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How are airport lounges adapting to the new normal of business travel during the pandemic?

Carolee Mattheus

Hey guys! As an avid traveler (or so I like to think), I recently found myself pondering the question: "How are airport lounges adapting to the new normal of business travel during the pandemic?" I mean, let's be real, who doesn't love a good airport lounge?

First things first, let's establish what the "new normal" of business travel even looks like. Masks. Social distancing. Sanitizing. Basically, the exact opposite of what global jet-setting used to entail. So, how have airport lounges adjusted?

Well, for starters, lounges have had to be more vigilant about hygiene practices. Hand sanitizer stations are now as ubiquitous as Starbucks (which is saying something), and high-touch surfaces are disinfected regularly. Additionally, some lounges have implemented touch-free check-in systems, which makes social distancing easier and more comfortable for everyone.

As for food and beverage options, many lounges have had to pivot from their usual self-serve buffets to more cautious a la carte options. In some rare cases, there may even be time limits on your visit to the lounge to allow for more frequent cleaning. Though, let's not lie- the idea of being kicked out of the lounge mid-champagne flute is mildly distressing.

But how has the actual lounge experience changed? For starters, capacity limits have been implemented to promote social distancing. This means that you might not be able to snag your usual lounge chair with the built-in massage feature (so sad, I know). Some lounges have even implemented separate seating areas for individuals or solo travelers to further promote social distancing.

Believe it or not, many lounges have actually improved their tech features during the pandemic. Yes, you read that correctly. Some lounges are now equipped with contactless entry via mobile devices, which is pretty nifty if you ask me. Additionally, some lounges have increased their Wi-Fi speeds and strengthened their connectivity. This is great news for those of us who inevitably end up working at least a little bit during our business trips.

So there you have it folks- airport lounges are adapting to the pandemic in a variety of ways. Though the pandemic has disrupted the usual routine of your pre-flight glass of wine and spa treatment (sigh), the measures implemented to promote hygiene and social distancing ensure that lounges remain a safe and comfortable option for business travelers. Personally, I can't wait to kick back in a lounge and indulge in some pre-flight snacking once it's safe to do so. Until then, I'll continue to dream of the day when my biggest worry in the airport is deciding between a neck pillow or full-body massage chair.