Gallery: New Lounge Openings Offer Luxury, Wellness Space

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) introduced Minute Suites, which offer private rooms where airport passengers can relax, nap or work before a flight or during a layover. Minute Suites provides five relaxation and workstation rooms on Concourse C. The Minute Suites are accessible for passengers flying from concourses A, B or C. The private rooms include a daybed, television, workstation, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The company has locations in four other US airports, with more planned.

National Aviation Services (NAS) and NAC2000 Corporation have opened their Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The lounge, located at the new terminal, is part of Zambia Airports Corp.’s efforts to upgrade international airports in the country. The 588 sq m Pearl Lounge includes comfortable seating, food and beverages, free Wi-Fi access as well as a children’s play area among other facilities.

The fifth Delta Sky Club at the airline’s Detroit hub opened to travelers Dec. 7. Delta’s newest Club in Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) features premium beverage offerings like Motor City-made microbrews, along with curated pieces of art from local artists that reflect the beauty and innovation of Detroit. Opening in time for holiday travel, the 4,600-sq.-ft. space near gate A43 seats up to 100 guests and overlooks the concourse and the existing main Club.

No1 Lounge is reopening at the Birmingham Airport Dec. 15, 2021 from 5am-1pm daily. New measures are in place aimed to keep passengers safe with a high standard of cleanliness and hand sanitizing stations. A new high-quality simplified menu reduces interaction and minimizes contact. The lounge is capacity-controlled.

Saudia has opened its newest Alfursan lounge in the international terminal of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport in late November 2021. The 3,500-sq-m lounge can accommodate more than 10,000 guests per day, making it the largest of its kind across the SkyTeam Alliance network worldwide. The new lounge offers a range of premium services to first and business class guests, Alfursan members, and Elite and Elite+ cardholders around the clock, seven days a week. The lounge’s business center includes meetings spaces, iPad devices, and printer facilities. The lounge also features a kid’s zone for children, together with a kitchen and several dining areas offering diverse and carefully curated menus.

American Airlines announced in mid-November 2021 it would break ground soon on a new 15,000+-sq.-ft. Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The lounge will be able to seat more than 250 customers, making it the largest airport lounge in Austin, Texas. Construction on the new lounge, which will be near Gate 14, will begin in 2022. The inspiration for the lounge is taken from the city itself, reflecting the urban fabric of Rainey Street, Austin Parks, local art and music. Customers can get a taste of the Austin vibe throughout their experience in the Admirals Club. Once open, customers will also be entertained by local musicians.

Oman Air passengers traveling through Muscat International Airport (MCT) can purchase access to the airport’s 375-seat Primeclass lounge, located at MCT’s departure on the fifth floor. Out of the ordinary Offerings include meeting rooms, a cinema, game zone, Kids’ play zone, family rooms, a relaxing zone, a spa and private massage rooms.

TAV Operation Services has opened two new lounges at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport. Primeclass lounges consist of two primary spaces, one at each end of the departures concourses. The US departures lounge has a capacity of 66 within a 242 sq. m / 2,605 sq. ft. area, while the International departures lounge has 89 seating capacity within a 359 sq. m / 3,864 sq. ft. area. The spaces are arranged to take advantage of the stunning views and landscape beyond the walls. Natural light provides plenty of freshness in the palette of soft pastels and sun-washed neutral colors. Bermuda’s classic island architecture is reflected in lime-washed teak floors accented with honed black and white marble accents. Contemporary interpretations of traditional forms and materials are used to combine heritage with the modern.

Virgin Australia reopened on Nov. 1, 2021 its refurbished Melbourne Lounge, which includes new signage, bathrooms and shower facilities, ambient lighting, bright greenery, and a selection of modern and refreshed furniture, forming a more relaxed and modern space for frequent flyers to enjoy when they travel. The Lounge has many spaces to sit back, relax and unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, connect with others or work on the fly. Signature features of the Lounge will also return, including a coffee and wine bar offering an exciting range of beverages, including barista-made coffee, and Australian wines, craft beers and ciders. There’s also a new menu offering all day dining freshly prepared on site.

The renovated SkyCourt Lounge at Budapest Airport has reopened. The 270-sq-m lounge is split across three rooms and includes workstations and armchairs with a buffet area with dining tables. Priority Pass members, certain bank card holders and some business-class passengers are granted free access.

