You hear the words ‘airport lounge’ and you automatically see lots of pound signs. But this facility is no longer the preserve of only VIPs, and along with the fair prices, there are many more reasons why you should consider making a booking…
Comfortable Seats
This may not be the most obvious of benefits to start with, but anyone who’s ever had to spend a considerable amount of time waiting around an airport terminal can appreciate the importance of settling down in a comfortable chair, even if it’s just for a short amount of time. Remember, you’ve either been sitting in on an aeroplane for a while or are about to get on one, so give your backside a break – you deserve it.
The Refreshments
Some form of food and drink is usually included in the price, and if you’re going to have a long wait in the terminal anyway, chances are you’ll be spending money on food there too. So by including this in the cost of your airport lounge booking, in some ways you’re actually saving a few quid.
The Chance to Freshen Up
Many of us accept that a long-haul flight with a transfer means staying in a sweaty state for much longer than you usually would. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Many airport lounges have shower facilities available to you can start the next leg of your journey in a slightly fresher condition than you usually would.
The Extras
But what if you don’t want to stop at a shower? Many airport lounges now include spa treatments (usually for an additional cost) so if you find you don’t have the time for such indulgences in your normal routine, now is the chance to treat yourself.
Convenience
Booking a short rest in an airport lounge is the opposite of stressful. Unlike other aspects of your holiday logistics, you can get it sorted in a very short space of time, with some sites letting you book along with your airport car parking, another facility that’s becoming increasingly popular with travellers.
Great for Families, Couples and Singles
Those people travelling with children are the ones probably most in need of an airport lounge break, but might also be the group most reluctant to take one because the concept of ‘peace and quiet’ doesn’t exactly fit with restless kids. However, airports know this, which is why they provide kids’ rooms suitable for different ages so everyone gets their own bit of peace in their own bit of the lounge and everyone’s happy.
The Cost
And now we come to perhaps the most important part. No, airports lounges aren’t the reserve of the privileged few and if you book in advance along with your airport car parking, you can often get prices from as little as £20 per adult and £10 per child for a 3-hour stay. When taking this in the context of your entire holiday budget, it doesn’t seem like quite so much, especially if you treat your airport lounge booking as a part of the actual holiday.
There are some things you just shouldn’t skimp on when it comes to a restful and relaxing holiday, and if a lengthy wait in the airport terminal is going to add to your stress levels, is it really worth saving those pounds when you could be relaxing in more peaceful and comfortable surroundings?