Airport Lounge Hacks

ThomasP

Does anyone know of any VIP airport lounge hacks? I hoping for any free trial deals that don't make you commit to a year of it!

We're off to Malaga next week and never been in one, so want to see if its worth it.

Thanks.

Alan_Bowen

I have never seen a free trial offer for any airport, and I have been flying since 1975! You might get a discount booking through someone like Holiday Extras but as you obviously don't have any bank accounts that offer free or discounted deals, that may be your best bet.

lisyloo

There is probably an amex card that includes free lounge visits but you won't get that for next week.
Not aware of any free trials but you can pay for a one-off visit through sites like holiday extras.
There are some (dragon pass) that are "only if there's room" so check for that.
I would check on-line to see facilities there are first.
If there is hot food and it's at a time of day you would be eating then you can obviously save the cost of your meal/drinks.
If it says "snacks" then that might mean pre-packed biscuits and peanuts.


You should be able to check on-libe as to exactly what type of food and drinks are included beforehand so you can decided if it's worth it.


For me personally I don't think the cheaper ones are value for money if there isn't food, but I'm not a big drinker, so it's personal.


Also check out the airport facilities as well.
I believe malaga is pretty nice these days, which may make a difference to your decision also.


When we went via Malaga we didn't use the lounge and that was partly because the airport itself had nice facilities and the lounges weren't great.

stevie11

Same again, I have never heard of a free trial, we would all be accessing the lounge if it was free.

It may be worth paying the one off fee to see if you like it then if you travel frequently purchase an annual membership such as Priority Pass. The other way is to take out a credit card or bank account that has the facility but it wont be free as you usually have to pay for the card or account.

EssexExile

Most lounges aren't that exciting.

stevie11

EssexExile wrote: »

Most lounges aren't that exciting.

Agree with this unless you have high elite airline status and can visit some of the best lounges in the world. Most of the paid for lounges are a place to relax for a couple of hours, maybe a few drinks, limited hot or cold food offerings and read a newspaper or magazine.

Voyager2002

ThomasP wrote: »

Does anyone know of any VIP airport lounge hacks? I hoping for any free trial deals that don't make you commit to a year of it!

We're off to Malaga next week and never been in one, so want to see if its worth it.

Thanks.

The only hack is to use Avios or FF points to pay for a premium ticket. I once flew business class via Paris and fortunately my onward flight was delayed: the lounge that Air France provide there was sensational. Obviously you will not get anything this good simply by paying for lounge access.

eamon

If flying long haul with a plane change etc (5hrs or so) then a lounge is worth it. Somewhere to get a shower, eat using real plates & cutlery and just chill is wonderful. I personally wouldn't bother doing that for a Med break. Not even sure if mainly tourist airports even have lounges. Though just checked LBA and they have 3 lounges, price is around £21, Trip Advisor reviews are mixed. Manchester is apparently better.

EssexExile

eamon wrote: »

Manchester is apparently better.

If Manchester is "better" then I definitely wouldn't bother with the others.

cubegame

If you get to an airport early enough to take advantage of a lounge, you left too early.

fifeken

cubegame wrote: »

If you get to an airport early enough to take advantage of a lounge, you left too early.

It's one way of doing it but definitely not for me. I always aim to get to the airport before check in opens to maximise lounge time.
Also means no worries about getting stuck for an hour in traffic.