FIRST CLASS TRAVEL... ON AN ECONOMY TICKET
ECONOMY travellers can now enjoy many of the perks associated with business class – at a fraction of the cost. From pay-per-use airport lounges, pre-booked priority lanes at security, and even gourmet meals that can be ordered by economy passengers, experts say these luxuries are proving more popular than ever.
Beth Brewster of the Manchester Airports Group – which owns Bournemouth, East Midlands, Stansted and Manchester airports – says passengers are increasingly looking to upgrade their airport experience with a ‘little slice of luxury’.
As well as booking VIP airport lounges, travellers are signing up to premium ‘meet-and-greet’ parking and fast-track security procedures.
Other airport operators agree. Chris Baldwin, of Gatwick Airport, says there has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of people booking premium services this year. He says: ‘Passengers on all types of flights are booking these services.’
They are particularly popular with those flying with budget airlines who want to add a few frills to their no-frills experience.
He adds: ‘Many passengers do not want to have to pay for services they do not require, whilst having the choice to opt for things that matter to them.’
Examples of the sort of options on offer include:
Adding a ‘meet and greet’ service to two weeks of parking can cost an extra £40 for the privilege.
Fast-track through security can cost as little as £2.50 per person.
A package of add-on luxuries, including meet-and-greet parking, lounge access, fast-track security and a top-class meal onboard, can cost £200 for a family of four.
By way of comparison, an economy class seat on a flight to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, travelling out this month, is on sale for £422 on BA’s website. But you would pay between £2,000 and £3,000 for a business class seat – making a difference of up to £10,000 on the price of the trip for a family of four.
Of course, flying economy means you will miss out on extra legroom and wider seats.
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
BEGIN a holiday in film-star style using premium meet-and-greet parking, with a driver meeting you at the terminal and taking the car away to be parked – maybe even having it valeted while away.
Ant Clarke Cowell, of airport services provider Holiday Extras, says take-up has risen 153 per cent over the past five years.
Once tried, travellers often purchase such add-ons again.
He says: ‘Nearly 99 per cent of our customers say they would use meet and greet again. Anything that smooths the airport experience helps the holiday get off to a better start.’
Two weeks of meet-and-greet parking at Heathrow airport costs around £110, against £70 for the standard park and ride option – so £40 for the upgrade. Two weeks at Manchester airport costs £110, with car cleaning a further £20.
It is worth checking reviews online for meet-and-greet parking firms as there are some rogue operators in the market.
FAST-TRACK SECURITY
FAST-track security lanes are no longer just for VIPs. Anyone has the chance to bypass the queues by buying a security fast pass. Manchester Airports Group has a pass costing £9.99 for four at Manchester airport. A similar service is available at Stansted for £5 per person.
But at Heathrow, fast-track is still reserved for those with premium airline tickets.
DEPARTURE LOUNGE
LOUNGES are now available to those holding particular credit cards or passes – or travellers prepared to pay a one-off fee.
Phil Cameron, chief executive of No1 Lounges, which operates payper-use lounges at numerous airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, says these lounges can even save travellers money by removing the temptation of wandering around the shops.
Cameron says: ‘If you add up the cost of a glass of wine, a meal, some magazines and somewhere to charge your phone, you could certainly save money. People are primed to shop at the airport, and it’s easy to spend lots as you walk around.’
Certain credit cards, including American Express’s Platinum Card, offer a ‘Priority Pass’ as one of their perks. This gives access to 900 airport lounges worldwide.
These cards tend to come with a hefty annual fee – £450 a year for Amex Platinum – so only frequent travellers will find it worthwhile, unless they also make use of the card’s other benefits. Alternatively, you can buy a standalone priority pass for £69, giving access to the lounges for £15 per person, including each guest.
While some lounges offer little more than free peanuts and beer, others provide full meals, entertainment for the children and reliable wi-fi.
Most UK airports also now offer a pay-per-visit lounge. No1 Lounges, for example, offers hot meals, packs for children, wi-fi and a full bar service. You can also choose to pay extra for spa treatments.
The lounges cost from £36 for adults and £16 for children at Heathrow to £24 for adults and £16 for children at Birmingham. Some offer complimentary fast-track security as part of the deal.
ON BOARD
ONCE on the plane, it is still possible to upgrade your experience.
Some airlines, including KLM, Austrian Airlines and Air France, offer an alternative to economy airline food for a little more cash.
From €12, an à la carte meal includes delicacies more usually associated with business class – including champagne, antipasti, and sushi. Check each airline’s website for details and availability.
Website seatguru can help travellers find seats on their flight with extra legroom, and these are often bookable without an additional cost – or for a small fee for choosing seats in advance.