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The Globe and MailStranded by an ash cloud or some other act of nature? If the flight is overseas, the ticket is first-class or you're a “status” flier whose business an airline covets, then lucky you! Your fantasy airport waiting room awaits. International lounges – especially in heavily trafficked or airline hubs – handily out-glam domestic ones, experts say. And for every unloved terminal corner brimming with travellers and offering little more than bar mix and machine-dispensed espresso, there's an over-the-top testament to VIP privilege. Here are the best for waiting out ash clouds in comfort and style:
FRANKFURT: Lufthansa's First Class Terminal, Frankfurt am Main, by Terminal 1: One of two dedicated VIP terminals in the world (the other is Qatar Airways' in Doha), first-class passengers here are treated to complimentary valet parking or rental-car return, a personal assistant to speed them though check-in and security, and later plenty of lounge space with pod-like “relax chairs” and daybeds, a cigar lounge, à la carte dining, and a bar serving 100 single malts. A chauffeured Porsche or Mercedes zips travellers around the airport.
SYDNEY: Qantas's First Lounge, International Terminal: Australian designer Marc Newson patterned his first-class lounge after Qantas's sleek A380 airplane fleet, introducing lots of Poltrona Frau furniture and Carrara marble. There's a Payot Paris day spa, a 48-seat open-kitchen restaurant shepherded by Aussie uber-chef Neil Perry, an entertainment area with Sony PlayStations and movies, free Wi-Fi and conference facilities. The best features are the 180-degree views of Sydney, and an air-freshening tropical garden of 8,400 plants set into a 30-metre wall.
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