airline lounge : The Art of Non-Conformity

Travel

Would You Pay $60 to Sit in a Hot Tub? First Look at the First Class Al Safwa Lounge in Doha, Qatar

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be one of the very first passengers in an exclusive airport lounge that finally opened after a year’s worth of delays. This was the Al Safwa lounge in Doha, Qatar, operated by Qatar Airways.

I didn’t go on a press junket or anything ridiculous—I just happened to be staying in Doha for a few days this week. When I heard that the lounge was actually opening (it’s been rumored for months, but with many false alarms), I changed my outbound travel plans a bit and was able to spend four hours hanging out before hopping over to Dubai.

Despite not being a real travel blogger, I thought I’d share a few impressions from the perspective of someone who flies more than 200,000 miles a year, typically 70% international, and who’s been to just about every premium airline lounge in the world.

In other words, this wasn’t my first time in a nice lounge, and I’m not easily impressed. Do keep that in mind, as well as the fact that I was there on literally the first day it was open. I’m sure some things will change and (hopefully) improve over time.

Johannesburg Shongololo Lounge (7 hour stay!)

I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world. On an average afternoon in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport, you can see all kinds of travelers attempting to sleep on the floor or in chairs throughout the…

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: London Heathrow Airport

I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world. Way back in 2007, one of my very favorite lounges was Virgin Atlantic’s “Clubhouse” at London Heathrow. I’ve been back several times since then, and it hasn’t…

The Wing by Cathay Pacific at Hong Kong International Airport

I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world. I travel through Hong Kong at least six times a year. Most of the time I’m flying on OneWorld, and I always look forward to a visit…

Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport

I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world. What’s the best airline lounge in the world? Well, it’s a debate. You may prefer the service standards of Asia or the premium coffee machines of Australia…