If you’re thinking of booking a holiday, visiting family overseas or taking a business trip, it may be worthwhile considering the benefits of utilising an airport lounge during your travels. There are a number of different types of airport lounge, and as more people fly long distances, they are becoming increasingly popular.
Public Airport Lounge
A public airport lounge is one which is owned either by the airport, or by a secondary company which hires the space from the airport. Examples of this type of lounge are the Servisair Executive Lounge or the No.1 Traveller Lounge at London Heathrow Airport. Travellers who wish to use this type of lounge can pre-book a place before they arrive at the airport – entrance costs vary but generally start at around £20.
Passengers who choose to use a public airport lounge usually find that the lounge will include a variety of comfy seating, internet access, private toilets and a range of refreshments. Some lounges will offer complimentary food and drink, but this may vary dependent on the airport. A range of entertainment is usually offered – including televisions, newspapers and magazines. Some lounges also include amenities such as showers and spas. The main benefits of using a public lounge are guaranteed seating, separate toilets and a nicer atmosphere when waiting for your flight to begin boarding.
Many lounges impose a maximum wait time of around three hours within the lounge. Dress code is generally considered to be smart causal. Children may be allowed into a lounge – check with the airport.
Airline Airport Lounge
Airline airport lounges are exclusively available to passengers flying with that airline (although many also admit passengers who are flying with a partner airline of an airline alliance). The benefit of this type of lounge is that you will be kept up-to-date with updates about your fight from the airline directly. Many airlines see their airport lounge as a continuation of their on-board services, and so will try to emphasise their best features. Luxury airlines such as Emirates (LINK) offer airport lounges which are just as comfortable as their flights.
Airline airport lounges will generally offer the same type of services as a public airport lounge – refreshments, entertainment and a more comfortable wait for your flight – along with dedicated staff who aim to make your wait as enjoyable as possible. Passengers wishing to use an airline airport lounge should contact their airline for more information – not all airlines have lounges in every airport, and many airlines charge a fee for economy passengers to use the airline lounge.
First Class Airport Lounges
Some airlines also offer a first class airport lounge for passengers travelling first class. These lounges can only be accessed if you have a first class ticket, but the benefits are many. Passengers may be able to check in from the lounge, indulge in an increased choice of refreshments and will be offered priority boarding from the lounge. You should be offered lounge access when you receive a first class ticket – lounge amenities will differ according to each airline.
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