To answer my own question. Heck yes they are! Airport VIP lounges are a must-do.
If there’s a VIP lounge in an airport, I’m in it. I even plan to arrive a little early in order to take full advantage of the lounge and all its wonderful amenities.
Don’t get me wrong, I love airport terminals. The excitement, hustle and bustle but I don’t want to share my space squeezed alongside strangers on hard seats, carry-on bag wedged between my legs and unable to use the bathroom or go and buy a drink without fear of someone swooping into my spot before my behind has barely left the seat.
Why use an airport VIP lounge?
For me, the airport VIP lounge is a quiet escape and a time to relax and ponder my imminent journey, catch up with some work, or, on occasions, enjoy a glass of fizz (or two) and some tasty snacks before heading off on a much-needed vacation.
Other advantages (apart from the fizz and snacks, oh and did I mention the free magazines) are the pleasant bathroom facilities, free wifi and comfortable seats with power outlets. All in all a world away from the chaos that is the main part of the terminal, especially during school holidays and other key dates throughout the year.
How to access an airport VIP lounge
There are a number of ways to access a VIP airport lounges. Flying business class with most airlines gives you free access, some major credit cards include lounge access as a perk. Many lounges have a pay-as-you-use option with cheaper rates available by contacting me for the best rates.
Do I have any favourite airport VIP lounges, hmm, difficult question. I would say my favourite, quite surprisingly, is the 1903 Lounge at Manchester airport in the UK.
This recently-opened lounge is adults only, with hot food available on request throughout the day. It is small and intimate with views across the runway, a great choice of drinks, with or without alcohol and is a perfect retreat from the madness which is Manchester airport at any time of the year.
I use Manchester airport quite frequently when visiting my parents and it has to have one of the worst organised security areas I have ever had the misfortune to pass through. The only thing that gets me through the insanity is knowing a pleasant welcome awaits me at the 1903 lounge.
The cost of using a lounge can cost the same as what you would spend on an overpriced sandwich and a drink in the main part of the terminal. With food and drink included, along with a comfy non-cramped seat and some peace and quiet, I know where I would rather be!
Do your research before you go to the airport, check the availability of VIP lounges, especially in large, multi-terminal airports. Work out where your chosen lounge is located so you don’t waste time getting lost after you pass through security.
WIFI is usually free in the lounges so remember to ask for the password when you check in at the reception desk. Need to charge your devices, most seat areas will have charging points or power sockets.
Most airport VIP lounges have departure boards so you can ensure you don’t arrive at the gate late after enjoying all the wonderful facilities.
Airport VIP lounge courtesy
Many lounges have a dress code, not too strict as a rule but ripped shorts, tank tops or fancy dress would not be appropriate.
Although food and drink is included in the admission fee, remember to be respectful of other users. When a fresh tray of delicious food comes out, don’t load your plate like you’re in a cheap Vegas buffet, leave some for others and remember you can go back for more!
Same applies to over-indulging in the free alcohol, you don’t want to be offloaded from your flight because you took way too much advantage of the free-flowing booze!
Without being snobbish (ok maybe a little) particularly in the UK, admission fees of lounges at some airports have dropped so low that they have become almost as busy as the main terminal, overcrowded, grubby and less of a pleasant experience, so if there is a choice, choose your airport VIP lounge wisely!
