Originally Posted by
nh1980
Having not had the privilege of lounge access (by default) up until fairly recently I still remember the days when I had to kill time in the airport and I found the shops and restaurants/bars a welcome distraction/necessity!
I can see why the more frequent/business traveller would find it a chore though when all they want to do is relax with a drink or do some work but it is just a 5 minute walk
...but you can design an airport so that those who want to visit shops and restaurants/bars
can, but those who don't want them, don't have to endure the walk and/or the noise.
In essence - you want shops? Great... have them... but don't make me walk past them/through them all every time I'm travelling when I never (and I mean never) shop in any of them.
In fact, you can even design an airport so that NON-STATUS pax who want a quiet place to sit can find one. MUC T2 for instance. There are even power sockets at the airside seating areas.
Are there any quiet places to sit at LHR T5 if you're flying in Y and don't have status? Not many, that's for sure... and with power sockets? Hah!