I’ve had the opportunity to experience something I thought was only for the elite, for the business stuffy, for the first class, presidential airline club members – I was able to go to an airport lounge! We got a Priority Pass card, which allows us access to lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class we’re flying. I also never imagined the children would be allowed, but our whole family was quite welcome.
What a different travel experience! There was a concierge desk with friendly faces to greet you, and then the space opened up to many seating areas with comfortable chairs, tables, and couches – some of them even by a cozy fireplace! I actually enjoyed sitting in the airport as there were no strangers crowding around us, no weird smells mixing together, and no one had to sit on the floor.
There were racks of newspapers and magazines to read and of course, free wifi with accessible computers in business nooks. The absolute highlights were the free food and drinks! The looks on the kids faces as they took fun snack items and felt like they were stealing, was only beat out by getting to open a fridge and take out whatever drink they desired! A little reassurance to me that we’re raising our kids well when they think that getting a free drink is a REALLY REALLY big deal, worthy of being excited about for days.
I have to admit, I was equally as thrilled to find out that alcohol was also complementary! There’s nothing like having a cold one to take the edge off when you’re a nervous traveller (is anyone really surprised that I’d be scared of flying?), and a mom who’s been up all night finishing packing and trying desperately to achieve the goal of leaving a clean house to come home to.
I was also a little on edge, because our tickets were not seated together, and though my kids are older, I still dread the idea of them sitting alone. As I was checking in on our flight status with a concierge, I mentioned this to him, because I needed to leave early enough to try and work this out at the gate. He just picked up the phone and called to take care of it for me! I wanted to give him such a big hug. My appreciation was so grand, he must have been able to tell I was a first timer.
I know that travel has changed for our family now. I will actually try to get to the airport the 2 hours ahead of departure we’re supposed to do anyway, but never do, so we can have lounge time! It helps to set the mood for a great travel day, and shhh … don’t tell anyone, but I snuck some of the snacks into my purse for the plane ride. Lastly, I would do it over and over again just for the bathrooms. A clean luxurious bathroom makes a huge … HUGE difference.
Hi Brie, Nice to read your blog about airport lounges. At which airport was this lounge located? It’s amazing how much a PP card can get you. We run premium airport lounges in the UK and are interested in how the product is performing overseas. You should try our if you fly out of the UK in future. We accept PP at all our 6 UK lounges. Happy travels
Best
Paul
So glad you found the lounge! I love them also and we now buy a yearly delta sky-lounge card. It’s well worth the money just to have those free drinks and nice bathrooms! And lots of outlets for charging those electronics of course.
I agree the lounge makes a huge difference! My husband travels for work so he regularly gets to use them, but I’ve only done it a few times when we’re flying somewhere on vacation. They’re so much more relaxing!
I fully agree, that easing the mental state of a traveler makes all the difference! I will never be able to afford to fly first class, but this makes me feel as though I’m special like that anyway.
I have not yet been to the UK, but would love to! The lounge I visited was in Detroit. I know that Priority Pass is expanding in North America as I keep getting emails of new locations!
Now your goal is the Lufthansa FCT in Frankfurt!
Failed miserably at that in both Munich and Frankfurt recently!
The lounge for sure makes a huge difference to most of our clients, they enjoy the freedom and the hassle free way they go. It helps them keep a clear head and help them keep focus on the job in hand.
Premium airport lounges are simply the best way to go
I totally agree! I am a nervous flyer so being able to sit in an open space without feeling overcrowded is really helpful. Well, that and the complimentary cocktails!
I appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and overall lounge area when traveling with my kids as well because otherwise we typically end up sitting on the airport floor near our gate.
We are all definitely in better moods getting onto the plane since having access to lounges.