Since 2000, flights have increased by 50 percent in the U.S., with projections for 2024 forecasted to reach 38.7 million. This growth coincides with heightened airport security, which has compelled travelers to carve out more time at the airport.
Today, as air travel rebounds post-pandemic, amenity-rich airport lounges have emerged as exclusive retreats (that passengers are willing to pay a premium for) as a means to rest and relax before and during their journeys.
“The shift toward a more hospitality-oriented experience is getting more prevalent,” says Dwayne MacEwen, founder and principal of Chicago-based DMAC Architecture & Interiors, which designed the American Airlines’ Admirals Club. The concept—with subtle interventions to reflect the unique character of each city—rolled out at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in 2022, followed by Denver International Airport this year, and is slated for Philadelphia International Airport in 2025.
The lounge pavilion at the DCA Admirals Club features tall wood slats for separation
The DCA iteration spans 14,500 square feet and a series of spaces—dubbed pavilions in the park—for relaxation, privacy, and interaction. In addition to a full-service bar and dining options, the space also flaunts a VIP room inspired by the Library of Congress, to offer comfort for dignitaries and federal representatives.
Also new to DCA are venues operated by two credit card companies: the American Express Centurion Lounge and the just-revealed Capital One Landing. The former, which opened in July, comprises 12,000 square feet and offers a curated menu featuring dishes from U.S.-based chefs Michelle Bernstein, Ravi Kapur, and Michael Solomonov. The lounge’s design draws on Washington, DC’s history and culture via pieces by local artists, including a printed canvas of the Capitol Building by Maggie O’Neill.
The Capital One Landing at DCA boasts a warm color palette and leather details
Meanwhile, Capital One teamed up with José Andrés Group (JAG) to tap into the connection between food and travel with the first Capital One Landing location. JAG, however, is behind more than just the menu—which reflects Spanish tradition and some of chef Andrés’ personal favorites—as furniture, lighting, dishes, and flatware also come courtesy of the team. Here, guests can sit down for a made-to-order meal or choose from pre-made grab-and-go tapas options, while mimosas and desserts are delivered by a cart.
Statement lighting adds drama to the dining room at the Delta One Lounge at LAX in Los Angeles
On the West Coast, Delta Air Lines introduced the Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in October. (The inaugural Delta One Lounge—totaling more than 39,000 square feet—launched over the summer at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.) General contractor Clune Construction, in partnership with architecture firm Gensler and sustainable development consultancy Arup, helmed the project, which can accommodate approximately 200 guests.
Directly connected to the Delta One check-in counter, travelers are whisked to the private retreat, where a landscaped terrace, sushi bar, wellness room (kitted out with eight private relaxation pods equipped with zero-gravity and full-body massage chairs), and more awaits. Further, lighting in the wellness area mimics the colors affecting the body’s circadian rhythms to help travelers acclimate to their destination’s time zone. “Luxury is no longer about extravagance for the sake of it,” says January Wilson, vice president and project executive at Clune Construction. “It’s about meaningful details—things that make the traveler feel cared for and valued.”
Sculptural wood forms pay homage to New York’s parks at the Sapphire Lounge by the Club at LGA
At New York’s revamped LaGuardia Airport (LGA), JPMorgan Chase opened its flagship Sapphire Lounge by the Club in January. Designed by ICRAVE and Corgan, it’s anchored by a double-height space with three sculptural wood forms that pay homage to the city’s iconic parks. “We aimed to create a continuation of the hospitality experience from the moment of arrival to the boarding of the aircraft, not missing a beat on what travelers might need or desire,” says David Taglione, managing director at ICRAVE, a Journey Studio. Amenities include resting pods, an exposition kitchen, facial treatments, nursing rooms, open workspaces, and a family area connected to a kids’ playroom. A hidden game room—accessible through a photobooth—is stocked with vintage games and a collection of photographs showcasing local landmarks and people.
The trend transcends the U.S. In Europe, Finnair’s Schengen Lounge at Helsinki Airport has seating for up to 440 in spaces for dining, working, resting, and socializing with travel companions, while the lounge also houses the even more exclusive Platinum Corner. Conceived by local firm Studio Joanna Laajisto, the minimalist design boasts soft forms, warm colors, and locally manufactured furnishings.
Blue hues nod to the landscape at Primeclass Pacifico at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago
Italian design house Pininfarina, in collaboration with Grupo Arquitectos, was tapped to create Primeclass Pacifico at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. The series of five lounges melds cutting-edge technology and biophilic principles with a sense of place. From Easter Island to Patagonia, the country’s diverse regions are woven into the design to provide a multisensory experience that stimulates the senses and fosters a connection with the natural world. “We wanted the lounge to feel like an oasis, a space to pause a traveler’s journey to decompress and re-energize,” says Samuele Sordi, chief architect officer at Pininfarina of America. “We hope that the lounge’s design immerses guests in the country’s rich landscape and cultural heritage.”
From wellness offerings to top-notch F&B and carefully curated spaces, lounges are making time spent at airports worthwhile. “The ground experience should be a meaningful part of every traveler’s journey,” MacEwen points out. Taglione agrees. “With amenities that rival best-in-class hotels, a modern lounge aims to surprise and delight while also offering seamless access and intuitive navigation,” he says.”
The American Airlines flight symbol is etched onto walls at the DCA Admirals Club
This article originally appeared in HD’s December 2024 issue.
