'I don't think I've read that right' I can hear you thinking. Enjoy waiting for a flight at Heathrow Airport? Impossible! Especially in these days of increased security checks we are inevitably going to be spending more time in the airport waiting for our flight departures. I expect you have all experienced being jammed into a crowded waiting area, tripping over luggage and trying to avoid the feet of the person next to you who has stretched out for a nap. The minutes drag, another cup of coffee is not a good idea, the kids start grizzling or worse still someone else's kids start grizzling, and you can't concentrate on your novel, crossword or laptop. It's a familiar story and one none of us look forward to when we are travelling either for pleasure or on business.

London Heathrow is the World's busiest airport, with around 90 different airlines who between them, offer a choice of over 200 domestic, European and international destinations. Over 67 Million passengers travel through the Airport each year, so it's no wonder we sometimes feel like sheep herded into a pen. There is an alternative, you will be glad to hear, and one that will cost surprisingly little in comparison to the cost of the flight itself.

Who might be interested in this alternative?
. Travelling business passengers
. Families
. People with disabilities
. Elderly people
. and, in fact, anyone else!

Although it is not widely known, there are facilities for everyone, and I’m sure you are now eager to know what is available, what to look out for and how to access your little bit of luxury before your trip… Heathrow Airport boasts four Executive Lounges - one in each of the four Terminals, offering a peaceful retreat to escape the airport hustle and bustle, and available to everyone for a very small fee. Please do note that the executive lounges at Heathrow Airport are not available for domestic UK flights and departures, and that they only travellers on international flights can access the lounge facilities.

If you are a business passenger, you may wish to take advantage of a host of benefits with the lounge facilities at Heathrow Airport, to help ease the hassle of business travel:
. Telephone and fax facilities
. Internet access
. Toilet and shower facilities
. The latest magazines and newspapers
. Television
. Complimentary snacks and drinks
. Bar

The Servisair Globeground Executive Lounges in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Holideck Executive Lounge in Terminal 4 provide these facilities, offering you a quiet environment in which to finalise last minute details before reaching your destination, or catch up with outstanding work. A selection of airlines provide executive lounges for their business and first class passengers. Passengers should contact their individual airline for information on opening times, eligibility and facilities.

Business travellers requiring further executive lounge services can visit the Travelex Business Centre, located in between Terminal 1 and 2 at Heathrow Airport. As well as a suite of meeting rooms available to hire, the Centre offers a multi media communications centre, a business lounge, an extensive catering service and showers are also available. The lounges at Heathrow Airport are also available to the rest of the travelling public including families. It always surprises me that this information is not more widely known as booking the facilities is easy. However, the information provided below will ensure that you can now start your trip in style.

When you are ready to book, make sure the lounge facilities you require are offered in the executive lounge you choose, as they do differ slightly, i.e.:
. If travelling as a family, that the lounge you wish to book allows children under 12
. That smoking is allowed should you wish to smoke
. That the business facilities you require are available.

Passengers using the lounge facilities at Heathrow Airport must ensure they leave enough time to reach their flight as flight display screens are not always available, and not all of the executive lounges carry out flight announcements in the suite. The lounge facilities at Heathrow Airport also all operate a smart / casual dress code. Now for the important information – how to access the Heathrow Airport executive facilities. You don't have to be a VIP to enjoy a luxurious start to a holiday or business trip and people with disabilities and the elderly can relax in comfort making the journey much less stressful. There are various information websites that provide a more detailed breakdown of the facilities at the four lounges at Heathrow Airport.

You will be surprised to learn that all of the lounge facilities at Heathrow Airport and executive lounge benefits are available for prices starting from as little as £12. Entry to the lounges at Heathrow Airport is limited so if you would like to start your holiday in style and enjoy the experience of VIP travel, it is advisable to pre-book access to the lounge facilities at Heathrow Airport.

Bethanie Ashley
http://www.heathrowinformation.co.uk/heathrow-airport-FAC-facilities-lounges.html