An example of why access to lounge ABC at XYZ is important:

In Tokyo, as a Star Gold, you have access to both the United and Singapore Airlines lounge at Narita Terminal 1.

During my layover of 5 hours connecting from London to Seoul, I want to 1. have a shower and 2. get some foood.

So what do I do... I go to the United lounge which has a great shower so I take a shower there. But it is extrememly basic in terms of food/beverages. So I walk over to the SQ lounge (yes, it's a long walk, but I have more than enough time). Then take advantage of their extended F&B service there (like some smoked salmon sushi, cup noodles, sandwiches, etc). But I still need the United lounge because the SQ one doesn't have a shower.

I might be one of the weird ones, but I enjoy time spent (up to an extent) at good lounges. It's a good time to have some snacks, read some magazines in peace and have a few drinks. I guess it might just be because I'm not a hectic business traveller yet...

Oh, an example of why a lounge is helpful: When I departed from the new Seoul airport, I had to leave home at about 5am or something. This meant no time at all for breakfast, and also I just don't buy food at the airport. (I have always doubted the quality of the food) So just imagine my delight when I find that the SQ lounge is extrememly comfortable, has a lot of delicious food. (dim sum, salad bar, bacon/ham/egg for breakfast, etc) I definately didn't need any food during the United flight to Tokyo (where they serve the worst sandwich I ever had the pleasure of discovering, immaculately presented in... a cardboard box )
Moreover it has fast internet terminals with 18" LCD panels (far better for the eyes) so when my flight was delayed from 9am to 1pm, I was hardly inconvienienced compared to people who were lying on the floor near the gate.

So, if you ask me, I'd rather not go to the airport as late as I can. I get bad seats that way. (a non-emergency exit middle seat on a 13 hour flight....... I'd rather die)

Sorry about the rant, I just really like the lounges

1) Sometimes we hold business meetings in the conference rooms. From SFO, we can get to a meeting in Denver and back home on the same day.

2) Check in lines are shorter and give better service than the lines in the front, usually better than the 1K line or the premiere line at SFO.

3) A nicer place to wait when flights are delayed, cancelled, or you have a layover.

Delays and unavoidable stopovers are good reasons.

I think you make a good point which, however, will fall on deaf ears considering that a lot of the discussions here focus on mileage runs and how to fly from LAX to SEA with 5 stops...

I like to hang out at United's domestic Red Carpet Clubs because they discourage me from drinking too much.

Well, that and the relatively clean bathrooms.

For me, the lounge is an excellent place to get work done. I try to get there early if possible to get some solitary time in the club to make calls, check emails and so on.

As a sometimes smoker, it's also frequently a good place to grab a quick butt. If I'm in a club on a layover, it is so relaxing to get away from the masses in the concourse, re-charge the pc or cell phone and then head out to the nasty airport land.

10 years ago-maximize efficiency, get stressed out, probably (in retropsect) a little less effective.

Today-Enjoy the journey just a little more, more relaxed, probably a little more effective.

That's why I like the lounges.

Perhaps in ten years, Anagnorisis will feel the way 880 does today.

Who does not like lounges?

Lounges are what saves one from hell.

Since my home airport is one of the nicest in the world I guess this does not apply here but short of here and YVR the basic reason: lounges saves you from all the other people. Unfortunately (in this regard) a lot of people fly and crowded airports with awful seats are not my idea of a good time.

Being one who has experienced being too late for a plane I cannot agree with the notion of arriving late for check-in. Besides for upgrading or bumping early arrival is also good.

Short of the above mentioned uninviting settings an airport presents there are a number of factors to convince any heretic:

1) Something to drink for free that would otherwise cost unreasonable amounts of money.

2) Stuff to eat mostly (for free).

3) Free local phone calls, Internet acccess, showers, exclusive help with one's flights.


My latest use of a lounge illustrates it nicely.

