I’m an airline product geek, and I like to keep an updated list of some of the best products out there, ranging from the best first class airlines, to the best business class airlines, to the best business class lounges, to the best business class seats. In this post I wanted to share my updated ranking of the world’s best first class lounges, especially as I recently visited a couple of newly opened lounges.
First, I wanted to talk briefly about my method for ranking first class airline lounges, and then I’ll get into my rankings, with an explanation of each.
In this post:
Why you should trust OMAAT lounge reviews
Hopefully I don’t have to explain this to regular OMAAT readers, but I feel like this is worth mentioning for those who aren’t regular readers…
All the time I see media outlets ranking first class lounges, though they’re almost always just going off stock media images and how airlines describe their lounges, rather than actual firsthand experience.
Why should you trust OMAAT lounge reviews?
- I pay for all of my own flights, either with cash or miles
- I’ve visited virtually every first class lounge in the world, most several times, so have lots of context for what makes a great lounge (there’s one exception at the moment, as I’ll note below)
- I don’t have any sort of financial relationship with any airline
- This is my passion, I’ve been reviewing airlines for over 15 years, I’ve written hundreds of airport lounge reviews, and have logged millions of miles
There aren’t many sites that can say all of the above, and in the case of some other rating agencies (like Skytrax), I certainly wish we’d see a bit more transparency regarding the financial relationship they have with the airlines they rank.
My method for ranking first class lounges
Let me emphasize that my rankings are entirely subjective, and that’s by design. One of the challenges with reviewing airline lounges is that everyone is looking for different things.
Some airline lounges have bedrooms that are almost like hotel rooms. That’s valuable if you have a long layover, but worthless if you have a short layover. Meanwhile other lounges have top notch food, but that’s of limited use if you’re between long haul flights and aren’t hungry. Other lounges can save you time getting through security and to the plane, but it depends on the circumstances.
I’m going to try and balance the above amenities, though you can shift around which lounge is best based on what you value the most. I’m not saying anyone’s rankings should be in the same order as mine, though I think most people can at least agree with my general list of the top lounges.
Let me also note that I’m only putting one lounge from each airline on the list, even if that carrier has multiple great lounges.
The world’s 10 best first class airline lounges
With the above out of the way, below are what I consider to be the 10 best first class airport lounges, starting with the best (and you can click each headline to read a review of that lounge).
1. Air France First Class Lounge Paris (CDG)
The Air France First Class Lounge Paris is the best first class ground experience in the world, in my opinion. Air France’s first class really is the whole package, because the inflight experience is spectacular as well.
If you’re connecting in Paris, you’ll be picked up at your plane and driven to the first class lounge, and then later on will be driven from the first class lounge to your connecting flight.
There’s so much to love about the Air France first class lounge, though my favorite thing is probably the restaurant, which has an Alain Ducasse menu. In my experience it’s the best food offered in any airline lounge in the world. It’s not just that the food quality is excellent, but the service and presentation are equally good.
There’s not a first class ground experience in the world that’s as seamless and has as much attention to detail. It doesn’t matter whether you’re originating in Paris or connecting, Air France has thought of all the details.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Air France first class same day, or select business class passengers can buy access to the lounge for €650.
2. Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt (FRA)
Rather than just offering a great first class lounge, Lufthansa has taken it to the next level with its First Class Terminal. This allows you to skip the main terminal at Frankfurt Airport altogether, and instead drive right up to the First Class Terminal, and then be driven to your plane when your flight is ready to board. All formalities, including check-in, security, and immigration, are handled in the lounge.
The lounge itself is beautiful, with attentive service, a great restaurant with a buffet and a la carte dining, a cigar bar, nap rooms, and collectible rubber duckies.
As an aviation geek my favorite part is being driven across the apron to the plane. This is one of the few situations where I hope my plane is parked as far from the terminal as possible. 😉
Why doesn’t Lufthansa get the number one spot? Because the experience is inconsistent. It’s fantastic if you’re originating in Frankfurt, but if you’re just in transit, the experience isn’t nearly as seamless.
The only time you’ll be picked up from your flight by car is if you’re arriving at a remote stand. Otherwise you’ll potentially have to walk thousands of steps and navigate your own way through the maze which is Frankfurt Airport. The horror. 😉 If connecting, I actually prefer the Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Lufthansa first class or SWISS first class same day, or Miles & More HON Circle members can use the lounge when flying a Lufthansa Group airline same day, regardless of the class of service.
3. SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich (ZRH)
The SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich is spectacular, and features a gorgeous design.
In addition to service throughout the lounge, the SWISS lounge has an excellent restaurant, and after the Air France lounge I’d say it’s probably my favorite restaurant in an airport lounge.
But there are two other features that make this lounge exceptional. The first is that the lounge has private bedrooms for those with long layovers. The beds are as comfortable as the ones you’d find in top hotels, not to mention the bedroom has a view of the tarmac and runways, which made me not want to sleep.
