subject: The Finest Airport Lounge In The World [print this page] Everyone who has ever flown economy class will be familiar with the long queues, followed by the long waits in waiting rooms that have definitely seen better days. The arm rests of your chair are shared with other passengers, so if you didnt get there first you have to sit with your elbows tucked uncomfortably down at your sides. Meanwhile screaming kids run about where they shouldnt, couples argue and the place faintly smells of hot fast food mixed with the tang of disinfectant.
Its horrible and so its no wonder that increasing numbers of people spend just that little be more for an airport lounge to relax, unwind and generally avoid all the unpleasant parts of flying.
But there is a place for First Class and Business Class travellers which makes that long wait for your flight worth every single second. In fact, you may never want to leave: The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Clubhouse experience.
Because thats what theyre selling - an experience. And it starts with a complimentary limo ride to the Upper Class entrance, including check-in and express security lane which will whisk you through in under 10 minutes.
Step through the sliding doors and into the enormous lounge and its like walking into the mess hall from Star Trek The Next Generation. Not that this is a bad thing at all, because the atmosphere is the epitomy of relaxed despite the jaw dropping size of the space. Simply leave your coat and hand luggage with the baggage room attendant before going in to have fun or simply relax.
Spread across three floors, the Clubhouse consists of a huge main lounge floor, a quietly secluded mezzanine sitting area in the sun and finally an outdoor decking area overlooking the airport and runways with a hot tub and tanning bed.
All around are cosy Eames leather lounge chairs as far as the eye can see, while a Cowshed Spa, hair salon, dining area, pool table nook with old school arcade games, enormous TV screen areas, business centres complete with secluded cubicles and a deli style counter are all perfectly positioned around the space. So whether you want simple have fun, do some last minute work or go grab a smoothie and a sandwich from the deli or have a full sit-down meal in the lounge's dining area, you can do all this at your leisure and without fear of being disturbed. And somehow this is all within easy view of the departures board so that you have complete peace of mind when it comes to catching your flight.
With so much to do and enjoy, you could very comfortably spend several hours here. However, you will need to purchase Upper Class seats on a flight, hold Flying Club Gold status, or purchase lounge access as an add-on to your Virgin Vacations package.
So if youre thinking of experiencing airport lounges, then it is certainly worth considering one of the finest airport lounges in the world. Because if you are going to relax and unwind before and after your holiday or business trip, there isnt a better way than with a luxury airport lounge experience.
