British travellers are being urged to think twice before booking an airport lounge, as a major new investigation reveals widespread issues with value for money and quality.
Undercover investigation exposes lounge shortcomings
Researchers from consumer group Which? conducted undercover visits to 28 airports across the UK, assessing facilities including toilets, showers, runway views, quiet areas, family spaces, and food and drink selection.
The results, published on 21st November 2025, were largely disappointing. Few lounges impressed the inspectors, with only a third managing to score three stars or above out of a possible five.
Soaring prices and declining standards
The investigation highlighted a dramatic 68% increase in average lounge prices since Which? first began reviews in 2017. Back then, the average cost was £25 and often included perks like spa facilities and free magazines.
Today, the average price has jumped to £42, while many extras have vanished. Spas are largely gone, magazines have moved online, and showers often incur an additional charge.
The most expensive lounge visited was Newcastle Airport’s Suite by Aspire, costing £68. Despite its premium price tag and operator Swissport's claims of "top tier hospitality" and "fine dining," it received an overall rating of just two and a half stars.
Which? researchers reported that they did not receive a promised welcome drink or table service. Furthermore, the area boasting "opulent seating" with runway views was closed during their visit.
The worst and best rated lounges
The lowest scoring lounge was Heathrow Airport’s Club Aspire T5, which received just one star despite a £42 price point. Inspectors complained of stained, dirty plates and a floor covered in crumbs early in the day. The food was described as "very poor on the whole," featuring congealed scrambled eggs with no extras.
In contrast, the top-rated lounges, achieving three and a half stars, included Birmingham Airport’s adults-only Clubrooms (available from £48 for advance bookings) and the Clubrooms at London Gatwick’s South Terminal (from £44 for advance bookings).
Expert advice and cheaper alternatives
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: "There was once a time when an airport lounge was a special treat, but our latest results say quite the opposite. 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."
Which? suggested several cheaper alternatives. At Newcastle Airport, travellers could enjoy a full English breakfast at Bar 11 for £16.99, which also offers runway views. At Heathrow Terminal 5, the Fortnum & Mason bar offers a luxury afternoon tea for £35, while The Crown Rivers Wetherspoon's provides a large breakfast for £14.50.
Boland advised travellers to "make sure you get in for free, or at least for a reduced price. Look around for deals online or through your bank or holiday provider."
A spokesperson for Suite by Aspire at Newcastle Airport responded: "We look after around a quarter of a million guests at Newcastle International Airport every year, so we’re really sorry to hear the Which? reviewer’s experience fell short of our usual high standards. We invest heavily in our training programmes and hospitality partnerships, and are continually striving to improve the service for all Aspire guests."
