As 2019 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 2019.
Note, this is my “top 10” list, but only my “top 10” list of lounges I visited this year.
10. American Express Centurion Lounge – Philadelphia (PHL)
What I really liked at this lounge was the Israeli-inspired menu designed by chef Michael Solomonov. Otherwise, it’s an ordinary AMEX Centurion lounge. But I arrived hungry and left satisfied. Visit this lounge for the food.
9. Air New Zealand Lounge – Sydney (SYD)
Made-to-order omelets and coffee…it’s a perfect way to start the day. While Australian coffee culture is superb in general, I particularly appreciated the coffee in this lounge.
8. Oneworld Business Class Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)
The coffee is great in this lounge as well, but what I appreciated about this lounge is the large children’s play area which delighted and entertained my son for over an hour. To my knowledge, it is the only lounge at LAX that has a dedicated area for children.
> Read More: Oneworld Business Class Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)
7. Emirates First Class Lounge – Dubai (DXB – B Concourse)
It’s a huge lounge, but not overly personal for a first class lounge–that’s a testament to how many first class seats Emirates offers leaving Dubai each day. I did enjoy a nice lunch in the lounge prior to my flight.
> Read More: Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai (B Concourse) Review
6. United Airlines Polaris Lounge – Los Angeles (LAX)
United’s latest Polaris Lounge opened in January and really marks a step up for United at LAX. The new lounge is stunning and offers a nice a la carte menu plus surprisingly personalized service. I consider this lounge better than the Star Alliance First Class Lounge at LAX.
> Read All Five United Polaris Lounge Reviews:
5. Lufthansa First Class Lounges (A and B gates) – Frankfurt (FRA)
I’ve been in the A-gates Lufthansa first class lounge more than any other Lufthansa lounge in 2019. It feels almost as private as the First Class Terminal and offers the same amenities and menu. A filet mignon with French Fries is always a treat before or after a flight. Same story with the B-gates lounge.
> Read More: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt (FRA – A Gates) Review
> Read More: Lufthansa First Class Lounge & Spa – Frankfurt (FRA – B Gates) Review
4. Thai Airways First Class Lounge – Bangkok (BKK)
Even though I was denied a full-body massage because I had arrived in first class rather than departing in business class, I enjoyed a one-hour foot, neck, and shoulder massage, which is such a nice perk of flying in a premium cabin on Thai Airways. Furthermore, I enjoyed great service in the lounge and appreciated the a la carte menu and great coffee.
> Read More: Thai Airways Airways Royal First Lounge Bangkok (BKK) Review
3. Lufthansa First Class Satellite Lounge – Munich (MUC)
I find this Munich lounge to be Lufthansa’s most beautiful. I love the natural light and beautiful patio. While the food is slightly better in Frankfurt, come hungry and leave satisfied.
> Read More: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Munich (MUC) Review
2. Cathay Pacific “The Pier” First Class Lounge – Hong Kong (HKG)
I almost put this lounge in the top position due to its beauty and the great service I experienced from Ms. Zepho. I believe Lufthansa offers better food and service overall (you are assigned a concierge), but I had a lovely stay in this lounge that included drinks, dinner, a foot massage, and my own room to relax.
> Read More: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong (HKG) Review
1. Lufthansa First Class Terminal – Frankfurt (FRA)
Near or at the top of my list every year, I cannot help but to continue to rave about Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal. The service is always wonderful, the food tasty, coffee excellent, and it never feels too crowded.
> Read More: Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt (FRA) Review
CONCLUSION
My list is certainly subjective, but you can see how much I appreciate food in an airline lounge.
What was your favorite airline lounge in 2019?
Coming next: my top 10 airline meals of 2019.
Matthew, will you have a top 10 worst lounge list?
For #1 worst lounge, I nominate:
United Club @ SFO, Int’l Term between G6-G9.
(Formerly the awful UA 1st Class lounge)
Consistently over capacity. No bar. Limited F&B in a tight area, No place to store coats and bags. Restrooms too small. UA agents bitter.
Conclusion: An embarrassment to be seen in it.
You apparently haven’t been to EWR in the past 2 years…talk about negligence (Polaris excepted)
100% United Clubs at EWR are pathetic… and I’m being nice about it…
I’ve been, but I try to avoid EWR.
I’ll take EWR over SFO Int’l.
EWR>IAH>IAD
BTW-AI/StarA lounge at MUM has complimentary massages! GreT lo g bar space and amazing hot entrees.
I would say for F lounges:
1 LH F terminal
2 AF La Premiere CDG
3 LH F lounges at MUC & FRA
4 TG F at BKK
5 CX Pier at HKG
For C lounges
1 TK Business at IST
2 BR at BKK
3 NZ at SYD (ususally on SQ from here but the NZ lounge is way better than the SQ one)
4 AC Signature Suite at YYZ – hope the story is true that there’s to be another one at YVR
5 MH Golden Lounge – Satellite KUL
Missing Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow. Fantastic lounge!!!
Didn’t visit in 2019. Last visit was 12/2018
I also think the food at PHL Centurion lounge is very good.