As cost cutting has become the order of the day, most airports tend to provide just the basic amenities every traveller expects. Step into most airport business lounges and you will find the ubiquitous reclining chair, average buffet spread and flat screen TVs tuned to generic news channels.
Thankfully, it has become the personal mission of most long haul airlines to eradicate the stereotype of the weary frequent traveller who detests the unavoidable wait at an airport lounge. Taking the onus on themselves, a few select airlines are not just improving airport business lounges but completely redefining the business traveller’s experience. I use the word ‘experience’ because the focus today is on personal comfort, and not just facilities and amenities.
| Quick Travel Survey Facts – – 78 percent of business travellers travelled the same amount or more during 2006 – 79 percent believe that travel benefits their business – 1 in 5 business travellers travelled more than 500 miles per week (Source: Barclaycard Business, HRS, ACTE and KDS) |
What is the benchmark?
While it is easy to get dazzled by the glitz and glamour of personalised service and fancy food, the question one must ask is: are the essentials covered? What does the businessperson really need, not want, as wants tend to be very personal? There’s that word again; personal.
Location –
Most business travellers tend to use business lounges when they are transiting on their way to their final destination. The lounge is a necessary stop-off but not at the expense of location. Ideally lounges need to be situated near departure gates so that when the last call for the flight is sounded, you still have time to wash down that last canape or hor d’oeurve and amble onto the aircraft. If we are talking 5-star business lounges then perhaps, location, can be ignored for a more effective chauffeur service to the departure gate.
Wireless Internet Access –
With all the large plasma screens and personal televisions showing the latest breaking news, the old fashioned or rather new-fashioned way of keeping up-to-date still holds sway. Logging onto the world wide web and trawling through you favourite news site or blog is still more effective and a much preferred method of news gathering.
So a high speed connection which is accessible via the wireless modem on your laptop is the need of the hour. Very few business travellers go anywhere these days without a laptop. And an additional benefit to tip the scales favourably is a charging port suitable for all models of laptops for the traveller who forgets to pack or loses his charger.
| Hot Tip – Pick up ‘Priority Pass,’ the wold’s largest independent lounge program that offers you access to 500 airport VIP lounges in 275 cities in 90 countries. No matter what class you fly and which airline you travel, use the pass to get away from the chaos and noise and treat yourself to complementary refreshments. |
Efficient Customer Service –
A much touted business buzz-word, ‘efficient’, is a very desirable quality in a business lounge. If gourmet food is to be served, let it be served post-haste. It does the business traveller no favour if the food looks great and smells great but when it is time to taste, it is also time to board the flight. Or the dreaded bout of clumsiness that causes a perfectly preserved vintage to stain a perfectly good business suit.
Perhaps a quick and efficient dry cleaner on the premises, in the lounge, for just such an occasion. Better yet a small boutique with off-the wall or bespoke suits for male and female executives, along with other essential apparel would not be amiss. The business traveller might have packed their suits, but they have not packed their wallets.
A few that have got it just right
What the savvy business traveller needs to do is to try and ensure that the unavoidable business trip lands them at one of the airport lounges mentioned below. Expect to find a day spa, tanning booth, personal living spaces, meals prepared by gourmet chefs, secretarial services, and an art gallery. From offering all the essentials, to satisfying a traveller’s wants with amenities that are on par with a 5-star hotel, business lounges that go the extra mile truly deserve a mention.
The Clubhouse by Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse is just over a year old and has already made most business travellers’ lists of must visit business lounges. And for very good reason, as the Deli or The Brasserie are designed to tantalise the taste buds of the most jaded business traveller. A state-of-the-art multiscreen, screens films, a variety of programmes and sporting events. The travel weary businessperson has the option of unwinding, if they so choose, with a game of pool or the latest video game on the retro games console. If privacy is the order of the day then the mezzanine hideaway with loungers, day beds and a roof garden ensure a relaxed ambience.
| Quick Facts – The clubhouse – The Cowshed at the Clubhouse is hidden behind a water wall. – Six steam-rooms and circular hydro spa pool. – A selection of Cowgroom treatments while you relax in the comfortable Cowgroom chair. – To pre-book a treatment, e-mail the spa at cowshed.heathrow@fly.virgin.com |
What sets the Virgin clubhouse apart from other lounges is the range of spa treatments at Cowshed at the Clubhouse, in addition, to a St. Tropez Tanning Booth. The poolside lounge features a ceiling to floor Japanese water wall that runs gently into an inviting pool. Overall the Virgin Clubhouse is designed to offer the business traveller a complete rejuvenating experience.
The Business Centre by Qatar Airways
Closer to home the Qatar Airways Business Centre at Doha International Airport has taken personalised service to another level. The Business Centre is located in the recently constructed US$90 million Premium Terminal, which extends exclusive access only to first and business class passengers.
As part of the exclusive service the Business Centre provides passengers an e-card that contains biometric personal data from name and passport details to fingerprints. The secretarial services at the Business Centre ensure that all business needs are handled efficiently and professionally. Once business is taken care of, a visit to the spa, jacuzzi or sauna will invigorate you and make the long flight ahead much more inviting.