Furthermore, the lounge has a large terrace with views of the gates. In summer they’ll even have ice cream out there for guests to enjoy.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Lufthansa or SWISS first class same day, or Miles & More HON Circle members can use the lounge when flying a Lufthansa Group airline same day, regardless of the class of service.
4. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong (HKG)
In terms of design, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong is one of my favorite lounges in the world. The lounge is designed in a way that makes you feel like you’re in a really swanky hotel or even home, rather than at an airport.
The Pier also has a good restaurant with a la carte dining.
On top of that, the lounge has private rooms where you can relax, or just watch planes pass by outside.
Guests also receive a complimentary 15-minute spa treatment, with the choice of foot reflexology, a head massage, a neck and shoulder massage, or an eye revitalizer.
While Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge is also excellent, The Pier is definitely my preferred of the two great first class lounges at the airport.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying oneworld first class same day, or oneworld Emerald members can use the lounge in conjunction with a same day oneworld ticket, regardless of destination or class.
5. Qantas First Lounge Sydney (SYD)
The Qantas First Lounge Sydney nails all the basics. The lounge is physically stunning and spacious, with lots of natural light and panoramic views.
I love the food in Qantas first class lounges. The menu is designed by Neil Perry of Rockpool Bar & Grill, and my favorite is the salt & pepper squid (though nothing on the menu will disappoint).
On top of that, passengers receive a complimentary 20-minute spa treatment, with several choices, including a facial, a foot massage, a hot stone back massage, and a neck, shoulder, and scalp massage.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying oneworld first class same day, or oneworld Emerald members can use the lounge in conjunction with a same day oneworld ticket.
6. Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha (DOH)
The Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge feels sort of like a museum. The ceilings are probably 40 feet tall, and there’s so much space. Not everyone will love the minimalist and industrial design, but personally I do. While many other lounges feel crowded, this one feels empty no matter how full it actually is, due to the sheer size of the space.
The lounge also has a restaurant with solid food, though not quite to the level you’d find in the Air France or SWISS lounges. One other feature I love about the lounge is that it offers private bedrooms for passengers with long layovers, and I’d say these are the second best airport bedrooms after those in the SWISS lounge.
The lounge also has a spa including a jacuzzi. While use of the jacuzzi is free, spa treatments come at an extra cost.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Qatar Airways first class same day (regional first class flights are eligible), or it’s possible to buy access to the lounge for 600QAR (~165USD) per person when flying Qatar Airways business class.
7. Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore (SIN)
Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room is the carrier’s most exclusive lounge, as it’s more exclusive than the Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge. The Private Room feels incredibly intimate and elegant. The lounge has a bunch of semi-private seating, so it’s easy to get comfortable.
The lounge also has a large dining area with restaurant quality food and service, plus an excellent selection of drinks, including champagne comparable to what you’ll find onboard. It’s easy to have a great meal in The Private Room.
The lounge also has a couple of other unique features, like private nap rooms, which are much appreciated if you’re looking to get some rest. However, there are some quirks to these nap rooms that you should be aware of.
Unfortunately Singapore Airlines’ ground service otherwise leaves a bit to be desired, as there’s nothing more to it. Given that security is at each individual gate, it sure would be nice if Singapore Airlines escorted first class passengers to the gate and allowed them to jump the queue, as you’ll find with some other top first class ground experiences.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Singapore Airlines Suites or Singapore Airlines first class same day.
8. Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai (DXB)
Th Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai is more of a concourse than a lounge. That’s because the lounge literally spans the entire length of the terminal. On one hand that’s super impressive. You have a lounge that’s tens of thousands of square feet, and at times there will only be a few guests.
The lounge also has a restaurant with a la carte dining, a cigar bar, a spa with complimentary 15-minute treatments, and more. One other awesome feature is that you can board your flight directly through the lounge, assuming your flight departs from the “A” Concourse.
The problem? The lounge is so big that it actually feels incredibly sterile and unwelcoming. You feel like you’re sitting in a terminal rather than in a top first class lounge. The lounge doesn’t have an intimate and residential-feeling design, like you’d find in Cathay Pacific’s lounge, for example. Also, the design of the lounge perhaps isn’t the most cutting edge or modern, to put it politely.
This is probably the first time in history that a lounge being too big has been a complaint.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Emirates first class same day, or be an Emirates Skywards Platinum member. Furthermore, you can buy access to this lounge, at the cost of $250 if traveling in economy or at the cost of $150 if traveling in business class.
9. Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Etihad recently moved to Abu Dhabi Terminal A, which represents a huge improvement for the airline. This also means that the carrier has all-new lounges. While the new Etihad Business Class Lounge is a huge improvement, I’m not sure the same is true of the new Etihad First Class Lounge.
