What Are The Best Oneworld Emerald Lounges?

Of the “big three” global airline alliances, I tend to think the most valuable alliance-wide status is oneworld Emerald. The oneworld alliance is the only one with three elite tiers, and oneworld Emerald gives you access to some perks typically associated with first class (unlike oneworld Sapphire, which gets you perks typically associated with business class).

My single favorite thing about oneworld Emerald status is that you get access to oneworld first class lounges, even if you’re traveling in economy. Now, some lounges are excluded from this arrangement, like the Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge and British Airways Concorde Room. However, many incredible lounges are eligible, including some of my favorite first class lounges in the world.

In this post, I thought it would be fun to share what I consider to be the best oneworld Emerald lounges, roughly ranked in order. Suffice it to say that visiting some of these lounges is almost a rite of passage among oneworld Emeralds, for those earning status like American AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold 100K.

So below are my favorite oneworld Emerald lounges, and I’m curious to hear how many OMAAT readers have visited all of them. Let’s get into the list, starting with my favorite.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Lounge Hong Kong (HKG)

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong is such an incredible lounge. I pinch myself every time I’m in this lounge as a oneworld Emerald member, because it’s such a nice space.

I love the design of the space, the amazing plane views, the a la carte restaurant, the bar with great coffee and cocktails, the private cabanas for relaxing, and even the complimentary massages.

While Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge is also excellent, personally I prefer this lounge, with the exception of the amazing shower suites at The Wing.

Qantas First Lounge Sydney (SYD)

Along with Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge, the Qantas First Lounge Sydney is my other favorite oneworld Emerald lounge.

The lounge has a gorgeous design with amazing apron and runway views, as well as delicious a la carte dining, barista coffee, and even complimentary spa treatments. I could spend hours here and not get bored.

The Qantas First Lounge Melbourne is also excellent, though I’ll only be including one of Qantas’ Australia lounges on the list, since they’re quite similar, and the Sydney lounge does have the edge.

Qantas First Lounge Singapore (SIN)

If there’s one thing that Qantas does a great job with, it’s the carrier’s oneworld Emerald lounges. They’re not just in Australia, but there are also a couple abroad. I really love the Qantas First Lounge Singapore, which has stunning decor, and almost feels like an exclusive restaurant. The lounge has amazing food, with Qantas classics like the salt & pepper squid, as well as some local specialties, like laksa.

Japan Airlines First Lounge Tokyo (HND)

The Japan Airlines First Lounge Tokyo Haneda is another treat for oneworld Emeralds. The lounge is probably the largest first class lounge that oneworld Emerald members have access to. I love how the lounge has so many distinct zones, from a bar with Japanese specialty drinks, to a sushi restaurant, and much more. Bring your appetite to the lounge, to enjoy dishes like sushi and beef curry with rice.

If you ask me, there’s a trick to maximizing this lounge, which is turning left, rather than right, when you enter the lounge. Assuming you’re there over the right hours, you’ll want to spend your time at Sushi Tsurutei and JAL’s SALON.

Qantas First Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)

In the United States, we’re used to airport lounges with cubed cheese and boxed wine. In that sense, the Qantas First Lounge Los Angeles is a real breath of fresh air, as it’s one of the best airport lounges in the United States, in my opinion.

Much like the other Qantas First Lounge locations, the lounge is heavily focused on dining, with a restaurant quality selection of food and drinks. What a treat to be able to use this prior to an American Airlines flight!

Finnair Platinum Wing Helsinki (HEL)

While Finnair doesn’t have a first class product, the airline has the Finnair Platinum Wing especially for oneworld Emerald members. This has to be one of the coziest lounges out there, as it has lots of comfortable seating, a la carte dining, excellent coffee, and even a sauna, which is a mighty unique airport lounge amenity! Nothing quite like sauna-ing it up with your fellow oneworld Emeralds, eh?

Cathay Pacific First Lounge London (LHR)

While nothing can compete with Cathay Pacific’s lounge presence in Hong Kong, the carrier also has a great first class lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3. In addition to having comfortable seating, the lounge also has a la carte dining, with an impressive food and drink selection.

If you’re flying American out of London and are a oneworld Emerald member, this is so much better than visiting the American International First Lounge.

American & British Airways Soho Lounge New York (JFK)

American & British Airways both operate out of Terminal 8 at New York JFK, and they have three shared lounges — the Chelsea Lounge, the Soho Lounge, and the Greenwich Lounge. The Soho Lounge is primarily for oneworld Emerald members, and it’s quite pleasant. It has views of the apron, comfortable seating, an extensive buffet, and a limited selection of a la carte dining options.

Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

While Malaysia Airlines no longer has first class, the airline does have an exclusive lounge for oneworld Emerald members. To be honest, it’s far from my favorite lounge in the world, but it’s still nice to have a much quieter space than the main lounge. The lounge has plenty of private seating, and otherwise the main point of differentiation is a la carte dining.

Bottom line

I love having oneworld Emerald status, because it provides access to some amazing lounges that you’d otherwise have to be flying first class to visit. There are some incredible oneworld Emerald lounges out there, and visiting them has to be one of the nicest aspects of any airline elite status.

To oneworld Emeralds, which lounge is your favorite? How many of the above have you visited?