If you’re forking out on an airport lounge, you’d be forgiven for wanting a fair bit of luxury: good food, proper drinks, comfy seats and maybe even a runway view worthy of a smug Instagram story. After all, many lounges now charge up to £50 for the privilege.
But a new investigation by Which? suggests that, in the UK, the reality of airport lounges falls short of expectations. The consumer advice company investigated 28 lounges up and down the country and found travellers might be better off spending their cash at an airport bar or restaurant instead.
Which?’s undercover shoppers gave each lounge a rating out of five stars based on runway views, food and drink, decent loos, family areas and quiet zones. None of the areas scored five or four stars. Birmingham Clubrooms and London Gatwick South Clubrooms ranked the highest, at three and a half stars.
Which? first started reviewing lounges in 2017. Back then, the average entry price was £25, and you could expect extras like showers, spa treatments and free magazines.
Fast forward to today: many spa perks have vanished, magazines are digital only and showers will cost you at least £25 on top of your entry fee. Meanwhile, the average lounge price has surged to £42 – a hefty 68 percent rise.
Spending more doesn’t guarantee quality, Which? discovered. Newcastle Airport’s Suite by Aspire topped the price list at £68 but earned only two and a half stars. Aspire promises the polish of a five-star hotel and restaurant-level dining, but Which?’s undercover visitor didn’t receive a welcome drink or table service as promised.
The lowest score of the entire survey – just one star – went to Heathrow Terminal 5’s Club Aspire lounge. The inspector reported dirty, stained plates and a floor scattered with crumbs, despite it being early in the day. Entry costs £42.
Compare that with Terminal 5’s Fortnum & Mason bar, where a £35 afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, cakes and a pot of tea. Or head to the for a large breakfast at £14.50.
Scotland’s lounges performed a bit better: Aberdeen’s Northern Lights, Edinburgh’s Escape and Edinburgh’s Plaza Premium all scored three stars. Glasgow’s Lomond Lounge pulled in two and a half, while Inverness’s Aspire Lounge received two.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: ‘There was once a time when an airport lounge was a special treat, but our latest results say quite the opposite.
‘Instead of paying over £40 for a lukewarm buffet breakfast on a dirty plate, you can get a lot more for your money by visiting a bar or restaurant inside the airport.
‘There are some better lounges, but make sure you get in for free, or at least for a reduced price. Look around for deals online or through your bank or holiday provider.’
The 5 best airport lounges in the UK, according to Which?
- Birmingham Clubrooms
- London Gatwick South Clubrooms
- Aberdeen Northern Lights
- Edinburgh Escape
- Manchester T1 Aspire
The 5 worst airport lounges in the UK, according to Which?
- London Heathrow T5 Club Aspire
- East Midlands Escape
- London Gatwick North Plaza Premium
- Manchester T1 Escape
- Inverness Aspire
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