Qantas will open a temporary lounge to cater for eligible customers traveling between Sydney and London via Darwin from November 2021. Qantas will lease Darwin International Airport’s Catalina lounge, which will have space for approximately 100 guests utilizing existing furniture and fittings. The offering will feature: a signature welcome mocktail (Top End Lemonade); a refreshing cold towel; lounge and dining areas with a serviced buffet, drawing on local culinary influences such as a Darwin markets inspired Asian style soup; premium Australian wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks offered by a dedicated bar attendant; power points and bathroom facilities.

United Airlines opened its 21,000 sq. ft. Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles Airport on Oct. 21, 2021. The lounge—located across from the United Club at Gate C17, seats 355 people with 42 dining area seats, 13 private rest rooms and six shower suits. It features Washington DC-inspired décor, a library, a bar and an à la carte dining room.

UK LCC easyJet will open its first airport lounge in collaboration with No1 Lounges at the North Terminal at London Gatwick Airport. The launch comes as easyJet sees the return of business travel, but the lounge will provide spaces for all types of travelers. No1 Lounges offers paid lounge access to passengers on any airline, traveling in any cabin class, with prices starting at £18.50 for up to three hours—making it more accessible to general travelers.

American Express has opened the Centurion Lounge, which is part of its signature airport lounge program, at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Located in Terminal 3, the 7,000 sq ft lounge is the first Centurion Lounge in Europe and American Express’ third Centurion Lounge to open this year.

Plaza Premium Group has opened its latest lounge at London Gatwick Airport, taking over the space that was originally a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Located within the North Terminal, the space spans 1,350 square meters, and can accommodate up to 190 guests. The lounge—which was not changed—celebrates Virgin Atlantic’s unique appeal. The lounge and bar provide a distinctive passenger experience in addition to subtly immersing them into the local culture. Other offerings include a kid zone and Smart Order, a contactless food ordering system accessible using mobile devices.

Escape Lounges-The Centurion Studio have partnered to open a new lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s Terminal 3. The lounge welcomes all travelers regardless of airline, status, or card in hand and offers complimentary access to American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members.

SkyTeam has reopened its Dubai lounge after 18 months of closure due to the pandemic. First, Business Class and Elite Plus customers flying from Dubai are able to use the 960-square meter facility with enhanced safety and cleanliness protocols. The SkyTeam lounge is located in Concourse D at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1.

Airport Dimensions has opened The Club CLE lounge at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in partnership with local ACDE, FLOH Vodka brands. The Club CLE provides passengers with a premium, private space that offers the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Designed by award-winning Texas-based architects Ibanez Shaw, the lounge uses natural lighting to create an uplifting, relaxing ambiance for guests, and affords dramatic views over the nearby airfield. It also offers a variety of seating to suit the various needs of the modern traveler, from productivity to rest and relaxation.

AEGEAN Airlines opened a new business lounge in “Makedonia” International Airport. Inspired by traditional Greek architecture and expanded by more than 500 sq meters (double the size of the previous lounge), the new lounge in Thessaloniki is the first to incorporate the new corporate identity of AEGEAN. The dominating element of curved forms—combined with high quality materials such as marble, mosaic, glass and wood—create a modern and contemporary space that focuses exclusively on comfort and hospitality, while the gate located in the lounge ensures direct onboarding.

Plaza Premium Group, in joint venture with Qingdao International Airport Group and Capital Airport VIP Service Management Co., has introduced its first land-to-air premium airport experience that features exclusive, integrated services and facilities, including four Plaza Premium Lounges, one Aerotel and a suite of VIP services including private meeting rooms, meet-and-greet, curb-to-apron escort services and fast track immigration clearance in China’s newest airport Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO). The unique land-to-air premium experience is offered in two areas: a three-story VIP Building located at the Arrival area and three Plaza Premium Lounge outlets at the Departure area. Covering a total 6,500 square meters of the airport space, the multi-complex VIP Building offers end-to-end airport hospitality services from dining, lounging, meet-and-greet to personalized concierge and accommodation.

Alaska Airlines unveiled its new lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The 9,200 sq. ft. lounge has Bay-Area inspired amenities and is located in Terminal 2 just past security.

