Do you think you need access to airport lounges? If so, why? If you need to ponder the question, you’re probably not a frequent traveler, who’s been bumped from planes or missed connections. It’s unlikely you know the interiors of airports as if they were second homes.
Those traveling in business or in first class internationally don’t need to join a club. Paying big bucks for plane tickets usually entitles them to a guest pass. It’s the least an airline can do to show its gratitude. It may not sound like a big deal. But, for passengers with connecting flights and a lengthy layover, these retreats can be godsends.
Some clubs/lounges are clearly better than others. For example, I haven’t been overwhelmed by the Red Carpet Clubs in the U.S. The ones is Asia (for that matter anywhere but in the U.S.) are so much nicer.
There are some airport clubs, where no one would be devastated, if they were stranded for the night. These clubs come complete with hot and cold running food, lounge chairs where someone can sleep (some even have a sleeping room) and a large selection of libations. Lucky passengers can have a free massage then continue on to their next destination in a more relaxed, Zen-like, state.
If you’ve decided to join a lounge, what would you like to find?
The following are a few suggestions on my list. Please, feel free to add more.
– peace and quiet
– enough area in the lounge so passengers don’t feel as if they’re sitting on each other’s laps
– separate areas for children
– good food and good beverages; alcoholic ones should be free
– an extensive assortment of newspapers and magazines – in different languages
– large flat-screen TVs with different broadcast channels. Not everyone wants to watch the news or sports
– a business area with computers, printers, copiers and even a fax
– plenty of plugs including multi-standard ones; there should be a collection of electrical cords and adapters that may be used in the lounge
– free WiFi
Moving right along:
– well maintained washrooms and showers available for passengers with a long layover or who want to clean up before proceeding to the next destination
– sufficient amenities in the event travelers can’t put their hands on a toothbrush, etc.
– quiet areas that are designated for people who want to sleep in a lounge chair, chaise or massage chair where cell phones are forbidden
- Band-aids and simple medications (e.g. Tylenol, Tums) for heart-burn and headaches, so club members aren’t forced to leave the premises to find a pharmacy
Club members voice that they want personnel staffing the clubs, who are qualified and are authorized to provide VIP service, can answer questions and solve problems.
Additional things on travelers’ wish lists:
– Priority check-in facilities for passengers and their luggage
– Announcements at boarding time in the lounge so people aren’t forced to continually check the airlines’ monitors
Some say the ultimate perk (other than better-than-usual customer service) would be having a door on the outside of the security perimeter that leads directly to the screening area. And a special exit area for club members to use when boarding flights – so they aren’t forced to wait with other passengers.
What would provide you the incentive to part with hundreds of dollars to become a club member?
Realize, there’s nothing wrong with sitting in an airport’s concourse (most have WiFi) and new restaurants and bars inside the departure areas are finding that captive travelers spend real money eating and drinking because it’s a good way to fill time.
If you belong to an airline club, which ones do you consider the cream of the crop? And which clubs do you think are the worst?
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris
Karen Fawcett loves to travel anywhere. Karen was a founder & president BonjourParis.com while living in Paris for more than 25 years. She has traveled across Europe and the rest of the world. She is now based in Washington, DC.
