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What Are Airport Lounges and Are They Worth It?
Written by Emily Jacobs
Included food and drink, private spaces and a chance to freshen up – when it comes to travel, it’s always a good idea to arrange access to an airport lounge.
Airport lounges are a sanctuary amid the chaos of busy terminals. These exclusive spaces promise little luxuries (additional seating and access to power outlets) and larger perks (like complimentary drinks and shower facilities) that can transform the pre-flight wait into a more relaxed, productive and enjoyable experience.
Read on to discover why lounge access allows you to extend that holiday feeling until the very last moment.
What are airport lounges?
Airport lounges are exclusive designated areas, usually found on the airside of a terminal, where travellers can enjoy additional benefits beyond the standard terminal experience. Most travellers gain access through airline affiliation, credit card affiliation, flying in first or business class or by purchasing a membership or day pass.
What are the benefits of an airport lounge?
It’s an easy way to stay connected (or get some work done)
Most airport terminals aren’t built with technology in mind, with limited power outlets and unreliable Wi-Fi. In contrast, an airport lounge has easy access to charging points and high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing guests to work efficiently, catch up with family and friends or stream their favourite show pre-flight.
They usually also have a raft of magazines and newspapers, perfect for catching up on recent events.
It’s quieter than the airport (and the seating’s better)
Most major transport hubs welcome thousands of guests a day. It can be hard enough to find a seat – let alone some peace and quiet – during peak hours. An airport lounge transforms waiting time, offering a serene space to decompress while waiting to board.
A limit on numbers means there are always enough seats, usually in various formations to suit your needs – desks for focused work, spaces for relaxing and, in some lounges, pods or nooks for private conversations.
Complimentary food and drinks come standard
One of the expenses often forgotten about when travelling is food at the airport. An airport lounge allows you to eliminate any surprises, with food and drink included. The standard can vary from lounge to lounge – at Melbourne International Airport, expect a la carte dining with waiter service, award-winning wines, classic cocktails and craft beer. Should you visit before 12pm, barista coffee, specialty teas and freshly made smoothies and juices will be waiting.
At Bali’s Denpasar Airport, a buffet of international and local dishes awaits; at Thailand’s Phuket Airport, the choice is yours at the Coral First Class Lounge, with both buffet and a la carte available. The Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai provides Moët & Chandon tastings paired with canapes crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, and the Swiss First-Class Lounge in Zurich features an impressive 1,000-bottle wine humidor.
They can be family-friendly
Airport lounges don’t just offer a reprieve for business travellers or peace seekers – they can also include kid-friendly facilities designed to keep little ones entertained for hours. From a PlayStation Room at Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 and 3) to a dedicated kids zone with games and activities at London Gatwick Airport, many larger lounges have something for the whole family.
It’s a great way to feel refreshed between flights
Having access to a shower in an airport lounge can be a game-changer for stopovers during long-haul flights. After hours of limited mobility, a shower provides a much-needed opportunity to refresh, recharge and rejuvenate, washing away the fatigue of a long journey. It also means you’ll feel better about hitting the ground running when you finally reach your destination. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has an entire wet room with a hot tub, sauna and steam room, while Etihad Airways Premium Lounges in Abu Dhabi boasts full spa treatments, a nail salon and even a trained barber.
Some lounges let you skip the boarding gate
Some airport lounges take pre-flight indulgence to the next level by allowing guests to board directly from the lounge, skipping the gate queue entirely. For example, Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai’s Concourse A enables passengers to walk straight from the lounge onto their flight. Similarly, Singapore Airlines’ First Class Check-In Reception escorts passengers from the curbside drop-off, through an exclusive immigration line and into the SilverKris Lounge, where the Passenger Relations team manages the check-in process.
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