Making the most of airport time

Business Travel iQ

Ask anyone which part of travelling they dislike the most and the majority of the time it will link to the airport. There's the long queues, the hassle taking off your shoes and at times a dash to the plane. Sometimes there's nowhere to sit or you could spend double the amount as usual for any food and drink.

Airport lounges offer an oasis away from this bustle. These spaces were once only for those travelling first or business class and it's often the case that the best for each airline are reserved for the home country of said carrier.

Many lounges now include Wifi, spa areas, gaming and beds as standard, while more arrivals lounges are opening up. The latter are useful when travellers are too early for a meeting or are not able to immediately check into their hotel.

Even American Express has recently opened Centurion lounges at various airports in the States, adding another benefit to its club of members. The prospect here of a guaranteed meal will help those on domestic flights or travelling on flexible fares that do not offer a meal once in the air.

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Low-cost and unbundled fares have led to more lounges operated by non-airline brands. These present an opportunity for buyers to potentially save money while keeping the traveller happy. Well, as best that the policies allow.

The founder of lounge operator Plaza Premium Song Hoi See has built his business on these changes, especially when he saw a change in his own personal 'travel policy'. "While working for an American bank I used to enjoy some of the luxuries of travelling but then when I started my own business I was more aware of spend," he explained. "By choosing economy flights I did not have the lounge access or limousine services anymore and it showed me how frustrating the airport experience is, especially if you are on a business trip".

Entry into an airport lounge by an independent operator is cheaper than the difference between an economy and business class ticket. By removing the traveller from the main terminal companies could also see fewer expense claims for food, drinks or Wifi used in airports. The traveller then has the chance to prepare themselves for the flight that lies ahead. Song Hoi See also believes that by focusing on the airport element these companies are setting an expectation and offering both familiarity and consistency especially for frequent travellers.

"As a student I worked at McDonald's near London's Marble Arch and it is there that I learnt and appreciated the value in doing something consistently. You know what to expect with a McDonald's; the food is the same quality all over the world and it is systematic in its approach. This provides a consistency and expectation for customers that all companies and travel policies should strive for."

Perhaps it's something that buyers should also consider when they are speaking to suppliers.