Travelling can be a stressful experience, but airport amenities can make the journey more comfortable. Recently, airports have increased their offerings to make travellers’ experiences more enjoyable. However, these amenities can come at a cost, and it’s essential to know which ones are worth the investment. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best airport amenities that you can actually afford, to make your next journey as comfortable as possible.
Comfortable Seating
One of the most important airport amenities is comfortable seating. Long layovers and delayed flights can be a real pain, especially if you’re stuck in a hard and uncomfortable chair. Many airports now offer lounge areas with comfortable chairs, sofas, and even private sleeping pods.
You can buy a lounge pass for a one-time fee, or you can sign up for a lounge membership program, which gives you access to lounges all over the world.
Fast Wi-Fi
Fast Wi-Fi is another essential airport amenity, especially if you need to work or stay connected while travelling. Many airports now offer free Wi-Fi, but the speed and reliability of the connection can vary greatly. To ensure you have fast and reliable Wi-Fi, look for airport lounges that offer this service. You can also buy Wi-Fi packages from the airport or from a third-party provider.
Some airports are now offering free, limited-time Wi-Fi access to all passengers – no matter which airline you’re flying with. Plus, some provide a complimentary wireless connection for certain travellers such as those holding a loyalty card – so be sure to check your airport’s website before travelling.
There’s Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal to help you stay in touch or plan your travels. Just choose _Heathrow Wi-Fi and follow the on-screen instructions. Once registered, you’ll receive free Wi-Fi for the duration of your stay at Heathrow.
London Heathrow
Showers and Changing Rooms
Long-haul flights can be tiring, and freshening up before your next meeting or connection can make all the difference. Many airports now offer showers and changing rooms, giving you the chance to clean up and change clothes before continuing your journey. Some lounges even offer private shower rooms for added privacy.
Most airports offer amenities such as a changing room or toilets both in arrivals and departures that you can use to freshen up before your flight. Some of the larger airports offer designated shower areas, such as Heathrow’s Shower and Refreshment centre, however, these are restricted to certain premium pass holders. To access these premium services, fees apply and therefore you’ll need a lounge membership or pay an entry fee.
Healthy Food Options
Eating healthy while travelling can be a challenge, but airports are now offering more nutritious options. From salad bars to juice bars, there are plenty of healthy food options available. If you’re looking for something more substantial, many airports have sit-down restaurants serving healthy meals.
The Wondertree restaurant in the Heathrow T2 terminal is one of the more healthy food options available, serving a range of freshly prepared dishes with vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options. Other airports such as Gatwick offer registered healthy eating outlets throughout the airport terminal where you can find fresh salads, soups and sandwiches.
The registered healthy eating outlets at Gatwick Airport include The Natural Kitchen, Leon’s and Pret A Manger. All of these restaurants offer fresh salads, soups and sandwiches which are suitable for vegetarians, vegans or those who require gluten-free options.
Transportation options
When choosing an airport, it’s essential to consider its location. Some airports are located far from the city centre, making it more difficult to get to and from the airport. However, many airports now offer convenient transportation options, including trains, buses, and taxis. Look for an airport that’s close to your destination, or one that offers efficient transportation options.
For example, Heathrow Airport is conveniently located just 12 miles from central London, making it easy to access the city centre. Heathrow offers a range of transportation options, including buses, coaches and minicabs. The airport also has two train stations within terminals 2 and 5 that offer direct connections to central London in as little as 15 minutes.
Charging Stations
Staying charged while travelling is essential, and airports now offer charging stations for all devices. Whether you need to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet, you can find a charging station at most airports. Some airports even offer free charging, making it easier to stay connected.
Most airports in the U.K. offer charging stations in every terminal. Often USB ports are located at several seating areas throughout the terminals. These ports offer up to 3 amps of power and can be used with any device that charges via USB.
Luggage Storage
With long layovers or early flights, travellers can enjoy the freedom to explore the city without having to carry luggage – thanks to baggage storage options at many airports. Take advantage of this great service and make your trip that much better!
Travellers in the UK don’t have to worry about lugging around their bags between arrivals and departures. With baggage storage options readily available at major airports, such as Heathrow’s luggage lockers or left-luggage facility, items like suitcases, bags and electronic devices can be stored safely for up to three days with prices ranging from £7.50 – £30.
Spa and Massage Services
Travelling can be stressful, and a spa or massage service can help you relax. Many airports now offer these services, so you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
In the United Kingdom, many major airports offer spa and massage services. Heathrow Airport has two spas located in Terminals 2 and 5; both offer a range of treatments from manicures to massages. Gatwick Airport also offers a full-service spa where you can enjoy facials, manicures, pedicures, or even a relaxing massage. Lounge membership is required for the service or one-off payment may be required.
Final thoughts
In this blog, we discussed 8 airport amenities that the average traveller can afford. When planning your travel, make sure the airport you select has all the convenient amenities and services that will ensure a comfortable experience. Research if they have healthy eating outlets or luggage storage options – these features may give you just what you need to make every trip successful!
From free Wi-Fi to pay-per-use lounges, UK’s major airports – including Heathrow and Gatwick – have a lot of exciting amenities for travellers. Get the most out of your journey by planning ahead so you can enjoy these offerings without any hassle during your stay at the airport!
We recommend that travellers check the airport website or contact the customer service desk before travelling to ensure they have all the information they need about available amenities. This will help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Happy travels!
