RTW Roundup: Best airline lounge decor
The airline lounges were more similar than different in function: each had an area to plug in computers, a bar, buffet, and lounge area. The differences were in decor. Luckily for the national carriers in particular, the countries they represent have pretty strong visual identities which they then reapplied to their lounges.
The Best
South African Airways Baobab Lounges used a lot of vertical twig arrangements and earth-tone fabrics, invoking the feeling of the African bush. Colorful accents a la the South African flag and the airline's livery were remarkably sparse.
- (left) Cape Town, (right) Johannesburg domestic terminal
I liked Air New Zealand Koru Clubs because in each lounge there was a lounge area, work/dine area, and "outdoor terrace" area, each with a distinct look and feel. The lounge area had an assortment of contemporary furniture, the terrace area was always by the window with wicker furniture, and the work/dine area always had large communal tables. Each lounge, and each area, had really unique lighting fixtures as well. Indoor plants and rocks and pebbles abound, evoking New Zealand's "natural" image.
- photos all taken in Auckland international terminal
Everyone always says Turkey is a mix of East and West, a mix of old and new, and the Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge in Istanbul took this to heart. Half of the lounge including the bathrooms, had this highly ornate "Oriental" decor with antique-looking bathroom fixtures, and figurative and landscape paintings. The other half where the food was located was contemporary, with more abstract wall art and transparent polycarbonate chairs a la Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost chairs. Shiny gold finish was applied throughout the lounge, liberally.
- photos all taken in Istanbul international terminal
Singapore Airlines is the national carrier for Singapore, but its SilverKris Lounges eschew anything to do with Peranakan shophouses. Instead, its lounges (at least in Singapore and Bangkok) go for a clubby "luxe modern" look with plenty of marble and leather in use.
- (upper left, lower left) Singapore, (right) Bangkok
Since the national carrier Thai Airways pretty much cornered the market for anything related to silk and the color purple, for its economy class Boutique Lounges, Bangkok Airways went down a more cheerful, approachable route with "tropical" colors. Particularly cool are the gate areas at Koh Samui Airport (right), which are the lounges since Bangkok Airways built and owns the airport.
- (left) Bangkok domestic, (right) Koh Samui
The Rest
- United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs (SAN, IAD, LAX) are comfortable, but the decor is nothing to write home about. Think Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton in the United States.
- The Varig Smiles lounge in Sao Paulo seemed to be the lounge that every airline except TAM uses. Lufthansa, South African, you name it. It had okay decor: Philippe Starck Victoria Ghost chairs and a large marble communal table, but otherwise quite like the United Red Carpet Clubs.