Plaza Premium Group will open a new lounge at Brazil’s Guarulhos International Airport Terminal 2 in mid-September. The lounge spans 1,530 sq meters and accommodates up to 335 passengers. The design reflects modern Brazilian culture and provide comfortable spaces for rest, work, entertainment, culinary experience, and other amenities. The lounge services offered include reading options, cable TV, flight status information, showers, and private meeting rooms. At the gastronomy section, options include warm dishes, appetizers, fresh food, and soft and alcoholic beverages.

Plaza Premium Group has jointly launched its first land-to-air premium airport experience at Qingdao International Airport (TAO), in a partnership that also includes Capital Airport VIP Service Management Co. The facilities feature exclusive integrated services, including four Plaza Premium Lounges, one Aerotel and a suite of VIP services including private meeting rooms, meet-and-greet, curb-to-apron escort services and fast track immigration clearance at TAO. The land-to-air premium experience is offered in two areas: a three-story VIP Building located at the Arrival area and three Plaza Premium Lounge outlets at the Departure area. Covering a total 6,500 sq meters of the airport space, the multi-complex VIP Building offers end-to-end airport hospitality services from dining, lounging, meet-and-greet to personalized concierge and accommodation.

Throughout fall 2021, American Airlines (AA) will begin reopening flagship lounges and flagship first dining. The first location will open Sept. 14 at New York JFK International Airport (Terminal 8); AA’s flagship lounge at Miami International Airport (Concourse D) will open Sept. 28. Later this fall, locations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 4, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal D, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Terminal 3 will reopen.

Air France opened a new lounge space dedicated to Business Class travelers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members traveling through the airline’s short- and medium-haul Schengen network. The lounge has a surface area of at least 3,000 sq. m. with 570 seats spread across two levels. In collaboration with teams from Air France and the Group ADP, the entire space and most of the furniture were designed by the Jouin Manku agency. The lounge features a giant sculpture inspired by the wings of an aircraft linking the lounge and reception area, and a giant staircase connecting the two floors that looks out on the airport beyond a curved glass wall.

Air France opened its fully redesigned lounge at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. In association with the Plaza Premium Group for the airline’s Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers. Located in the international section of the terminal, the 490 sq. m. lounge has a seating capacity of 149. It offers a large bay window giving a view of the runways, the airline’s aircraft and one of the slopes of Mount Royal overlooking the city of Montreal. Catering and bar services are offered. This fall, the lounge will introduce a new catering service, “Night Service,” which offers food on the last evening flight.

Air New Zealand has opened the new Regional Lounge at Napier Airport. Located on level one of the airport terminal, the revamped lounge features four different seating areas with 90% more seating than the previous space. There is seating for 128 guests. Other amenities include power/USB charging stations from most seats, self-service buffet and drink station.

British Airways’ flagship US lounge at New York JFK’s Terminal 7 has reopened after a 16-month closure. The opening of the Galleries Club lounge also marks the next step in the airline’s phased lounge reopening plan and will be available for customers traveling in First, Club World and eligible card holders, ahead of their flight to London Heathrow. Those flying from JFK in First and Club World will have enhanced check-in at Premium Zone. The First Wing and First check-in are also open.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has opened The Salon at PS, a semi-private airport lounge that has an outdoor terrace for a price of $695. The lounge is designed by Cliff Fong and is furnished with 40 armchairs, a bar that serves food and cocktails by H. Wood Group. Other passenger benefits include showers, spa treatments, semi-private TSA and customs checkpoints, a checked baggage service, and a chauffeured ride to the aircraft.

The No1 Lounge at London’s Gatwick Airport, North Terminal, and Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 have reopened with enhanced cleanliness standards, including a contactless reception, extra space, table service (no buffet) and mask mandates.

British carrier Virgin Atlantic reopened its Clubhouse at New York JFK airport from July 19, 2021. Upper Class customers, Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta's Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members, can once again enjoy access to the airline’s flagship North America lounge. In addition, Virgin Atlantic has a new partnership with Plaza Premium Group, which will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the JFK Clubhouse under the guidance of the Virgin Atlantic team. Virgin Atlantic will also work with Plaza Premium for the Clubhouses in Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Johannesburg once they reopen as travel restrictions around the world start to relax.

