I've used executive lounges at different airports before and I find that it helps to start your holiday in a relaxed mood. The executive lounge is through security and past the duty-free shop at Cardiff airport.
When my husband and I arrived at Cardiff airport it was very busy as it was the first week of the Summer holidays in the UK, so when we got to the executive lounge we breathed a sigh of relief as it really was a little oasis of calm.
We were greeted by staff, welcomed and given a code for free wi-fi and two 10 percent discount vouchers for the duty-free shop. Top tip here would be to go to the lounge first in case you are given a discount voucher. You can come and go from the lounge as you please.
In the lounge, there is an array of hot and cold drinks, such as tea, coffee, juice, squash, and alcohol.
The choice of alcoholic beverages is good, from white and red wine to spirits such as gin, vodka, and Penderyn Welsh whisky. You are allowed to have a number of drinks, but obviously getting drunk is frowned upon.
There is also a range of snacks, from crisps and peanuts to cereal, muffins, croissants, waffles and the like as well as fresh fruit. You certainly couldn't consider it a meal but it was a nice addition.
There was a selection of newspapers and magazines as well to relax with as you wait for your flights.
In the last year, Cardiff airport has expanded the flights they offer greatly and has now over 50 direct routes as well as 900 connecting destinations. This is great for travellers but does mean the airport is busier than ever, the perfect reason to treat yourself to the executive lounge.
The executive lounge at Cardiff airport is available for 3 hours prior to your flight time and is priced at £20. Opening hours for the lounge is 5am to 9pm in the Summer with shorter opening hours November to April and closed on Christmas Day.
When you consider the free wi-fi, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages I think it is a fair price. The best part for me was the peace and tranquillity prior to my flight as I am a nervous flier. If you want to start your holiday in a relaxing way, this lounge is the way to go.
We love the executive lounge, I'm a nervous flyer too and it really relaxes me prior to a flight. I love that I can plug my phone in and not use all the battery and the snacks are great. It would be nice if they did sandwiches too but I definitely think it is worth the money.
ReplyDeleteYes, I forgot to mention the plug sockets so you can charge your computer or phone!
DeleteThis is definitely something I need when travelling, I get so freaked out about planes, that my holiday never usually starts out well :( Couple that with a busy airport and my stress levels are almost uncontrollable!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I know how you feel, but I still love holidays, so try to not let it get to me.
DeleteIt's very reasonably priced for an airport lounge. Great that it has free wifi. That's very good for business and blogger travellers. Will look into booking it next time we fly from Cardiff x
ReplyDeleteI think it starts your holiday in real style, a touch of luxury that sets the tone.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea especially during the summer rush when the place is noisy. As long as I can pop out to Duty Free for my beauty products, I'm happy.
ReplyDeleteIt's especially great when it's busy like July/August. They may even give you a discount for duty free.
DeleteI used to fly all the time for work and the lounge made it slightly more bearable. Very interesting that there is a Welsh whisky - I need to look out for it.
ReplyDeleteI've never used an executive lounge but one day I might have to book myself on as the addition of food and drink sounds good x
ReplyDeleteI think that's an absolute bargain, I would definitely take advantage of that!
ReplyDeleteI think when you work out how much you spend on a holiday, the additional cost is not a lot in the grand scheme of things.
DeleteA great review Mel! We used the lounge very briefly two years ago on a very very early flight to Amsterdam but didn't get to explore all of it but my eldest liked being able to pick his own soft drink. Can't wait to read about your trip to Greece - hope it was a smooth flight and you had a good time
ReplyDeleteLaura x
Sounds like your eldest enjoyed! It was a great flight with Thomson I have to admit, I was impressed. I booked extra legroom seats and the space was great and the leather seats comfortable.
DeleteOOh well it looks better than your average place to sit and relax before a flight! Ive never been in an executive lounge, definitely something to aim for x
ReplyDeleteWhen you consider what you spend in the airport anyway on a drink and a snack it's not that expensive either.
Deletethe last time we used this loung we were very dissapointed , we suffered a 4 hour delay with Flybe, and found that only 4 hrs is allowed in the lounge so had to leave as we arrived early for our flight, Iponted out to the Airport that this condition was not obvious;y stated at the time of booking,other airports(I have checked since)have this stated on the front page of the booking process, I also thought the lounge was far too small for the footfall
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame. I think most lounges only allow a certain length of time. I am not sure what happens in the lounges in other airports when there is a delay though. It wasn't full when we visited but I can see if there were many delays then this could be a problem.
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ReplyDelete