CARLSON Wagonlit Travel has named Virgin Atlantic’s business-class lounge the best at Heathrow.
The business travel management company said Virgin is the only airline to offer travellers free national and international phone calls and faxes, enabling its customers to complete outstanding business matters before boarding the aircraft.
It also praised the Virgin Touch area, which offers free massages, manicures and haircuts. “Virgin Atlantic was the clear winner as it has something for everyone,” said marketing manager Angela Lown, who carried out the survey.
She also highlighted the Virgin Clubhouse facilities, including a ski machine, and praised Virgin’s staff for their attentive and friendly service.
British Airways domestic lounge at Terminal One came a close second for facilities which include an area where mobile phones are banned and a wash area with Japanese showers. It is also the only one to offer a live stock exchange link-up .
Third place went to Air Canada, which can be linked into the Air Nippon Lounge for extra space at busy times of the day.
Lown also highlighted Iberia’s meet-and-greet service and transit passenger check-in; Air France and Lufthansa, which each have conference rooms that can be booked in advance; and United Airlines’ Red Carpet Club, which offers showers plus other business facilities.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel vice-president UK Jim Tweedie said:”There are still few tangible benefits to be gained from airline alliances, but the one great advantage to the business traveller is that of the reciprocal use of fellow airline members’ airport lounges.”