Road warriors spend much of their life in airport lounges – they work there, they eat there, they drink there – they even sleep and shower there. Some of them have visited so many of these little havens that they have become obsessed with them, and there have been travel groups formed with the sole purpose of inspecting these facilities.
The following round-up has been compiled from reviews by Business Traveller teams from around the world:
Al Mourjan Business Lounge
LOCATION Level 3 at Hamad International Airport
OPENING DATE August 2014
ELIGIBILITY Qatar Airways and Oneworld first and business class passengers
THE ATMOSPHERE Spanning 10,000 sqm across two levels, the Al Mourjan Business Lounge is capable of accommodating up to 1,000 guests at a time. The décor pays homage to Arabian heritage, while infusing a contemporary elegance through the use of high ceilings, bronze walls and designer furniture.
F&B The lounge features dining options from light bites to seated eating. Guests visiting the mezzanine floor have the choice of a continental or oriental brasserie, a global deli and a patisserie. Wine lovers can find a tasteful selection at the bar.
HIGHLIGHT A 15-metre by seven-metre “infinity pool water feature” that sits at the base of a spiral staircase that connects the two levels.
VERDICT We are awed by the size of the facility, and it’s therefore no wonder that Qatar Airways delivers such a comprehensive range of facilities and services.
Graham Smith
Los Angeles Business Lounge
LOCATION
Level 5, Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles International Airport
OPENING DATE
June 2014
ELIGIBILITY
First and business class passengers of Qantas (QF), Cathay Pacific (CX) and British Airways (BA). Gold and higher-tier members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme. Gold and diamond cardholders of CX’s Marco Polo Club, as well as silver and gold members of BA’s Executive Club. Qantas Club members and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald travellers.
THE ATMOSPHERE
The facility features a modern design concept that reflects Californian culture. It is currently able to accommodate 400 customers. Upon completion of all phases in early 2015, it will offer seating for 600 customers. Guests can currently enjoy complimentary wifi, workstations and nine shower suites with amenities by Australia’s own Aurora Spa Retreat.
F&B
Australian chef Neil Perry has designed the new dining offerings based on signature QF lounge favourites, with influences that represent multicultural Los Angeles. On top of that, there is a cocktail bar serving signature cocktails and wines, alongside a barista service.
HIGHLIGHT
The lounge is home to a communal fireplace, where guests are able to relax.
VERDICT
Given the overall lacklustre quality present in most airport lounges in the US, the Los Angeles Business Lounge feels like a breath of fresh air.
qantas.com.au, cathaypacific.com and britishairways.com
Clement Huang
Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge
LOCATION International terminal’s Pier C, Kingsford Smith International Airport
OPENING DATE May 2014
ELIGIBILITY Diamond first class and Pearl business class customers, as well as qualifying members of the Etihad Guest loyalty programme. Virgin Australia’s Velocity frequent flyer Gold and Platinum members and Virgin Australia business class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are also eligible to access the lounge preflight. Qualifying guests of other codeshare and partner airlines may also use the lounge when flying on
Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia-operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services.
THE ATMOSPHERE Heavily influenced by Etihad Airways’ flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi, the Sydney facility is immediately recognisable due to the use
of the iconic brown palette. Facilities include a business centre equipped with Apple computers, wifi connectivity, USB charging outlets, shower suites, a children’s playroom, prayer rooms and a relaxation zone.
F&B Service includes a choice of either restaurant-style à la carte dining or buffet. Local Australian wines are also available, and these complement an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including beers, champagne, aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs.
HIGHLIGHT The children’s playroom is sure to be a hit with young ones, and its bright, vibrant colours create a distinctive contrast to the lounge’s overall grounded tone.
VERDICT A comprehensive lounge that takes care of all needs, from those who travel for business to others who are vacationing with family.
Clement Huang
The Bridge
LOCATION Level 5, South-west concourse, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
OPENING DATE October 2013
ELIGIBILITY Cathay Pacific’s (CX) Marco Polo Club Silver-tier and above members. Oneworld Sapphire members and Oneworld business class or higher ticket holders can also access The Bridge.
THE ATMOSPHERE CX has stated that its aim was to create a space that provided a residential and homely feel, and this is clearly evident from the warm timber flooring and lightly coloured carpets. In addition, the abundance of floor-to-ceiling windows allow more natural light to enter the lounge, which contributes to the overall airy feel of The Bridge.
F&B The “Long Bar” feature first seen in CX’s The Wing lounge is available here, and offers drinks, canapés, and hot and cold tapas. There is also the Coffee Loft and The Bakery.
HIGHLIGHT The Bakery is a completely new feature unique to this lounge. Here, you will find a bread oven and a pizza oven. Complementing the bakery items are Western and Chinese soups, as well as sweet recipes. There are also sandwiches and other hot and cold dishes.
VERDICT The Bridge builds on the strong foundation set by CX’s other lounges at HKIA, and elevates it to a new level of acceptance.
Reggie Ho
Delta Sky Club
LOCATION Rooftop level, near Gates S-9 and S-10, Seattle Tacoma International Airport
OPENING DATE April 2014
ELIGIBILITY Delta Sky Club members
THE ATMOSPHERE The lounge has a relaxing design, with a wavy pattern on the ceiling and different styles of chairs breaking up the area so that it doesn’t seem like one big room. Photography on the walls are aerial views of different parts of the world, although from a distance they almost look abstract. There are also blown glass artworks on the wall by James and Renee Engebretson.
