Elevated Experiences : The Art and Intricacy of Building Luxury Airport Lounges
It starts with a quiet moment—away from the gate, beyond the crowds, and above the noise. For millions of travelers, airport lounges have become more than a perk; they are a destination. And the demand is soaring. Travelers are seeking out and paying for better airport experiences, elevated comfort, moments of calm, and premium food and beverage options. This demand has pushed airlines and membership credit card companies to prioritize the build-out of lounges that offer a curated experience that transforms the airport wait into something enjoyable, even memorable. Nearly half of all travelers have visited a lounge, and according to market research firm Research and Markets, the $4.21 billion airport lounge industry is expected to double by 2029. As airlines and credit card companies race to meet this growing demand, they are not just building spaces—they are crafting experiences that blend local flair with luxury and serenity.
“Airport lounges have become an essential part of the passenger journey,” shares Carrie Shaeffer, Swinerton vice president and national director of aviation. “From a construction standpoint, we are seeing increased demand for spaces that deliver a premium experience with curated details and enhanced systems that integrate seamlessly within the complexities of an active terminal environment.”
Behind the calm and luxurious ambiance lies a complex story of construction, collaboration, and creativity. Building a lounge in an active airport is like performing surgery mid-flight. Access is limited, space is tight, and every decision must prioritize safety for crews, passengers, and the airport itself.
Speed and safety go hand in hand when building in an active airport environment. To meet rising demand, project teams must work with precision and purpose, with every move planned and every detail accounted for. Security protocols require every worker to be vetted and badged, and daily engagement with airport authorities, vendors and trade partners keeps progress moving. Safety plans are tailored to each site, and crews begin each day with briefings, empowered to stop work if risks arise. Thousands of hours often pass without a single incident, thanks to a safety-first culture. Barriers and public-facing signage keep passengers safely moving throughout the airport, ensuring they reach their destination.
“Working in an active airport means every move is planned, says Patrick Wilcox, Swinerton National Aviation senior account manager. “Keeping passengers, crews and staff safely moving is the highest priority, and it is why constant communication with airport operations and other stakeholders is critical. In these environments, there is no room for shortcuts.”
Constructing in these environments means solving problems creatively and managing logistics precisely. Ceiling congestion, tight schedules, and evolving design standards push teams to rethink traditional approaches. Early virtual design coordination and strategic trade sequencing ensure that both technical upgrades, such as mechanical and electrical systems, and high-visibility features, like custom ceilings, stone finishes, and millwork, are implemented without sacrificing quality or budget. Today’s lounges feature biometric check-in, spa-like showers, curated menus, and panoramic views. Materials are chosen for both beauty and durability, ensuring the space remains flawless even after thousands of guests pass through daily.
Across terminals and time zones, the story is the same: building airport lounges is a complex, collaborative, and gratifying endeavor. “Airport lounges are not just spaces; they are the first impression of an adventure or a relaxing recharge during an extended trip,” continues Wilcox. “It is where architecture meets aviation, and where the journey begins not at the gate, but in a space designed to elevate every moment before takeoff.”
Five Examples of Swinerton’s Airport Lounge Experience
Air France Lounge – Los Angeles International Airport
The Air France Lounge at LAX’s Midfield Satellite Concourse is a refined experience for up to 172 guests, offering a full-service bar, Parisian-style dining, spa services, and private rooms for work or rest.
The Air France Lounge at LAX’s Midfield Satellite Concourse offers a refined, Parisian-inspired retreat for up to 172 guests, featuring a full-service bar, Parisian-style dining, spa services, private work and rest rooms, and a VIP lounge. The space is distinguished by Air France’s signature color palette, custom French furnishings, high-end finishes, and expansive runway views. Amenities include private showers, phone rooms, and a commercial kitchen serving seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.
Swinerton partnered with Air France, Gensler, and Los Angeles World Airports to deliver this sophisticated lounge within an active terminal, managing selective demolition, infrastructure upgrades, and complex logistics with minimal disruption. The project reflects a commitment to sustainability and inclusion, with diverse trade partners and enduring design choices, resulting in a welcoming environment where travelers can relax and recharge before their journey.
“Our goal was to deliver a lounge that embodies the elegance and hospitality of Air France,” says Elisabeth McArdle, project manager. “From navigating construction in an active terminal to integrating bespoke finishes, every detail was approached with care and collaboration. The result is a timeless space we’re honored to have built—one that enhances the journey for every traveler who steps inside.”
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – San Francisco International Airport
Within San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge offers travelers a quiet escape from the rush of the concourse.
Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge in San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2 provides a tranquil, boutique hotel–inspired retreat for 165 guests. The lounge features biometric e-gate entry, zones for relaxation and work, leather seating with USB ports, a full bar, self-serve bistro, spa-style showers, and an outdoor terrace with vapor fireplaces. Local and Canadian artwork, high-end finishes, and thoughtful amenities create a welcoming, sophisticated atmosphere with views of the airfield.
Constructed amid active airport operations, the project required precise coordination and problem-solving to meet tight schedules and complex logistics. Completed on time and under budget, the lounge offers travelers a calm, elevated experience before their journey.
“Delivering the Maple Leaf Lounge on time and under budget is something that our team is incredibly proud of,” shares Andre Rollolazo, aviation market champion and senior project manager. “In complex environments, which included an outdoor patio space and complex logistics on the fourth floor, that kind of outcome does not happen by chance. It takes open communication with the Airport Operations & Aviation Security Team and remaining proactive to achieve the client’s goals. While performing follow-up site visits, the lounge is praised by passengers and the lounge staff alike.”
Delta Air Lines CenterPoint A Sky Club – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Completing a renovation in the United States’ busiest airport is never simple. Still, the transformation of Delta’s CenterPoint Sky Club on the third floor of Concourse A proves what is possible with vision and teamwork.
Delta’s CenterPoint Sky Club renovation at Atlanta’s Concourse A transformed 4,500 square feet into a sophisticated lounge for 100 guests, featuring Italian tile, custom Czech lighting, quartz countertops, wood veneer paneling, and custom banquettes with wireless charging. The space includes a full kitchen, food service bar, and liquor bar, all designed to deliver a comfortable, elevated experience.
Swinerton managed complex infrastructure upgrades directly above occupied retail space, coordinating closely with Delta and airport stakeholders to complete the project within the active terminal, ensuring minimal disruption. The result is a refined, high-quality lounge that exemplifies Delta’s Sky Club standards.
“Completing a renovation in the middle of the country’s busiest airport takes more than technical skills. It requires trust, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence,” says Derek Mosiman, vice president and division manager. “Thanks to our partnership with Delta and project team members, we were able to deliver a high-performance space that meets the Sky Club standard and enhances the passenger experience.”
The Centurion Lounge by American Express – Denver International Airport
The Centurion Lounge by American Express at Denver International Airport’s Concourse C offers over 14,000 square feet of premium amenities, including a double-sided living wall, the network’s largest main bar, a live cooking station, craft beer bar, and game room—all with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.
Inspired by Colorado’s natural beauty, the lounge features geometric ceiling installations, a Rockies mural, locally inspired finishes, a full-service kitchen, and spa-like amenities for guests to relax or work.
Swinerton delivered the project through close collaboration with airport stakeholders and creative problem-solving, overcoming logistical and security challenges in an active airport environment to create a standout destination for American Express members.
“Constructing The Centurion Lounge involved working with multiple stakeholders to solve unique challenges and complex conditions within the existing DEN environment,” shares Bradley Monson, project executive. “It was our team’s innovation and dedication that kept the project moving forward, resulting in a lounge that meets the client’s high standards.”
United Airline Polaris Lounge– Los Angeles International Airport
The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 7 at Los Angeles International Airport offers over 12,000 square feet of premium comfort for international travelers, with seating for 140 guests, private shower suites, a full-service bar, commercial kitchen, and dedicated areas for dining, work, and rest. High-end finishes and custom furnishings create a tranquil, polished environment.
Swinerton managed complex, airside construction above active concessions, coordinating closely with LAWA and terminal stakeholders to overcome security and logistical challenges. The result is a sophisticated lounge that meets United’s elevated standards while minimizing disruption to airport operations.
“Constructing the Polaris Lounge at LAX was a masterclass in coordination and execution,” states Diego Quezada, project executive. “Working airside, above active concessionaires, and within strict operational constraints demanded a strategic approach at every turn. The lounge’s unique bowtie-shaped layout, distinctive ceiling and luxurious finishes added construction complexity, but also gave us the opportunity to deliver something truly distinctive for United. We were able to bring this space to life without compromising quality or disrupting terminal operations.”
The Swinerton Experience
From international airports to regional and municipal hubs, Swinerton has been a trusted partner to the aviation industry for over 60 years. Our experience spans 50 airports and airfields across the country, delivering over $200 million in lounge construction projects.
As one of the nation’s top builders in both aviation and hospitality, Swinerton delivers quality spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. From premium spaces with high-end finishes to infrastructure upgrades to provide exclusive access, our diverse projects are built with the same goal in mind: an exceptional passenger experience.
We understand the sensitivities of working in an operational airport environment, and we facilitate careful coordination with all stakeholders. As we take our clients to new heights, we provide peace of mind with our commitment to excellence and decades of expertise.
