Istanbul, Turkey

destination • experience

Istanbul Ataturk Airport

Turkish Airlines continue their reputation for spectacular flagship lounges at their new home in Istanbul. The Business Lounge is on an open-air level overlooking the main part of the terminal. It’s roughly rectangular in shape and, as expected, huge. There is luggage storage, spotless bathrooms, a kids area, spectacular food options, and open nap nooks. The wi-fi process can be frustrating and the signage to get in was confusing, but amenities and food made up for that. In case I’m not being clear enough: This is the best food I have ever had in a business-class airport lounge. I would rate this lounge slightly above its predecessor and say it is still one of the world’s best business-class lounges.

Frankfurt am Main, HE

bar • experience

Lufthansa First Class Terminal

Very much worth a visit, if you can get in. Pros: fantastic food, enormous top-shelf wine and liquor selection, huge private bathroom (with a bath!), speedy security screening and immigration, THEY DRIVE YOU TO THE PLANE. Cons: access limited to first-class flyers and top-tier elites. The amenities and dining room are quite a treat, and having a car drive you directly to the plane is hard to beat. It is also the only place you’d see Lufthansa’s signature First Class Terminal rubber ducks. I just wish my flight had been delayed a bit — I would have loved to dig a bit deeper into that incredible collection of scotch.

San Francisco, CA

bar • experience

United Polaris Lounge

At 28,120 square feet, United’s SFO Polaris Lounge is the largest in the world. Pros: tons of space, great food and drink options, super-speedy Wi-Fi, fantastic tarmac views, friendly staff. Cons: puzzling wait in the dining room, access limited to business and first-class passengers. If you visit the lounge and don’t make it upstairs, you’re really missing out - gigantic space with great views.

Los Angeles, CA

bar • cafe • experience

Oneworld Business Lounge

The 600-seat Oneworld Los Angeles lounge in TBIT at LAX mainly serves Oneworld business-class passengers and Sapphire elites that are traveling long-haul internationally, but it’s also open to Norweign’s premium customers. Pros: fast Wi-Fi, ample seating options, large children’s area and good wine selection. Cons: can be noisy and limited high-quality food options. For my full comprehensive recommendation, check me out at thepointsguy.com