Not too many years ago, the airport lounge was widely considered to be the domain of those with money to burn or business travellers making the most of their expenses.
However, those days are thankfully long gone and many airports now offer travellers with a variety of budgets the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the terminals and relax in an oasis of calm before their flight.
From comfortable seating and refreshments to packages that include massages and cinema access, an airport lounge certainly starts your holiday off in style. It could well be one of the best travel decisions you make.
Here are a few top reasons why:
1. Wine and dine
An airport lounge will offer you the chance to fuel up before your flight. Many packages will include complimentary hot and cold food - ideal if you are a traveller who struggles to get enthusiastic about the meals on the plane or prefers to have a little more choice over what you consume. You are also likely to gain access to a fully tended bar, so whether you are parched and in need of a soft drink or looking to clink glasses with your travelling companion as you head off on holiday, you will find yourself able to do so at your leisure.
2. Stay connected
Perhaps you are waiting for a connecting flight and want to let your loved ones know where in the world you are, or alternatively, you might need want to do a little bit more holiday research whilst waiting to take off. Airport lounges offer WiFi facilities as well as computer stations to help you stay connected whilst on the move - no need to fight over the basic facilities that may or may not be available in the public terminal.
Related: What is WiFi?
3. Freshen up
A long day or night of travelling can certainly leave you feeling a little worse for wear and even (dare we say) grubby. But should you book the airport lounge, this can soon be remedied with a little freshening up. Many airport lounges offer showers and changing facilities, equipped with towels and all the essentials you might need to get out of your travelling clothes and back to your best.
4. Enjoy entertainment
Let's face it, waiting for a flight can be a slightly dull task; particularly if you are not interested in spending all your holiday money in Duty Free. An airport lounge will offer a range of entertainment options from newspapers and magazines to TV and music. Some even offer state of the art cinemas - the waiting time will pass in a flash.
5. Relax in peace
An airport lounge has been designed to provide a measure of comfort above the hard, plastic seats of the terminal. Depending on your package you could expect soft, comfortable seats designed to help you relax or even places to nap or enjoy a rejuvenating massage before your flight. All the while enjoying the peace and quiet that reigns supreme away from the noise and crowds milling around outside.
Stop and unwind in an airport lounge with 10% off when you book with Saga. Find out more here.
