Airport lounges make me feel weird. They offer free booze, free food, and a selection of people you’ve never met. They have the potential to be a giant piss-up with people mingling and getting wasted before jumping on a long-haul flight. But instead they’re quiet and subdued, with important looking people tapping away at their laptops ignoring everything around them.
They are the epitome of privilege, offered free to rich business people who can afford to pay for them, while the lower class eat overpriced noodles and burgers from A&W. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Recently, while enjoying the privilege of sitting in one of these lounges, I figured I might meet some famous movie director or a film star or someone who might offer me the job opportunity of my dreams because they saw some hidden potential in me.
But all I saw were couples with white hair bickering, heads buried deep in devices, and one man who complained about the poor selection of items at the buffet. Obviously the pork sliders, Caesar salad and unlimited chocolate chunk cookies were not up to his standard.
Ultimately, I was disappointed. I used to walk by the premium lounge signs with their promise of mystery, opportunity, and prestige with an air of wonder. Now I’m almost repelled by the thought of them.
The next time I have a lounge pass, I want to head to A&W, order a burger, and offer the person in the line behind me my pass. Hopefully they’re someone who thinks about lounges the way I used to. And if you are lucky enough to have access to that mystery elevator that whisks you one level above the rest of the world’s economy class passengers, at least start a party!
Serial Nomad 
For the most part, I’ve found these international Business/First Class lounges a pleasant oasis for drinks, snacks and an occasional hot shower when transiting between long Latin America, AsiaPac and Africa flights late at night when many airport businesses are closed. It’s also helpful for weary travelers in some lounges to have an escort deliver one directly to the departing flight after main boarding with no lines and hassles. Some of these lounges in third-world countries are relatively basic, but still offer some safe haven away from the push-and-shove crowds awaiting flights where airport A&W’s or Starbucks don’t exist and where restrooms are at times unsanitary, overflowing with human waste and trash.
Hey Marc, don’t get me wrong, they’re a luxury! No doubt about it. I was just shocked at how pretentious the atmosphere felt and was inspired to articulate it. I haven’t freestyle written like that for years and it feels so nice to have those juices flowing again. My parents are big fans of lounges and will highly disagree with my sentiments as well! 🙂
Most airport lounges have clean restrooms and a quiet area. That’s why I use one. Also lounge access comes free with my American Express card when flying Delta.
Indeed!! I just wish they didn’t require credit cards or business class to access them 🙂
Well, as someone who’s never been in one of these lounges I’m not qualified to comment. I’m more concerned about how first class seats appear to be getting bigger and steerage seats smaller. Eventually folks over a certain weight
might be seated in the cargo hold. Frequent travelers might be offered free ozempic. Next: standing room.
LOL!! I hear you Dave! Maybe I’m just cranky from all the cattle class travel but flying is one of those experiences where how much money you have dictates every aspect of the experience. And as an economy passenger, you’re reminded of it as you walk by the lounges and through business class on your way to the back of the plane every time. My point was that having had the privilege of gaining access to one of the lounges, I’d built it up to be such an exotic experience that I was actually underwhelmed by how bored and unhappy everyone in there seemed.
most people that have the opportunity to visit those lounges have earned that right. So no it shouldn’t be the other way around. I’ve been working my ass off since I was 10 years old. Nobody has ever given anything to me and I’ve had to earn All of it. Something to think about while you travel. Be safe.
Hell yes you’ve earned your right to be there, Pac Man! I’m definitely not arguing that. There’s also a lot of people who work their arses off who don’t get that opportunity. But my point was more about the atmosphere I experienced and why no one seemed to be enjoying themselves. I expected more of a party/red carpet event kind of vibe, but everyone looked straight-faced and miserable.
Anyplace with the word lounge is OK by me…I vote to bring A&W into the VIP lounge and live the best of both worlds. But that’s just me.
Keep writing
Haha! Now we’re talking! A&W and a DJ!! 🙂