There's no need to envy those fellow frequent travellers, whose card status sees them disappearing into the cool recesses of first or business class sanctuaries. You too can enjoy similar and just-as-efficient privileges – for a fee, now that pay-for-use lounges proliferate. Here are some to consider.
• DUBAI
Marhaba Lounge
Dubai International Airport is one of those hubs with very little to do besides shopping so waiting out one's flight in the right environment is a must. The Marhaba ("hello" in Arabic) Lounge provides passengers just that, operating round-the-clock in Terminals 1 and 3. Amenities include business centres and hot meals as well as buggy transfers to boarding gates.
How much to use? US$42 for four hours. Pre-booking is not required and passengers pay upfront showing boarding passes and identification.
Is there wifi? Free in the business centre.
Website: www.marhabaservices.com
• REGIONAL
Plaza Premium Lounges
Originating from Hong Kong, the brand has branched out across the Asia-Pacific and even further. Most are equipped with showers, private resting areas and business centres with private meeting rooms.
Some feature smaller , such as the Nap and Massage Lounge at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Entry rates start from US$27 per person for three hours however Citibank Platinum and American Express Platinum cardholders are allowed entry into these lounges for free at any location.
How much to use? No need to pre-book. Just present a Citibank or American Express card or pay upfront, presenting boarding passes and identification.
Is there wifi? Free at most branches. For more information on the services, click here.
Website: www.plaza-network.com
• SINGAPORE
Rainforest by SATS Ltd.
Unique to Singapore's Changi Airport, this lounge is on level three of Terminal 1. It offers sleeping cabins, massages, showers, a Jacuzzi and business centre.
How much to use? Rather than imposing a flat rate entrance fee, the facility offers many different packages, which include a variety of massage therapies, an extended stay or simply the option to use just the sleeping rooms or the showers. Prices start from US$19 per person for four hours including complimentary shower use.
Book online here before visiting, and you will receive a confirmation email, which needs to be presented at the reception together with boarding pass and identification.
Is there wifi? Included in all the packages.
Website: www.affinity.sats.com.sg
• TOKYO
Sky Lounge
It's on the fourth floor, airside, of the revamped Haneda Tokyo International Airport.
How much to use? The entrance fee is US$12 per person for unlimited amount of time, inclusive of basic services such as wifi access and food and beverages. Shower facilities are available for an extra US$12.
Advance booking is not required and payment is upfront along with presention of boarding passes and identification.
Is there wife? Free throughout the lounge
Website: www.haneda-airport.jp
• EUROPE & THE UK
Servisair Executive Lounges
This lounge has several branches, most of which located in Europe and the UK. Key spots include London Heathrow, Luton, Stansted and Gatwick airports, Amsterdam, Athens, Geneva and Dubai.
How much to use? Though prices vary according to location and flight timings, entry starts from US$28 per adult for three hours. You will need to book a place at these lounges in advance and will need to bring along a copy of the confirmation receipt, your boarding pass and proof of identification.
Is there wifi? Free in select locations. For more information on wifi at Serivisair lounges, click here.
Website: www.executivelounges.com
Alisha Haridasani
