Explore the world’s top airport lounges for business travel
Airports aren’t famous for comfort or charm, but first-class lounges change the game.
For business travelers and the planners who keep them moving, these spaces turn layovers into part of the experience. Think marble finishes, restaurant-level dining and champagne that doesn’t come in a paper cup. From Europe to Asia and beyond, these lounges make travel feel effortless. For meeting planners, they’re more than perks—they’re productivity boosters in disguise.
Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich (ZRH)
The Swiss First Class Lounge in Zurich is a private hideaway tucked above the terminal, where every detail celebrates understated elegance. Warm oak, soft textiles and floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Alps, and business travelers can recharge in private day rooms with marble bathrooms, sip rare champagnes in the sleek bar or step outside onto the terrace for fresh air between flights.
With gourmet dining and a serene, almost residential vibe, it’s a space that turns airport time into something purposeful and refreshingly unhurried.
Delta One Lounge New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX)
Delta One Lounges at JFK and LAX are less about opulence and more about smart, stylish efficiency. These spaces feel like they were designed by someone who understands the rhythm of business travel, where a quiet corner for fine dining or a last-minute deck review is as important as a glass of good wine.
Think sushi chefs, spa-inspired showers and soundproof work pods, all wrapped in a modern design that’s equal parts sleek and welcoming. For meeting profs, it’s the kind of perk that turns a long travel day into an extension of the boardroom—minus the bad lighting and endless coffee refills.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt (FRA)
Think of Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal in Frankfurt as less of a lounge and more of a secret clubhouse for road warriors. Meeting profs with high-level business travelers will appreciate the private security and customs checks (goodbye, long lines) and the seamless chauffeur service straight to the plane in a Porsche or Mercedes.
Inside, it’s all polished wood, marble and hushed luxury, with gourmet dining, top-shelf cocktails and even nap rooms for preflight recharge. It’s the kind of place that makes “airport time” feel like part of the VIP experience, not just a layover.
Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai (DXB)
Emirates’ First Class Lounge at Dubai International (DXB) is practically its own terminal—645 meters long, spanning a full floor in Concourse A and large enough to board your plane directly from the lounge. It is a lavish travel hub, with multiple à-la‑carte restaurants, a cigar bar, duty‑free shops and even a spiffed-up spa offering 15‑minute treatments.
Despite its scale, the design stays impressively calm and modern, featuring high ceilings and luxe seating—perfect for taking a breath before another long day of meetings. Add workstations, shower suites, shoe-shine service and a well‑curated wine list (with occasional rare bottles), and you have a space that’s all about convenience wrapped in quiet indulgence.
Cathay Pacific “The Pier” First Class Lounge, Hong Kong (HKG)
Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong is set up like a luxury apartment, rather than an airport stopover. Designed with warm wood, soft lighting and elegant onyx accents, it’s a calm, curated escape from the bustle outside.
Travelers can slip into a private Day Suite with runway views, enjoy a massage at The Retreat or savor a multi-course meal that rivals Hong Kong’s top restaurants. With quiet workspaces and attentive service, it’s the kind of lounge that turns preflight time into something restorative and even inspiring—a thoughtful perk for business travelers who need to recharge and refocus.
This article appears in the September 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
