As 2025 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on the top 10 airline lounges I visited in 2025.
Note, this is not my all-time “top 10” list, but only my “top 10” list of lounges I visited this year, so you will see many of my favorite lounges like the Lufthansa First Class Terminal or Cathay Pacific’s The Pier are missing from the list below…sadly, travel was more limited this year than in year’s past due to family and other work obligations.
10. Starlux Lounge Taipei (TPE – T2)
While not a game-changing lounge, it had the biggest salad bar I’ve ever seen in an airline lounge and also a respectable a la carte menu. Starlux is a great carrier in a nation with two other great carriers (EVA and China Airlines)
> Read More: Starlux Lounges In Taipei: A Tale Of Two Lounges
9. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Los Angeles (LAX)
This is a very boutique lounge, but classy with nice coffee, cocktails, and food (the Delta and Air France lounges are also excellent at LAX, making it a strong airport for SkyTeam lounges).
Full review.
8. Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge Bangkok (BKK)
I was most surprised by this lounge, and in a very pleasant way. It was spacious, well-decorated, and featured an excellent selection of food and drink, including great cocktails and barista-made coffee.
> Read More: I Visited Every Star Alliance Lounge In Bangkok (All Six Of Them)
7. SAS Lounge Copenhagen (CPH)
I love the coffee in this lounge and the hidden sleeping rooms, where I spent a long day after my flight plans fell apart (more on that in a future trip report).
Review here.
6. Qantas Lounge Hong Kong (HKG)
I can still taste the delicious lamb tagine I had in this lounge followed by a strong flat white…a lovely lounge in Hong Kong. I also love the minimalist decor of this lounge.
Review here.
5. Korean Air First Class Lounge Seoul (ICN)
While this is a below-average international first class lounge, it was quiet (in fact, at one point I had the lounge all to myself), well-appointed, and I enjoyed the a la carte menu. Don’t forget your luggage tag!
Review here.
4. Delta One Lounge Seattle (SEA)
This is an odd lounge in terms of layout…more like a restaurant…but a great restaurant with excellent service and delicious food and drinks.
Full review.
3. United Airlines Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD)
United did a fabulous job renovating and expanding its first-ever Polaris Lounge in Chicago O’Hare. The new dining room and bars are very nice and the lounge no longer feels so crowded.
Reviews (including other Polaris Lounges, in case you want to compare):
2. Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Class Lounge Hong Kong (HKG)
This is a massive lounge that is tastefully decorated and offers delicious food and beverage options. Cathy Pacific operates several very nice lounges in Hong Kong (and at many of its outstations), but this one is my favorite.
Review here.
1. Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore (SIN)
I love Singapore’s special lounge for its own first class passengers at Singapore Changi. The lounge is always quiet, never crowded, and features comfortable seating, delicious food and drinks, and very attentive service, like allowing me to remain until just before my aircraft doors closed on my Singapore – London flight then driving me to the gate in a golf cart.
Full review.
What was your favorite airline lounge in 2025? Again, this is not my top 1o list of lounges, but only my top 10 list of lounges I visited in 2025…big difference!
“Again, this is not my top 1o list of lounges, but only my top 10 list of lounges I visited in 2025…big difference!” – The difference has been noted, Matthew Klint!
The Delta One Lounge at SEA and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX are my favorites…
While I guess people might quibble about the rankings of each lounge, it is an overall solid group of lounges.