are airport lounges worth it?

[buktus]

Looking at servisair wentworth gatwick north terminal, there are 5 of us and would cost £62, are they worth it?

Yes, in my experience. The drinks and snacks are nice, of course, but what makes it worth the money is the peace and quiet and general sense of being uncrowded and unhurried. There are newspapers, comfy seats and loads of room to spread out and enjoy your tea/coffee/G&T!

I agree with coastgirl. I hate the noise and general chaos of airports - it's nice to just sit back on a comfortable sofa reading a newspaper / book whilst having a drink and light snack. With long stopovers, it's perfect for a quick shower and fresh clothes.

It might be worth checking what exactly the lounge offers - some are a bit old and canteen-y, whereas the nicer ones offer sandwiches, light food etc.

Also, how long you are going to spend in there would be a deciding factor for me. Anything less than 20 minutes you might as well walk around the shops for a bit before the flight.

They are so quiet and relaxing - I wouldn't do anything else now.

We are flying longhaul with BA so can check in 24 hours before but were thinking of spending the full 3 hours in there but don't really want to pay £62 for nuts and a packet of crisps.

They usually don't time you. We get them free but usually pay for children as well. It is worth it but they vary- not been to gatwick ones. Even say at Manchester they vary between lounges. Free drink- some have good food others not. Breakfasts usually best food time.

Great if delayed. Great to charge iPods etc. Stops teenagers buying crap in the airport shops.

How much would you spend otherwise in Starbucks/Pret etc and then not be able to find a seat or have to hunker down next to some sweaty backpacker/school trip etc etc???

Do check if they let kids in there though.

Are there children in your party? My kids are not "bad" by any means but the mini Hitler on the reception desk requested that they be seen and not heard and boy did she mean it. It wasn't relaxing for me as I spent all the time encouraging them to be quiet, not get too excited, play a game quietly and the best one was my 5 year old ran up to the automatic doors to get to the lounge and he said thank you (to the door)!!! as he went in but as he was slowing down from the run Mini Hitler behind the reception handed me a card with rules on it reminding me that children should be seen but not heard. He's a good kid for christ's sakes said thanks the door!!

Definitely worth it especially if there is any sort of delay. Generally the seats are more comfortable and the environment is calm.

I can spend that much money on my own when bored in an airport.

I have to say, though, that the strict rules re: children are one of the things that make it relaxing for everyone else! I'm pg so haven't been in one with children but wouldn't have minded them being there as long as they're well-behaved - the lounges are generally very quiet.

No under 12's in edinburgh.

I took DS1 (then 17 months) to the BA 1st Lounge in Sydney and was sitting there smuggly as he quietly pottered around smiling at people and not making any noise. Then he came back to me with 5 blackberries!
But yes I think they are worth it as my children are bolters and airports provide them with too many opportunities. For us it's a contained space.