Domestic US lounges, eh. They're better than the terminal but not worth going out of your way for. Exceptions are the Amex Centurion lounges and certain loung

Domestic US lounges, eh. They're better than the terminal but not worth going out of your way for. Exceptions are the Amex Centurion lounges and certain lounges run by foreign airlines, like the OneWorld first class lounge at LAX run by Qantas—cook-to-order food, full bar, nice showers, etc. All complimentary. Good tacos. Internationally, it's a different story. At Lufthansa's first class terminal in Frankfurt (yes terminal, not lounge) you have private security and passport control and get driven to your plane in a Porsche across the tarmac. Thai Airway's first class lounge in Bangkok has complimentary sixty minute massages (not that kind). Cathay Pacific's lounges in Hong Kong have full cook-to-order restaurants, foot massages, etc. all complimentary. All Nippon's first class lounges in Tokyo have 17-year-old scotch just sitting out for whoever wants it. Japan Airlines offers a sushi bar—with the sushi chefs right in front of you—and complimentary massages. Not a bad way to travel. So far I've managed all on award tickets.