A leading consumer champion has delivered a damning verdict on the state of UK airport lounges, suggesting that travellers might be better off spending their pre-flight time and money in a budget-friendly pub chain.
Lounge Standards Plummet as Prices Soar
A comprehensive investigation by Which? Travel has found that airport lounges across the United Kingdom have become "expensive and lacklustre". The review, which assessed 28 different lounges, was strikingly critical; not a single one managed to score above three and a half stars out of five.
The decline in quality comes alongside a sharp increase in cost. The research highlights that the average price for accessing an airport lounge has skyrocketed by 68 per cent since 2017, now standing at £42 in 2025. This price hike is even more difficult to justify given reports of additional charges for basic facilities like showers.
A Tale of Two Terminals: The Best and Worst Lounges
The review did identify some variation in quality. The Clubrooms lounge at London Gatwick's South terminal received the highest rating for its luxurious offerings, providing a glimmer of hope for weary travellers.
However, at the other end of the spectrum, the experience was far less pleasant. Heathrow's Terminal 5 Club Aspire lounge was ranked the lowest, with investigators reporting unappealing issues such as "dirty plates" and "congealed scrambled eggs".
The Wetherspoon Alternative and Savvy Traveller Tips
Faced with these findings, Which? has put forward a surprising alternative for travellers seeking comfort without the exorbitant cost. The report explicitly advises that passengers could find better value and quality at airport pubs or restaurants, specifically naming Wetherspoon as a viable option.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, reinforced this advice. He recommended that flyers should avoid paying the full price for lounge access and instead actively seek out deals or consider alternative dining venues within the airport terminal. His guidance suggests that a pint and a meal at a chain like Wetherspoon could provide a more satisfying and financially sensible start to a journey than an overpriced and underwhelming lounge.