Gulf Air Business class Lounge
A business traveller by definition is continuously on the move, a veritable dynamo, hopping from city to city attending meetings and presentations. While most lounges focus on helping a jet setter conduct their business more effectively the Gulf Air business class lounge at Bahrain International Airport focuses on the need for a little tranquility.
In addition to a business centre equipped with Apple Mac computers and wireless Internet access the lounge offers a quiet room. With five day beds, an elevated seating area and prayer rooms, harrowed executives have the opportunity to slow down meditate and perhaps be inspired. For frequent flyers Gulf Air proffers a Gold membership with the exclusive benefit of bringing along a travel companion at no extra cost.
Qantas Lounge by Qantas Airways
The Qantas lounge at Sydney Airport is a clear example of the extent business lounges are being redefined. The lounge offers up a stunning 180 degree view of the city of Sydney and Botany Bay, which can be enjoyed while sampling a menu created by celebrated chef Neil Perry. The chair side waiter service allows you to enjoy a meal or drink without having to move to the restaurant.
Transiting passengers in search of an inspiring read can browse the well stocked library or just appreciate the vertical garden designed by Patrick Blanc, the internationally renowned botanist. The deft touches and subtle features of the Qantas lounge are all designed to look and feel similar to a 5-star resort rather than an airport lounge.
| Future Perfect – – Air France will open a new 400 square metre lounge at Tokyo Airport. Designed by Desgrippes-Gobe image agency, the futuristic feel of the lounge will be enhanced with a visual contrast of red and white. The easy-access seats will have a tray table on one arm with a PC socket built into the reading lamp. – Eos Airlines, the business class carrier, has launched Club 48. More than a lounge Eos describes the gate-side departure lounge at London Stansted Airport as a Club. Upholding the ideal of a stress free, uncrowded travel experience, Club 48 features leather seats, walnut veneers with two 50 inch widescreen TV’s, individual workstations and Wi-Fi access. |
Asiana Lounge by Asiana Airlines
Taking a leaf out of Sydney Airports’ business lounge the Asiana Lounge at Incheon Airport gives the business traveller inspiration in the form of art and entertainment. The lounge regularly hosts art exhibits featuring contemporary creations that can be admired or even purchased. Looking to impress the boss? Then nothing says I deserve that promotion more than a spontaneously purchased painting. It might even help you work in more stop overs via Seoul International Airport.
The lounge also features an event hall where regular live performances help reduce the waiting time between flights. Showers, sleeping rooms, full body and foot massage services will refresh both body and mind.
The Wing and The Pier by Cathay Pacific
Not content with offering passengers just one lounge, Cathay has two premium lounges sure to impress even the most wearied traveller. Cathay’s The Wing at Hong Kong International Airport offers two big screen Plasma TVs that keep you updated on events from around the world. The eight shower rooms stocked with towels and other toiletries as well as 34 unique ‘personal living spaces’ are designed for privacy. The shower rooms will help you freshen up while the personal living spaces will provide you the sanctuary to tackle any pending work especially that pesky presentation that is due by the time you arrive at your destination.
If you do not fancy airline food then the Noodle Bar and Long Bar is the perfect place to dine on some delectable 5-star cuisine. The second premium lounge, called The Pier, delivers all the amenities and facilities as The Wing with the added advantage of more room for the business travellers to relax.
Dynasty Lounge by China Airlines
The Dynasty Lounge at Chiang Kai Shek Airport supplies just the right combination of services and amenities to help the business traveller de-stress. With a view to simplicity the lounge gives the weary traveller the opportunity to refresh and relax. A shower room to wash off the travel dust and an hor d’oeuvre service for a quick bite to eat or a self-serve buffet for something more substantial. A wide variety of reading materials helps engage the mind while televisions help occupy the mind and make the waiting time a bit more bearable.
Swiss Lounge by Swiss Air
For most business travellers a common and effective way to relax is a soothing glass of wine or a cold beer while waiting in an airport lounge. The Swiss lounge ensures that if a traveller prefers this oft used formula to get through innumerable transits then they should have ample access at the airport world’s longest bar. Measuring approximately 93 feet the bar is the perfect place to slowly drink in the hustle and bustle of Zurich airport while enjoying a cold beverage or two.
In keeping with most other business lounges the Swiss lounge offers computer workstations for the traveller who prefers to optimise their waiting time by working. Showers are also available to freshen up after a long flight.
Red Carpet Club by United Airlines
The United Red Carpet Club at The Los Angeles Airport features a comfortable lounge with personalised travel assistance and an array of complimentary menu for breakfast and lunch. High Speed WiFi wireless Internet service is also available at many U.S. Locations with fax services for a nominal fee and complimentary photocopy services. LAX has 3 conference rooms that can comfortably seat 6 people and offers useful business amenities such as free local calls, speakerphones and whiteboards.
The United Red Carpet Club is centrally located at over 40 airports in the United States and across the world. Business Travellers can avail Reciprocal Club Privileges when they travel on Star Alliance and US Airways Club.
Top Ten Business lounges in the World
Source: Skytrax. |
With the variety of amenities offered at business lounges, most business travellers prefer to dine, rest and take care of business before stepping onto their flight. The time spent in the air is now being used to catch up on sleep or perhaps finally getting around to reading that best seller on how to make a million on your way to the next meeting.
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