Latest news with #airportlounge
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel expert - how paying extra for lounge access could actually SAVE you money at the airport
Airport expenses can quickly blow through travellers' budgets before the trip has started - from inflated food and beverage costs, parking and drop-off charges, and even terminal user fees. But according to travel experts at eShores, you could be forking out more on one meal and drinks in the terminal than on a single pass for lounge access. The specialists say holidaymakers are wasting money on 'unnecessary' flight add-ons, including early boarding and seat selections. Instead of splurging on costly add-ons, they advise travellers to instead splash out on extras that will improve their travel experience, such as lounge access and fast-track security. From pre-booked airport transfers to seat selection fees that might not be worth the extra cost, here's what holidaymakers should prioritise when catching flights this summer. The travel add-ons to buy 1. Lounge pass According to experts at eShore, many travellers spend an eye-watering amount on a main meal and a couple of drinks at the terminal, which averages just over £38 at Heathrow. According to travel experts at eShores, you could be forking out more on one meal and drinks in the terminal than on a single pass for lounge access. However, access to an airport lounge typically costs around £30 to £45 per person - with some providers offering luxe for less from just £26. Holidaymakers who are partial to an airport coffee, meal and drinks can save a substantial amount by investing in a lounge pass - and enjoy extra perks, such as free-WiFi, charging points and snacks, too. 2. Fast track security Fast-track security is a dedicated, private lane that offers a reduced wait time at security checkpoints, allowing passengers to make their way to the departure lounge quicker. During peak summer travel, security queues at major UK airports, such as Heathrow or Manchester, can cost travellers 45 to 60 minutes of their time. At Manchester Airport, travellers who invest in fast-tracking security can reduce their wait time to under 10 minutes for around £7 per person, which is especially beneficial for those flying with young children or during school holidays. 3. Day trip excursions Booking organised day trip abroad, especially in nations with close borders, offers several benefits, such as the opportunity to visit multiple destinations for less. Access to an airport lounge typically costs around £30 to £45 per person - with some providers offering luxury for less from just £26 Some guided tours start as low as £50 and can include meals and transport, which offers a way to experience another country without forking out on separate accommodation and flights. 4. Pre-booked airport transfer Pre-booking airport transfers saves time, money, and hassle, as it offers fixed pricing, guaranteed availability, and peace of mind. In major European cities, a taxi on arrival can exceed £100, while pre-booked options, whether it's a shuttle or public transport, can cost around £5 to £15 per person The travel add-ons to ditch 1. Early boarding According to eShore experts, early boarding 'rarely' offers a real advantage, as holidaymakers are essentially shelling out up to £10 per person to sit on a stationary plane for longer. They add: 'Early boarding doesn't guarantee faster departure times; you'll still disembark in the same order. 'Unless you have mobility needs or are travelling with very young children, it's money better spent on your actual holiday.' 2. Seat selection Budget airlines can charge up to £25 to choose where you sit on the plane - but these fees are one of the many ways low-cost carriers make money while keeping flight fees as low as possible. Some airlines will make a conscious effort to seat people on the same booking together, but others may randomly place travellers on near-opposite ends of the plane unless they cough up the cash. They added: 'But for short-haul flights under two hours, for many people, being separated isn't the end of the world (and might even mean a bit of quiet time). 'Unless you're flying with young children or sitting with your travel companion is a must, this is an easy cost to skip.' 3. Checked bag for short breaks For days-long trips or weekend breaks, paying £25 to £50 for checked baggage is likely to be a waste. In fact, many travellers will find they overpack for short breaks and end up paying for luggage they don't really need. The experts add: 'With smart packing techniques (think compression cubes and versatile outfits), everything you need for a long weekend or week-long city break can easily fit in hand luggage.' It comes after.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Fury as Capital One cuts beloved airport lounge access perks
Fliers who own Venture X and Venture X Business cards will soon lose the privilege of extending Capital One airport lounge access to guests and additional cardholders. Capital One confirmed the change would be applied to all of these account owners in February 2026. Venture X and Venture X Business card owners will still be allowed to give other individuals access to their cards - but they will have to pay $125 annually for access. Venture X cardholders will also be required to pay $35 per guest to Priority Pass lounges, which are exclusive lounges affiliated with Capital One. 'As airport lounges continue to grow in popularity across the industry, we've seen our customers increasingly encounter wait times to enter them,' a Capital One spokesperson told 'It is important to us that we maintain a great airport lounge experience for our Venture X and Venture X Business customers, while continuing to deliver best-in-class premium travel cards at an accessible price point.' Qualified cardholders will still be able to bring two guests to lounges and one to Landings locations, as long as the account owners spend over $75,000 a year. Capital One launched Venture X cards in 2021, which they described as a 'unique premium travel card with industry-leading rewards and benefits.' Venture X will be required to pay $35 per guest to Priority Pass lounges starting in February 2026 The company opened its first lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport later that year. Other lounges operate in popular airports in states like Colorado, Nevada, and Virginia. With these two cards, fliers typically save $395 when visiting any Capital One airport lounge. The company opened its first Landing lounge in 2024 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. 'We need to revolt against the lounge access change,' one user wrote on Reddit in response to the new restrictions. 'Yeah dropping to 0 flat out is kinda ridiculous. They should've just went with 1 guest for primary and no guests for authorized user,' another user agreed. While the upcoming policy may leave guests heartbroken, the primary cardholders will still be allowed to enjoy the perk. 'You might be underestimating how many solo travelers are going to be happy about these changes,' a commenter suggested on the social media site. Venture X and Venture X Business members must pay $125 annually in order to bring guests to Capital One lounges The Capital One Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia opened in 2023 'Venture X and Venture X Business primary cardholders will continue to receive complimentary access to over 1,300 lounges, including Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges,' the spokesperson confirmed. 'We thought carefully about these changes, and we remain committed to delivering a differentiated premium travel card for our customers.' Airport lounges have remained must-visit destinations for passengers waiting for flights. American Express was the first credit card issuer to open an airport lounge in 2013. The company's lounges made headlines last year after announcing its decision to use online waitlists for all US Centurion Lounges. Amex later caused backlash after removing an Equinox Body Lab from its Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport. While these two companies have been competitive with one another, Chase Bank joined in a few years ago by opening a Chase Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong.
