Travel lounges are designed to provide a relaxing experience for travelers with amenities such as cozy couches, complimentary meals, and even free facials. However, travel expert Samantha Brown, who travels 100,000 miles a year and hosts travel shows on networks like PBS and the Travel Channel, prefers to spend her pre-flight time in the terminal rather than the lounge. Despite having access to Delta, United, and American Express lounges worldwide, Brown believes the entire lounge experience is overrated.
Brown admits she sometimes enters lounges to get a cup of coffee or use a clean bathroom but prefers not to spend her time there due to the added layer of anxiety it creates around potentially missing a flight. Dealing with travel anxiety, Brown tries to arrive at the airport three hours before boarding and avoids lounges to prevent feeling trapped. She also values being close to her gate for updates and announcements.
Feeling like lounges are too stationary and restrictive, Brown opts for exploring the terminal instead. She enjoys taking long walks around the terminal, exercising in airports’ gyms or yoga rooms, browsing stores selling souvenirs or local products and people-watching to pass the time before boarding her flight. Brown finds airports fascinating spaces that are full of unique experiences and opportunities for discovery.
For those looking for more travel tips and ideas, Brown has shared her Summer Travel Trends Report in collaboration with Klarna offering insights into packing tips and trip suggestions for summer travel adventures.
In conclusion, while airport lounges may offer some comforts during your journey they don’t always have to be your go-to place when traveling as there are other options out there that could make your experience more enjoyable such as exploring terminals or using them as a base point for your journey.