Emirates Airline has re-opened its dedicated First Class Lounge at Dubai International (DXB’s) Concourse B to serve the growing volume of premium customers traveling from and through Emirates’ hub, as more markets around the world ease restrictions and put in place protocols that enable international travel. With comprehensive bio-safety protocols in place, customers have access to a full complement of trademark services including a complimentary facial treatment at the Timeless Spa, complimentary services at Shoeshine by Mr Cobbler, four fine champagne vintages at the dedicated Moet and Chandon bar, special offers at luxury wine and spirits retailer Le Clos, and limited-edition tea blends with Dilmah Tea.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has opened its newest Previum ClubLounge West. On the site of the former Airside Lounge, ClubLounge West is bigger and more comfortable. It includes separate workstations, fresh food from our own kitchen, private sanitary facilities and sufficient charging points at every seat.

Delta Air Lines’ newest Delta Sky Club 8,000 sq. ft. lounge opened July 23 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Terminal 2, which is nearing the completion of a multi-year modernization project. The club features floor-to-ceiling windows with runway views and regional artwork. The Club is one of its first locations to safely reintroduce signature hot food offerings. All of Delta’s Clubs will reopen by the end of June 2021.

The Centurion Lounge at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has been expanded to 10,000 sq. ft. and features a locally inspired menu, artistic murals and “big apple” themes throughout. The lounge’s executive chef is Cédric Vongerichten, who is co-owner of Wayan, a modern Indonesian restaurant with French influence in New York City, named one of Esquire’s 2019 Best New Restaurants in America. The lounge is located in Terminal B.

British Airways has unveiled its latest lounge enhancement, the new “Forty Winks” nap lounge, featuring power nap sleep pods. The new pods are available in British Airways’ First Lounge at London Heathrow. The airline will then be adding these sleep pods to its Concorde Room at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York’s JFK Terminal 7 when global travel restrictions ease and those lounges open. Introduced in partnership with Restworks, the Forty Winks lounge allows customers in need of some pre-flight shuteye the chance to power nap in a dedicated EnergyPod.

Lufthansa lounges will gradually be re-opening for customers in Frankfurt, Munich and New York. From June 1, the First Class Lounge at Frankfurt Airport has been opened from 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. A variety of measures, such as maintaining distance and wearing a mouth and nose covering, ensure that the lounge stay meets high safety and hygiene standards.

Aviator Airport Alliance reopened both business lounges located at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) June 1 after a year-long hiatus. The new lounge allows customers to relax in a unique Danish wood design environment while enjoying a selection of fine foods from the traditional Danish “smørrebrød” accompanied by Carlsberg.

Plaza Premium will reopen lounges in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia in May. The Plaza Premium Brisbane lounge reopens May 20, 2021 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Sundays, when it closes at noon. On Wednesdays, the lounge will be closed completely. The Wellness Spa remains closed. The Melbourne lounge reopens May 31, 2021 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. seven days a week. The lounge in Sydney (pictured) reopens May 17, 2021. Hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

App reward program Smart Traveller has developed a Plaza Premium Lounge Pass (PPL), to provide a contactless end-to-end personalized experience for Plaza Premium Lounge guests globally to build confidence in travel.

American Airlines continues to reopen Admirals Club lounges and adding enhancements to give customers more peace of mind when traveling. Lounges reopening in May include the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Admirals Club at Gate B7 and the Miami International Airport (MIA) lounge at Gate D15, and the Admirals Club at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The previously reopened lounges at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Nashville International Airport (BNA), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will extend their operating schedule to 7 days a week. Starting May 5, revamped signature food-for-sale items such as chilled quinoa salad, southwestern power bowl, cheesy tater tots and bacon, egg & cheese breakfast sandwich will be available all day in select lounges. American will expand offerings for children like chicken bites and cheddar sandwiches at all locations. Children’s rooms have also reopened inside Admirals Club lounges. In addition, American is expanding its touchless technology to streamline the customer’s airport experience. Starting May 6, the airline will introduce a touchless entry trial for the Admirals Club lounge located in Terminal A at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Qantas is reopening its First lounges in Sydney and Melbourne as well as its International Lounge in Brisbane, a year after they closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. The reopening of its Accor-managed First lounges in Australia coincides with the launch of the two-way trans-Tasman travel bubble on April 19. While normally reserved for Platinum Frequent Flyers, Qantas said it will extend an invitation to customers traveling in Business, Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members to visit the First Lounge until the neighboring Business lounges reopen.

