7 domestic lounges worth skipping

More than ever, I have Skip the airport lounge and go straight to the gate.

With so many visitors taking to the skies, many lounges are affected once again Winterleading to waiting lists for entry, dirty tables inside and under-stocked buffets.

If I arrive at the airport early, I usually stop by the lounge to see how crowded it is. If it’s not too busy and I can find a quiet seat, I’ll go in. Otherwise, I will just find a quiet space to sit and start working in the station.

In many cases, I wouldn’t even plan to get to the airport any time soon. Instead, I’ll take enough time to go through security and get to my gate as soon as the flight starts.

However, there are some lounges that are always worth a visit, regardless of the crowded situation. In fact, assuming I had access, I’d even get to the airport early to enjoy one of these seven lounges.

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Delta Airlines reveal it Brand new Sky Way terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this early year. While all Delta passengers will now use the upgraded departures and arrivals lounges, those with Sky Club access will enjoy a real treat.

That’s because the new terminal is the home of a Beautiful 30,000 square foot Sky ClubThere are some of the most luxurious amenities you can find in an airport lounge.

My personal favorite is the large, year-round outdoor Sky Deck with a retractable roof, edge-to-edge bar, and endless views of the apron, runway, and Hollywood hills in the distance.

In fact, this Sky Deck has become one of the best places to spot planes in LAX.

Inside, the lounge has two large buffets, a stylish cafe lined with Italian mosaic tiles, multiple private phone booths, spacious shower rooms, etc.

Related: First look at Delta’s new Sky Club in Los Angeles

British Airways has just moved into Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). As part of a partnership with American Airlines, the two carriers launch three new lounges (two brand new spaces and one rebranded, expanded space.)

The most fanciful and exclusive of the three is called Chelsea lounge. It’s essentially an alternative first-class lounge America’s premier dining establishment and BA’s Concorde Room.

Although I only visited the lounge during a media tour, I left so many impressions — so much so that I’ll try to use it before my next qualifying flight.

The Champagne bar is particularly outstanding, and the food and drinks on offer are some of the best the two firms serve on the ground.

The menu is curated by chef Ayesha Nurdjaja of New York City Famous Shuka and Shukette.

Related: American Airlines, British Airways launch 3 stunning lounges at JFK Terminal 8

United’s Polaris Lounge is exclusively for those flying in premium cabins on long-haul routes (with even stricter access rules compared to Flagship Lounge).

They have sit-down pub restaurants, upscale lounge areas, stylish bars, etc.

The newest Polaris lounge just opened late last year in Washington DC the area at United’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) Centerand it builds on the solid foundation established by its six existing Polaris Lounges.

Thanks to its chic design, locally inspired artwork, and eye-catching bar, the Dulles location is my personal favorite of the entire network.

Related: A first look inside the new United Polaris Lounge in Washington Dulles

Some savvy travelers believe that Qantas First Lounge at LAX is the best in America

While I wouldn’t necessarily go that far, it offers great food and drink options in a spacious dining room. There is also a long bar stocked with fine wines.

The downside to this lounge is that the seating and relaxation areas can often get quite crowded. Also, the interior terminal view doesn’t provide any natural light (or a chance of detecting aircraft).

Top level Oneworld Emerald elite may use this lounge, with some notable exceptions for American Airlines passengers.

Related: Review of Qantas First International Lounge in Los Angeles

American Express has build a network of lounges that the cardholder wants to access. This often leads to overcrowding, which can be especially frustrating when you need a bite to eat or a refreshment while connected.

While the 15 issuer outposts are a fraction of the airline member lounges in the same airport, there is one in particular that I always try to visit.

It’s the location in JFK. Divided into two levels, JFK Centurion Lounge is my favorite. With plenty of seating, great views of the jets in Terminal 4, six private phone booths, and the Equinox Body Laboratory, you’re sure to enjoy your time in this space.

Be sure to visit hidden voice downstairs for a drink at one of the trendiest bars in Queens.

Related: First take a look at the brand new Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK

For many years, American Express was the only credit card company with an airport lounge. But that changed last year when Capital One launches its first club at the major hub of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

While Capital One currently only has one outpost in its network, the lounge itself is one of the most beautiful in the country.

It covers the basics and packs in some standout features including a fridge stocked with takeaway food and drink options, a Peloton yoga and cycling studio, two private relaxation rooms, and a shower room. lotus.

These days, when I pass through DFW, this is the only lounge worth going through. Skylink train Because.

The good news is that Capital One is growing its lounge network, with outposts opening at IAD and Denver International Airport (DEN) next year.

Related: What you can expect inside Capital One’s airport lounge

Although this is not technically an airport lounge, Amtrak .’s New Metropolitan Lounge at New York’s Moynihan Station deserves special mention.

In fact, when compiling this guide, this is the first lounge I’ve determined is worth arriving early.

The club’s locally inspired design beats most domestic airport lounges, and the food service is actually quite impressive for Amtrak.

There’s even an outdoor deck overlooking the station, along with plenty of seating areas inside.

it’s too bad United stop cooperation with Amtrak — part of which includes reciprocal lounge access. On the other hand, this can really be thought of as an airline lounge.

Related: NYC’s hottest new bar? Amtrak .’s Metropolitan Lounge