The best value airport lounges in the UK have been crowned by Tripadvisor reviewers, looking to start their holidays in style.
Lounges used to be reserved for those with a business or first-class ticket – or serious frequent flyers.
But a new breed of lounges is open to all, regardless of ticket available for the price of a one-off pass, with options at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff airports.
What do airport lounges offer?
Some food and drink is usually free. There's usually a shower, TV, newspapers and charging points for phones and devices. Some also have optional extras such as hairstyling or beauty treatments.
Mario Van Poppel, travel expert and founder of Leftover Currency, says: “Booking into the airport lounge can either be a great way to start your journey or leave a sour taste in your mouth before you’ve even left the airport.
“Personal experiences can vary greatly depending on factors such as the quality of food and drink, customer service, availability of comfortable seating and the price of entry."
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Club Aspire in Terminal 5 takes the top spot for customers with an average of 4.5 out of 5 from 6,386 reviews, as users praised ‘excellent service’ and “warm and welcoming” atmosphere.
Prices for a single adult at Club Aspire at London Heathrow Terminal 5 begin from £36 and it is open daily from 5am to 9pm.
It achieved 4,083 ‘excellent’ reviews, where users rated it 5 out of 5, while 479 users branded it ‘terrible’ and gave the minimum 1 out of 5 score.
Terminal 3’s Club Aspire lounge comes in second with 4.5 out of 5 from 3,027 reviews, while Clubrooms in London Gatwick’s North Terminal rounds off the top three with 4.5 out of 5 from 529 reviews.
Outside the capital, Aspire Lounge at Edinburgh Airport comes in seventh place, 51° Executive Lounge at Cardiff Airport is in ninth position and 1903 Lounge at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 completes the top 10.
Top 10 UK airport lounges according to Tripadvisor reviews
- Club Aspire Lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 5. Average 4.5/5 from 6,386 reviews.
- Club Aspire Lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 3. Average 4.5/5 from 3,027 reviews.
- Clubrooms, London Gatwick North Terminal. Average 4.5/5 from 529 reviews.
- No1 Lounge, London Luton Airport. Average 4.5.5 from 229 reviews.
- No1 Lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 3. Average 4/5 from 2,068 reviews.
- Plaza Premium Lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 5. Average 4/5 from 1,920 reviews.
- Club Aspire Lounge, Edinburgh Airport. Average 4/5 from 861 reviews.
- MyLounge, London Gatwick Airport South Terminal. Average 4/5 from 815 reviews.
- 51° Executive Lounge, Cardiff Airport. Average 4/5 from 742 reviews.
- 1903 Lounge, Manchester Airport Terminal 2. Average 4/5 from 732 reviews.
“It seems three of London Heathrow’s lounges have found the perfect balance as Tripadviser reviewers crown them among the best in the country," says Mario.
