Long haul business trip booked with only a lengthy wait in the terminal in sight? Why not book into an Airport Lounge? Whether booked through your travel management company or not, Airport lounges can be an area of solace for bogged down business travellers.
Here are 4 reasons why Airport Lounges are perfect for the modern business traveller…
#1 Escape the crowds
Airport lounges can often be a place of solace for most corporate travellers. They provide an area for relaxation in peaceful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of busy terminals, whilst providing essential facilities for catching up on some last minute work before your flight.
#2 Stock up on refreshments
Abundant in delicious food and drinks, airport lounge access offers free light refreshments and drinks 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 dishes, 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.
#3 Catch up on some last minute work
WiFi charge points, 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 terminals themselves.
#4 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 lounges offering games rooms, en-suite bedrooms, mini cinema, spa facilities and even a gym (especially helpful when undertaking business travel on a diet)
Here are my personal favourite lounges in the UK
Some of the best lounges are for airline frequent fliers only, exclusive to their members, with particularly good offerings from airlines such as Emirates, Virgin, KLM/Air France and Etihad. If you dont have access to these or are at airports where airlines dont have their own, then here are some of my favorites…
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 drink 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.
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 smart lounge offers the lot. The 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 luxuries that we have come to expect from the Plaza Premium brand. A well-stocked bar will keep thirst at bay, while free showers will make sure you leave London feeling refreshed. Light refreshments are available and so is Wi-Fi.
So next time you are travelling on business, why not request a lounge with your corporate travel agent, who will be able to take care of this behind the scenes.
