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Original poster

Airport lounges - tips please

15 replies

popsickle555 · 02/11/2023 10:57

We are travelling from a UK regional airport next week to the US. I am contemplating booking the lounges as it's a business trip but want to know if it's worth it (own business so still have to pay myself but it is a travel expense!):

Check in Manchester approx 6.30am - flight is at 8.55 (is it worth booking Aspire lounge?)

Transit through Heathrow. We have a 2 hour wait - again is it worth booking the lounge for this? Will we be straight in there as already done security etc? The flight departs at 12 noon.

On the way back the wait in London is 3.5 hours so then I will definitely book the lounge.

OP posts:
JuliaJohnstone · 02/11/2023 11:01

I wouldn't bother with the lounge in transit in Heathrow as you will have to go through extra steps for a flight to the US which takes more time. I'm surprised that check in is so early in Manchester for a domestic flight. At that time of day at the start of the trip I'd settle down in a Pret with a nice coffee and breakfast! The lounge would be good on the way back as you have a longer wait and might want to nap.

Original poster
popsickle555 · 02/11/2023 11:04

Thank you - check in is from 2 hours before in Manchester but DH is determined we 'can't be late' we might push it back a bit...

OP posts:
Fawbs89 · 02/11/2023 11:08

Absolutely worth it. We did it for the first time a few years ago and have never looked back! Don't go for the basic ones though book the nicer ones!

YaWeeFurryBastard · 02/11/2023 11:13

I assume you’re going from T3 in Manchester? If so then definitely worth it as there’s fuck all there.

Heathrow I wouldn’t bother as you’ll still have to go through security on a domestic flight and possibly change terminals? Two hours would be pushing it to enjoy the lounge as you’ll be boarding around 45 mins before, so after clearing security etc you’ll only have around 45 mins and there’s plenty to do/see at Heathrow.

Original poster
popsickle555 · 02/11/2023 11:20

Thank you - great tips. It is the same terminal at Heathrow but I also thought there would be plenty to do.

The Manchester terminal lounge is T3 and a lot cheaper so I will book that and Heathrow on the return as that's over 3 hours so seems worthwhile.

OP posts:
BoothsChristmasBook · 02/11/2023 11:24

Why do you need to be at terminal 3 at 0630 for a 0855 flight?

Original poster
popsickle555 · 02/11/2023 11:40

@BoothsChristmasBook this is what I am questioning. In fact when I called BA they told me to arrive 4 hours (!!!) before the flight from Manchester to London? Anyway I called again and they said 2 hours because we are checking in for an international flight despite the first part being domestic.

I have never done this before, when we have flown long haul we have flown either direct from Manchester or from London so never done the transiting through bit and I wasn't sure what the recommendation would be.

But if anyone knows then please do advise....

OP posts:
BitofaStramash · 02/11/2023 11:47

Yes at Manchester. Get your breakfast. Haven't been to that one but mist Aspires are nice.

Don't bother at Heathrow. You are unlikely to have enough time to make worthwhile.

BitofaStramash · 02/11/2023 11:48

popsickle555 · 02/11/2023 11:20

Thank you - great tips. It is the same terminal at Heathrow but I also thought there would be plenty to do.

The Manchester terminal lounge is T3 and a lot cheaper so I will book that and Heathrow on the return as that's over 3 hours so seems worthwhile.

For your return 3 hours does make it worth it but be aware that the aspire at Heathrow has a 2 hour limit.

notimagain · 02/11/2023 11:56

Agree with PPs - No point in a lounge at Heathrow if the connection is really just 2 hours.

When you arrive from MAN you'll quite possibly take 10-15 min simply getting off the aircraft, depending on where you're sitting..

You've then got to go through Flight Connections..time required unknown (depends on the day).

For the next departure because it's a US flight you'll be "called" for any required extra security well ahead of scheduled departure, 45 min ahead is not atypical.

HundredMilesAnHour · 02/11/2023 11:59

Since it's BA, I assume it's probably T5 at Heathrow? I wouldn't bother booking a lounge on your outbound. Spend the money on breakfast at Plane Food or a glass of champagne at the champagne bar instead. On the way back, I probably wouldn't bother with a lounge either unless you want a shower (that's assuming Aspire have showers??).

thenightsky · 02/11/2023 11:59

Check there is space. I tried to book in with just over a month to go and found the lounge was full.

tanstaafl · 02/11/2023 12:49

A business trip to the US… are you not flying business class?
You should have lounge access with the ticket.

cocksstrideintheevening · 02/11/2023 12:54

I aways book a lounge, business long haul I get access anyway but also book when going on holiday. Well worth it.

meemawww · 02/11/2023 13:24

Definitely book the lounge at Manchester. I work in T1 which isn't amazing but T3 is shiteeeee

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