I was arriving after 8 hours in Y with a stupid man in front who thought total seat recline was mandatory through the entire flight. 3 hours after my arrival my family was leaving from the same airport for their vacation. Normally I would have had to pick up my bag and clear customs and thus not being able to meet up with my family for goodbyes. Now, I accessed the arrivals lounge. Had them put my bag aside. Showered, shaved and brushed my teath. Had breakfast. Normally the 2 hour train ride home after a trans-atlantic is what kills you, with a nice lounge it's really a whole other ball game... and I got to say goodbye to my family at the gate!

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Goldlust

[This message has been edited by Goldlust (edited 07-15-2001).]

Mileage runs. Without a place to shower after a transatlantic flight with a 3 hour turn, it would be bad for all flying.

I hate being late or cutting it close. It's much better to board being relaxed after a lounge visit.

I only spend time at lounges during international flights. With usually 1.5 to 2 hrs minimum wait for connecting flights, its really nice to stretch out and relax, get on the Internet.

Even in a few occasions when the arrival is a bit late, and there is only 5-10 minutes to spend in the lounge, its nice to do so, even if only to get juice in that short time to rehydrate.

When I misconnect or am badly delayed at ORD or DFW, American Airlines' Admirals Clubs are heaven-sent sanctuaries.

Goldlust asked:
"Who does not like lounges?"

Me, for one, although I enjoy my time spent in airports. (I really do, even after 600K miles in the air) I always try for at least a 2 hour layover to relax and avoid stress. However, I much prefer a bar on the concourse. More interesting scenery, more interesting people, and usually closer to an exit so one can have a cigarette. Unlike some folks, I absolutely don't "work" on fly days, so the phones, computers, etc. mean nothing to me. I've been in many lounges, esp. after reading here how so many people really like them, but I simply find them to be extremly boring.

I'm with you Anagnorisis, I could care less about hanging out in lounges most of the time. On departure, I would rather spend as much time as possible (sleeping, watching TV, or working depending on time of day) at my destination than getting to the airport more than an hour before my flight and hang out at the lounge. When I used to travel for business, 80% of the time, I was probably amongst the last handful of people to board the plane. Even now on my international leisure trips on UA, where I get free access to the lounges, I seldom make use of it.

I must admit though that I thought I was in heaven the two times I passed through CX's The Wing at HKG. After a long flight, I could see how a shower would be nice on arrival. And if I were flying a lot domestically, I could see how the prospect of flight delays would scare me into buying a lounge membership. Other than that, if I had some free time before my departure the day before or morning of, I would rather visit a supermarket wherever I am at and stock up on some snacks and drinks before the flight. Whether on business or leisure, I am more interested in seeing what the locals do than to hang out and have a drink with a fat business traveler or sitting next to someone yapping on their cell phone inside the lounge. I should also add that sometimes the lounge is as packed as the general concourse.

I don't hang out in airports any longer than necessary either, but delays happen and unfortunate long connections sometimes too. The best use I have found of lounges is a place to talk on the phone without all of the boarding announcements, etc. in the background. I have several times had to participate in or run conference calls at the airport and that background noise is very disruptive.

Like most others who have already posted here, I enjoy lounge access for delays or waits at hub airports. When I'm having to wait out a delay, it's nice to be able to do it in relative peace and quiet. I can get a nice cup of coffee or a drink and just relax. Plus, it gives me a place to meet folks coming through, or wait out waiting for their luggage (takes way too long here at Charlotte Douglas Int'l).

And there's been the times when I've agreed to be bumped off of a flight, or somehow missed the original flight and need a place to kill time - so it's the best place I can think of.

Of course, I enjoy being the last one on and minimizing my time in the airports - but I'd be a bit unhappy (or spend too much time in airport bars) without it.

But maybe what's been nicest is to be able to take a friend or relative in - and see them impressed with the place. After all, we all get a little blase, and it's nice to see it through someone else's eyes.

But hey, to each their own.

[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 07-15-2001).]