SIA's 2,787-square-metre flagship has all that its first- and business-class fliers could want: showers with free toothbrushes and razors, low-lit “slumberettes” for napping, massage chairs, meeting rooms, a hot buffet, free phone service to Singapore from soundproofed booths, and a fully loaded business centre that even has infrared portals for swifter PDA downloading. Tropical plants and aquarium fish complete the feel of a tricked-out sanctuary.
SAN FRANCISCO: Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse
San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal
Passengers flying Virgin's Upper Class – its posher business class – are accustomed to the Clubhouse at Heathrow's Terminal 3. Here they'll find a similar setup. This $3.2-million, 8,000-square-foot lounge is not as rich as the London version (there, you can get a haircut at the Bumble & Bumble salon, have your pants mended and pressed, or have a spa treatment), but it does include locally sourced art and floor-to-ceiling views across the bay. And the lounge is convenient, with concierges taking care of check-in for flights, and pay-to-stay access.
MARRAKESH: La Mamounia's VIP Lounge
Menara Airport
La Mamounia unveiled a VIP airport lounge last fall styled by French interior designer Jacques Garcia, who also created the hotel's traditional opulence. Although small at 560 square feet, it's a plush, soothing spot to await arriving or departing flights, staffed by hotel employees and continuously freshened by a custom Olivia Giacobetti fragrance of dates wafting over the air vents. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi and concierge service as they wait, are handed cocktails and gourmet nibbles, can be cleared through customs and checked into the hotel as soon their plane touches down. Later, they'll be chauffeured through the Red City in a bespoke garnet red Jaguar Daimler or Range Rover.
NEW YORK: American Airlines Admirals Club lounge
John F. Kennedy International Airport, Concourse B, Terminal 8
Only United Airlines and American Airlines have first-class ticketing among U.S. carriers. Air Canada just offers business class, and Porter has an egalitarian premium economy class for all. So really, North American airline lounges can’t compete on a level footing with the first-class behemoths of state-propped Asian and Middle Eastern airlines. But despite the competitors’ arguably unfair advantage, AA’s flagship lounge does a decent job of serving its highest-paying customers on domestic and international flights. The 650-square-metre lounge, which is pay-to-stay based on American AAdvantage membership levels, has a staffed business centre (e-mail your documents to be printed before your flight), complimentary Wi-Fi, a children’s room, showers and free house wines. The big caveat: Premium alcohol isn’t free.
Special to The Globe and Mail
