The dreaded extra-long layover. Even worse: the unexpected layover. Even worse, the long layover that one time you decided it would be fine to fly coach. We’ve all been there. And, it isn’t fun—usually. But what about the other side of the coin? Have you ever been on a layover that was so enjoyable and diverting that you truly didn’t want it to end? That’s the dream that can become reality at the right airport, in the optimal terminal and with a lounge pass. We’re sharing our favorite lounge loving long layover locations from our little black book.
Pier Business Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport
We Applaud: The Noodle Bar and Yoga Room
HKIA’s flagship The Wing First never disappoints, in part thanks to its dedicated The Champagne Bar, though its location before security makes it less useful to some travelers. We’re most fond of the just re-polished Pier Business Lounge, positioned adjacent to Gate 65 on the North West Concourse. With room for 550, the expansive haven divides lounge action into Fast Lane and Slow Lane areas. Fast Lane features more active ways to pass time, such as the palette-pleasing Noodle Bar (you can’t go wrong with Dan Dan or Wonton) and all appetizer temptations, such as dim sum and perfect buns. The Slow Lane features a tranquil yoga room, as well as Solo Chairs, pod-like seating for those who wish to cocoon.
Emirates Lounge, Dubai International Airport
We Applaud: Young Flyers Lounge and Le Clos Wine Cellar
While flyers can while away the hours gleefully shopping at Dubai’s exceptionally boutique-rife airport, oenophiles may prefer to linger in the First Class Lounge’s Le Clos Wine Cellar, replete with sommeliers, opportunities to taste, learn about and buy exquisite wines. Just launched in Dubai, Emirates Launch for Young Flyers located next to Emirates’ First Class Lounge in Concourse B, provides security and amusement for accompanied minors, spoiling then with video games, kid-friendly snacks and drinks and washrooms designed by children.
Silverkris and Krisflyer Gold Lounges, Singapore Changi Airport
We Applaud: Singaporean Culinary Favorites and New Lounges
Like a microcosm of Singapore itself, the Changi Airport is sleek, spotless, abundant with elevated gourmet options and provides thoughtful affordable massage services (there’s even a fish spa in Terminal One) and unique places to relax, such as a rooftop pool. But Singapore Airlines’ $36-million reintroduction and redo of its all-new flagship SIlverKris and KrisFlyer Lounges this year redefine opulence in the airport. We love the new day rooms, dens of private tranquility, kitted out with either recliners or Tempur Zero Gravity beds with Supreme Firm mattresses. Don’t miss the live cooking station, where Singapore’s famous dishes from bak chor mee to laksa to chwee kueh ensure a sense of place.
United Club, Newark
We Applaud: The Bonafide Coffee Bar
Just launched in May 2022, this gleaming outpost gets an aesthetic charge from two murals by local artists Gilbert Hsaio and Dahlia Elsayed, created in collaboration with The Newark Museum of Art and Gallery Aferro. As the largest club in United’s network, with 450 seats, it boasts spa-like shower suites, stocked with Sunday Riley products. But for those needing a pick me up (besides the classic bar), the lounge brandishes a coffee shop nook. Stop and smell the coffee as the bonafide barista, who cranks out hand-crafted, customized drinks, starring illy’s signature blend of 100 percent Arabica beans.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjian Lounge, Doha
We applaud: Global Flavors
We know people who fly Qatar Airways just to eat. That’s not a joke. The size of ten Olympic pools, sophisticatedly appointed, this sumptuous and lavish oasis emits a “don’t you want to stay forever?” vibe as if you’ve been invited to a house party. But, food and drink is this lounge’s stand out talent. Whether nibbling from the oriental or the continental brasserie’s myriad options, you can sip top drawer Champagne, beer or spirits—or enjoy fragrant tea with a selection from the deli or patisserie.
Air France Lounge, Charles De Gaulle, Paris
We applaud: The Clarins Spa
This colossal, bi-level lounge made its debut during the pandemic. Though the airport offers scores of French-style cafes and boutiques, the lounge’s flyer-friendly amenities, peerless food options, top-level wines and spirits and chic decor feels like a mini romp through Paris. We loved the bistro, the detox center for healthy options, the roomy showers (equipped with Dyson hairdryers) and the soul-saving Clarins Spa.
