Premium airport lounge: pros, cons and what to expect

What’s the difference between a standard airport lounge and a premium lounge?

• A standard airport lounge offers a more comfortable and quieter experience than the airport terminal, with an all-you-can-eat buffet, plenty of plug sockets and private toilets
• A premium airport lounge delivers a premium experience, with elevated amenities such as hot chef-cooked meals, spa treatments and sleeping rooms

An airport lounge typically delivers a more comfortable and relaxing experience than the main terminal building. This makes lounges a great option for nervous flyers, passengers who need to get some work done while in transit and those who simply enjoy a calmer atmosphere.

But not all lounges offer the same level of service. Indeed, while standard airport lounges provide an elevated experience compared to the main airport, opt for a premium lounge..

Airport lounge vs premium airport lounge: what to expect

One airport lounge may offer a very different experience to another. Indeed, premium airport lounges typically have higher levels of premium amenities and service compared to standard lounges, as well as a different overall vibe.

Accessing airport lounges

One of the biggest differences between a standard airport lounge and a premium airport lounge is how you access them.

Standard airport lounges can generally be booked through the airport or a third party lounge scheme on a pay-per-use or day pass basis – and, as long as they’re not too busy, you can usually pay on the door too.

In contrast, premium lounges are a higher-end option, with access often restricted to business and first-class passengers, top-tier frequent flyers, or holders of certain high-tier credit cards. Furthermore, some are invite-only. Generally, paid access is not available.

Standard airport lounges

Standard airport lounge brands include Aspire, Escape and No1 Lounges. You can usually identify standard lounges by the fact they’re not tied to a specific airline.

So, you’ve paid into a standard airport lounge. What can you expect?

Most standard airport lounges offer more comfortable seating and a much quieter and calmer atmosphere than you’ll find in the main terminal. There is usually a buffet-style all-you-can-eat bar with light bites and snacks, and a bar stocked with complimentary soft drinks as well as wine, beer and basic spirits. You can also drink as much tea and coffee as you like.

Standard airport lounges also usually have their own toilet facilities, and some have showers, which are very welcome during long layovers. Need to charge your phone or power bank, or get some work done? The vast majority of lounges have free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets, while some also have basic business facilities like desks and printers.

Premium airport lounges

Meanwhile, premium airport lounges promise an all-round elevated experience. While standard airport lounges aim to offer more comfort and convenience than the terminal, premium lounges deliver grandeur akin to an upscale hotel or private club, with plenty of private perks on offer.

Premium lounges are usually tied to a specific airline, or in some cases, a credit card, with examples including British Airways Galleries First at London Heathrow, Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai, Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha and American Express Centurion Lounges.

Here’s a look at what to expect inside.

Premium airport lounges tend to be more luxurious, more spacious and more tranquil than standard lounges. Instead of a buffet set up with snacks, you’ll often be offered hot, à la carte meals, accompanied by champagne, cocktails and premium wines. Furthermore, some lounges are home to fine dining restaurants. The coffee machine is switched out with a barista and, if there is a buffet, it will be prepared by a chef.

What else? Premium lounges often encompass showers, stocked with premium toiletries and nap pods or sleeping rooms. You may also be able to enjoy indulgent spa treatments within the lounge, which is a dream during long-haul journeys in particular.

Some premium lounges also offer direct boarding from the lounge itself, so there’s no need to queue up at the gate, and no worries about missing your flight.

What is the advantage of an airport lounge?

The major advantage of booking into a lounge is that they offer a more comfortable and less stressful airport experience.

You’ll have access to a quieter, more relaxed space, away from often-crowded departure halls, with more comfortable seating. Furthermore, while many travellers would assume that paying into a standard lounge would increase their airport spending, if you’re hungry (and thirsty), the complimentary buffet means it can actually work out cheaper than buying expensive food and drink in the terminal!

Need to get some work done during your time at the airport? Airport lounges are set up with amenities to help you up your productivity. And if you’re on a lengthy journey, or in the midst of a long layover, lounges often have showers, allowing you to arrive feeling way more refreshed than you otherwise would have.

Is it worth paying for an airport lounge?

It can be worth paying for an airport lounge, but it depends on what you’re looking for from your travel experience. If you simply want to navigate the airport while spending as little as possible, then opting for a lounge is unlikely to be the right decision. However, if you want to enjoy a comfortable, stress-free experience – and if you’re planning to get a meal or some drinks in the airport – a standard lounge can be more than worth the entry fee!

Indeed, paying fees of around £25-£35 to access a lounge’s complimentary buffet can often work out as significantly cheaper than opting for an expensive sit down dinner in an airport. And if you’d like to indulge in a glass of wine or two or a couple of cocktails ahead of your flight, you can save even more money by opting for a lounge, where the drinks are included.

FAQ

Does premium economy get lounge access?

No, premium economy does not usually come with lounge access as standard, although there are a few exceptions such as ANA, and SAS Plus passengers on Scandinavian Airlines’ flights within Europe. But generally, if premium economy travellers want to access a lounge, they’ll need to either use credit card or frequent flier programme perks, join a third party lounge access scheme, or simply pay for a day pass.

Are airport lounges free of cost?

Airport lounges are not free, but certain travellers can access them without paying at the door.

First, if you’re flying first class or business class, your ticket will often include lounge access. Similarly, if you have elite status with your airline – perhaps you’ve signed up to a loyalty programme, or are classed as a frequent flier – you may get complimentary access to certain airport lounges.

There are also third-party lounge membership programmes, useful for frequent fliers. These schemes charge a fee in exchange for access to thousands of lounges worldwide. Furthermore, some airlines sell annual memberships to their lounges.

Many credit cards also include airport lounge access as a perk, and some offer guest passes too. Other options include corporate travel programmes and hotel packages (some high-end hotel loyalty schemes also include lounge access).

If you are willing to pay extra in exchange for premium lounge access, look for those that allow you to buy a day pass from your airline.

How much does it cost to use the airport lounge?

The short answer is that it depends on the lounge! The cost of paying on the door of an airport lounge depends on a combination of factors including the lounge brand, the level of premium service and amenities on offer, and the country, city and airport you’re in.

In the UK, for example, one-off lounge entry usually costs somewhere between £25 and £50 for adults, and £15 and £50 for children.

If you’re a frequent flier and want to cut lounge costs, you can join a third-party lounge programme and pay a subscription fee for unlimited lounge usage. Or, sign up to a credit card that includes premium lounge access as a perk.

Remember – not all airport lounges will allow you to pay on the door. Entry to some premium lounges are available only to passengers with first or business class tickets, certain high-tier credit cards, or those with elite airline status. And some are invite-only.

Is there a dress code for airport lounges?

Airport lounges do typically have some sort of policy around what you can and can’t wear inside. However, these dress codes are typically smart-casual and not very strict, which means most passengers are unlikely to be turned away due to inappropriate attire.

For example, most airport lounges are fine with jeans, clean trainers, shorts, dresses and polo shirts etc. Items of clothing you may be turned away for include fancy dress, sports kits, beachwear or excessively ripped or dirty clothing. However, be aware that premium lounges often have stricter dress codes than standard airport lounges.