On the plus side, the lounge has stunning design, and is consistently very quiet, so it’s an oasis of calm.
The lounge also has proper a la carte dining, with very good quality food and drinks. This is one of the better dining experiences that you’ll find in any first class lounge.
Another nice feature is that you can board select flights directly from the adjacent business class section of the lounge, so you don’t even have to go to the gate, which is great.
The only real downside to this lounge is that it lacks other amenities. It doesn’t have nap rooms, a bar, a gym, or even a smoking room. Still, it’s a very nice lounge for passing some time.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Etihad first class same day, or be an Etihad Guest Platinum member traveling same day on Etihad. Furthermore, it’s possible to buy access to this lounge, at the cost of $150-180, depending on how long you’re staying.
10. Oman Air First Class Lounge Muscat (MCT)
The Oman Air First Class Lounge Muscat has to be one of the best “boutique” first class lounges in the world. The carrier only has a few aircraft with first class, so this is truly a very exclusive lounge.
In addition to the cool design, the lounge has attentive service, a la carte dining, and a spa in the business class section where you can get a complimentary treatment.
How to access this lounge: You must be flying Oman Air first class same day.
Bottom line
Most people dread having time to kill time at the airport, though the above lounges make spending time at an airport a pleasure. From enjoying a restaurant quality meal, to being driven to your plane in a luxury car, to getting a private bedroom that makes you feel like you’re in a hotel, to enjoying a pampering spa treatment, these lounges have it all.
I’d like to emphasize that I think anyone would be reasonable to think that the above lounges should be in a different order, but hopefully this is at least a useful list in terms of the 10 all-around best first class airline lounges.
I’m curious to hear what OMAAT readers make of my rankings! Are there any other lounges that should have been on the list?
Thanks Ben, I love your reviews! A couple of thoughts having visited a few of these F lounges. Agree with your comments about the EK F DXB lounge. Not a huge fan. Please note that Qantas Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members can also access this lounge if travelling in any class on an EK or QF flight. I would also add the Melbourne QF F lounge to your list. I actually prefer it...
Thanks Ben, I love your reviews! A couple of thoughts having visited a few of these F lounges. Agree with your comments about the EK F DXB lounge. Not a huge fan. Please note that Qantas Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members can also access this lounge if travelling in any class on an EK or QF flight. I would also add the Melbourne QF F lounge to your list. I actually prefer it to the Sydney QF F lounge as it is more intimate and the service is better (including the spa treatments). Also hoping that when Oman Air joins OW (does anyone know the date?), that their F lounge is accessible to OW Emerald members. I’m travelling with Oman Air in June and crossing fingers that I’ll also be able to accrue status credits then! Did you consider Finnair’s Platinum Wing lounge? Maybe it is not technically an F lounge as Finnair don’t offer First class?
I have serious misgivings about Lufthansa FCT being this high up, especially after the change of catering provider last year.
It was great 10-15 years ago, but is seriously lacklustre nowadays. Like their onboard product.
Oh now I am excited to see whether Oman Air will make their F lounge at MCT available to Emeralds.
Last year, I finally got to try the Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha and The renovated Private Room in Singapore. I intentionally booked 12 hour layovers to enjoy the lounges and the airport. Airports are one of my favorite places to visit. I probably put on 5 lbs at both of these lounges. I also got to lounge hop to the business class lounges just to check them out. Looking forward to try the newly redesigned Japan Airlines First Class and Quantas First Class.
@Crosscourt-100% agree mate about eK First in Dubai.... soul-less.....
Qatar Al Safwa: Platinums with QR PC flying in Business or First on a Qatar ticket ( 157 ) can now enter.... They had to do something, no one was using it....
QF F Lounge Sydney starting to look very drab and out of date, needs a good refurb.... like the airline I guess....
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THANK YOU!
Hi Ben Love your work. We are flying to Milan in September this year . It’s a combo fare Thai out of Melbourne (AU) to Muscat then Oman Air to Milan and return . Airfare $12,000 AUD a real bargain and legit ie not using someone’s stolen points like many of the internet “wholesalers” . Price is pre pandemic pricing on A350 and 787s
We are using an agent called ‘Airfare Geeks” out of Sydney...
Hi Ben Love your work. We are flying to Milan in September this year . It’s a combo fare Thai out of Melbourne (AU) to Muscat then Oman Air to Milan and return . Airfare $12,000 AUD a real bargain and legit ie not using someone’s stolen points like many of the internet “wholesalers” . Price is pre pandemic pricing on A350 and 787s
We are using an agent called ‘Airfare Geeks” out of Sydney Australia.They have been excellent in sourcing combo airline bookings which are hard to find on the internet. It’s Biz all the way and I have access to my booking on line. Ticket issued by Oman Air.
