Originally Posted by
number_6
F lounges (no status access): BA LHR T5, BA JFK T7.
F lounges (status access): CX HKG Wing/Pier, QF SYD, QF MEL (SYD is better).
Big step down (not really worth a special trip): JL NRT, BA/QF SIN, BA/QF HKG, AA/QF LAX, AA MIA
Big disappointments: BA DXB, BA JNB, BA CPT, BA SFO
Non-OW: LH FRA, LH MUC, SQ SIN, VS LHR, MH KUL
Big step down: EK DXB, LX ZRH
Not an exhaustive list, but the OW list is pretty indicative. OW does have pretty good J lounges, though (and much better lounges overall compared to Star and Skyteam; however this is changing in the past year).
My point is that even the very best lounge is somewhat mediocre as a destination. At best it is a convenience and a refuge from the chaos at the airport. IB MAD illustrates this nicely (spacious and gorgeous architecture but not special). CX really had the right idea when designing their HKG lounges.
I suspect you haven't been in the new JL NRT F lounge, but no way I would call it a big step down from the BA LHR. Same with QF SYD. Frankly, I'd rather stop in the JL NRT F lounge over BA LHR and SYD for the following reasons:
1. Nicest showers in the Oneworld system.
2. Relax room
3. Massages, live and chairs.
4. Food spread isn't bad.
5. The beer machine.
BA LHR showers are nowhere near as nice. I haven't been in the QF SYD F lounge since 2006, but there was no way it belongs in the same class as CX HKG lounges.
AA ORD (my home F club) gets special mention for the food spread. Sure its crowded and very few facilities, but how many other F lounges have smoked salmon?