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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Airport lounges - are they worth it?

27 replies

Inastatus · 27/06/2021 15:14

We (Me, DH and 2 teens) are travelling to Shetland in August and have a 6.5 hour stopover in Edinburgh airport. I’m thinking of booking a lounge for a few hours. It will cost around £120 and I’ve never used an airport lounge before so I’m wondering if it’s worth it? I’m thinking that if we stayed in the general airport then by the time we’ve bought lunch, snacks, drinks etc then we could easily spend that sort of money and it will be nice to have a base for a while away away from the busy areas.

If we do decide to book, can anyone recommend which one - Aspire or No. 1?

Thanks.

OP posts:
SwimBaby · 27/06/2021 17:19

It’s worth it for that length of a stop over, some lounges aren’t doing hot food at the moment do research that. I find the main benefit is somewhere to hang out rather than mooching about in the airport. Some have showers too.

FinallyFluid · 27/06/2021 17:20

There are generally time limits and two hours is as far as I am aware the max, they have also cracked down on alcohol intake.

Imnothereforthedrama · 27/06/2021 17:22

Not sure about the teens but me & dh booked Manchester airport lounge over 18s lounge . It was about £30 each but so worth it we had nice breakfast coffee drinks ( alcohol) plus snacks . The view was great too could see all the planes . I’m not sure how good it would be now with Covid , but next time we fly I’d do it . Have a look at the menus but if you usually have alcohol and a meal at the airport it’s worth it . Like I say not sure I’d pay for my teens and I’ve only been to the over 18 one . If you can I’d do it as it’s a nice treat !

SwimBaby · 27/06/2021 17:23

We had a five hour stop over when our DC were young teenagers and spent 2.5 hours in a lounge, it really made a difference to the journey.

Wombat24 · 27/06/2021 17:25

With a 6.5hr stopover in Edinburgh I'd get the tram or bus into the centre, have some food, etc.

toffeebutterpopcorn · 27/06/2021 17:26

Last time (family holidays) - it was small, packed, noisy and pretty grim - but the time before it was good, so maybe it depends (we bought passes so maybe last time the oversold).

I used to use one regularly when I travelled for work - so it was pretty much filled with business people (but it was silly o’clock early in the morning so no tourists).

I’d check the size, facilities, food, ‘extras’ etc before booking. Otherwise it can be bit much different from sitting after checking and watching the world go by.

HadEnoughOfBears · 27/06/2021 17:28

6.5 hours? You'd be better to get the airport bus or a tram into the city centre and spend some time / have something to eat there.

bellsbuss · 27/06/2021 17:30

Some credit cards give you free access so check if you have one , we get free access with ours plus 2 guests. Some lounges are definitely better than others with nice hot food and a good selection of beverages.

toffeebutterpopcorn · 27/06/2021 17:32

I’d be wary of getting the bus/taxi into town as every time I’ve driven from the airport I’ve been stuck in horrible traffic.

idontlikealdi · 27/06/2021 17:33

Six and a half hours?? Go to the city centre, you'll be bored senseless in Edinburgh airport, the lounge is fine but small.

Original poster
Inastatus · 27/06/2021 17:35

Thanks everyone. I’ll make sure I research the facilities thoroughly before booking anything.

@Wombat24 and @HadEnoughOfBears - I hadn’t thought of leaving the airport so hadn’t looked at how far away it was from the centre. It won’t be a full 6.5 hours by the time we’ve got off the flight in the morning and then factor in boarding the connecting flight. However I’ll look at that option, thanks.

OP posts:
Wombat24 · 27/06/2021 17:42

I was thinking even a 2-hour lunch would work, you don't have to go all the way to the centre either. Lots of options nearer the airport.

Cazzovuoi · 27/06/2021 17:46

It used to be a nice experience but then they started letting kids in Hmm Teenagers are ok but when there are a million noisy kids screaming and running around it negates paying for the service.

We always fork out extra for a lounge and mostly (kids aside) it’s worth it.

Original poster
Inastatus · 27/06/2021 17:52

@toffeebutterpopcorn

I’d be wary of getting the bus/taxi into town as every time I’ve driven from the airport I’ve been stuck in horrible traffic.
Yes, I am a bit nervous about straying too far from the airport.
OP posts:
QueenCoconut · 27/06/2021 21:35

I agree with the credit card suggestion. Amex Gold has no charge for the first year and gives you lounge access (as far as I remembe) . You could use it and then cancel the card.
Or some bank accounts come with lounge access worldwide, well worth researching as you may already have free or reduced access.

floatingboater · 27/06/2021 21:40

The team takes 35 mins and they go every 7 mins so should be easily doable.

motogogo · 27/06/2021 21:42

Jump on the team into the city, or prearrange a cab to give you a tour, I wouldn't spend that kind of money in the U.K. when you can easily do something independently. Enjoy Shetland, it's amazing - just take autumn/winter clothes including full waterproofs, wooden hat and gloves, we needed them in July, and you'll need wetsuits to swim unless you are very hardy!

motogogo · 27/06/2021 21:43

Tram seems to be autocorrecting to team!

Eleoura · 27/06/2021 21:47

I'd go to the city and do a tour, or get on the hop-on-hop-off-bus. Even if you stayed on the bus whole time, you'd get to see the city. Get some lunch there, and head back to the airport. Much better than being stuck in the airport for hours on end!

SwimBaby · 27/06/2021 21:48

I get free lounge access with my Natwest account.

Original poster
Inastatus · 27/06/2021 21:57

@motogogo

Jump on the team into the city, or prearrange a cab to give you a tour, I wouldn't spend that kind of money in the U.K. when you can easily do something independently. Enjoy Shetland, it's amazing - just take autumn/winter clothes including full waterproofs, wooden hat and gloves, we needed them in July, and you'll need wetsuits to swim unless you are very hardy!
Thanks again. I’ll definitely look at doing the tram into the city. I’ll also check the credit card option if we decide on the lounge.

@motogogo - Shetland is my favourite place on earth. My Dad was from Unst so we spent every summer hols there when I was growing up. We are going up to visit family. I’ve taken the DC a few times and can’t wait to return.

OP posts:
Original poster
Inastatus · 27/06/2021 22:03

@QueenCoconut - thanks for the credit card suggestion 👍

OP posts:
tribpot · 27/06/2021 22:15

It's been a long time since I've been in Edinburgh Airport but I definitely wouldn't pay £120 for the lounge I remember. I had a look on YouTube for some review videos and shows it is much fancier than I remember.

I would probably find it too stressful going into town for fear of not getting back in time, but I might go out to the Gyle Shopping Centre nearby, at least for a change of scenery.

bigbaggyeyes · 27/06/2021 22:20

For that price I'd say yes. Last time I was at Manchester airport, we bough 4 drinks and 2 small lunches and it cost nearly 80 quid! So yes, I now do the airport lounge as we like a drink and something to eat before we fly, and it works out cheaper

fossowaymum · 30/06/2021 06:59

Have you done Edinburgh Airport before? It’s not that big. So when you get off the plane, it’s not far until you are outside. As others have said, look at getting the tram into the city, even if it’s just for a walk along Princes Street and a sandwich lunch in the gardens. If you don’t want to venture that far then a trip to the Gyle would be manageable. That about 3 stops on the tram from the airport. The Gyle isn’t brilliant though.

I’ve done the lounges in Edinburgh before but always when discounts or deals are on. They’ve been ok. Food and drink have been fine but limited so no big meal if that’s what you want. You’ve got to leave the lounge to go to the toilet and then come back in again.