Access: passengers flying Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, Delta One on Delta or Clase Premier on Aeroméxico; passengers with eligible loyalty-club status on Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Aeroméxico.
Website: virginatlantic.com
Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Business LoungeMANGESH SALVI
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge – South
Hamad International Airport, Doha
Colossal at around 10,000 square metres, Qatar Airways’ flagship business-class lounge feels staggering at first sight. At its ground level, a black-tiled pool provides a resort-like feel, something that’s compounded by the series of relaxation and dining areas inside.
When flying with Qatar Airways from Doha, I like to arrive at the lounge early and hungry to kick things off at the Global Deli, which serves gourmet sandwiches, salads and mezze; later, I skip up the spiral staircase to enjoy the a la carte restaurant, where Arabic specials are readily on offer alongside sushi, hot dishes and slabs of cake and pretty patisseries. Drinks cabinets are interspersed elsewhere, so guests don’t need to roam far if they want a refreshment while working at the expansive business centre, reclining in one of the sleep stations or distracting their kids at the games room with its integrated nursery.
Access: typically accessible to QR and oneworld first and business-class passengers, but some business-class passengers on discounted tickets may be required to pay a supplement for access.
Website: qatarairways.com
PS LAX
Los Angeles International Airport
For those who aren’t United States citizens, the country’s airports can feel unwelcoming at times. In response, a growing portfolio of PS-branded lounges are allowing moneyed passengers to sidestep many of the stresses associated with US air travel.
Originally launched as The Private Suite in 2017, PS LAX occupies a private building removed from the main airport. In fact, its guests don’t need to enter that latter facility at all: they can avail of queue-free TSA screening and access dedicated customs and immigration services; a BMW is on standby to take them to their aircraft’s door later. And there’s plenty to enjoy before boarding. Residing in one of 12 plush suites that accommodate up to six people and house fully stocked bars, clients can enjoy a la carte dishes and cocktails, or they can mingle with other guests at a communal salon, before being chauffeured to their flight in comfort.
