Have you booked a long-haul business trip with only a lengthy wait in the terminal in sight? Why not book into an Airport Lounge? Whether booked through your corporate travel management company or not, exclusive lounges can be an area of solace, due to the peaceful setting, for bogged-down business travellers.
Here are 4 reasons why Airport Lounges are perfect for the modern business traveller…
Escape the crowds
There are a variety of advantages of airport lounges, starting with the peace it provides for most business travellers. They provide an area for relaxation in peaceful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals, whilst providing business facilities for catching up on some last minute work before your flight.
Stock up on refreshments
Abundant in complimentary food and drinks, airline lounges offer free light refreshments and drinks, sometimes alcoholic beverages, to soothe the belly of road warriors about to take his or her flight. From delicious breakfasts with pastries and fresh juices to start the day off right to a wide range of cold and hot meals, its a perfect way to eat rather than take pot luck on what is available to buy on many short haul flights or if there is a long wait for food on a long haul flight.
Catch up on some last minute work
High-speed internet connection, comfortable seating and spacious work areas mean business travellers have all they need to catch up on emails or make changes to last minute presentations. The peaceful atmosphere gives you the head space to get on with the task at hand, not usually experienced within the crowded terminals themselves.
Catch up on some “bleisure” time
If you don’t have an opportunity to add any bleisure time to your business trip, then moments of solace within an airport lounge can be the perfect opportunity to unwind, really taking care of traveller wellbeing. With some business lounges offering a variety of facilities such as, games rooms, en-suite bedrooms, mini cinema, spa services, shower facilities and even a gym.
Here are our personal favourite lounges in the UK
Some of the best lounges are for airline frequent flyers only, exclusive to their members, with particularly good offerings from airlines such as Emirates, Virgin, KLM/Air France, Delta Sky Club, and Etihad. If you don’t have access to a lounge membership or are at airports where airlines don’t have their own, then here are some of our favourites…
Birmingham Airport – No 1 Lounge
An attractive and elegant airport lounge features a bistro menu, plenty of natural light and free Wi-Fi. Guests are invited to dine in style with top-class food and beverages in the runway views. There is a champagne package also available.
Belfast International Airport – Causeway Lounge
Private work spaces available with free Wi-Fi and plenty of natural light, this inviting spacious lounge is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike. Hard work can be rewarded with a complimentary beer, delicious treats can be devoured and deep leather chairs offer a little sanctuary away from the airport crowds during peak travel times.
Edinburgh Airport – Aspire Lounge
With private areas ideal for business meetings, wide sofas drenched in natural light and stylish tables in which to dine, this lounge experience offers the lot. The business amenities match its modern design too; be entertained by flat-screen televisions, use the Wi-Fi to connect with friends, charge up your phone and tablet using the personal charging stations, all before you fly.
Humberside Airport – Aspire Lounge
Take advantage of the quiet at this lounge used by many in the oil and gas sector; relax in comfortable armchairs with individual reading lamps and get lost in your novel. Free Wi-Fi is advantageous for business and leisure passengers alike.
Heathrow T4 – Plaza Premium Lounge
Offering runway views, this light and airy lounge offers all the usual wellness services that we have come to expect from the Plaza Premium brand. A well-stocked bar will keep thirst at bay, while the free shower facilities will make sure you leave London feeling refreshed. Light refreshments are also available and so is Wi-Fi.
So next time you are travelling on business, why not request an airport lounge with your corporate travel agent, who will be able to take care of this behind the scenes.