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If you’ve ever experienced a long layover at an airport, you know it can be exhausting. From crowded terminals to uncomfortable seats and expensive food, the hours can drag on. One solution you may want to consider is paying for access to an airport lounge. But is it worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons to help you decide if spending money on a lounge during your long layover is a good idea.
Airport lounges are special areas where travellers can relax, work, eat, and sometimes even shower while waiting for their flight. While some lounges are only for first-class or business-class passengers or frequent flyer program members, some lounges allow anyone to enter for a fee, by purchasing a day pass.
Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons of paying for an airport lounge during a long layover.
London’s Heathrow Airport has pay per use airport lounges located at Terminals T2, T3, T4 and T5.
Singapore’s Changi Airport has pay per use airport lounges located at Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and Jewel.
Sydney International Airport has pay per use airport lounges.
Most airport terminals aren’t designed with comfort in mind. The chairs are hard, the noise level is high, and it’s difficult to find a quiet spot. Lounges, on the other hand, usually offer comfortable chairs, recliners, and sometimes even private resting areas. Whether you want to sleep, read, or just stretch out, lounges provide a much more comfortable environment.
One of the biggest perks of airport lounges is the complimentary food and beverages. Many lounges provide a buffet with snacks, hot meals, desserts, and fresh fruit. Some even offer more gourmet options, like salads, sandwiches, or local cuisine. In addition, lounges typically have free coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sometimes alcoholic beverages like beer or wine.
Given how expensive airport food can be, having access to free food might actually save you money, especially during a long layover where you may need to eat more than one meal.
For travellers who need to work or catch up on emails during a layover, or just want to chill out and stream a movie, airport lounges are a huge benefit. Most lounges have reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is often much faster than what you get in the general airport area. Some lounges even offer dedicated workspaces with outlets, printers, and quiet zones where you can focus.
This can be especially helpful for business travellers or anyone who wants to stay productive while waiting for their next flight.
Do you use your laptop on public wi-fi when you travel? If you do you need to read my 8 Tips When Using Public Wi-Fi When Travelling article.
Airports can be noisy and chaotic, especially during busy travel seasons. Lounges offer a peaceful escape where you can relax in a quieter atmosphere. Whether you want to take a nap, watch TV, or simply enjoy some downtime, lounges provide a calm oasis away from the crowds.
This quiet environment can be a huge stress reliever, especially if your layover is several hours long.
If you’re facing a nighttime layover, a lounge might be one of the few places where you can get decent rest. Many lounges have comfortable couches, recliners, or even small sleeping pods where you can stretch out and sleep. Some lounges offer blankets and pillows, making it easier to get a bit of shut eye.
While not all lounges are equipped with sleeping facilities, the comfort and quiet they provide can make it much easier to relax and get some rest compared to sleeping in an airport terminal.
After a long flight or during a long layover, nothing feels better than a shower. Some airport lounges have showers, which can be a game-changer if you’re flying long-haul. Showering can help you feel refreshed, energised, and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Even if you’re not able to sleep, a quick shower can help you recharge and feel human again after hours of travel.
The biggest downside of paying for an airport lounge is the price. Depending on the airport and the lounge, day passes can range anywhere from $50 or more. For some people, this cost might not seem worth it, especially if they’re only staying for a few hours or if the lounge doesn’t offer much more than what’s available in the main terminal.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, the cost of a lounge might not fit into your spending plans. In this case, you’ll need to weigh up whether the extra comfort, food, and quiet space are worth the price.
Another potential downside is that some lounges have strict time limits. For example, you might only be allowed to stay for a maximum of three or four hours with a day pass. If you have a long layover (six hours or more), you might find yourself needing to leave the lounge and return to the terminal before your flight.
Additionally, lounges can sometimes fill up during peak travel times, meaning that even after paying for entry, you may not get as much time or space as you expected.
Not all airport lounges offer the same level of service, comfort, or amenities. While some lounges are luxurious with gourmet food, private rooms, and showers, others are much more basic. In some cases, the food might be limited to snacks or cold items, and the seating might not be much more comfortable than what’s available in the terminal.
Before paying for a lounge, it’s a good idea to do some research or read reviews to make sure the lounge meets your expectations.
Some airport lounges close early, especially if you’re at a smaller airport or if your layover is during the night. If the lounge isn’t open during your layover, then you won’t get the benefits you’re paying for. Also, some lounges may have restrictions during peak hours, such as not allowing walk-ins or limiting the number of guests.
Always check the lounge’s operating hours and policies to make sure you’ll be able to use it when you need it.
While lounges are often marketed as a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, they can get crowded, especially during peak travel periods. If the lounge is packed, you might not find the peace and quiet you were hoping for. Crowded lounges can also mean limited seating options.
If you’re visiting during a busy time, it’s possible the lounge experience might not feel as exclusive or relaxing as you imagined.
Whether paying for an airport lounge during a long layover is worth it depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel needs.
When it’s worth it:
When it might not be worth it:
In the end, airport lounges can offer a great way to make your layover more enjoyable and less stressful. However, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding if it’s worth the price for your particular situation. If comfort, convenience, and relaxation are priorities for you during a long layover, then paying for a lounge might be the perfect solution.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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