Lounging Around

Although we've become thoroughly used to e-tickets, many of us remain wary of checking in for a flight online, and still end up arriving at the airport a couple of hours before a scheduled departure. To ease the tedium of waiting (and retain the loyalty of sophisticated passengers), airlines have taken unprecedented pains over their airport lounges in recent years. Not so long ago, first-class and business-class travelers were shown to drab rooms with nothing but a self-serve bar and rack of newspapers to recommend them. These days, they're more likely to be offered a fashionable sanctuary, with spa, dining and...