For many Brits booking a summer holiday, an all-inclusive package is the most cost-effective choice. The luxury of unlimited cocktails and round-the-clock meals can often be cheaper than purchasing items individually – particularly when it comes to drinks. However, not many realise that the all-inclusive experience can begin even before they step onto the plane, thanks to airport lounges across the country.
While these lounges aren’t always budget-friendly, there’s a way to gain access for free. Those who book selected five-star hotels through online holiday giant On The Beach will receive complimentary lounge access this summer – you can check out all the deals here. But that’s not the end of the perks.
On The Beach has also introduced a new Price Drop Protection guarantee. This means customers who notice a decrease in their holiday price between booking and 60 days prior to departure can claim back the difference – regardless of how much it drops by.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On The Beach, shed light on the rationale behind the offer: “We know that a whopping 75% of holiday wanting Brits are worried about prices going up if they wait, yet many are willing to take the risk to see if they can secure a better deal. We’re now eliminating all risk, anxiety, stress and worry for customers with our industry first Price Drop Protection. Customers are guaranteed the lowest price and if it does drop, fear not, because you can claim the difference back!”
But act swiftly as this offer is only valid on holidays booked before February 3. For lounge access, simply book a 5* holiday and free entry into the airport lounge is assured.
Take, for instance, the chance to end your summer in grandeur by booking the five-star Ixian Grand & All Suites hotel in Rhodes, Greece, for approximately £1,000 per person. This all-inclusive package covers both hotel and flights, and you’ll pocket a cool £84 saving on lounge entry with this deal.
Another tempting offer that includes complimentary lounge access at the airport is at the Eden Roc Resort Hotel in Rhodes. With a choice of 8 different restaurants and stunning beachfront views, it’s a slice of luxury that starts your holiday off on a high note – even before take-off.
If Cyprus is beckoning, securing an all-inclusive five-star stay at the Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel & Spa will guarantee you free lounge access before your departure. Located in Paphos, this adults-only hotel boasts ‘bangin’ sea views’.
It’s crucial to remember that not all deals will include hold luggage, so if you’re planning to pack a bit more and want a bag in the hold, ensure you factor that into your holiday search. You can check out On The Beach’s holidays here.
Now, if you’re pondering whether lounge access and this deal is worth sinking your teeth into, one of our reporters reviewed it when visiting Manchester airport last year. Here’s her verdict:
“Passengers typically pay a set price for lounge access, which offers a selection of food and drink away from the hustle and bustle of the Departures waiting area. Manchester Airport, which serves passengers to over 160 destinations, boasts nine lounges across its three terminals.
“The Escape Lounge promises ‘an oasis of calm’ and is the most budget-friendly option, priced at £28.99 per person (accurate at time of original writing). Having never experienced a lounge before, I decided to see if that really was the case at Terminal 1 – and I can’t believe I waited so long.
“The stress of a busy security check began to dissipate and was replaced with growing excitement as I followed the signs to the airport lounge. As I strolled down the corridor towards the lounge entrance, it felt like checking into a hotel.
“I was welcomed at the entrance by two staff members and provided my name – I had pre-booked and paid for my slot online, which required selecting an approximate entry time. I was then offered the option to sit at either a dining table or a more casual coffee table.
“The lounge is quite spacious, with an array of seating options including over-the-lap coffee tables in one area and larger dining tables with chairs in another. One wall is adorned with clocks displaying various global times and there are no windows… When I first arrived, there were only a few other people present – a stark contrast to the throngs of passengers I had navigated through earlier.
“I was informed that I could help myself to the buffet and order drinks from the bar. Naturally, I made a beeline for it. A sign at the bar indicated that spirits would only be served in single measures and beer and cider would be available in two-third pint glasses.
She summed up: “After my time in the lounge, I could’ve easily dozed off on the plane, so for longer-haul flights, I’d be eager to book again. It’s altered my travel habits for the better and just goes to show that having some downtime to unwind – and a touch of luxury – ahead of a stressful travel day really helps to ease your mind.
“Is it value for money? In total, Escape Lounge access at Manchester Airport costs £29.99 per person – but was it worth the money? I compared what I consumed to the prices of similar products at the nearby Giraffe restaurant in Terminal 1 to find out.”
If you’re not booking through On The Beach and happen to be an Amex Gold credit card holder, you can fully utilise its perks and gain access. Alternatively, you can purchase an airport lounge access pass with Priority Pass, where the most basic package is ‘Standard for the Occasional Traveller’. This will set you back £69 annually and means that the member and any guests they bring along will pay £24 for lounge access.
While many travel sites may not offer refunds on holidays found cheaper elsewhere, some do provide price match guarantees, including Love Holidays and Thomas Cook.