Airport lounges – once bastions of serenity – have become overcrowded and unluxurious. So should travellers spend their money elsewhere?
When Sara Sherwood flew from Gatwick earlier this month, the airport was heaving. “I had an early morning virtual meeting to attend and there were long queues at security, so I was lured by a sign advertising a fast track to the front for £7,” she says.
“As I paid for the option, the salesperson offered me a further enticement – for £28, I could access the No1 Lounge. An unlimited buffet and a peaceful working atmosphere would be ideal for my meeting, and I was also promised reliable Wi-Fi.”
Ten minutes later, Sherwood attempted to enter the lounge – only to be told she was too early.
“Lounge access is only available three hours before a flight, which was new information to me,” she says. “But for an additional £10, I could access the lounge early. With 10 minutes until my meeting, I swallowed the additional fee, telling myself that the peace would be worth it.”