My question is as follows. When Oman Air join Oneworld in June 2024 as an Emerald and Qantas Chairmans lounge member I am hoping to get access to Oman Air first lounge seeing it’s in your top 10.
What’s your thoughts ? Do you think they will apply the normal access rules or do you think they will be stingy like their friends in Qatar?
Tim
Sorry I Shd say Airfare is $12,000 AUD for 2 Pax ie $6000 per person
Sorry I Shd say Airfare is for 2 Pax ie $6000 per person
SIN is an extremely efficient airport with entry formalities and security. I have never had to wait more than moments at each on my many travels there, and with no status. I do not belive there is much need for skipping the line at SIN or escorts, in my humble opinion.
You can access the Emirates First Class Lounge as Qantas Platinum as well.
Same goes for the Qantas First Class Lounge, the highest Emirates status holder can access these lounges in MEL
Why wouldn't you include the Qantas First lounge in LA? As for the Emirates first lounge, the most soulless and clinical lounge with the worst shower rooms that seem more like saunas - nothing refreshing about them.
I am surprised the Qantas lounge in Sydney isn't ranked higher. There is something so special about the decor and the vibe of the lounge especially when arriving in the morning. It has such a great atmosphere and is one of the only lounges where I get a true sense of excitement about my trip. It's so elegant but unpretentious, the views are phenomenal, the food is fantastic as are the drinks, not to mention...
I am surprised the Qantas lounge in Sydney isn't ranked higher. There is something so special about the decor and the vibe of the lounge especially when arriving in the morning. It has such a great atmosphere and is one of the only lounges where I get a true sense of excitement about my trip. It's so elegant but unpretentious, the views are phenomenal, the food is fantastic as are the drinks, not to mention how great the light is from all the floor to ceiling windows. Comfy seating, good showers, light music, a great spa. Surely it deserves higher on the list. The Pier has lacklustre views, the spa is very basic, the restaurant almost feels subterranean - the decor is great however, Ilse Crawford did such a good job on the residential feel of the lounge. The LH FC terminal is such a pain unless you originate in Frankfurt. I have yet to try AF - definitely on my bucket list.
I would probably place the LH F-Cl Terminal slightly lower, due to its limitations when connecting. Even if your arriving flight is on a remote stand and there is a car transfer, it will not take you to the F-Cl Terminal. It will drop in in the arrivals area from where you have to walk along the taxi stand to the F-Cl Terminal, do security check again and only then you can enjoy the lounge …
For those that follow the blog for a while (and have seen this post several times), you could add a brief section showing what has changed in the ranking since the last time it was published
I seriously do not get the hype of the LH FCT.
Every time I have been it is crowded and I seem to have always ended up in a mini bus with other passengers travelling on the same flight instead of the Posche's I always see in these reviews.
It has zero views and the nicest area of the lounge IMHO is the Cigar Lounge...and I don't smoke!
I actually prefer the First Class Lounge...
I seriously do not get the hype of the LH FCT.
Every time I have been it is crowded and I seem to have always ended up in a mini bus with other passengers travelling on the same flight instead of the Posche's I always see in these reviews.
It has zero views and the nicest area of the lounge IMHO is the Cigar Lounge...and I don't smoke!
I actually prefer the First Class Lounge within the terminal which is almost a carbon copy of the FCT but less busy and with views of the apron.
My guess is Ben didn't want to include multiple lounges of the same carrier (as for Qantas, the lounges are similar and The Wing and The Pier are quite different but w/e)
I'd personally put the Qantas lounge Singapore at #8 and The Wing at #9, bumping Emirates to #10. The Qantas LAX lounge gets quite crowded in the evenings, and the Melbourne lounge is not quite as nice as the other 3 I'd say
I'm curious why Swiss edge out comparing to The Pier, the bedroom is this nice?
Talk about subjective! I know I'm a freak. I don't drink alcohol or check bags, but I value F. Take my comments with as much salt as you need to. But seriously, Ben's "one lounge per carrier" rule means that The Wing F isn't mentioned at all. Is it inferior to all 10 on the list? No, and I doubt Ben would disagree. Is it actually inferior to The Pier F? Depends who you ask....
Talk about subjective! I know I'm a freak. I don't drink alcohol or check bags, but I value F. Take my comments with as much salt as you need to. But seriously, Ben's "one lounge per carrier" rule means that The Wing F isn't mentioned at all. Is it inferior to all 10 on the list? No, and I doubt Ben would disagree. Is it actually inferior to The Pier F? Depends who you ask. For this traveller who spends zero time chugging bubbly, the Cabanas and free clothes pressing are a wildly compelling amenity. Maybe even more valuable than "looks like a hotel lobby".
Well for last year and this year, I’ve got 7 of 10. Not bad considering the limited award bookings for Air France and Swiss.
Oman is higher on the possible future trips after your upcoming (maybe finished) trip