Frequent flyers and long-haul aficionados know the value of the world’s best airport lounges. They’re not simply a place to grab a snack or get some work done before a long flight; they can be an oasis for a long layover (the very best have shower suites, barbers or even spa treatments) and offer a quiet, civilised place to lay your head during a delay.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the world’s big business cities and the home hubs of the biggest, most luxurious airlines that contain the very best. From above-and-beyond airport cuisine to runway views and astonishing design, these are the bucket list airline lounges to book up ahead of your next international Luxury Gold journey. 

1. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport

On an international flight from East Asia to London or the US, you’ll want a quality airline with great facilities. Enter Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based airline whose jade-hued flagship lounge has a horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar, tucked away desk areas, shower suites with Bamford toiletries and spa rooms where all visitors are entitled to a 15-minute head or foot massage. The glossy, mid-century style is very Mad Men meeting room, while the food and drink are ultra luxe (wagyu burgers, macarons, Piper Heidiseck Champagne).

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2. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow Airport

Even the world’s best airport lounges sometimes lack a sense of fun – not Richard Branson’s Upper Class hangout, which has swing seats, foliage walls, “retreat” relaxation pods, Peloton fitness bikes and a pool table to hit a few balls at. Multi-level design, an airfield view, Swingin’ Sixties-feel bar and banquette seating take you back to the golden age of air travel, while menus encourage you to dig into the cocktails – dry Martinis, Negronis, Bloody Marys and more. Chicken burgers, plant-based burgers, chicken wings and sausage rolls channel a British-Americana comfort food vibe. 

3. British Airways Chelsea Lounge, New York JFK Airport

The chandelier-style crystals that adorn the circular bar at the Chelsea Lounge set the tone for the deluxe experience New York flyers are about to have. In a different style to many wood-panelled airline lounges, the Chelsea’s decor is a pearlescent palette of whites and dove-greys, with comfy seating stocked with relaxed reading lights and ample power points for getting some work done, while seating around a modern fireplace installation is a stylish spot for a drink. A refined cocktail menu and expertly-chilled wine fridge kick off the refreshments, with Moet and Ruinart champagne top of the list, while upmarket dishes such as steak frites and sole Meuniere set you up for a long layover.

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4. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge, Doha Airport

Most of the world’s elite status lounges are solely for first class ticket holders, but Qatar’s Al Mourjan lounge is an example of a gold-tier hangout you can access with a business or first class ticket. Views of Doha’s undulating glass ceiling and forest of indoor foliage give it an architecturally striking feel, while the sheer space and range of seating mean everyone gets a quiet moment while awaiting their international flight. Plush leather chairs, high ceilings and suspended chandelier-like light fixtures add a luxe feel; there’s fresh sushi at the deli counter and a games room with pool table and table football. Shower suites are equipped for freshening up on a long layover, too.

The bedrooms at Swiss Air’s First Class Lounge Terminal E

5. Swiss First Class Lounge, Zurich

Ask a frequent cross-Europe flyer for their best airport lounges and you’ll likely hear Swiss’s First Class lounge in Zurich mentioned. One of two First Class lounges at Zurich, the one in Terminal E is the real looker: an airfield with a mountainous backdrop fills large windows, while slatted-wood room dividers have a Japandi feel; there’s even an outdoor terrace running along one side for a breath of fresh air with a view of the planes. You’re greeted with champagne as you enter, and there’s a huge whisky selection at the sculptural bar; set menus mean you can feast in style, with table service. But the standout feature here is the two bedrooms guests can access, for a much-needed nap between international flights.

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6. Turkish Airlines Lounge, Istanbul Airport

With 60,000 square feet of space to roam around, you can really stretch your legs here on a long layover. Turkish’s flagship lounge has a generous bag storage area, so you can enjoy the airport hands-free, and shower suites are available on a first come, first served basis. Little flourishes like a grand piano and a balcony level overlooking the airport concourse give it a high-end feel, as do high ceilings and indoor trees; the kitchen area is also built like a traditional stone-clad tavern. There’s a Turkish tearoom, a comfy TV viewing area and a huge hot buffet of deli foods, Turkish specialities, and of course a dessert and baklava station.

Delta Sky Club at LAX Airport

7. Delta SkyClub Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport

Delta Air Lines’ premium lounge at Los Angeles airport has 30,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest in the Delta network; a standout feature is its outdoor Sky Deck, which allows guests to enjoy fresh air and relax while watching planes land and take off, with views of the Hollywood Hills and LA skyline beyond. Wellness was a big priority in the design, with spa-like restrooms, shower suites, and designated quiet zones for getting some downtime before a long international flight. Meanwhile the menu spans breakfast burritos, healthy quinoa and salad bowls, fruit plates and craft beers reflecting the healthy, local-minded LA scene. There are shower suites for a freshen-up, too, though you have to register your interest at a kiosk and wait.

