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Everything You Need to Know About Airport Lounges

Find out everything you need to know about airport lounges right here including;

  • Who can access airport lounges
  • How airport lounges work and what to expect
  • How to find the best deal based on your travel plans
  • The benefits of airport lounges
  • Airport membership comparisons

Read on to become an airport lounge expert!

What Are Airport Lounges?

Airport lounges are spaces in airports available to travellers who want somewhere a little quieter, a little more comfortable or somewhere to work from when waiting for their flight.

I like to think of them as a VIP upgrade for the airport.

They are literally lounges in airports and they generally all offer the following;

  • More comfortable seating
  • Workspace
  • Faster WIFI
  • More charging points
  • Free food and drinks
  • No airport announcements

Some airport lounges offer;

  • Meals rather than just snacks
  • Premium drinks packages
  • Entertainment areas such as gaming or play areas for children
  • Showers
  • Runway views

Airport lounges are great if you are a frequent traveller, a nervous flyer, or you want somewhere to get some work done.

They often work out cheaper than eating and drinking in the main public area of the airport.

An airport lounge is like an upgrade for your airport experience – you can fly budget and still feel like a VIP!

Melanie – The Professional Traveller
airport lounges post image showing woman in airport lounge with hot drink in her hand and suitcase beside her

What Is An Airport Lounge?

Types of Airport Lounges

Whilst there are lots of different lounges throughout the world’s airports there are two main categories of lounges that travellers can use;

What Is An Airport Lounge?

Airline Lounges

Airline lounges are operated by airlines to provide a premium service to their premium guests.

Access to these lounges is usually included if you are travelling first, business, or club class. Access varies from airline to airline so it is always worth checking if your flight ticket includes entry.

This information may also be printed on your ticket.

You cannot buy access to these lounges.

As an example check out British Airways Lounges where they detail who can use their airline lounges.

Airport Lounges

Independent Lounges

Most airport lounges are operated by independent providers.

They may run multiple lounges, like Aspire Lounges, or just one such as The Yorkshire Lounge.

You can generally buy access to these lounges directly, through the airport website, through an online site such as Lounge Pass, or through a lounge membership scheme.

The price and access details vary depending on where you buy from.

lounges in airports post image showing buffet of drinks and snacks in the lounge

Airport Lounges

Are Airport Lounges Worth Paying For?

Now you know a bit about the types of airport lounges you might be asking yourself whether it is worth buying access.

Here are the main points to consider;

  • If you are planning to eat and drink at the airport before your flight an airport lounge can work out cheaper. That’s especially the case if the airport lounge provides hot meals rather than just snacks.
  • If you want to get some work done at the airport and value more workspace, with proper desks, charging points and better WIFI then a lounge can make working much easier.
  • Perhaps you are a nervous flyer and appreciate a calmer environment. Airports can be very noisy and overwhelming and a lounge can be a much nicer space to be in. It certainly helps my pre-flight nerves!
  • Maybe it’s a special occasion and you just want to treat yourself. What better way to start your journey than heading to the lounge before your flight?
  • Perhaps you are a regular flyer and would use airport lounges often enough that a membership scheme makes them cheaper than eating and drinking in the airport.

Airport lounges can be great in all these situations and worth paying for if any of these situations apply to you.

If you want to decide if airport lounges are worth it for you check out my cost comparison

How Do Airport Lounges Work?

How Do Airport Lounges Work?

There are several ways to get airport lounge access.

Buy Access to Airport Lounges Direct From The Operator

Some companies let you buy access to their lounge directly.

Aspire Lounges – they operate lots of lounges in the UK and Europe. You can check prices and buy access to lounges directly through their website.

Number 1 Lounges – this is one of the most popular lounges at London Gatwick, with lounges at London Heathrow and Birmingham airports too. You can buy access to their lounges through their website.