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Capital One to Curb Lounge Access for Some Cardholders
Capital One is tightening access to its exclusive airport lounges, no longer allowing all premium credit cardholders to extend free entry to additional cardholders and guests. Starting early next year, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders will no longer have this perk to offset the card's nearly $400 annual fee. In its email announcing the changes to customers on Tuesday, Capital One cited the popularity of its lounges — which feature chef-curated menus, specialty cocktails and relaxation amenities — and the ensuing long waits to enter. Lounge access for each additional cardholder will now cost $125 annually on a Venture X or Venture X Business account, and the cost for guests will hinge on how much credit card users spend. Cardholders and authorized users who spend more than $75,000 a year can continue to bring two guests to the lounges and one guest to the bank's Landings locations, which are a lounge-restaurant hybrid, for no additional fee. Those who don't meet this threshold will pay $45 per adult guest and $25 for each guest 17 years old and under. Children under 2 will remain free. 'We thought carefully about these changes, and we remain committed to delivering a differentiated premium travel card for our customers,' a bank spokesperson said in an emailed statement. While Venture X Business cardholders will still be allowed to bring two guests to Priority Pass lounges — a separate network of exclusive lounges in which Capital One participates — with no additional fees, Venture X cardholders will pay $35 per guest to get in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Capital One Wanted The Perfect Airport Beer. Virginia's Last Rhino Delivered.
detail of woman drinking beer while working at the airport lounge When Capital One set out to create the perfect airport beer for it Virginia airport lounge, it turned to a brewery with scrappy roots and a relentless focus on quality: Last Rhino Brewing Company. The result — Pre-Flight Lager — is a crisp, easy-drinking beer designed to calm airport nerves and satisfy a wide range of travelers, from IPA aficionados to casual light beer drinkers. The collaboration was a natural fit for Last Rhino founder Matt Hagerman, whose entire brewing career has been about balancing approachability with craftsmanship. As Hagerman explained during a recent visit, making a simple, clean lager isn't just hard — it's a skill honed through years of hands-on brewing, hard-won experience, and a deep understanding of what beer drinkers really want. Lost Rhino Brewing Matt Hagerman didn't stumble into brewing. Originally an engineering student, he found himself pulled into beer when his friends couldn't get enough of his homebrew — even if, as he jokes, it was mainly because it was free. After persistently calling Old Dominion Brewing every two weeks for four months, he finally landed a job cleaning floors. "I didn't care because I was in the industry and that's all that mattered," Hagerman said. From there, he worked his way up through bottling lines, mechanical maintenance, and eventually into brewing. But when Old Dominion sold to Budweiser in the late 2000s, Hagerman knew it was time to build something of his own. Armed with a finished business plan and a shot of luck, he learned brewing equipment from Old Dominion was for sale. "You have four days to come up with the money," he recalled being told. Without a wealthy backer, Hagerman hustled at a beer festival, pitching investors and eventually securing a critical check just as time ran out. "I always use the equivalent of like jumping off a cliff and figuring out how you're going to make your parachute on the way down," he said. That DIY spirit continues to define Last Rhino Brewing, which recently celebrated 13 years of production. The 'Perfect' Airport Beer When Capital One approached Hagerman and his team about creating the perfect airport beer for their lounges, Hagerman had a clear vision. Airports are stressful places — flights, security lines, packed terminals — and the beer needed to reflect that reality. "I wanted a beer that they didn't have to worry about," Hagerman said. "It's easy drinking. They don't want to feel like they're taking a risk on getting something they might not like." The result? Pre-Flight Lager, a clean, crisp, ultra-drinkable beer that's as reliable as a well-timed boarding call. And while it sounds simple, it's anything but easy to make. "A lot of people don't realize beers like lagers or Pilsners are some of the hardest beers to make because you can't hide behind anything," he explained. With lighter beers, flaws in brewing or fermentation are much more noticeable. "We wanted something approachable for craft newcomers but still high-quality for beer lovers," Hagerman said. One of the key ingredients behind the success of Pre-Flight Lager isn't yeast or hops — it's water. Hagerman emphasized the importance of water chemistry, pointing out how many historic beer styles (like those from Burton-on-Trent) evolved because of local water profiles. "Beer is 98% water, and it's really important to get that right," Hagerman said. "If you're trying to recreate a style, you have to recreate the water first." Attention