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Emirates’ First Class Lounge at DXB

8. Emirates First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport

Spanning the entire length of DXB Airport’s Concourse A, Emirates’ First Class lounge is only available to First passengers, making it more peaceful and less crowded than the business lounge, and regularly voted one of the world’s best airport lounges. Glossy wood panelling and a mosaic-tiled food counter give it an exotic, Middle Eastern feel, though there’s a brightly coloured playroom for children travelling with First-flying parents. You can pick up premium dishes at the sushi and sashimi counter or chilled Champagne bar, or order a la carte to your table. Leather-upholstered day beds with blankets and pillows are available in a relaxation area – ideal for naps on a long layover – while generous shower suites in the mosaic-tiled bathroom feel more like a mini spa.

How to access airport lounges:

The most straightforward way to gain access to a lounge is to have a First Class ticket (for the First Class lounges) or a Business Class ticket (for the Business Class lounges) for the relevant airline. After that, there are a couple more ways: there are certain credit cards that come with lounge access, including the American Express Platinum card to access the Delta SkyClub lounge or American Express Centurion lounge, or a Chase Sapphire Reserve card to enter Chase Sapphire lounges in the US.

Most premium lounges also offer entry to certain high-tier members of loyalty programmes with a partner airline, so long as they are flying the lounge’s own airline at the time. For example, Cathay Pacific’s First Class The Pier lounge is only available to First Class flyers as well as Cathay Pacific Diamond club members and Emerald-status OneWorld members (including BA Gold members) who are flying Cathay Pacific.

Airplane etiquette is broadly the same as standard, everyday etiquette, but there are some specific differences that come up repeatedly. These include (but are not limited to) reclining your seat, using the overhead bins, employing tray tables and – quelle horreur – bare feet. Let’s tackle how to do the right thing by everyone, once and for all.

Embarkation: starting as you mean to go on

As you board the plane, you will want to say hello to the flight attendants waiting to greet you and potentially to some of your fellow passengers, too. This may sound obvious, but as you try to navigate the tiny aisle with your carry-on in one hand, your passport in the other, and all the many thoughts in your head, it can be difficult to remember to exchange common courtesies.

Hello is an important first step in not getting so wrapped up in your own journey that you forget about everyone else’s, which means it’s a good time to take a break from noise canceling headphones, too (more on those later). Do extend the good vibes when stowing your baggage – of course you want to be near your stuff, but the space above your head is not yours by right. Make space and compromises where you can, help your fellow passengers hoist their bags.

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The A, B, C (and D, E, F) of airplane seating

The big question: what is the middle seat etiquette on a plane? Well, it’s generally agreed that both armrests are yours, but you must pay attention to how you’re using them – two arms so relaxed that you have an elbow in the face of both neighbours is not acceptable, for instance. Keep in mind the person in the window seat can lean that way, but the person in the aisle seat has nowhere else to turn. Meanwhile, if you’re in the window seat, you’re in charge of the window shade. It’s your choice whether it’s open or closed, but it doesn’t hurt to turn to the person next to you before you close it, to make sure they don’t mind.

If for some reason you need to switch seats (for access to the bathroom, to be near your family), ask politely, and offer a comparable seat to the one they have. Never take someone’s seat before they’ve boarded, and do take no for an answer – they, like you, may have good reason. That said, if you’re asked to switch seats, do honor the request if you can. It could radically transform someone’s journey.

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Keeping it civilized at 40,000 feet

Noise canceling headphones can pose a significant barrier to airplane etiquette, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them. They can also be a very helpful tool for switching off from screaming babies and overly chatty neighbours, protecting your patience and personal space. As a rule of thumb, just slide them off while flight attendants talk you through safety protocols, and whenever you see a cart approaching. That way, you won’t get frustrated when you miss out on snacks either.

Flying with (and in the vicinity of) children

Noone is having a harder time than the parent or carer of an unhappy child. Always bear that in mind, as a minimum. Beyond that, if you can offer a stressed parent or baby a smile, it will go a long way. If you happen to be the passenger in the seat in front, exercise patience for the first few minutes while the family behind you settles in to the unfamiliarity and discomfort of the plane. If you feel the dreaded kick in the back, just give the parents a few minutes to deal with it before you speak up. On the other hand, if you’re the parent: watch those small but mighty feet. They are one of the cornerstones of airplane etiquette.

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The seatbelt light is still on…

What is the etiquette when exiting a plane? Should you pop up as soon as you hear the ding and crank open the overhead bin? Or should you remain seated until the last possible moment? If you’re in a hurry, or have a connecting flight to catch, let a flight attendant know so they can help you get off quickly. Otherwise, you may stand when the light goes off and stretch your legs, but try to remain in your own personal space, as you gather your possessions. Don’t enter the aisle to access the overhead bin until it’s clearly your row’s turn. That means giving people in the row before you the time and space they need to access their own belongings.

