Best Airport Lounge

It's safe to say that a lengthy airport layover is one of the least exciting parts of travel. Enter the private airport lounge to the rescue. Inside one of these less-crowded spaces, you can revolutionize your travel experience with amenities from shower suites and napping nooks to top-notch food and drinks. Take a look at our curated list of excellent airport lounges from around the world and let us know your favorite.

These 10 airport lounges were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Best Airport Lounge contest.

1. American Express Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport

Available to select cardholders, The Centurion Lounge in JFK airport offers a luxurious, uncrowded place to unwind. You can focus in a quiet work area, seek a comfy spot with runway views or freshen up in the facilities. Dine on locally inspired cuisine crafted by well-known chefs, or sip a drink crafted by mixologists in the speakeasy-style bar. For real indulgence, visit the mini spa for a treatment while you await your flight.

2. American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth Airport

Available in only select airports, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge series offers premium services, including an extremely well-curated dining experience in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. The Dallas location is wide and spacious, with plenty of seating options and work areas. Travelers can make use of well-supplied private bathrooms with showers before settling in with a glass of wine or champagne from the well-stocked bars. Accessible facilities are included.

3. American and British Airways Chelsea Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport

Travelers flying out of JFK's Terminal 8 enjoy a quiet and well-served pre-flight experience at the elegant Chelsea Lounge. A mix of couches and individual chairs with power outlets provide space to relax or be productive. Attentive staff deliver exceptional service and keep facilities like the private showers in meticulous order. For a much-needed pick-me-up, choose a gourmet meal from the a la carte menu or head to the beautiful circular bar for a drink.

4. Capital One Travel Lounge at Denver International Airport

Whether you're traveling with kids or on business, Denver airport's Capital One Travel Lounge provides a congenial space to relax with family-friendly spaces, private workrooms, well-supplied showers and cushy nap suites. While you wait, sink into a plush armchair with your choice of eats from the fresh grab-and-go items. Need a full meal? Food stations supply excellent choices for diverse dietary needs. Solid high-speed Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your stay.

5. Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

With nine locations at the Atlanta airport, the Delta Sky Club elevates the travel experience for its members. Unwind in luxurious comfort with exceptional service and amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary cocktails and flight assistance. Concourse F boasts an outdoor Sky Deck with runway views, while the Concourse B flagship offers ample space, a curated "wine wall" and Southern tapas by chef Linton Hopkins. Shower suites are available in some locations.

6. Chase Sapphire Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport

Open to travelers holding Chase Sapphire Reserve cards with activated Priority Pass memberships, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Boston Logan showcases panoramic views of Boston Harbor through large windows. Visitors can relax while they watch the runways or grab a table to enjoy gourmet coffee, artisanal cocktails and seasonal dining options created by award-winning Boston chef, Douglass Williams. Business travelers appreciate the dedicated workspaces with power outlets and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Shower suites are available.

7. British Airways Galleries Club Lounge at Heathrow Airport

The only lounge in Heathrow's Terminal 5A, British Airways' Galleries Club Lounge offers travelers a spacious respite overlooking the main terminal on one side and the runway on another. Relax in cushy armchairs, take a seat in the computer and charging station or freshen up in a private restroom with a shower. Before you go, you can enjoy a meal or refreshments from the wide range of food and drinks available, including several self-serve bars.

Photo Credit: Stuart Bailey

8. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport

Located in Heathrow's Upper Class Wing, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse stuns with mid-century modern design, well-rounded amenities and engaging service. Well-arranged seating and workspaces offer space to unwind or focus. You can choose refreshments from the fabulous dining spread, order a meal via self-service or enjoy cocktails crafted by expert bartenders. Need to stretch your legs? Take a Peloton bike for a spin or head two flights up to the outdoor terrace with airport views.

9. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport

Dubai's award-winning, lavishly designed Emirates First Class Lounge elevates layovers into luxurious escapes with plush seating areas, private sleeping pods and gourmet global cuisine. Dedicated staff ensure a seamless experience, and facilities cater to a range of needs with high-speed Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping and complimentary spa treatments. Whether you crave a quiet corner with a good book or a lively bar scene, this lounge can deliver.

10. Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport

At Frankfurt airport's Lufthansa First Class Terminal, forget the usual airport experience – upon arrival, you'll be whisked away by car to the lounge, which occupies the entire 20,000-square-foot terminal. Inside, you can unwind in comfy chairs, rejuvenate in spacious showers or power nap in quiet rooms with daybeds. Award-winning cuisine awaits alongside a cigar lounge and a 130+ whiskey selection. Servers will also bring snack and beverage orders to you.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Dena Roché is a travel and wine writer published in national and international publications. She is a member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers and runs Vin Roché wine + travel classes online and in-person. Learn more at www.vinroche.com.

Mary Jo Manzanares is a digital travel content creator, author and avid traveler. She's at home in Seattle, with bags packed, ready for the next great adventure. She writes at www.travelingwithmj.com and is a member of SATW.

Sharon Kurtz is a freelance travel writer/photographer and passionate explorer of the world. Through her lively tales, she takes readers on delightful journeys, uncovering diverse cultures and savoring scrumptious cuisines. From luxurious cruises to thrilling outdoor adventures and once in-a-lifetime bucket-list experiences, Sharon's award-winning articles ignite wanderlust and inspire authentic, independent travel. When not traversing the globe, this adventurous baby boomer hangs out in her hometown of Austin, Texas, seeking out the city's finest BBQ and eclectic music hot spots. Follow her travels @shar_kurtz or visit her website, Sharonkkurtz.com, for engaging stories and invaluable travel tips.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.