Do budget travelers need a lounge?

Many airports have lounges (comfortable waiting areas)—a recreation area at the airport where passengers can comfortably spend time while waiting for their flight. As a rule, they belong to an airline, an alliance, or simply the airport.

How to access an airport lounge?

There are several ways to get into a lounge. First- and business-class passengers are admitted, as well as frequent flyers holding silver or gold cards from an airline’s or alliance’s loyalty program. Access to the lounge can also be granted to holders of cards like Priority Pass or gold or silver cards from certain banks. However, not all passengers know that any passenger can use the services of some lounges simply by paying for it. The cost of visiting a lounge is about 30 - 40 euros for 3 hours; if the stay is unlimited, the more hours you take, the cheaper it becomes. If you pay for access online in advance, it will be cheaper. Inexpensive lounges are available at airports serving low-cost airlines, for example, in Luton or Stansted in London (but some services there are paid, such as internet).

What are the advantages of lounges and how do they relate to budget travel?

The thing is, during long layovers, you have to spend quite a lot of time at the airport. Food and drinks there are quite expensive, chairs are uncomfortable, sleeping during peak hours will be almost impossible, and what to do if you forgot to bring your favorite book. In such cases, access to a lounge comes to the rescue. The advantages of lounges include:

• Comfortable armchairs and sofas,

some lounges even have a sleeping area with sun loungers.

• Free drinks (water, juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks), sometimes alcohol is also included in the price.

• Free food (usually light snacks, sandwiches; some lounges offer a decent buffet where you can have a full meal)

• Just like in a regular waiting area, the lounge has a display board with information about all flights.
• To keep passengers entertained, TVs, newspapers, and magazines are available.
• Free Wi-Fi, and some lounges also have special rooms with computers and office equipment (printer, fax, copier)

• Almost all lounges have showers, and if you are lucky enough to get into a VIP-lounge (access there is much more expensive and a pass must be booked in advance), you can relax in a spa center or massage room, swim in a pool, and dine like in an expensive restaurant.

If you sum up your airport expenses for internet, drinks, and food, then visiting a lounge will most likely be cheaper for you. Especially if you are traveling with children (in some lounges, children’s stay is not charged or a significant discount is provided). Detailed information about lounge prices and services can be found on the website of the airport where your layover is planned, or on the website: www.loungeguide.net.