As 2020 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on the 10 best airport lounges I visited in 2020.
Note, this is my “top 10” list, but only my “top 10” list of lounges I visited this year.
10. British Airways Galleries First Lounge T3 – London (LHR)
> Read More: British Airways Galleries First Lounge London (LHR – T3) Review
9. United Polaris Lounge – Newark (EWR)
I enjoyed a feast here prior to my fight to Cape Town in March. I appreciate that United has invested in these lounges and hope they can re-open in 2021.
> Read More: United Polaris Lounge Newark (EWR) Review
8. Qantas Lounge – London (LHR)
The best coffee in Terminal 3 is available in this lounge. There’s also a nice a la carte dining menu and nice shower suites.
> Read More: Qantas Lounge London (LHR – T3) Review
7. Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge – London (LHR)
In addition to the noodle bar and coffee barista, this lounge is spacious and nicely-appointed. Plus, it offers great tarmac and apron views.
> Read More: Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London (LHR)
6. Air France Business Lounge Hall L – Paris (CDG)
One word: sauna. I enjoyed a relaxing treatment prior to my flight to Toronto.
> Read More: My Air France Sauna Experience In Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
5. Qantas First Class Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)
I didn’t write about it, but I enjoyed a lovely lunch here before a flight in February. This remains my favorite lounge at LAX.
> Read More: Qantas First Class Lounge LAX Review
4. Lufthansa First Class Lounge – Frankfurt (FRA)
I visited this lounge twice in 2020, once while it was full service and again last month when service was greatly reduced. Even with reduced service levels, it is a classy lounge. Sadly, the lounge is currently closed due to coronavirus-related restrictions in Germany.
> Read More: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt – Pandemic Edition
3. Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge – London (LHR)
Such an elegant lounge, with a delicious full service restaurant…
> Read More: Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London (LHR) Review
2. Finnair Platinum Wing – Helsinki (HEL)
This lounge exemplifies why I find oneworld emerald status so important. From the food and drinks to the sauna to the comfortable lounge chairs, this is an amazing lounge that is only accessible by virtue of frequent flyer status.
> Read More: Finnair Platinum Wing Review
1. Air Canada Signature Suite – Toronto (YYZ)
What a standard-setting lounge. Every details is carefully looked after and the dining room feels like an elegant restaurant. Throw in good service and no crowds (only paid business class passengers have access) and you really have a great lounge.
> Read More: Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto (YYZ) Review
CONCLUSION
My list is certainly subjective and reveals how much travel was restricted this year (no trip to Asia), but I love each of the lounges on my list.
What was your favorite airline lounge in 202o?
Coming next: my top 10 airline meals of 2020.
I am so surprised that none of the EVA, Asiana, Singapore’s lounge makes the list. ps. I left ANA lounge out because I don’t like Sushi and their noodle soup is too salty.
I didn’t visit any of those lounges this year. My list only included lounges I visited in 2020.
EVA, Asiana and Singapore lounges are rather poor relative to the airlines’ in-flight service. The EVA lounges in Taipei are noisy and tackily decorated. I haven’t been to the Asiana lounges in ICN, but my understanding is that they are nothing special. The Private Room in SIN feels quite dated and the food isn’t much different from that on offer in the business and regular first class lounges. How can one not like sushi? Perhaps if one’s only experience of it were at an ANA lounge…
Asiana lounge in ICN is nothing special. The space is nicely appointed but can be very crowded. The food options are awful! Even at meal times there’s just nothing good to eat.
TG’s new Prestige Lounge at BKK is among the best business class lounges in Asia, especially when it comes to food.
I can’t wait to visit the new TG lounge!
Does the air Canada losing have good views? I am less interested in the a la carte
dining myself. I want to look at planes while I relax. I love the Cathay lounge and personally thought the qantas f lounge was massively overated (mostly I hated the showers, but also it felt more business than first). United lounge in London is also surprisingly good.
Thanks for the list
View are limited, but there is some plane spotting available from the dining room.
why the EWR Polaris rather than IAH or LAX (very intimate and fabulous personal attention) – the view at EWR is lacking “The Greatest City in the World” AND NYC can been seen from other various Terminal C locations. Even with its size, there is still not enuf seating & don’t get me started about the shower attendant/receptionist.
@T the Asiana ICN FC lounge is awful – seating and food! ANA’s hosts are very attentive – but the food is not on quality to LH FRA FC lounge or any UA Polaris.
I was not in the LAX or SFO lounges this year. Newark was the only Polaris Lounge I visited in 2020.
I call this list bs
You’re welcome to, but remember, these are only the lounges I personally visited in 2020.
Peeps so angry in the comments for some reason
My fav pre-Covid in 2020:
TG Prestige Lounge at BKK
I love the sheer quantity of lounges at BKK, some with beds, showers and spa treatments.
During Covid:
IAH Centurion Lounge, it still has hot food! moscato, and the employees are nicer than in any other Centurion. This is where I start out every Monday.