The comfortably built and elegantly decked airport lounges bring respite to travelers looking for a peaceful zone to relax while waiting for the departure of their flight at an airport terminal. Visiting an airport lounge is beneficial, as traveling can be stressful and lightning the mood is what you actually look for.
With features like cozy sitting, free food and beverages, quick check-in process, and security screening, airport lounges provide a tranquil zone away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.
However, there are a few dos and don’ts to remember when you visit an airport lounge so as to make the most of your travel experience. Moreover, your small gesture can pave the way to ensuring a courteous and congenial environment in a lounge.
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Take a look at the following Dos and Don’ts of Airport Lounges.
DOs
Advance Research is Advised
You must understand that every airport lounge is not the same. Some can have more or premium amenities, while you may find just basic services at others. Make sure to check the services offered by the lounge you wish to visit and also check the mode of payment accepted by them. Thus, you can reserve your seat in advance, if you find everything satisfactory or aligning with your requirements.
Arrive Early to Enjoy to the Fullest
Make sure to reach the airport on time so that you can check in and visit the lounge much before the scheduled departure of your flight. This helps you enjoy enough time at the lounge while you seek pleasure in nice moments spent with your dear ones. Even if you need to work on your laptop on the go, you can do it peacefully with no issue of time crunch. Thus, if you have purchased a pay-per-visit pass or you will purchase access at the time of entry, reaching early will ensure that you get space inside. This is because space may be full during peak hours. Hence, you will have to wait outside until you get space.
Be Prepared
Make sure you have the required paperwork, lounge access card, a government-issued valid I.D. proof, a valid boarding pass, travel certificates etc. You need to present all or some of these at the lounge’s front desk, as per their policy.
Follow Dress Code
Some lounges define specific dress code for their guests, for e.g., they want you to be in smart casual wear. Thus, you must check and confirm the same before you visit a lounge. Even if it does not have a dress code, you must dress up smart, as it reflects your personality.
Use the Facilities
Airport lounges offer a variety of facilities, which not just include food and beverages, but you can also find separate official areas to complete your business tasks or hold meetings if you are traveling with your corporate team. Some lounges also feature nap pods, massage rooms, and shower areas. So, use these services to unwind and revitalize yourself prior to your travel, especially when you need to relax as part of a lengthy layover.
Place Your Bags Appropriately
Since lounges are crowded or packed, it is beneficial to store your baggage near your chair or against a wall rather than in front of an empty seat or in the main walkway. This ensures ease and comfort for other guests.
Be Generous Towards Other Guests
Please keep in mind that airport lounges are communal areas. Hence, be considerate of your noise level and arrange your belongings in a manner that none of your acts creates a disturbance for other guests.
Be Courteous Towards the Staff
Airport lounge staff put in a lot of effort to keep the area clean. They strive to offer top-notch services to guests. Be kind and respectful and express gratitude for their efforts while you engage with them.
Keep Watching Your Little Ones
If you bring your kids with you, they can certainly play in separate kids areas or games rooms, as provided by some of the lounges. However, make sure you keep an eye on them and they maintain discipline in the lounge.
DON’Ts
Don’t Overstay
Generally, you are allowed to stay for 2 to 3 hours in airport lounges. But it can be different in case of a particular lounge. You must check and verify the policies of the lounge you need to visit so that you don’t exceed the allotted time.
Don’t Overuse Resources
You must abstain from occupying excessive space or using shared resources, such printers or computers, for long periods of time.
Don’t Speak in High Volume
You must be mindful of your voice tone. Don’t talk to your co-travelers or colleagues in a high tone and keep the pitch lower so as to maintain decorum. Even if you wish to listen to entertainment, you can use headphones.
Don’t Be Rude
Be considerate of other guests and don’t be impolite with them, as they might also be desirous of relaxing or working peacefully in the lounge. Avoid talking too loudly or causing annoyance to other people.
Don’t Bring Outside Food or Drink
Airport lounges provide complimentary refreshments, food, and beverages. Premium items may be chargeable at certain lounges though. Please avoid bringing in outside food or beverages in order to keep the lounge hygienic.
Don’t Forget to Clean Up When You Leave
Make sure you properly dispose of your trash and clean up yourself before leaving the lounge.
Following the above-mentioned Dos and Don’ts reflect your careful and responsible attitude. Such etiquettes endear you to other guests and even staff working at the lounge.
Concluding Words
Airport lounges certainly provide a separate tranquil zone away from the bustling airport terminals, and hence, can be a great way to elevate your overall travel experience. You and the other guests can have a positive experience if you adhere to dos and don’ts discussed above. Make sure to do your homework, make reservations in advance, show up on time, show consideration for other visitors, use the required facilities, and be mindful of the staff positioned at the lounge. You must also not exceed your time limit and act politely with others. Avoid bringing food or beverages from outside and be sure to clean your trash while you leave. You can get the most out of your time at the airport lounge and reach your destination feeling rejuvenated by complying with these easy tips.
Related FAQs!
Take a look at some of the major queries related to dos and don’ts of airport lounges, addressed below for your knowledge.
You must do some homework and find all details about a desired lounge and make a reservation in advance. Arrive early and keep required documents or boarding passes to be shown. Maintain discipline inside the lounge and keep an eye on your children. Place your bags suitably while not disturbing others. Be courteous towards other guests and the lounge staff. Don’t exceed the stay limit allotted to you and leave the lounge when the time is over. Don’t talk in high volume and use headphones for entertainment. Don’t bring outside food or drink, and don’t forget to clean your trash while you leave.
You must check or confirm specific rules or guidelines defined by the lounge you plan to visit. Generally, you need to show your access confirmation (in case of advance booking), a valid I.D. proof, a valid boarding card etc., to enter into a lounge. You may also need to visit up to 3 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight.
It all depends from one lounge to another. You must gather detailed information about such special instructions or rules set by the lounge you wish to visit. If they have defined a certain dress code for guests, you must abide by the same.
Generally, lounges allow you to stay for 2 to 3 hours. However, it is better to check directly with the lounge you plan to visit, as their policies may vary.
Generally, travelers are supposed to enjoy a buffet in the lounge. Taking snacks to eat later does not reflect lounge etiquettes. No doubt, there may be some lounges that offer readymade or packed snacks which may be taken for later, but within a limit.
Some lounges feature recliners or nap pods where you can take a rest for some time. You are advised to confirm whether such amenities are available at your chosen lounge or not.
