Travelling in business class is a bucket-list dream for plenty of holidaymakers. Think luxury surroundings, extra space and plenty of special perks you just don't get in economy. The catch, of course, is the business class price tag, which can quickly put it out of reach. But we have good news. There's an easy way to elevate your airport experience and enjoy a taste of that luxury before you fly, without paying for an expensive ticket (and we have a special discount for Daily Express readers, too).
If you're hoping to access airline-run business class lounges from the likes of British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, you'll almost certainly need a business or first class ticket. That, or elite frequent flyer status, a premium credit card, or similar perks. But most UK airports also run their own lounges that are open to passengers flying in any class, and they're often far more affordable than you might expect.
In fact, access to UK airport lounges can start from just £32 per person, with overseas lounges sometimes costing even less. Seamus McCauley, head of public affairs at Holiday Extras, spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to explain just how much travellers could save. As an added bonus, Daily Express readers who shop through this link can also enjoy an extra 12% off at the check-out if they decide an airport lounge is for them. Seamus said: "If you're tempted to try out a lounge for the first time, you're in luck - this is your chance to get one for a bargain."
He continued: "Sometimes you might be lucky enough to get a lounge included with your flight or offered gratis by your credit card provider.
"But for most of us, the best way to get a lounge is to take a look at the big list of lounges at each airport and pick something that suits your timings, budget, and party.
"You can book a lounge at a major UK airport for as little as £32 per person - for example, at Stansted airport. Overseas, they often come in around the £20 mark - for example, in Bridgetown, Barbados."
And if that upfront cost gives you pause, it's worth adding up what you'd likely spend anyway while waiting for your flight.
"Booking a lounge at those prices can pretty much pay for itself," said Seamus.
"Last time we surveyed UK holidaymakers, we asked 1,000 recent overseas travellers what they spent hanging around the airport waiting for their flight, and ordinary people were spending £26.30 on treats, snacks, Wi-Fi and other ways to treat themselves and pass the time in the terminal.
"That's more than £100 for a family of four - and when you consider that a lounge offers food, drinks, Wi-Fi and entertainment all thrown in for the price, you're not just making sure you have somewhere comfortable to wait. You're probably breaking even on the time you'll spend waiting for your plane."
Airport lounges vary depending on the airport and the type of lounge, but they all offer a welcome escape from the noise and crowds of the main terminal. Most lounge passes include a range of complimentary drinks, including alcoholic options if you fancy a glass of fizz while you relax.
You can usually expect free snacks, and in some lounges, hot dishes too, plus magazines to browse while you unwind. Most lounges also come with TVs and WiFi, making it easy to pass the time in comfort.
Seamus explained: "Let's look at Gatwick, one of our most popular airports for UK holidaymakers. If you want something cheerful, informal, and fun, you can book MyLounge, where you can pour your own pint at the pumps, enjoy the airport's only outdoor terrace and the kids even get a game room with a football table and games consoles.
"The Plaza and Number 1 lounges both offer runway views, hot and cold buffets, and - most importantly - somewhere quiet and comfortable to wait in peace for your plane.
"And if you're splashing out, the Clubrooms offer à la carte table service, a smart-casual dress code and no children under 12 - a perfect haven for an adults-only trip or a special occasion."
For business travellers, some lounges include dedicated workspaces so you can get things done before take-off. Families are well catered for too, with most lounges welcoming children.
In some cases, Fast Track security is even included as part of the package. Amenities do vary, however, so it's always worth checking the specific lounge details on the airport's website before booking.
As an example, The House in Heathrow Terminal 4 is one of the airport's top-rated lounges on Holiday Extras. Previous visitors gave it a nine out of 10 overall. Guests can enjoy an à la carte dining menu, unlimited champagne, cocktails, soft and hot drinks, free internet access, phone access, charge points, TVs, and even showers for those freshening up during a layover. The lounge is also open to children, accessible, and has a prayer room.
Meanwhile, at Manchester Airport, Terminal 3's Escape Lounge is one of the hub's most in-demand spots. Guests can enjoy sweet treats, drinks and freshly prepared food. Morning flyers can tuck into continental breakfast options like cereals, fruit, croissants and pastries, alongside hot favourites such as sausages, bacon and beans.
From lunchtime onwards, there's a choice of pasta and sauces, freshly baked bread and desserts. Hot drinks, soft drinks, spirits, wine, sparkling wine and beer are included in the self-service bar, with premium drinks such as champagne available for a small extra charge. The lounge also offers free internet access, phone access, TVs, magazines and charging points, is open to children, accessible, and has a prayer room.
Despite their popularity, airport lounges operate with limited hourly capacity. Once spaces are filled, no further bookings are available. This keeps lounges calm and uncrowded, guaranteeing peace and quiet - so if you're thinking about booking one before your next trip, it pays to act quickly.
Seamus continued: "If you're looking further afield, Holiday Extras offers lounges all over the world - like the VIP Lounge at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, famous for its swimming pool overlooking the runway!"
There are a few ways to enjoy airport lounge access without needing a business or first-class ticket. While this won't give you entry to airline-exclusive lounges, it does open the door to a wide range of partner lounges.
One of the easiest and most affordable options is to buy a one-off airport lounge pass online. This can be done through booking partners such as Holiday Extras or Lounge Pass, or directly with lounge operators like No1 Lounges or Executive Lounges by Swissport, which run Aspire lounges. You can also book via your departure airport's website, which will direct you to the relevant booking page.
Most lounges operate on three-hour time slots, so it's worth factoring this in when planning your visit.
Seamus explained: "You normally book for three-hour slots, giving you enough time to unwind and wait for your plane to board - but Holiday Extras also offers cheaper two-hour slots at lots of airports, because customers said they weren't always going to be there for the full three.
"For some budget airlines, such as easyJet, you can't check in to your flight more than two hours before boarding - so if you're booking a lounge, you'd be best to either check in online before you get to the airport or look at one of the two-hour slots."
Most UK airports have airport lounges, some of which are specifically for airline passengers (such as the British Airways lounges) and others which can be accessed with a one-off fee or a membership.
Many of the busiest airports have multiple airport lounges across their terminals. With the help of Holiday Extras, we've rounded up all of the airport lounges on offer at flight hubs across the country. Simply click your departure airport to see which lounges are available to you.
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