How to Make the Most of An Upper Class Airport Lounge
Airport lounges - we all love them. Whether you've paid to get into one, or you're flying Upper or Business Class with certain airlines, like Virgin or British Airways, there's nothing quite like getting away from the hustle and bustle of public departure lounges and escaping to somewhere quiet and, often, child-free. If you've paid extra for airport lounge access, or if you're flying Upper or Business class, here's how you can make the most of your experience.
Arrive early
The first rule of making the most of an upper class or business class airport lounge is to get there as soon as you're able. I know that flying Upper Class with Virgin means you can check-in for your flight at any time, there's no restrictions on how early you can actually get to the lounge (correct at time of writing).
So you could easily spend the whole day in there if you have an evening flight. Seriously, get your money's worth and get there as soon as you're realistically able. When we flew Upper Class back in May with Virgin, we were there at 7am and we didn't fly till 11am!
Look through all of the food & drink options
No matter the time of the day you go, there will always be loads of food and drink options available for you to enjoy. You can get some picky bits which is buffet-style or, in the Virgin Upper Class Lounge, you can flick through a menu and order food to your table, much like a restaurant.
Take a good look through the menus and order whatever takes your fancy. I like to use this as an opportunity to try something new that's restaurant-quality. believe me, Upper and Business Class lounge food is a cut above average airport lounges that you pay to enter.
Make time to have a proper drink
When I say a "proper" drink, I mean an alcoholic one, if you're that way inclined. We've got to the airport lounge at 7am before and I've had a cheeky glass of champagne with my breakfast. You have to make the most of it, because it's all included in the price of your Upper or Business Class airline ticket.
There are loads of options available, from Old Fashions to Aperol Spritzes and everything in between. Usually, there's a bar you can go up to or, at least at the Virgin Upper Class lounge, there's table service where your drinks order will be taken and a staff member will bring it over to you.
Find somewhere quiet to relax
Airport lounges generally have loads of space, and so you'll always find a place to sit and relax. You can stay in the hustle and bustle of the lounge or move to more private and enclosed corners. You get to choose the right space for you.
Choose a spot with a view
Airport lounges offer spaces that other, more public areas of the airport doesn't. You'll be able to get a great spot to enjoy food and drink right by a window. Usually, this is where you'll get full and unobstructed views of the planes and the runway.
Also, at the Virgin Upper Class Lounge at Heathrow, you can actually sit outside and watch the planes from there. This isn't something that's offered to the general public anymore. So, there are definitely some incentives for aeroplane buffs out there!
Take advantage of the facilities
The great thing about airport lounges, mostly in Upper or Business Class lounges, is that there are numerous facilities available to travellers who want to be as comfortable and as fresh as possible, especially if they're going to be embarking on a long haul flight. From my experience, the Upper and Business Class lounges have a wide range of facilities available, including:
- Showers - we haven't used the showers before as we shower in the hotel before coming to the airport, but it's a great way of freshening up if you're waiting for a connecting flight
- Quiet rooms - ideal for reading, resting and enjoying a peaceful environment, quiet rooms are great if you just want some real down time before flying
- Business facilities - if you're travelling for business, there are multiple workstations, charging points, printers and great wi-fi to be taken advantage of
- Entertainment - there are loads of free magazines and publications for you to enjoy, including newspapers. There are also TVs on hand as well as some other digital entertainment options
- Wellness facilities - the Upper and Business class lounges we've been to have additional wellness rooms, including spa treatments, massage rooms and relaxation areas. You can even get a gel manicure
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful. Let me know in the comments below how you like to make the most of Upper Class airport lounges and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!
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