Frequent fliers are usually well versed as to how to find cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and discount travel packages. Some of these travelers join airlines club lounges at airports in order to reduce the stress of travel, enjoy a little peace and quiet, and get away from the masses milling around the terminals.
The following are Frommers Travel Guides highest ranked club lounges worldwide:
Cathay Pacific Airways The Wing at the Hong Kong airport is ranked #1. This first class lounge at The Wing has a library, a 32 seat restaurant and five bathrooms that include their own shower and toilet.
Virgin Atlantic Airways Upper Class Clubhouse at Londons Heathrow airport came in second. Among its many amenities are a TV room, pool table, an observation deck, and a roof garden.
The next three highest ranked clubs were Malaysia Airlines Satellite Golden Lounge at the Kuala Lumpur airport, Lufthansas First Class Lounge at the Munich airport and Japan Airlines international lounges at Tokyos Haneda airport.
Frommer rated the Emirates Lounge at JFK as the best North American airport lounge. Members can shower or receive a massage. The only U.S. airline top ranked lounge is Continentals Presidents Club in Terminal E at Houstons Bush Intercontinental airport.
There are many different ways (though they vary by airline) travelers can gain access to airport lounges including paying or redeeming frequent flier miles for annual membership or purchasing daily passes. Sometimes military personnel and travelers who purchased expensive tickets, select credit card holders, and elite level frequent flier members can enter these lounges. Foreign airlines often do not charge membership fees, reserving their lounges for passengers who have purchased their most expensive tickets.
The cost of annual membership to most U.S. clubs runs between $400 to $500. Ironically many members are pleased that membership is relatively expensive since lowering the fee could jeopardize the clubs exclusivity and reduce their benefits.
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