News in English

I've been to dozens of airport lounges worldwide. Here are the 5 things I never do in them.

I've visited many airport lounges over the years because I travel at least once a month.
  • I go to many airport lounges that I access through my credit card and Priority Pass membership.
  • I travel at least once a month, and going to a lounge while I wait for my flight is routine for me.
  • But in airport lounges, I never stuff my face, sleep, or take the first seat I see. 

I travel often — at least once a month — and I like having access to Delta Sky Clubs through my co-branded Delta credit card and Priority Pass, a membership that gets me into more than 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.

These two programs usually allow me to find a lounge I can use regardless of the airport I'm at or the airline I'm flying.

I enjoy using airport lounges because they're usually quieter and less crowded than waiting at the gate. I also like having access to a nicer, less-crowded restroom, and of course, the complimentary food and beverages are pretty sweet, too.

As a frequent traveler, here are five things I never do in an airport lounge.

Plop in the first seat I see

Most airport lounges have a variety of seating, from desk-like workspaces with electrical outlets to comfortable upholstered couches you might find in a living room.

I don't pick the first open seat I see unless the lounge is super crowded and I feel as if it's my only option. Fortunately, I can usually gauge how crowded a lounge is by the presence of a line at the entry.

A lot of lounges I've visited don't allow new visitors when they're close to capacity, so finding a seat is usually not an issue.

If I'm not familiar with a lounge's layout, I'll take a lap to see all the available seating. I love a comfortable chair with built-in USB ports so I can charge my phone, so I'll look for that type of seating first.

I also like to sit away from the buffet, bar, and restrooms so I can have as quiet an atmosphere as possible.

Stuff my face like food is going out of style

Many airport lounges offer buffets.

Food varies widely from lounge to lounge, from chef-curated menus to bowls of trail mix and grab-and-go snacks, but there are typically plenty of hot food offerings.

They can be tempting, but I don't have that "it's free, and it's there" mentality, so I won't load up my plate unless I'm starving or know I won't be eating for a while. I don't want to feel too full or bloated before a long flight.

The bar is always a happening spot for travelers, but I take it easy on the alcohol some lounges give out for free.

I might have a drink once in a while, but I don't want to get dehydrated before a long flight or lose my inhibitions to the point where I'm not watching my belongings or the time.

Be inconsiderate of other lounge guests

Airport lounges are public spaces.

Unless a lounge is virtually empty, I don't take up more than one seat or put my backpack on its own chair. I get frustrated when I'm looking for a seat and many are unavailable because people are using them as storage.

Using headphones is also a cardinal rule of airport lounges, though I see people streaming or FaceTime without them all the time. It's rude.

I would also never engage in some of the gross behaviors I see in lounges, such as removing shoes to put bare feet on furniture or taking care of personal grooming — like clipping nails — outside a restroom.

Lounges provide a comfortable, home-like environment, but I try to remember that they are public spaces. I wish other people would, too.

Snooze

Even if I'm tired and a lounge has comfy, reclining chairs, I don't sleep in airport lounges. I'm always too nervous I'll miss my flight.

I've never had a super-long layover during which I was that exhausted, plus most lounges have time limits on how long people can be inside.

Getting off my feet and relaxing is usually enough of a break if I'm tired.

Go to another terminal in the airport to use a lounge

As much as I love using an airport lounge, I won't go too far from my gate to use one.

I love having lounge access, but I won't leave my flight's terminal to seek one out unless my layover is at least two hours.

Even then, I hesitate to go unless I'm familiar with the airport. I never want to miss a flight just because I wanted some extra comfort before it.

This story was originally published on July 25, 2024, and most recently updated on October 28, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Читайте на 123ru.net