Alaska Airlines has plans to open a new lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) by late summer, as the Seattle-based carrier announces updated plans for Bay Area travelers. Under this new plan, Alaska will move into the former American Airlines Admirals Club space in Terminal 2, enabling the airline to open a new lounge just as guests start to return to travel. When completed, this new lounge will be the second largest of the Alaska lounges at just under 10,000 sq. ft., behind Alaska's flagship lounge in Seattle’s North Satellite Terminal.

Virgin Australia has opened its new lounge at Adelaide International Airport for frequent flyers. Designed by Brisbane’s WMK Architecture, the 283-seat Adelaide Lounge completes Virgin Australia’s network of seven domestic lounges across major airports around Australia. The airline said the contemporary design includes a breeze block feature wall upon entry, with canopy ceilings, before ceramic tiling leads guests into a large light-filled space, with the center walkway leading guests to numerous dining and seating areas. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and Australian sustainable furniture completes the lounge, making it a relaxed, inviting and uncomplicated place, to refresh and recharge. Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new lounge is the first of many new and exciting products for customers following the airline’s re-launch, and it plans to make “significant investment in our lounges over the next few years.”

Plaza Premium Lounge is open at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The lounge, located on the domestic departures level, features a panoramic runway view and premium range of services and facilities for domestic and international travelers.

American Express has opened its latest Centurion Lounge at Denver International Airport. The 14,000 sq. ft. lounge is located post-security in Concourse C just past Gate C46 on the mezzanine level. It is accessible to all gates in Concourses A, B and C; passengers must take train to reach Concourse C. The décor embodies Colorado’s charm of a mountain escape. Guests can shoot pool, hit the Craft Beer Bar, or catch up on some work. They can also peruse its contactless Digital Library in a space inspired by Colorado’s Red Rocks. Wine and cocktails are provided at the Main Bar, or guests can celebrate Colorado heritage at the Craft Beer Bar. Menus are provided by Jim Meehan and Anthony Giglio.

Plaza Premium has reopened a lounge at Chandigarh International Airport, the second busiest airport in the Indian state of Punjab. Located at the secured area of domestic departures, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Chandigarh offers domestic travelers a relaxing ambience with comfortable seating, delectable food & beverage options, complimentary Wi-Fi, e-magazines for contactless reading, and charging stations.

Gulf Air chairman Zayed R. Alzayani visited the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge at the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport, just prior to launch of terminal operations on Jan. 28, 2021. Taking into consideration the updated health and safety measures, the new state-of-the-art lounge will reflect new concepts of modern premium lounges. A number of features will be maintained from the previous lounge as well as newly introduced spaces such as a children’s area, shower rooms, prayer space, a quiet area along with live cooking stations and new food & beverage concepts. Operational around the clock and with a capacity of over 400 passengers at any given time, the new Falcon Gold lounge will be available to experience by the airline’s Falcon Gold passengers as well as its Black, Gold and Silver Falconflyer members.

Information Engineering Group (IEG) and entrance control solutions provider Gunnebo are working together to implement contactless solutions for VIP Lounges as part of their 2021 re-opening strategy. The gates are inaugurated for VIP Lounges in Canada. IEG’s lounge management system can read boarding passes at the gate level—thereby recognizing the traveler and any affiliated loyalty-checks. Upon a boarding pass scan, the eGates will open and permit passage if travelers have the correct credentials for entering the lounge. If not, the gate will not open, and a message will appear to “please see an agent for help.” Moreover, there is also a desktop solution available that provides the same features for an agent to process. This can be paired with a pop-up mechanism, for agents to receive information on gate and kiosk entries as they occur.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport has unveiled a revamped Plaza Premium Lounge. The 773 sq m lounge is located in the domestic departures area. The lounge has a capacity for 222 passengers and features workstations, Wi-Fi, and amenities that include zone wise music control, ambient temperature setting, and special children seats. Massages and showers are available. Visitors can see a panoramic view of the runway from the lounge.