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Buy Lounge Access Via the Airport Website

Most airports will have a section on their website which covers premium services such as fast-track security, priority parking and airport lounge access.

  • Edinburgh Airport – you can book the Plaza Premium Lounge or Aspire lounge at Edinburgh via the airport website
  • Gatwick Airport – there are 6 lounges you book via the airport site including the Clubrooms
  • Manchester Airport – you can book the Escape Lounge or the premium 1903 Lounge on their website.

Buy Airport Lounge Access Online

Some holiday and travel sites also sell airport lounge access. You can sometimes get good deals but it is always worth comparing the prices with buying lounge access direct or via the airport.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that sometimes buying online via a deals site might be cheaper but access is only for 2 hours, not 3 hours which it can be if you buy direct.

  • Lounge Pass has a huge selection of lounges available to buy on a pay-as-you-go basis
  • LoungePair+ offers refundable lounge access vouchers & a hybrid membership scheme
  • HolidayExtras offers airport lounge membership discounts

✈️ Want Even More Comfort Before You Fly?

Check out these extras — perfect to combine with lounge access:

airport lounges post picture showing vip sign pointing to a lounge area

What’s Better? Pay as You Go Access or An Airport Lounge Membership Scheme?

The decision on whether to pay as you go or buy a membership lounge scheme really depends on several things;

  • Where you are travelling to and from
  • Whether you will have a guest with you
  • How many times you plan to use a lounge during the year

For shorter flights where you may have less time in the airport, it doesn’t always make sense to use an airport lounge.

Read More: Airport Lounge Membership Scheme Comparison

Read More: How to Find Cheap Airport Lounges

Buy or Gain Access To An Airport Lounge Via a Travel Credit Card

Some credit cards have travel perks as their rewards for card users. Some of these include free airport lounge access.

These cards may have a minimum spending or earning requirement and can have high-interest rates if you are not paying back in full each month. It’s always best to check the small print.

Some credit cards have free membership to an airport lounge membership scheme, but this could still mean that you need to pay each time you visit a lounge.

The Points Guy has details of the cards that offer lounge access. Most of them offer free airport lounge membership and a fee each time you visit.

The devil, as always, is in the detail.

Free membership is not the same as free access to airport lounges. Most of the offers promoted are free memberships with travellers still having to pay a fee to access the airport lounge.

Accessing Airport Lounges Through By Paying As You Go Or Through A Membership Scheme

If you plan to be travelling and using airport lounges frequently then using an airport lounge membership scheme might be the best option for you.

You generally need to be planning on using a lounge around 6 times or more to make it worth your while buying a membership. However, that depends on where you plan to travel and whether you will be alone or with a guest.

Read More: Airport Lounge Membership Vs. Pay As You Go Access

Airport Lounge Membership Schemes

There are several airport lounge membership schemes. Joining these schemes gives you access to airport lounges at a reduced rate. The two most popular schemes are;

Dragon Pass – operates throughout the world and is good value

Priority Pass – operates throughout the world, my preferred choice with Standard Plus being great value if you are using lounge 7-10 times a year

Priority Pass Airport Lounge Membership Scheme

Priority Pass is one of the biggest airport lounge membership providers.

It has 3 levels of membership;

  • Standard – £69 fee plus £24 per lounge visit
  • Standard Plus – £229 for 10 visits and then £24 per visit
  • Prestige – £419 unlimited lounge visits
Read More: My Ultimate Guide to Priority Pass Membership
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airport lounges post image showing woman on recliner chair in an airport lounge checking her phone

What are the Advantages of Using an Airport Lounge?

I always like to think of using an airport lounge as an upgrade to the airport experience.

Here are the main benefits.

More Comfortable Surroundings

Airport lounges are generally quieter than the main public spaces in an airport. This can make for a more relaxing pre-trip flight experience – ideal if you are a nervous flyer like me!

The seating in airport lounges is usually more comfortable with lounges offering a mix of seating, as well as tables, chairs and workstations.

