One savvy flyer shares an easy trick for enjoying a first class experience, even on a budget
Going on holiday is exciting, but nothing dampens the spirits faster than the chaos of an overcrowded airport. For anyone who has ever wondered how frequent flyers seem to breeze through a cramped concourse without a care, the secret is simpler than you think.
This year, savvy travellers can take advantage of 30% off airport lounge access through Priority Pass. The ultimate travel hack for skipping noisy departure halls, holidaymakers can swap stress for comfort, away from the crowds, with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi and comfy seating.
While many assume airport lounges are the preserve of first-class passengers or the super-rich, that couldn’t be further from the truth. For Priority Pass members, lounges can be accessed for as little as £24 per visit, with more than 1,700 Priority Pass airport lounges available for journeys worldwide.
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Reporter Ellie Kemp discovered just how transformative the lounge experience can be when she travelled to Paris. Booking into the Escape Lounge at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1, Ellie described the experience as feeling “reminiscent of checking into a hotel,” with friendly staff, plush seating and a calming atmosphere that was a welcome relief from the bustling terminal.
“As the stress of a busy security check began to fade away, I realised how valuable a quiet space at the airport really is,” Ellie said. “I was genuinely excited to relax properly before my flight instead of anxiously checking the clock every few minutes.”
One of the biggest perks of a private lounge is the ability to eat before flying. Ellie enjoyed the selection of food available, saying: “The trio of sandwiches — cheese, egg, or chicken and mayo — looked freshly made and I was instantly drawn to them.” She also noted that “the sandwiches really were as good as they looked; light, delicious and the perfect ratio of filling to soft bread.”
Ellie was impressed, sharing how much better the food experience was compared to the standard offerings in the main concourse. She said: “Normally, I find myself grabbing something overpriced and underwhelming from a crowded café.
“But here, I could pick and choose whatever I fancied, all included in the price.” Sampling dishes like pasta, vegetable curry, and hash brown bites, Ellie admitted: “The curry was so good, I still think about it from time to time!”
After two leisurely hours and a couple of glasses of prosecco, Ellie felt completely rejuvenated. “I fell asleep easily on the plane after my time in the lounge,” she said. “It’s changed my approach to travel for the better. Now I can’t imagine starting a trip without it,” she told the Manchester Evening News.
When Ellie compared the cost of the lounge against nearby airport restaurants, she found she had enjoyed £47.75 worth of food and drinks for £29.99. “I essentially saved nearly £18,” she explained, “and got to do it all in a much nicer setting.”
Save even more off stress-free flying
Having access to an airport lounge will help passengers feel like they’ve bagged a first-class ticket for less. Tucked away from the busy terminal waiting areas, visitors can enjoy some quiet refreshments, bathroom facilities without the queues and free WiFi for work or pleasure.
Priority Pass members can access over 1,700 lounges worldwide, with facilities including flight info screens in all lounges, complimentary snacks and meals, and even spa treatments at select locations. Some lounges even offer access to sleep pods and premium wellness services, making them a true oasis for both business and leisure travellers.
Priority Pass is currently offering 30% off airport lounge access with prices starting from £48 plus a £24 visit fee. Digital membership is available instantly via the app, allowing immediate access. Unlike one-time passes, membership covers both departing and returning flights, making it more cost-effective the more you use it.
If the Priority Pass airport lounges don’t quite fit the bill, single use airport passes can be booked at Expedia with Heathrow Airport lounges starting from £34. Other options are available from airports across the UK and beyond. It’s also worth noting that Holiday Extras also offers a range of airport lounge deals, as well as car hire, hotel stays and more.
The Priority Pass app includes additional perks such as early duty-free shopping, access to premium fitness content, and lounge pre-booking. Members can also get access to spa treatments, gaming zones, takeout pre-orders, private transfers and discounted car rentals worldwide.
Passengers who have already used Priority Pass lounges have been quick to praise the service. One traveller said: “It was very relaxing, good food and drinks, nice bathrooms, no wait to get in. Very good experience.”
A second added: “I have always got five star service from Priority pass. Great service all round the worlds Airports.”
Sadly not every customer was quiet so impressed. A disappointed traveller left a three-star review that said: “I like the clubs, but they aren’t at all the airports I fly out of. Lately, they have been crowded and have had to wait. Often they are located in different terminals than I’m flying out of.”
Overall the reviews are positive, with one frequent flyer summing up their experience by saying: “Been using Priority Pass in Europe for over a year — 22 visits last year — and all the experiences were smooth. Zero complaints and I would highly recommend Priority Pass to anyone interested.”
