All about Airport Lounges

 An airport Lounge is a purpose built hospitality facility which is usually located within an airport terminal. It is designed to cater to premium (First and business class) passengers before or just after their flights.

Airport lounges are designed to provide levels of service and comfort beyond what is normally available in the airport terminal itself such as more comfortable seats, quiet areas with enhanced privacy, dedicated airline and customer care representatives. Many lounges also offer services uniquely designed to cater to business travelers such as private meeting rooms, telephone, internet facilities, photocopy and other business services. complimentary snacks and drinks are also provided to enhance the appeal of airport lounges.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge

Star alliance member Turkish Airlines Lounge at its hub: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)

A wide array of food options are available at most lounges in major airports

The first airport lounge opened in 1939 at New York's La Guardia Airport. It was owned and operated by American Airlines. That lounge was conceived as a promotional tool and proved to be hugely successful as it boosted premium passenger numbers for American Airlines.

Skyteam member Alitalia's Casa Alitalia Lounge at its Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) Hub

Skyteam member Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge

These days, most major international airlines have one or more lounges at their hub airports as well as other airports where they have considerable operations.

One world member Qantas of Australia's first lounge

Star Alliance member South African Airways Cycad first Class Lounge at O.R Tambo  International Airport Johannesburg (JHB)

In addition to premium passengers, airport lounges are also available in certain cases to frequent flyers regardless of their class of travel. Airport lounges are also a major selling point for Airline Alliances since passengers of an airline which belongs to an alliance will usually have access to lounges operated by other airlines within the same alliance at other airports across the world. This access to lounges at airports around the world plays a key role in boosting passenger loyalty.

Star alliance member United Airlines Club Lounge

South African Airways Platimum Lounge at JHB

For example, a passenger who is booked to fly from Accra to Houston on a Lufthansa first or Business Class ticket and who's itinerary is as follows:

Accra - Frankfurt - Houston (With Frankfurt as connecting airport).

 This itinerary involves two mega hubs; Frankfurt (FRA) where Star Alliance member Lufthansa has its main hub, and Houston (IAH) where fellow Star Alliance member, United Airlines also has one of its major hubs. If this passenger is a frequent flyer or holds a premium class ticket on Lufthansa; he will have access to Lufthansa's lounge at Frankfurt as well as United Airlines' lounge at Houston on both legs of his trip .

A few airports also have lounges which are privately run by independent companies and which are open to premium passengers on any airline or to any passengers who pay the required fee. This is frequently the case at major airports in West and Central Africa where airlines are usually not members of any major alliance.

Oasis Lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Lagos (LOS)

Oasis Lounge (LOS)

Arik Air's Premier Business Lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos

Adinkrah Lounge at Accra Kotoka Airport (ACC)

Club Market VIP Lounge at Douala International Airport

The Suite by Brussels Airlines at Kinshasa N'Djili International Airport, Democratic Republic of Congo

Bidvest Premier Lounge at O.R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (JHB)

Shongololo Premium Lounge at JHB

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Have you ever enjoyed the facilities at any airport lounge? Do tell us about your experience!!

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