Information Engineering Group (IEG) and entrance control solutions provider Gunnebo are working together to implement contactless solutions for VIP Lounges as part of their 2021 re-opening strategy. The gates are inaugurated for VIP Lounges in Canada. IEG’s lounge management system can read boarding passes at the gate level—thereby recognizing the traveler and any affiliated loyalty-checks. Upon a boarding pass scan, the eGates will open and permit passage if travelers have the correct credentials for entering the lounge. If not, the gate will not open, and a message will appear to “please see an agent for help.” Moreover, there is also a desktop solution available that provides the same features for an agent to process. This can be paired with a pop-up mechanism, for agents to receive information on gate and kiosk entries as they occur.

The newly opened lounge at Bahrain International Airport, The Pearl, differs from the normal airline lounge in so many ways. The residential concept creates intimate spaces and a tremendous variety of experiences and dining—from a casual Italian cafe serving flat breads straight from the Forno to chairside service in the reception cocktail lounge. Hospitality is foremost. An inclusive culture and anticipation of needs flows throughout the seven spacious rooms. Architecture of the Experience and Hospitality by Yates+ Building Architecture by Champilmaud, New York and Tony Masters, Sydney

Iberia has reopened the Dalí lounge at its T4 hub in the Madrid airport, now with rigorous protocols to ensure the health and safety of its customers and staff. New protocols include using barriers, separating traffic flows, enhancing cleaning and disinfection, deploying hand sanitizer dispensers, reducing seating capacity, and offering special zones for family “bubbles” traveling together.

Lufthansa’s new lounge at the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER), which opened Oct. 31, 2020. Pictured is the Business Class section. A dedicated section for Gold Status guests will be completed soon.

THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus at Brussels Airport has been named “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” at the annual World Travel Awards. THE LOFT opened June 25, 2018 as a relaxing new space for international travelers inspired by Lexus luxury, design and Omotenashi hospitality. It is currently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Covering an area of 2,040 sq m, THE LOFT offers seating for 500 guests. It is divided into areas with different ambiences and features, including a central bar, seating zones and a break-out space that’s ideal for those who need to work while on the move.

WestJet’s flagship lounge—Elevation Lounge—at Calgary International Airport opened in early November 2020. The Elevation Lounge is designed so travelers can rejuvenate, rest and stay connected. The lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by Canada’s diverse landscape. It features beautiful reality art developed by Calgary artist, Mandy Stobo and curated products from local companies like Rocky Mountain Soap Co and Fratello Coffee Roasters. There is dedicated family space where kids can explore interactive video games and hangout nooks. The lounge has implemented health, safety and sanitation measures to ensure safety such as touchless, self-serve entry; face masks required; space and distance markers; digital menu service; and a clean environment that includes plexiglass shields, hand sanitizers throughout and continuous high-touch cleaning, including electrostatic spraying.

The UAE’s Sharjah Airport has opened a new luxury Premium Lounge, by JPA Design. The 4,000 sq m modernized extension caters to business-class passengers and provides an “unparalleled escape while waiting for your flight,” according to the airport.

The dnata hospitality brand, marhaba, opened another airport lounge in Manila at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Located in Terminal 1, the newest marhaba lounge features comfortable seating for over 85 guests, a prayer room, a private meeting room and shower facilities. It is open 24 hours a day and offers Wi-Fi and all-day dining with an international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. The comfort of guests is ensured by a diverse team of 30 customer-oriented staff, who speak five languages. Marhaba has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and agents. The lounge offers touchless payment options and frequently undergoes increased cleaning and sanitization with specific focus on high-touch surfaces. Marhaba lounge staff have all been thoroughly trained on health and safety protocols, and wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines while serving passengers.

Collinson Group is launching the pilot of its new “Ready 2 Order” digital food and beverage (F&B) solution. Two of The Grand Lounge Elite airport lounges in Mexico City are now live and a third lounge will follow soon. Ready 2 Order will see further pilot launches in October in India, the US, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Japan and the UK, and will be available to all lounge access programs including Priority Pass. With Ready 2 Order, lounge visitors can scan a QR code or tap an NFC-enabled device on signage at each table or seat within the lounge, to see a lounge-specific menu and make their selection. The order will be delivered directly to the table, or collected at an assigned pick-up point, depending on the individual lounge. Ready 2 Order launches in collaboration with Collinson’s strategic partner Grab, the airport e-commerce platform and largest marketplace for contactless order and pay at airport restaurants.

