Consumer group Which? has criticised many UK airport lounges, advising travellers to avoid overpriced options. Undercover researchers visited 28 airports, assessing facilities, food, drink, and value for money. Only a third of lounges scored three stars or more out of five.
The average lounge price has risen 68% since 2017, from £25 to £42, while amenities like showers and magazines have declined. Newcastle Airport's Suite by Aspire was the most expensive at £68 but scored just two and a half stars. Researchers reported no welcome drink or table service, and the runway-view seating area was closed.
The lowest-rated lounge was Heathrow T5's Club Aspire, with one star and a £42 price tag. Inspectors found dirty plates, crumbs on the floor, and poor food including congealed scrambled eggs. Which? suggested alternatives like Fortnum & Mason's afternoon tea for £35 or Wetherspoon's breakfast for £14.50.
Top-rated lounges included Birmingham Airport's Clubrooms (adults only, £48) and Gatwick South's Clubrooms (£44), both scoring three and a half stars. Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: 'Instead of paying over £40 for a lukewarm buffet breakfast on a dirty plate, you can get a lot more for your money by visiting a bar or restaurant inside the airport.'
Swissport, operator of Newcastle's Suite by Aspire, apologised and said it invests heavily in training. No1 Lounges, which runs Club Aspire and Clubrooms, noted that two of its lounges were rated 'worth a visit' and said the negative review reflected only a brief moment.