Often there are nicer views with some airport lounges having runway views. This can be interesting to watch.

Enhanced WIFI

The WIFI isn’t time limited as it can be in many airports and it’s a better WIFI service allowing for streaming and downloading.

Workspaces and Charging Points

There are usually desks and sometimes work booths in airport lounges, making it easier to get some work done while you are waiting for your flight.

There are also plenty of charging points wherever you are sitting in the lounge.

Free Snacks and Drinks (Sometimes Meals)

All lounges have free snacks and drinks included. These often include alcoholic drinks, although some lounges may restrict the amount you have.

Some lounges serve hot meals too making them even better value.

airport lounges post image showing glass of wine and sandwich in airport lounge

Is Food Free in Airport Lounges?

Is Food Free in Airport Lounges?

Yes, there is always free food in airport lounges. Sometimes this may just be snacks. Some lounges have hot meals, some have a buffet. It varies from lounge to lounge.

All lounges have free food and drink.

What the food and drink is varies from lounge to lounge.

All lounges will have hot and cold drinks and snacks. Some offer hot food items such as soups, or self-service hot dishes. Some offer puddings, sweets and ice creams.

Most drinks in airport lounges are free, including alcoholic drinks. Some lounges charge a premium for drinks like champagne.

Is Everything Free in An Airport Lounge?

Is Alcohol Free in Airport Lounges?

Is Alcohol Free in Airport Lounges?

Yes, alcohol is free in airport lounges. Some lounges charge an extra fee for premium drinks such as champagne or special cocktails.

Remember that you still have to be fit to fly so be careful not to overdo it with free alcohol as you could be denied boarding for your flight.

Airport Lounge Showers

Some lounges have showers which are ideal if you have a connecting flight, or are in between longer haul flights for example. Being able to freshen up after a long journey makes travelling so much easier!

Entertainment Facilities in Airport Lounges

Some lounges have entertainment facilities such as gaming stations and film screens.

airport lounges post image showing man in comfy chair in airport lounge looking at a tablet

Pros and Cons of Using Airport Lounges

Pros

  • Airport lounges can be a fantastic way to upgrade your airport experience and make much better use of your time at the airport.
  • Using an airport lounge can work out cheaper than buying food and drink at the airport.
  • Airport lounges can be ideal if you find the noise and hustle of airports a bit overwhelming. They are a much calmer environment.

Cons

  • Some airport lounges restrict access at busy times to those who have booked direct. This can mean if you try and access a lounge through a membership scheme you might not be able to get in.

Tips For Using An Airport Lounge

  • Check what food and drink is available before you book as this might help decide if the airport lounge is good value or not.
  • If you are planning on using an airport lounge you need to know where it is. Airports can often have several lounges and they can be located in completely different parts of the airport, or in a different terminal. There are also different lounges for domestic and international flights.
  • You must show your boarding pass when to access an airport lounge however you booked.
  • Although alcohol may be free remember not to overindulge otherwise you could be denied boarding for your flight.

Airport Lounges – Conclusion

  • Airport lounges offer little sanctuaries of calm at airports for travellers who are prepared to pay to access them
  • They offer upgraded facilities, food and drink to leisure and business travellers
  • Airport lounges can be helpful for nervous flyers – it’s harder to be nervous when you are distracted by snacks!
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Airport Lounges FAQs

Are Airport Lounges 24/7?

It depends on the airport but generally speaking, they are not. Airport lounges generally close after the last flight departs and reopen 3 hours before the first flight of the day departs.

Do Airport Lounges Have Showers?

This depends on the lounge. Some lounges do and some lounges do not. You will need to check the facilities at the airport or lounge you are planning to use.

Useful Links

Priority Pass – exclusive discounts for my visitors, making Standard Plus membership especially great value

Lounge Pass – for one off access to airport lounges throughout the world

All My Airport Lounge Articles

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