American Express opened its 13th Centurion Lounge at New York JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 in October. With more than 15,000 sq. ft., the new space is the largest Centurion Lounge and the first with two guest floors. This is the fourth location to open in 2020. Amex card members visiting the Centurion Lounge at JFK will see new health-and-safety practices in place, as part of the Centurion Lounge Commitment. These new practices will be implemented across the lounge network and include socially distanced seating, reduced capacity, increased cleaning frequency, requirements to wear a face covering when entering the lounge, served food instead of buffets, and more. The Centurion Lounge at JFK will feature American Express’ first-ever “1850” speakeasy bar, a reference to the year the company was founded, complete with cocktails developed by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan, as well as an Equinox Body Lab wellness experience, a bespoke menu created by executive chef Ignacio Mattos, new design elements inspired by New York’s cultural landmarks and much more.

Edinburgh Aspire Lounge. Reopened Aspire Lounges & Club Aspire lounges have implemented a number of health and safety measures, including: social distancing; self-service check-in; reduced capacity; table service and/or assisted buffet service; reduced menu offerings via low-contact menu; increased cleaning schedule; three alcoholic drink limit per person, per visit across UK & Irish lounges; drinks will be served to customer table via a service trolley; and no physical newspapers or magazines.

Austrian Airlines reopened its lounge at Vienna Airport, which closed March 16 due to COVID-19. At the end of September, the Austrian Business Lounge Schengen (Terminal 3, Level 2 or F-Gates) reopened its doors for Austrian Airlines passengers. The reopening brings a change for lounge visitors: Caterer DoN is now responsible for the culinary offerings in the Austrian Airlines Lounge. The largest privately run catering company in Austria has won the tender and will be catering for lounge guests from now on. DO & CO will remain the partner for onboard catering on Austrian Airlines’ flights. The food and drink offerings in the lounge complies with all hygiene requirements and has been adapted to meet official guidelines. Visitors can choose from a wide range of beverages as well as cold and warm snacks and meals. Regional delicacies are also offered. The Austrian Airlines Lounge is located at the F-Gates in Terminal 3 and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In the Austrian Airlines Lounge, as in the entire airport terminal and on board, there is a strict mask-wearing obligation. Mouth and nose protection may only be removed while seated at the tables.

Rendering of Centurion Lounge at New York LaGuardia Airport. American Express plans to expand two of its signature Centurion Lounges and introduced The Centurion Lounge Commitment, a set of new health and safety protocols and practices, which will be implemented in all Centurion Lounges as they reopen this fall. • The Centurion Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) will relocate to a larger location in the brand-new Terminal B, and as previously announced, the current Centurion Lounge at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS), will be expanded and redesigned. • The Centurion Lounge at LGA will double in size and relocate to a space post-security within the airport’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Terminal B. The new lounge will feature a family room, additional workspaces, private telephone rooms, and views of the New York City skyline. The footprint of the first-ever Centurion Lounge, opened at LAS in 2013, will be expanded from nearly 9,000 sq. ft. to over 13,400 sq. ft. The newly designed lounge will feature additional multi-purpose areas, new private telephone rooms, newly designed reception and workspace areas and more. American Express is also working toward opening its newest lounge locations in New York JFK, London’s Heathrow and Denver International airports.

As a part of Salt Lake City International Airport’s newly opened terminal, the newest and largest Delta Sky Club has welcomed its first guests this fall. Boasting more than 28,000 sq. ft. of luxurious lounge space and thoughtfully designed details, the new Club spotlights the area’s glorious mountainous landscape and offers guests a relaxing retreat during their travels. Located on the ground level of the new terminal and nearby Delta gates amenities include: a 360-degree fireplace; covered sky deck overlooking the Wasatch Range that can be enjoyed year-round; artwork collection inspired by the mountain west and hand-picked by Delta Sky Club’s art curator featuring several local artists; two convenient food stations, two full-service bars, and five coffee and beverage stations; warm and inviting seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and power outlets at nearly every seat.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) introduced Minute Suites, which offer private rooms where airport passengers can relax, nap or work before a flight or during a layover. Minute Suites provides five relaxation and workstation rooms on Concourse C. The Minute Suites are accessible for passengers flying from concourses A, B or C. The private rooms include a daybed, television, workstation, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The company has locations in four other US airports, with more planned.