Are the private airport lounges worth the extra cost?

breadlinebetty

I'm flying from Gatwick soon (only short haul) but am considering booking one of the lounges that does free drinks and food etc.

I've never used these lounges before and am wondering if they are worth the cost?

I have used the club lounges - that was when I was lucky enough to fly club etc and the use of the club class lounge was included in my air fair.

Are these bookable lounges like the Club class lounges are? Do you get all the same privileges, comfort, wi-fi, food and drinks etc? I remember the lounges were very quiet and comfortable...are the bookable ones like that too?

Basically, are they worth the extra cost if you're only going to pop in there for an hour or so?

Doshwaster

In general the "paid for" lounges aren't as good as the airline Club lounges (certainly those from BA and Virgin, other airline's lounges vary). The airlines lounges tend to have better facilities and better food plus airline staff on hand to handle any problems with your flight.

Whether they are worth it depends. It's not that difficult to spend £15-20 each on drinks in the airport bar but they probably aren't worth it just for a comfier seat and a cup of coffee.

zagfles

Doshwaster wrote: »

In general the "paid for" lounges aren't as good as the airline Club lounges (certainly those from BA and Virgin, other airline's lounges vary). The airlines lounges tend to have better facilities and better food plus airline staff on hand to handle any problems with your flight.

Whether they are worth it depends. It's not that difficult to spend £15-20 each on drinks in the airport bar but they probably aren't worth it just for a comfier seat and a cup of coffee.

Do you get free booze in them? If so probably a bargain for a group of lads on a stag weekend to Prague etc :rotfl:I think I'll sit with the plebs.

maibobs

used one last year, managed to get a voucher code so only paid 10.00 per person, thought it was just ok . glad we only paid 10.00 the food was just snacks , crisps , no sandwiches or real food, good if you wanted to get a few drinks down you, but you have to be careful they wont leave you on the flight if you have had a few to many, think its better value to buy in the duty free airport shop, and drink your own,

malkie76

Are these bookable lounges like the Club class lounges are?

No.

Do you get all the same privileges, comfort, wi-fi, food and drinks etc?

No.

I remember the lounges were very quiet and comfortable...are the bookable ones like that too?

No.

Doshwater is spot on. If it's part of your ticket to use a lounge then great (ie some carriers at some airports use these third party lounges). Premium (ie no option to pay) lounges on the most part are far superior.

Premium lounges come into their own in situations such as night flights out of the US, where you can enjoy a decent three course dinner in the lounge prior to getting on board and go straight to sleep in a flat bed. Then a decent hot breakfast upon arrival before having a shower while your suit is pressed.

Remember thought, it's just a room in an airport

Diane60

zagfles wrote: »

Do you get free booze in them? If so probably a bargain for a group of lads on a stag weekend to Prague etc :rotfl:I think I'll sit with the plebs.

Under the term and conditions Serviceair do not admit single sex groups also people are not admited wearing shorts, baseball caps or football shirts!!!!

breadlinebetty

Thanks everone for your helpful replies - appreciate that!

I had a feeling the paid-for lounges wouldn't be as good as the Club lounges, but they do seem popular with some people so I wondered if it was worth booking one (two of us flying)

I actually thought the paid-for lounges offered free food (buffet style sandwiches etc) and free drinks - except Champagne of course!

I remember Club (when I flew with BA) had a lovely cold buffet where you could help yourself to as much as you wanted, and a fully stocked bar where you poured your own drinks - I don't think there was Cgampagne though - that must have been extra, I'm sure.

But the lounge itself was so peaceful and comfortable and with all the facilities (computers etc) it was really nice to while away an hour or so before boarding.

So the paid-for lounges only have crisps and nibbles???:( Mmmm, I'd want at least a sandwich!

Mind you, when we flew out from Gatwick in July we never bothered booking a lounge (couldn't see the point for short haul) but the 3 of us ended up paying about £20 each in a really unpleasant restaurant , and all I had was a really badly cooked pasta dish that was revolting and some wine that was standard plonk.

We did peruse the menu at the Seafood bar in the airport but when we saw some of the dishes were about £40 each for bog standard smoked salmon platter with prawns and maybe a lobster claw - we trotted off to Garfunkels or something.......very disappointing!!:(

Doshwaster

breadlinebetty wrote: »

I remember Club (when I flew with BA) had a lovely cold buffet where you could help yourself to as much as you wanted, and a fully stocked bar where you poured your own drinks - I don't think there was Cgampagne though - that must have been extra, I'm sure.

The BA lounges do have free Champagne, but you have to ask for it. I'm not sure how good it is though as it's not my kind of thing.

breadlinebetty wrote: »

So the paid-for lounges only have crisps and nibbles???:( Mmmm, I'd want at least a sandwich!

The pay lounges do vary but I wouldn't expect any more than crisps and nuts in the Servisair ones.

breadlinebetty wrote: »

Mind you, when we flew out from Gatwick in July we never bothered booking a lounge (couldn't see the point for short haul) but the 3 of us ended up paying about £20 each in a really unpleasant restaurant , and all I had was a really badly cooked pasta dish that was revolting and some wine that was standard plonk.

Yes, Gatwick is fairly limited in terms of food options. If I don't have access to the BA lounge there I would tend to make do with a sandwich from Boots or an all day breakfast from Whetherspoons.

richardw

I've enjoyed the BA lounge at Gawick north before, it was quiet and relaxing.

A quiet corner in one of the better Gatwick north terminal restaurants may acceptable compared to a paid for Lounge.

breadlinebetty

Doshwaster wrote: »

The BA lounges do have free Champagne, but you have to ask for it. I'm not sure how good it is though as it's not my kind of thing.


I missed out there - I love a glass of bubbly! I'll remember that if I'm ever lucky enough to fly Club again



The pay lounges do vary but I wouldn't expect any more than crisps and nuts in the Servisair ones.


So basically all you're getting from the pay lounges are free drinks and nuts??? Hardly seems woth it....



Yes, Gatwick is fairly limited in terms of food options. If I don't have access to the BA lounge there I would tend to make do with a sandwich from Boots or an all day breakfast from Whetherspoons.

Yep, a sandwich is fine sometimes, but depending on what time I'm departing I sometimes fancy something more substantial. I might take a packed lunch next time!

zagfles

Diane60 wrote: »

Under the term and conditions Serviceair do not admit single sex groups also people are not admited wearing shorts, baseball caps or football shirts!!!!

They just need to find a hen-do to go in with them Are L-plates and comedy boobs allowed