Originally Posted by
qvzn
The only time I paid (or would pay) to get into a lounge is if I need, and it has, a shower. Otherwise, the airport is the lounge
Actually, I guess I would also pay if the lounge had good, free booze (or quality food), and the entrance fee is less than what I'd spend at a bar during the wait
This is why there aren't more pay airport lounges. If they at best break even on customers, they cannot afford to operate such a lounge.
OTOH, if the airport wants to encourage more travelers to use their airport, one might envision the airport trying to provide or encourage lounge facilities. The question is whether making lounges and showers available is a cost effective way to do so. There also might be a consideration of whether the lounge would tend to benefit some airlines more than others.