to those small details — from the water source to proper lagering times — helps Last Rhino deliver consistency, especially when working with broader audiences who might otherwise stick to domestic beer brands. Lost Rhino While Last Rhino's brewing system isn't shiny or automated, that's part of the point. "There's zero automation, but what I like about it is that people can learn on it," Hagerman said. The old-school, hands-on system — affectionately nicknamed "the old submarine" — has been making beer since 1989 and has helped train countless brewers in the region. Today, Last Rhino distributes across Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and a bit of West Virginia, with plans to expand into North Carolina next. "Hopefully we'll get beer down in North Carolina next year," Hagerman said. And if you happen to stop by the brewery, don't be surprised to see someone proudly sporting a Faceplant IPA shirt — one of Last Rhino's most popular beers, named for the brewery's adventurous, outdoor-loving spirit. I purchased one myself after a particularly harrowing travel day that inspired this story, although my face plant was in the form of cancelled flights. Looking back at the journey, Hagerman's commitment to quality and education — not just making beer, but making great beer — hasn't changed. "I think a lot of people don't understand that beer like Pre-Flight, a Pilsner or a lager, is actually a really hard beer to make right," he said. "You have to put the work in. And when you do, it shows." In a world filled with hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and milkshake beers, sometimes it's the simplest pint that really takes off.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- The Independent
Welcome to the club: The new Heathrow hotspot you need to know about
With summer rapidly approaching and the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean beckoning, airports across the UK are gearing up for their busiest season of the year. But while jetting off for some serious R&R is an annual milestone worth counting down to, battling with hordes of holiday makers ahead of your flight is one part of travelling most would happily say goodbye to. For those seeking peace and quiet in the hours leading up to their flight, the newly opened Clubrooms lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is the perfect escape. Combining sophistication with exclusivity, Clubrooms offers an elevated airport experience away from the crowds and noise. Prepare to start your holiday early as you relax amongst lush greenery and plush interiors, with friendly hosts on-hand to allay any travel-based stress with a fully personalised service. Enjoy à la carte dining There's nothing quite like the feeling of relief after you've checked in for your flight and negotiated security. With the queues out of the way, it's time to relax and ease yourself into holiday mode with Clubrooms' exquisite culinary offering. Featuring seasonal ingredients and made-to-order hot and cold dishes, the à la carte menu has been specially designed to delight your tastebuds and bring the holiday experience forward. If you're jetting off in the AM, choose from hot breakfasts, freshly baked pastries and healthy deli jars to quell the early morning stomach rumbles and start your day right. For later departures, the menu shifts to a selection of indulgent dishes that feel more like a restaurant than an airport lounge – from warming comfort plates to vibrant seasonal salads. And it's not just the food menu that delivers – Clubrooms also offer a wide selection of award-winning wines, sparkling wines, bottled beers and premium spirits, as well as hand mixed cocktails which look suitably fancy in that all important pre-flight photo. Sit back and relax Travelling can be a stressful experience, but having lounge access takes time spent at the airport from chaotic to calm in an instant. As you walk through the doors at the Clubrooms lounge, you'll feel as though you've stepped inside an exclusive members club, with stylish furniture and ambient lighting creating a cool, relaxed atmosphere that seems miles away from the hustle and bustle of Departures. With spacious rooms, including a stunning Orangery seating area, Clubrooms pairs timeless British elegance with contemporary design to create a space that feels both indulgent and serene. Opt for a sumptuous chair by the window and feel the tension leave your body as you watch planes effortlessly lift off the runway on their way to far-flung destinations. If you're the type of traveller who needs up-to-the-minute information, you'll feel reassured by multiple flight information screens within reading distance of your table. And with dedicated Wi-Fi and charging points, you'll be able to continue working or scrolling without worrying about a diminishing battery. Ready to start your holiday in style? Regardless of the class of your ticket, you can gain access to premium pre-flight service at Clubrooms with a pre-booked lounge visit. To save 10% off your first booking, join the No1 Lounges mailing list today. Travelling during peak season doesn't have to be a chore. Experience the luxury of the lounge with pay-as-you-go access at Clubrooms. The only worry on your mind will be whether you have time to order a pre-flight cocktail.