F&B Offerings include nibbles such as crudities (carrots, celery) with dips, Garrett’s popcorn, and biscuits. The bar also has a range of complimentary (house) drinks, but payment is required for premium beers and spirits.
HIGHLIGHT The blown glass artworks by James and Renee Engebretson makes it worth a trip to the lounge.
VERDICT A lovely lounge, a sort of baby brother to the Sky Club at New York JFK, but no worse for that.
Tom Otley
Slow Lounge
LOCATION International Departures at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
OPENING DATE May 2010
ELIGIBILITY Guests travelling on any British Airways flight operated by Comair; BA Executive Club Gold and Silver cardholders; BA Club (Business Class) customers; Oneworld qualifying cardholders; BA Standard Bank lounge access cardholders; Qantas Club Card members; KLM Flying Club cardholders
THE ATMOSPHERE Simple yet classy, with lots of thought given to the design and the needs of the customer. The lounge offers plenty of comfortable seating, sufficient plug points, quick wifi, a variety of good food and drinks, an assortment of print publications to choose from, and clean bathrooms.
F&BThere’s usually a good selection of cold and hot food, which is prepared on site by the resident chef. Good quality coffee is also available thanks to the baristas they have on hand to create freshly brewed coffees, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and wheat grass.
HIGHLIGHT Good location, food, service, wifi and facilities.
VERDICT An excellent concept, well thought out, and a welcome change from some of the ‘standard’ airport lounges on offer.
Dylan Rogers
The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge
LOCATION Level 7, above Gate 15, Hong Kong International Airport
OPENING DATE April 2014
ELIGIBILITY Oneworld first and business class passengers; Qantas frequent flyer members (gold, platinum, platinum one tiers), and Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald cardholders.
THE ATMOSPHERE The 300-seat lounge draws inspiration from its local destinations in terms of the design and dining offerings. It has 12 showers, a family zone and a flexible working area.
F&B Once again, Qantas consulting chef Neil Perry has created a regionally inspired Asian flavour lounge menu that features classics from his Rockpool and Spice Temple restaurants. Guests should be on the lookout for yum cha trolleys offering different types of traditional Chinese dim sum, as well as an extensive buffet and locally influenced plate of the day.
HIGHLIGHTQantas has partnered with Sofitel to offer first class passengers and platinum one-tier Qantas frequent flyers a number of added perks including shirt pressing, shoe shining and priority access to shower facilities
VERDICT Given the number of high-quality lounges in HKIA, the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge is able to keep up with the best of them.
Clement Huang
CIP Lounge
LOCATION International Departures, Istanbul Ataturk Airport
OPENING DATE March 2013
ELIGIBILITY Turkish Airlines’ business class passengers, Miles & Smiles Elite, Elite Plus card holders and Star Alliance Gold membership card holders.
THE ATMOSPHERE The relaxing ambience of this lounge is augmented by a library section, complete with a pool table. There is also a movie theatre, a workstation area, and a play zone for kids.
F&B Unlike most lounges, the dining experience here is separated into different segments. First up is a European-style café that serves fresh cakes and pastries. There is also an Arabian salad station, and a stand-alone bar.
HIGHLIGHT The centre of the lounge is dominated by a Feurich grand piano that self-plays jazz. Now, that’s style!
VERDICT Superb, ideal for work or rest. Definitely right up there as the most comprehensive lounge I’ve seen in 15 years of international travel.
Dominic Ellis
Korean Air KAL Lounge
LOCATION Level 5, Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles International Airport
OPENING DATE March 2014
ELIGIBILITY First and business class passengers flying on Korean Air and the other 19 Skyteam member airlines, as well as Skyteam Elite Plus members.
THE ATMOSPHERE There are several design elements present throughout the lounge that are distinctively Korean. The most prominent of these is a drawing of the Changdeok Palace, located on the wall of the lounge entrance. The 305-seat facility offers four private lounge rooms and shower booths, a balcony area that offers panoramic views of the entire Terminal, and a luggage depository area.
F&B A usual buffet spread of small bites and favourites are offered.
HIGHLIGHT The generous number of charging sockets is very attractive.
VERDICT Given that the new lounge is approximately 68 per cent larger than the old Korean Air facility, it feels much more open and comfortable.
Clement Huang
Sakura Lounge
LOCATION Level 4, International Terminal, Haneda Airport
OPENING DATE March 2014
ELIGIBILITY JAL’s premium passengers, JMB Diamond, JGC Premier and JMB Sapphire members are all afforded entry, along with Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire cardholders.
THE ATMOSPHERE The refurbishment of the Sakura Lounge now sees a new design that showcases a blend of modern Japanese style with classic, cultivated themes that accompany an abundant array of Japanese elements including latticework, sakura cherry blossom motifs and pieces of artwork.
F&B Along with the standard buffet menu, the ever popular JAL Lounge Curry and Maison Kayser freshly-baked bread can be found here. In addition, guests can also indulge in some high-quality sake, including “Goku”, barley shochu, and Daiginjo sake “Hishono-mai” produced jointly with Akita Seishu.
HIGHLIGHT The sitting area is stocked with new massage chairs to provide relaxation.
VERDICT A much-improved offering over the old Sakura facility. The new lounge will complement well with the expansion of the international terminal at the Haneda airport.
Clement Huang
