Travel Tips

Travel Tip: New and Improved Airport Lounges

Locations in this article:  Atlanta, GA Hong Kong Los Angeles, CA

LAX_loungeFor a long time, those airline VIP lounges weren’t are great as they sounded. They could be cramped, noisy and expensive. But now as airlines are competing for your business, airport lounges are getting an upgrade.

Delta took things to a new level with its new outdoor patios at both JFK and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airports. These Sky Decks get you great views of the runways, and, you get away from the crowds.

Air New Zealand is managing the new Star Alliance Lounge at LAX, inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal. They have plenty of space inside, but what’s really cool is the open-air terrace, complete with fire pits and views of Los Angeles.

Hong Kong airport just opened its new Plaza Premium Lounge, a pay-in lounge open to anyone, not just business or first-class travelers. They have the necessary stuff, like work spaces and showers, and some wacky amenities, like an interactive wine machine. Watch this space for a similar lounge at Heathrow. And speaking of Heathrow, they’ve got something really unusual: the first e-cigarette lounge in any airport. Hey, they say necessity is the mother of invention!

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