Are Airport Lounges Worth It? Here’s How to Work It Out

Last updated on February 24th, 2026 at 08:15 pm

Are you thinking of using an airport lounge?

Airport lounges can be better value than eating and drinking in the public area of the airport, but that depends on how often you plan to use lounges, whether you buy access as you go or through a membership scheme, and if you will be travelling with someone else.

Read on for a detailed comparison so you can work out whether airport lounges are worth it for you or just grab a great deal with Priority Pass right here.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It? Let’s Look at Airport Costs

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Airports can be expensive places to spend time, especially if you want to get something to eat or drink while you wait.

For this comparison, I am going to look at costs at Edinburgh Airport, given it’s an airport I use fairly frequently.

I’m going to base this comparison on travelling for a morning flight.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It UK?

Food and Drink Costs

• Wetherspoons operates at Edinburgh Airport. A regular breakfast costs around £12 and a coffee is around £3.50 – so that’s £15.50 for something to eat and drink.
• If you were to have a gin and mixer or a beer these would be another £6.50 each.
• One person for breakfast, coffee, and an alcoholic drink the cost is £23.00

WIFI Costs

• WIFI at Edinburgh Airport is free but only for 2 hours. For international flights where check-in can be 3-4 hours ahead of departure that’s not quite long enough.

Seating at Edinburgh Airport

• The public seating at Edinburgh airport is metal seats. These are distributed throughout the airport terminal. They are not very comfortable to sit on and certainly not for anything over an hour.
• There are some charging points throughout the airport but not at every seating area. There are more in cafes and restaurants.

Airport Lounges Worth It?

Lounges at Edinburgh Airport

• There are 3 airport lounges available at Edinburgh Airport.
• The Premium Plaza lounge is available for £33 per 3-hour booking.
• There is an Aspire Lounge at Edinburgh Airport. It is available for £40 per 3-hour visit.
• There is an Escape Lounge at Edinburgh Airport. It is available for £40 per 3 hour visit.
• These prices are based on booking directly with the lounge operator or through Edinburgh Airport.

Facilities include;

• Family booths
• Work booths with unlimited high-speed wifi
• Comfortable seating
• Charging sockets at each seating area
• Runway views
• Unlimited food and drink (menu below)

Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

How Do You Value Airport Lounge Access?

Lounge Access Includes Unlimited Drinks and Snacks

• In some lounges, there is an extra fee for premium drinks. Some lounges only provide snacks such as hot soup rather than full meals for example.
• If you are planning on eating a meal at the airport and having a couple of drinks then airport lounge access can easily pay for itself on food costs alone.

Lounges Have More Charging Points

• This is especially handy if you are doing a longer flight where devices might not last if you have used them for a long time at the airport.

Lounge Access Includes Unlimited Faster WIFI

• This is especially valuable if you plan on doing some work while you are in the airport.

Lounges Usually Have Comfier Seating

• If you are taking an international flight then having a more comfortable environment before the flight can ensure you board ready for your flight, feeling relaxed and ready to go rather than uncomfortable and sore.

You Can Stay in the Lounge if Your Flight is Delayed

• Airports can become crazy when flights are delayed as there is quickly a build-up of people which can overwhelm services, result in a lack of seats and there can also be a great deal of noise.
• If you are using a lounge and a flight is delayed you can stay in the lounge until your flight is ready to go. Whilst the lounge might also get busy they will restrict entry so it doesn’t become uncomfortable.

Airport Lounges are Quieter

• On a recent trip to Edinburgh Airport, the announcements ran continually for over 10 minutes – boarding calls, departure calls, and gate changes. It can make airports an overwhelming place to be and senses can easily get overloaded.
• Thankfully most lounges rely on displays rather than announcements making them a little oasis of calm.

Airport Lounges are Better for Nervous Flyers

• Airports can be overwhelming, noisy, full of people, and all that can add to any stress you might have about flying. Airport lounges are quieter, calmer spaces that feel like a special treat. It’s harder to be nervous about a flight when there is free food and drink to graze on, along with comfy seating and generally great views.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

Airport Lounge Visits Costs When Using Priority Pass

You can access either of the Aspire Lounges at Edinburgh Airport via Priority Pass.

Here are the costs per visit.

I have special readers rates available which I have used in these calculations. Standard Membership is £48 instead of £69 and Standard Plus Membership is £206 instead of £229.

Priority Pass Standard Membership Visit Costs

Number of Visits	Total Cost	Cost Per Visit
1 visit	£72	£72
2 visits	£96	£48
3 visits	£120	£40
4 visits	£144	£36
5 visits	£168	£33.60
6 visits	£192	£32
7 visits	Standard Plus Membership Better Option

Priority Pass Standard Plus Airport Lounge Visit Costs

Number of Visits	Yearly Cost	Cost Per Visit
7 visits	£206	£29.42
8 visits	£206	£25.75
9 visits	£206	£22.88
10 visits	£206	£20.60
11 visits	£230	£20.90
12 visits	£254	£21.16
13 visits	£278	£21.38
14 visits	£302	£21.57
15 visits	£326	£21.73
16 visits	£350	£21.87
17 visits	£374	£22
18 Visits	£398	£22.11
19 Visits	£422	Prestige Better Option

Priority Pass Prestige Membership Costs

Number of Visits	Total Cost	Cost Per Visit
18 visits	£419	£23.27
19 visits	£419	£22.05
20 visits	£419	£20.95
25 visits	£419	£16.76
30 visits	£419	£13.96

Are Airport Lounges Worth It? FAQs

Are Airport Lounges Worth It? – Conclusion

• If you eat and drink at the airport then airport lounge access can often work out to be the same price as an airport meal – making it great value when you think of all those included extras!
• If you plan to use an airport lounge 3 or more times a year then membership through a scheme such as Priority Pass is worth it.
• For less than 3 visits a year pay as you go is likely to be your best option. Holidayextras have great deals for occassional lounge use and so does LoungePair+

• Are Airport Lounges Worth It? – Here’s How to Work It Out
• Airport Lounge Membership Comparison – compare the schemes to find the best one for you
• Airport Lounge Pass vs PAYG Access – Which is Better?
• Cheap Airport Lounges – Find Your Best Deal Quickly

You can find lots more information on my Airport Lounges page