Emirates has been named the best business class airport lounge brand in the UK, according to a new survey by Which?, based on feedback from 1,461 travelers. The airline's lounges scored 85 percent, earning four out of five stars across most categories, praised for their gourmet dining, quiet atmosphere, and free Wi-Fi. Emirates' Health Hub offers fresh fruit, juices, smoothies, salads, and snacks.
Virgin Atlantic followed in second place with 84 percent, also receiving four out of five stars in all assessed areas. Its Clubhouses, exclusive to Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members, were described as 'stylish, peaceful spaces' designed for relaxation.
Qatar secured third place with 82 percent. The airline's lounges were noted for their Middle Eastern-inspired decor and water features, with one customer describing the London offering as more akin to a 'boutique hotel or private club.' Qatar achieved four out of five stars in all categories except toilets, which lacked sufficient responses for rating.
Independent Lounges
Among independent, pay-per-use lounges, Clubrooms ranked highest with a customer score of 64 percent. It received three out of five stars for most categories, with guests highlighting ample food options and welcoming staff. Clubrooms offers a seasonal menu and has an age restriction of under 12s to maintain a relaxed environment, with prices starting at £44.
1903 lounges and Escape Lounges tied for second and third, respectively, both scoring 56 percent. 1903 lounges received three out of five stars for seating comfort, cleanliness, decor, facilities, and toilets, but two out of five stars in other areas. The 1903 lounge at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 has been replaced by The Executive by Escape Lounges.
Escape Lounges also earned three out of five stars for customer service, peace and quiet, seating comfort, cleanliness, decor, facilities, toilets, and value for money.
Lowest Ranked Lounges
On the other end of the spectrum, Lufthansa was identified as the worst-rated airport lounge brand overall, with a customer score of 62 percent. British Airways ranked second from the bottom with 63 percent, receiving three out of five stars across the board. Passengers reported issues with overcrowding, difficulty finding seats together, and food described as 'average' and 'uninviting and not hot.' The airline stated it has invested significantly in its lounge proposition as part of a transformation program and is refreshing lounges, with Heathrow next in line for investment.
Club Aspire was ranked the worst independent lounge, receiving the lowest customer score of 45 percent. Complaints included 'embarrassingly cheap food,' 'aged sandwiches,' and waits for buffet items. Some guests described the lounge as 'hot, crowded with screaming, out-of-control children.' A spokesperson for No1 Lounges, which operates Club Aspire, acknowledged the feedback and indicated a major redevelopment of the lounge space is due for completion in 2027.