The Finest Business Class Lounges

With increasing flight delays, extended security procedures, and long check-in queues at airports, air travel would have almost become a hassle for the frequently flying business executives if the Business Class Lounges were not there.

As a reference, from January through May 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics registered 728,071 delayed flights, which is a lot more than the number of delayed flights during the same period in 2006.

If you’re traveling on a business trip, an early airport arrival added to a delayed flight can cause immense loss in work or relaxation time. Luckily, airlines throughout the world are devising new and innovative ways to reduce the stress of air travel delays. The ever increasing Business Class Lounges are meant for that.

Some of these lounges are so lavish that you can relax even when waiting for delayed flights! Most of the world’s major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss, Cathay Pacific, and others are modeled to offer five-star comfort to guests.

This year, Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Airport Clubhouse lounge ranked number 1 in Skytrax’s annual ranking of the 10 Best Business-class Lounges. These rankings are based on complete customer surveys and group interviews. Virgin Atlantic deserves to walk away with this slot.

At the Clubhouse, guests can enjoy a cocktail in the 14 meter long cocktail bar; choose from the extensive Brasserie menu for dining; relax and unwind in the hideaway mezzanine with loungers and daybeds, and watch a blockbuster movie in the Cinema. Besides, there is a complete office and library, too. What’s more, the Cowshed Spa allows you to relax in the spa pool or sauna, and choose form an array of therapies and treatments. Passengers can also enjoy a fashionable haircut in the salon from Bumble and Bumble, and enjoy a game of pool in the Den. The 2,500 square meter Clubhouse is almost a private members’ club.

The second slot went to Cathay Pacific's lounge in the Hong Kong International Airport. Here, passengers can stop by the Noodle Bar and savor delicious meals and sandwiches prepared from fresh ingredients.

Qatar Airways entered into the awards this year with its lounge at Doha International Airport. Available exclusively to First and Business Class passengers, the Premium Terminal is equipped with shower rooms, Sony PlayStations and Internet access, along with fine dining options.

Interestingly, more than anything else, most airlines are focused on improving the dining facilities, providing more menu options, plus tastier and healthier food. Since most carriers nowadays provide cozy flatbed seats and extended list of in-flight entertainment and amenities, many business travelers tend to dine before boarding the plane so that they can sleep, work, or relax during their journey.

Business Class lounges have definitely added more spice to air travel. Also, it’s exciting to see so many airlines considering the needs of their most frequent flying customers and upgrading accordingly.

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