The Bottom Line Airport Lounges: For the Many or the Few?
Jan 22, 2026
Mignon Buckingham, CEO of Airport Dimensions, Claude Roussel, VP of Delta Sky Clubs, and Nicky Kelvin, Senior Director at The Points Guy, discuss the booming demand for airport lounges post-COVID. They explore the evolution of lounges from elite spaces to shared-use models and the challenges of maintaining exclusivity while growing customer bases. Key insights include the importance of lounge design, the impact of travel trends, and future innovations like spas and gyms, as well as strategies for managing overcrowding and enhancing customer experience.
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Monetise Walk-Ins With Day-Pass Pricing
- Price day passes and per-guest agreements to match operating costs and demand.
- Offer individual access around £40-£50 for three hours to monetise walk-in guests effectively.
Wide Spectrum Of Lounge Experiences
- Lounges now offer widely varying experiences from basic seating to full restaurants and spas.
- Higher-tier services (bedrooms, spa treatments) create distinct premium tiers within the lounge ecosystem.
Good Lounges Become Destinations
- Typical lounge dwell time averages about 90 minutes but premium spaces can keep guests for several hours.
- High-quality restaurant and wellness offerings make lounges destinations, encouraging passengers to arrive earlier.