If you\u2019re\u00a0forking out on an airport lounge, you\u2019d be forgiven for\u00a0wanting a fair bit of luxury: good food, proper drinks, comfy seats and maybe even a runway view worthy of a smug Instagram story. After all, many lounges now charge up to \u00a350 for the privilege.<\/p>\n
But a new investigation by Which? suggests that, in the UK, the reality of airport lounges falls short of expectations. The consumer advice\u00a0company investigated 28 lounges up and down the country and found travellers might be better off spending their cash at an airport bar or restaurant instead.<\/p>\n
Which?\u2019s\u00a0undercover shoppers gave each lounge a rating out of five stars based on runway views, food and drink, decent loos, family areas and quiet zones. None of the areas scored five or four stars. Birmingham<\/a> Clubrooms and London<\/a> Gatwick South Clubrooms ranked the highest, at three and a half stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n Which? first started reviewing lounges in 2017. Back then, the average entry price was \u00a325, and you could expect extras like showers, spa treatments and free magazines.<\/p>\n Fast forward to today:\u00a0many spa perks have vanished, magazines are digital only and showers will cost you at least \u00a325 on top of your entry fee. Meanwhile, the average lounge price has surged to \u00a342 \u2013 a hefty 68 percent rise.<\/p>\n Spending more doesn\u2019t guarantee quality, Which? discovered. Newcastle<\/a> Airport\u2019s Suite by Aspire topped the price list at \u00a368 but earned only two and a half stars. Aspire promises the polish of a five-star hotel and restaurant-level dining, but Which?\u2019s undercover visitor didn\u2019t receive a welcome drink or table service as promised.<\/p>\n The lowest score of the entire survey \u2013 just one star \u2013 went to Heathrow Terminal 5\u2019s Club Aspire lounge. The inspector reported dirty, stained plates and a floor scattered with crumbs, despite it being early in the day.\u00a0Entry costs \u00a342.<\/p>\n Compare that with Terminal 5\u2019s Fortnum & Mason bar, where a \u00a335 afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, cakes and a pot of tea. Or head to the for a large breakfast at \u00a314.50.<\/p>\n Scotland\u2019s lounges performed a bit better: Aberdeen\u2019s Northern Lights, Edinburgh<\/a>\u2019s Escape and Edinburgh\u2019s Plaza Premium all scored three stars. Glasgow<\/a>\u2019s Lomond Lounge pulled in two and a half, while Inverness\u2019s Aspire Lounge received two.<\/p>\n Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: \u2018There was once a time when an airport lounge was a special treat, but our latest results say quite the opposite.<\/p>\n \u2018Instead of paying over \u00a340 for a lukewarm buffet breakfast on a dirty plate, you can get a lot more for your money by visiting a bar or restaurant inside the airport.<\/p>\n \u2018There are some better lounges, but make sure you get in for free, or at least for a reduced price. Look around for deals online or through your bank or holiday provider.\u2019<\/p>\n The 5 best airport lounges in the UK, according to Which?<\/p>\n
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\n<\/ul>\n The 5 worst airport lounges in the UK, according to Which?<\/p>\n
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