Lounge before flying

According to trade journal Travel Trade Gazette, bookings of airport lounges by passengers might have been expected to fall during the recession, but the reverse has happened.

Business travellers, it seems, are prepared to travel economy to ensure cheaper fares, with some of the savings diverted to ensure more comfort at the airport.

Jonathan French, marketing manager at Priority Travel Group, which operates Loungepass.com, says: “People going on holiday want to make it special. They are fed up with noisy airports and for just £18, you can get something to eat and drink, comfortable seating and some peace and quiet.”

Holiday Extras reports a 20 per cent increase in direct lounge bookings this year, partly because travel agents are keener to sell them, as add-ons to holiday packages to boost their commission.

According to Helen Gillilan at Holiday Extras, the highest growth in lounge bookings has been at Manchester’s new Terminal 1 Lounge, up 89 per cent, and Leeds Bradford’s new Premier Lounge, up by 180 per cent.

“More customers are trying them, and recommending them to friends and families,” she says.

Holidayextras.co.uk offers lounges at 21 UK airports, and has recently added lounges at Barcelona and Malta International airports as the craze catches on.

Airlines have often set the style for best-designed lounges: Virgin’s v-room for its own passengers has been a big hit at Gatwick, and a second will open in Manchester Airport in July.

The Gatwick lounge includes areas for dedicated gaming and soft play, plus an adults only section. Manchester will provide hot and cold buffets, a bar and separate children’s area complete with wall-size gaming screen.

Gatwick’s v-room costs £20 per adult, £12 per child, with passengers allowed to stay until their flights are called.

Regional airports are also improving standard lounge facilities: Manchester airport has two Escape lounges, and Lounge T2 attracted more than 60,000 visitors a year.

The Leeds Bradford Premier Lounge has unlimited hot and cold drinks with bar service for £16. Gatwick North Terminal now has a “superlounge” which includes a mini-cinema, games room, spa and family rooms.