Finally: feet

Don’t remove your shoes. Don’t do it! Always fly in shoes that will last the distance.

Do you have any favorite airplane etiquette tips? Share them with us in the comments section, below.

Among the many high-end touches to Luxury Gold’s journeys, from fine dining to ultimate-access cultural experiences, guests can expect to stay in exceptional hotels. In Portugal’s untapped Alentejo region, in the central part of the country, this might look like staying at an enchanting convent – now a luxury hotel – with roots as far back as the 1300s AD.

Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal, was for centuries the home of monks belonging to the order of St Jeronimo. Now it welcomes culturally curious guests, who can tour its labyrinthine, whitewashed chapels, explore idyllic grounds and gardens and even eat in the monks’ old cafeteria. Guests will enjoy a stay here on Day 10 of our Spain & Portugal in Style journey. Concierge Ricardo walks us through some of the highlights.

The cloisters at Convento do Espinheiro Portugal

It started with a vision

“The spiritual origins of the church of Our Lady of Espinheiro date back at least to the 14th century,” explains Ricardo. “In the small chapel where the main altar is found, were documents that prove the existence of a religious cult here since 1365. Legend has it that, years before this, a shepherd had seen an image of Our Lady above a thorn bush (‘espinheiro’) here, which was on fire but not consumed by the flames – it’s reminiscent of the archetype of the burning bush, which Moses found in the desert. 

“Convento do Espinheiro was founded with the authorization of the Pope in 1457, and handed over to the monks of the order of St Jerome. A religious community of 12 monks settled here on 2 September 1458, once the physical works on the monastery were complete.”

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Exquisite chapels

“The church is rich in works of art, especially in the side and main chapels,” ays Ricardo. “As well as the paintings, many by Frei Carlos – a Flemish monk who professed here – the church is also rich in azulejo tile panels, which tell the life story of St Jerome. In the Capela do Senhor Morto, you’ll see some empty frames, which once held paintings by Frei Carlos which were sacked during the French invasions.

“The choir loft was where the monks gathered to sing psalms, and beside it is the organ – one of the most magnificent pieces in the Alentejo region. It was produced by the famous Italian organ maker Pascoal Oldovino around 1757. The same year, an agreement was made with the monks: annual payments in exchange for an organ concert before community festivities. The payment was 20 bushels of wheat each August, a pig and a cartload of firewood.”

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The monks’ refectory

“Here the two most awaited feasts were held annually, on Ascension Day and 29 September, the day of the patron saint Jerome. A cook was hired especially for these occasions, fresh fish and shellfish were ordered from the port of Sesimbra, and the best chickens and game killed and prepared. Desserts were prepared using plenty of eggs and sugar. These days were exceptional, because the monks mainly lived by the rule of abstinence.

“Taking a tour of Convento do Espinheiro’s kitchens today, you can see the great chimney where all of the ingredients were cooked, especially beef. This is one of the best-preserved 16th-century monastic kitchens in all of the country, and its vault is one of a kind. It has a bread-baking oven where our guests still witness the tradition of Alentejo baking.”

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A very royal scandal

Portugal’s historic royalty and noblemen have stories bound up in Convento do Espinheiro, too, Ricardo explains. “Not only the Portuguese royal family, but also many noble families are buried here, as was their wish. You can explore the chapel of Garcia de Resende, [a great poet and storyteller in Portugal] who designed his own tomb here before his death in 1536. 

“Spain’s Princess Isabella of Aragon also spent a night at the Convento after she was brought to Portugal to marry the country’s Prince Afonso. On the eve of the royal wedding, the princess was visited by a party from the Portuguese royal court – or so writes Garcia de Resende. He tells us that the bride and groom met in her room at the convent, and on the same night a storm caused one of the building’s battlements to fall onto the roof of the couple’s room  – a sign of displeasure from the heavens. The monks immediately took this as a sign of misfortune. A few months later the prince was actually killed as the result of a fall from his horse in the Santarem region.”

Touring the building

During a stay here, a historic tour from in-the-know staff will give you a fascinating overview of the historic golden era of this monastery. A guided tour by one of the hotel’s concierges is included in your stay, available at 5.30pm each evening. “In the ancient cistern, we see King John II’s coat of arms above the door, under the vaulted ceiling, as well as a pelican which was his personal symbol. The construction of a water cistern was one of the first works done in the monastery. 

The gardens are also a highlight, says Ricardo. “The convent’s estate is a vast area of grounds with extensive farmlands and olive groves – one of them over 1,000 years old. It has witnessed a great amount of history and still produces olives. We annually pick the olives from which our olive oil is made.” Even the ancient cellar is utilised. “The monks’ ancient cellar is where wine and olive oil were produced and stored in large clay pots like the ones found here. Today it is our main restaurant, Divinus, where the delicious flavors of Alentejo gastronomy may be savored.”