Check out our top airport lounge picks.
Heathrow - Executive Lounges in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Regardless of who you are flying with, booking into these havens of tranquility is perfect for working or just being a lounge lizard. Available for up to three hours before you fly, facilities include complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks, television and a selection of newspapers and magazines and comfortable chairs in quiet surroundings. They do charge for champagne, internet access, phones and fax. The most popular champagne here is Piper Heidsieck at £29.50 a bottle. WiFi is hopefully going to become free in the near future. Entry is £17.95 per person (children under two go free).
Look at www.heathrowairport.co.uk
Gatwick – Wentworth Lounge, North Terminal.
Opened in August 2008, the 130-seat Wentworth Lounge is the only lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal with relaxation and refreshments for both adults and families. We like the way it’s split into the Relaxation Zone, for adults and the self-contained Fun Zone where parents can chill out whilst their children play in safety. The Relaxation Zone has the usual trappings but the Fun Zone is a great a soft play area for younger guests and a big screen TV, games consoles for the older children. The healthy snacks are a nice touch too - yoghurt, fresh fruit, seeds and dried fruits mixes means less E numbers before that flight to Vancouver. The lounge is open from 0500-2200 daily. The price is currently £14.50 per adult and £10 per child (2 -11 years).
Look at www.executivelounges.com
Manchester – Terminal 1.
The main draw of the award-winning Bollin Lounge at Manchester Terminal 1 is the location and its exceptional views of the sunsets. With comfortable leather seats, complimentary beverages and snacks are available at the self service bar as you relax or work in a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s third-busiest airport. Passengers can gain access for free if they are First and Business Class passengers flying with Cyprus Airways, SAS, Skyways and Swiss or if they have a Priority Pass or are a member of Wexas or the Institute of Directors. For everyone else, it’s £17.95 per person and children of all ages are welcome. Same sex groups, hen and stag parties or people wearing baseball caps, shorts or football shirts are not. The lounge is open from 0500-1930 daily (except Christmas Day).
Look at www.executivelounges.com
Glasgow – Holiday Wing.
Official airport of the Scottish Fashion Awards held in June, there are two lounges here, with flight information screens prominently displayed to avoid unnecessary palpitations. The Holiday Wing caters for all ages, with toys, games consoles, DVDs and a TV to amuse younger passengers and fine surroundings for the adults. In the Business Wing, children under 12 are not allowed in. With the very latest facilities, business journals and a quiet environment with panoramic views of Ben Lomond, it’s a suitably studious spot to work in. Internet access is free here, too. The price for adults (16 years +) is £17.50, for children (2 - 15 years) it’s £7 and under-twos go free. From 1 April - 31 October the lounges are open from 05:00 - 20:00, and from 1 November - 31 March 05:00 - 18:00.
Look at www.baa.com
Heathrow in style.
Virgin Atlantic - Of course, if you want to lord it up, flying Upper Class with Virgin and swanning about the London Heathrow Clubhouse is a fabulous way to travel. The vibe here of is a private member’s club. There’s an à la carte menu, The Rude Health organic muesli and daily baked croissants at the Deli are good and the natural oak-smoked salmon from the River Severn makes a fine lunch. Finish with a spa treatment at the Cowshed Spa or a haircut at the Bumble and bumble salon.
Look at www.virgin-atlantic.com
Heathrow in style.
British Airways - Meanwhile at British Airways’ Concorde Room in Terminal 5, First class passengers can dine in elegant private booths or sip complimentary champagne and fine wines as well as freshly ground coffee and tea at the bar. The terrace and viewing area looks across the expansive architecture of Terminal 5 and out onto the runways. The state-of-the-art business suite converts to a fully-equipped boardroom that can comfortably accommodate eight people. But most enjoyable are the private cabanas, hotel-style rooms with a comfortable day bed and en suite bathroom for complete relaxation. Then pop next door to the Elemis Spa, where First class and Club World customers or Gold Executive Club members travelling on long haul flights get free treatments. The Stress Away shoulder-to-scalp massage comes highly recommended.
Look at www.ba.com