On a recent visit to Sri Lanka, when I was flying back home at a rather unearthly hour, I was glad that I had access to the Serendib lounge where I could grab a bite to eat, work with good Wi-Fi and read a bit before making it back home. The lounge visit came as a welcome break and made my trip even more memorable. Giving a space to relax and chill airline lounges are certainly much sought after now. And this is probably why lounges are changing to become more accessible, and user friendly. Airport lounges have evolved from mere transit stops to spaces that redefine travel experiences.
Do the new
The new-age airport lounges go beyond mere waiting areas, offering travellers a sanctuary of comfort, luxury, and convenience. Moreover, the new-age lounges are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, F&B, and a bar, ensuring that travellers can stay connected, productive, and relaxed throughout their journey. Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality Pvt Ltd, says, “By combining efficiency, convenience and luxury, our lounges are setting new standards in airport hospitality, changing the way travellers experience airports, and enhancing their overall journey.”
New-age airport lounges, including those managed by TFS, are at the forefront of transforming travel by offering a seamless blend of comfort, luxury, and personalised services. “By integrating regional art, architecture, and culinary delights, we ensure each lounge visit is not just a wait, but an experience worth remembering. Our lounges provide spaces for relaxation, work, and dining, effectively changing the preconception of travel from a mundane task to a memorable part of the journey,” opines Gaurav Dewan, COO and business head at Travel Food Services (TFS).
Helicopter lounges
The rise in heli-tourism has meant that more travellers are booking choppers to fly. BLADE, the service provider under Hunch Mobility has lounges too. BLADE India offers convenient helicopter services in Maharashtra and Karnataka, allowing travellers to book and pay per person for flights within these states. Additionally, travellers can charter flights with BLADE anywhere for personalised travel experiences. With BLADE to the city, passengers can travel from city centres to BLADE lounges near airports in Bengaluru and Goa.
Payal Satish, Commercial Director, Hunch Mobility, explains, “Our helicopter lounges are revolutionising travel by offering centrally-located hubs, minimising commute time for travellers by being positioned strategically in city centres. Specifically catering to frequent business travellers between Mumbai and Pune, our amenities and design facilitate seamless business meetings, eliminating the need for additional travel to hotel lounges or cafes. These features are not luxuries but essential for maximising efficiency and convenience.”
Accessibility cues
Airport lounges are also becoming popular as most credit cards come with complimentary lounge access which is seeing a huge footfall at the lounge. Puneet Bhatia, vice-president, Acquisition and Product Management, American Express Banking Corp, says, “With the surge in air travel and growing passenger expectations, companies like American Express are leading the change in enhancing airport lounge experiences. Our complimentary lounge access, including exclusive entry to global Centurion lounge collection, reiterates our commitment to elevating our Card Members’ travel experiences. From bespoke designs reflecting local culture to gourmet dining experiences curated by renowned chefs, our lounges offer a seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation, setting a new standard for airport hospitality.”
Personal touch
The personalised service experiences offered at lounges are tailored to meet individual needs. A dedicated relationship manager is available on speed dial for last-minute travel arrangements and provides regular updates on the journey. “Frequent fliers enjoy additional partnership benefits, while requests such as car pick-up and drop-off are promptly fulfilled by relationship managers, ensuring a seamless and comfortable on ground experience,” adds Satish. At TFS, technology-enabled services, like the Lounge Access Management System (LAMS), offer seamless, contactless access, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall guest experience.
Doing more
In addition to this, Encalm offers spa services that are personalised to meet the specific wellness needs of travellers. From rejuvenating massages to revitalizing facials, the in house skilled therapists customise treatments to ensure a truly indulgent and relaxing experience. “For travellers seeking privacy and exclusivity, we offer access to our premium lounges, where they can relax in comfort and style while enjoying amenities such as complimentary refreshments, a gaming centre, Wi-Fi, and entertainment options. Our flagship offering, Encalm Privé, is specifically designed to provide premium amenities and services for business travellers seeking luxury and superior airport hospitality,” says Sharma.
Food files
The evolution of airport cuisine has been remarkable, with a significant shift towards offering diverse, high-quality food options that cater to varying tastes and dietary preferences. The lounges feature renowned chefs who prepare fresh, international cuisines, ensuring a delightful dining experience for travellers. At TFS lounges, there are live kitchens, so when you are waiting for your flight, you can see the skilled chefs at work, cooking up a storm right in front of you.
“It's not just about watching them cook; it's about experiencing the flavours from around the world that they bring to your plate, using fresh ingredients we've sourced locally to support sustainability. We're also bringing in celebrity chefs to showcase their incredible skills and share their unique culinary visions with you. It's a great way to get a taste of something extraordinary and see what makes these chefs stand out. Alongside these special appearances, our own talented chefs hold weekly five-minute masterclasses,” explains Dewan.
At Encalm, live cooking stations are offered where travellers can watch their meals being prepared right before their eyes, adding an interactive and immersive element to their dining experience. “Additionally, we consider dietary restrictions and preferences, offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialised options to accommodate all travellers. As the landscape of airport dining continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to staying at the forefront of these changes, continually innovating, and expanding our food offerings to provide travellers with an unforgettable culinary experience at every touchpoint of their journey,” says Sharma. Are you ready to lounge in style and redefine the way you travel?