707 passengers, so you might want to consider AirTagging partners and children.
There are good reasons to park yourself here: abundant seating styles for individuals, couples and groups; shower rooms (with L’Occitane toiletries); work areas; prayer room; nursery and children’s playroom; and a games zone.
Even the smoking parlour has style. Add to that exercise bikes and treadmills, seven spa-treatment chambers, pedicure and manicure stations, and 24 single and double quiet spaces that are free for the first six hours. Eligible VIPs can sashay into the stunning Louis Vuitton cafe for a latte, caviar and lobster sandwich, or settle in for a degustation by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno. Alternatively, there’s pampering at a separate Dior Spa.
Access: First and business passengers on Oneworld member airlines; economy and business lite passengers can buy access for $188.
4. Delta Sky Club, Los Angeles
Delta Air Lines went in hard with renovations in 2022, allocating about $US2.4bn to projects including this 2787sq m destination, one of the largest lounges in the Delta network, in Terminal 3 at LAX.
Having been dazzled by the wave-like ceiling on entry, guests are most likely to notice the Sky Deck, an indoor-outdoor space (retractable roof and heaters in winter) with a bar and views of the Hollywood Hills and runway.
Other highlights include a gelato dispenser, cinema-style seating before a large entertainment screen, a cool Italian mosaic in the Coffee Grotto, soundproof private phone booths (thank you!), fast wi-fi and plenty of power outlets, plus eight shower suites that feel like mini spas.
Access: Customers flying in Delta One/Business Class cabin on a Delta or Delta partner flight, customers with a qualifying American Express card credential (conditions apply), and Delta Sky Club Members.
5. Etihad Business Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi
The bling factor in this three-level lounge is the Constellation Bar within the Roof Lounge, a twinkling 25m-long bespoke glass sculpture that references the Abu Dhabi city skyline and serves good cocktails and barista coffee.
This new addition to Etihad’s Terminal A is filled with light and as spacious as you’d expect from the United Arab Emirates. Its blue-chip offerings?
Aside from direct boarding to several gates, there’s a wealth of smart seating, private relaxation rooms with day beds and Armani Casa furnishings, 18 shower suites, a family room with games, toys and books, and a games room with table football, air hockey and digital gaming. There are buffet areas to rival the most majestic of cruise liners, plus several cooking stations and snack bars.
Access: Guests flying in Etihad’s The Residence, first and business, and Etihad guest members with eligible tier status. Guests flying in economy can purchase access, subject to availability.