Ways to enter airport lounges without a business class ticket.

As the number of people flying returns to pre-pandemic levels and even surpasses them in some cases, airports are becoming increasingly crowded. A recent survey conducted for The Independent shows that more and more passengers are relating to Jean-Paul Sartre’s belief that “hell is other people” and are opting to pay for access to airport lounges for a few hours before their flight.

What is the reason behind paying £30 or £40, potentially exceeding the cost of your flight, for this experience? These are the main inquiries and responses.

The area near the boarding gate where passengers wait for their flight is known as the “departure lounge.” Airport lounges, on the other hand, are more exclusive and offer complimentary food and drinks, more space for relaxation, and a designated work area. Some airport lounges also offer a great view of the airfield.

A lounge is often seen as a peaceful refuge for travelers, providing a sense of tranquility in contrast to the chaos of the outside world.

In a survey conducted on X (previously referred to as Twitter), 27% of the more than 13,000 participants reported that they had paid for lounge access during their last trip through a UK airport. An additional 24% stated that they were able to access lounges for free.

Not all lounges are equal, and indeed the classiest are those run by airlines for their commercially important passengers (CIPs). The first was opened at what is now New York’s La Guardia airport in 1939 by American Airlines. British Airways opened its first Executive Club at London Heathrow in the early 1980s. Concorde passengers were the initial beneficiaries.

One way to obtain access is by purchasing a business or first-class ticket. Another option is to attain frequent-flyer status, which typically requires spending a significant amount of money with the airline over time. This status is usually recognized within the Oneworld, Skyteam, and Star alliances.

In some regions, purchasing admittance to an airline lounge is not an option. However, in the United States, I have paid approximately $60 (£50) to American Airlines and United for entry to their lounges during extended layovers.

Except for The Gateway at Gatwick, operated by No 1 Lounges for easyJet, budget airlines typically do not offer lounges that can be used for a fee (although they may offer access as an add-on service). Passengers flying on discounted tickets with traditional airlines like British Airways are also unlikely to have access unless they have obtained elite status, such as through frequent business trips on BA or its Oneworld partners.

One way to access a lounge is by purchasing a ticket. The most affordable option I have come across in the UK is £18.99 per person for two people traveling together at easyJet’s The Gateway in Gatwick North Terminal. This price is for the first hour, while two hours costs £22.99 and three hours costs £27.99 per person.

Gatwick – the biggest budget-airline airport – has five pay-per-visit lounges at North Terminal and four at South Terminal, as well as dedicated airline lounges for British Airways and Emirates.

The standard price ranges from £30 to £40 for a period of two to three hours, while the 1903 Lounge at Manchester airport charges £50. Entry is only permitted up to 2 hours and 30 minutes before your scheduled flight. Our commitment is to provide meticulous attention, elegance, and exclusivity. Indulge in our high-quality food and drink options and experience a thoughtfully designed lounge that will transform your perspective. Enjoy a glass of champagne and take in the supposed “ultimate airfield view”.

The cost for access to the exclusive Clubrooms at Gatwick North is £45. This price covers fast-track security (typically £7) and additional amenities such as table service, a wider selection of complimentary food options, and cocktails. However, this option is not available for children under 12 and there is a dress code that does not permit tracksuits or sports jerseys. The Clubrooms are only open from 6am to 2:30pm, which aligns with the departure times of most flights from Gatwick North.

The availability of this service is subject to the lounge’s policy or level of activity. No 1 Lounges provides “assured delay coverage” and assures that guests can remain relaxed in the lounge until their scheduled departure time.

Kathy Lewis, one of the fans, shared with me that they prioritize comfort, tranquility, and minimal noise when attending events. They also appreciate the quality of the restrooms and the unlimited food and drinks available. The inclusion of WiFi is also a bonus. Overall, they believe that the price they pay is reasonable, especially when compared to the expensive options in the departure lounge.

Hannah Rostill mentioned that in July, she took her grandson to Crete from Bristol for a week during school holidays. She was aware of how crowded it can be, so she reserved a lounge. It was definitely worth it to have a reserved table instead of searching for seating. It was worth the additional cost.

Ian Naylor expressed his opinion that UK lounges are subpar compared to those in other countries, citing their overcrowded and rowdy atmosphere.

Shaun Sayers discussed the topic, stating that he is uncertain if all of these places are still peaceful enclaves. He also mentioned his last experience in one of them, which felt more like a family-friendly pub with complimentary and endless soup.

I have a yearly fee of £650 for my American Express Platinum credit card. One of the main perks is extensive travel insurance coverage that applies globally. Additionally, I receive complimentary entry to over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 140 countries through the Priority Pass program.

Most of the time, this operates smoothly. However, as the lounges become more and more popular, there are instances where I am unable to enter: in Toronto and Atlanta, the wait time was so lengthy that I would have missed my flight.

When purchasing directly from Priority Pass, there are three membership options available.

I enjoy visiting Wetherspoons, whether it’s at the airside location with a great view of the airfield at Stansted, or the landside location near the departure gates at Gatwick South. A cup of tea or coffee with unlimited refills is priced at £3.25.

Chris Dunn enjoys being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the main airport. He specifically mentions that Dublin airport is fantastic and he even mentions that he could relax with a pint of Guinness at the gate. However, he notes that this may not be the case for Ryanair gates, based on his personal experience.

Airport hotels offer an alternative option for day stays. The DayUse website offers a package for a stay at the Delta by Marriott near Edinburgh airport for £61 for two people, which includes access to the pool.

At some airports – Madeira in particular – the view from the outdoor terrace is so spectacular that it would be ridiculous to be inside.

These options are primarily for CIPs traveling on long-haul flights. An alternative is to book a day room at an airport hotel, such as Ibis Styles at Birmingham airport, which costs £55 for two people.

Better: I do not support alcohol-free lounges, and the one at Antalya airport in southern Turkey was not enjoyable. At the new, modern airport in Berlin, I was informed that my card was not valid for the designated lounge. However, I was able to use a QR code to purchase a delicious beer and sandwich from the airport cafe.

Revised: My Silver membership with British Airways’ Executive Club was revoked due to my lack of spending on flights, but I had a great experience at their Heathrow Terminal 5 lounges. They offered a variety of delicious food and drinks and convenient workspaces. However, the standout was Japan Airlines at Haneda airport in Tokyo, which provided a peaceful atmosphere, refreshing showers, and unlimited sushi.

Instead of just trusting me, let’s listen to what the experts have to say. Rhys Jones, who runs the website headforpoints.com, shares his advice for when the cost of a ticket is not a concern: “In the UK, we have a large number of lounges, particularly at Heathrow Terminal 3.”

The First Class Lounge of Cathay Pacific is my top choice, with its stunning airport views and a cozy dining area that offers both Asian and Western dishes.

If you’re searching for the top coffee, consider visiting the Qantas lounge. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is still considered the best business-class lounge in the UK.

The Pier First Class Lounge in Hong Kong, operated by Cathay Pacific, is my top choice for a lounge. It excels in every aspect, from its delicious customizable meals to luxurious showers, rejuvenating spa services, and exquisite decor.

Head for Points has an extensive assortment of evaluations of lounges in the UK.

Source: independent.co.uk