Do airport lounges provide value for money

For many of us, booking into an airport lounge is often seen as a luxury that you don’t really need, particularly when travelling on holiday. When considering an airport lounge, some travellers may ask themselves ‘do they provide value for money?’ and if so, what are the benefits?

To address some of these concerns we’ve put together a comparison of the costs, savings and benefits for staying in a lounge vs. main terminal building.

Food & Drink

When you book into an airport lounge you will be able to enjoy a variety of complimentary meals, snacks and drinks before boarding your flight.

Although food and snack items may vary within each lounge, there’s usually a great selection of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits to choose from. Some lounges may even provide hot meals such as soup, bacon rolls etc. – be sure to check menu items online. At the bar, you can choose from several complimentary soft drinks, wines, cocktails and other popular alcoholic beverages.

Environment

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, noise and chaos of the main terminal building, booking into an airport lounge will provide peaceful surroundings to help you unwind and relax before your flight.

Airport lounges help you pass the time by reading newspapers and magazines or catching up on your favourite TV programs with your own Smart TV*. You may also want to use the free, unlimited wifi to send those last minute emails before your flight.

For those travelling on business, there are private office workspaces* to help you prepare for that all important business meeting or conference call. Travellers can also take advantage of the several charging facilities available to ensure your laptop, mobile phone, tablet is full charged.

If you do decide to stay in the main terminal you can expect to pay the following or more depending on what time you fly:

Morning

Average breakfast price = £7.35

Regular coffee x2 = £4.60

Wifi = £5.00 per hour

Magazine/Newspapers = £4.00

TOTAL: £20.95

Afternoon

Average meal price = £8.20+ soft drink = £10.65

Regular coffee = £2.30

Wifi =£5.00 per hour

Magazine/Newspapers = £4.00

TOTAL: £22.15

Lounge pass with all of the above and much more: £18.99

Average prices based on restaurants, cafes and bars in Manchester Airport.

* In participating lounges only.