Airport lounges look really comfy, but are they REALLY worth the price? In other words, should you stay in an airport lounge on your next trip?
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Should you stay in an airport lounge on your next trip?
Airports can be stressful, buzzing with people and it’s easy to get lost.
According to many one of the best ways to make an airport experience more comfortable and enjoyable is by accessing an airport lounge.
But is it worth it? That’s the question I’m going to try to answer in this article.
What is an airport lounge?
Let’s start off with what is an airport lounge? Well, the name is pretty self-explanatory. An airport lounge is a private space within the airport. Airport lounges often provide lounge users with amenities and services.
How to access a lounge?
Access to lounges is usually restricted to passengers who meet certain criteria, such as :
- passengers flying in first or business class,
- elite status members in a loyalty program, or
- passengers who purchased a lounge membership.
But what if you don’t meet these criteria? Can you still access a lounge?
Well it depends, some lounges offer daily passes for a certain fee typically around 50 – 70 dollars (for example the Swiss lounge in Zurich offers this possibility).
Lounge amenities
Airport lounges ultimately are designed to offer passengers a comfortable and relaxing environment away from the buzzing airport terminal while they wait for their flights.
Seats
The seats in a lounge will tend to be more comfortable that the seats you’ll find in the main airport terminal.
Peace and quiet
Lounges will also usually have quiet areas for relaxation, business facilities, and even private sleeping rooms on some occasions.
If you are traveling for work a lounge is an interesting option for you.
Food and drinks
One of the most significant benefits of airport lounges is the complimentary food and drink options.
Many lounges will offer a range of snacks, light meals, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The quality of the food and drink offerings can vary depending on the lounge and the airline, but many lounges offer a wide variety of options. Some lounges even have full-service restaurants, where passengers can order from a menu and have food brought to their table.
Wi-Fi
Airport lounges typically offer high-speed Wi-Fi. In comparison to the free airport Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi offered in the airport lounges is typically faster and more reliable.
This can be especially important for business travelers who need to stay connected to their work while on the go.
Business amenities
Lounges will often have business amenities available such as workstations (private workstations, desk chairs, and power outlets), printers, and meeting rooms.
Showers
Some airport lounges offer shower facilities to freshen up before your next flight. These showers are typically clean and well-maintained, and they come with amenities such as towels, shampoo, and soap.
In which cases is an Airport lounge worth it?
An airport lounge can be worth it in the following conditions :
- If you have a long layover, and it’s not worth going to visit the city in which you have a layover.
- If you are traveling for business reasons, then a lounge with business amenities will make the most of your time at the airport.
- If you already have a free access to the lounge in question.
- If the lounge has a wide range of free complementary foods and drinks and the daily pass is affordable. In some cases, getting a daily pass is cheaper than buying food and drinks at the airport, so you might as well indulge in this type of pass.
Examples of daily lounge pass
Please keep in mind that prices and conditions are subject to change, and we recommend you check the current prices on the airport’s website.
- Zurich : Aspire Lounge USD 42.95 per adult
- Berlin : Lounge Tempelhof starting from aprox. USD 52.
- Frankfurt : Primeclass lounge starting from aprox. USD 49 for 3 hours.
Differences between lounges
Overall, airport lounges offer a range of benefits that can make your airport experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
It’s important to note that not all airport lounges are created equal. The quality of the amenities and services can vary depending on the lounge and the airline, so it’s worth doing some research beforehand to find the best option for your needs.
Some lounges may have a dress code or other restrictions, so be sure to check the rules before you arrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, airport lounges can be a valuable and enjoyable addition to your travel experience. With comfortable seating, complimentary food and drink, high-speed Wi-Fi, business amenities, shower facilities, and customer service, airport lounges can help make your time in the airport more relaxing and productive. While access to airport lounges is often limited, there are options available for purchasing lounge memberships, day passes, or credit cards with lounge access benefits. So next time you’re at the airport, consider treating yourself to the luxury of an airport lounge.
