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The World’s First Airport Lounge
How an invitation-only club at LaGuardia changed the way we wait for a flight.
In 1939, simply boarding an aeroplane carried a certain social distinction. Flying was expensive, passengers dressed for the occasion and the journey still belonged as much to glamour and adventure as to practical transport.
Yet even among this rarefied company, American Airlines saw reason to distinguish its most valued passengers. At New York’s newly opened LaGuardia Airport, it created a private room reserved for politicians, celebrities, business leaders and particularly loyal customers. They were given the suitably grand title of “Admiral”, and entry to their club could not be bought.
The Admirals Club became the world’s first airport lounge.
Nearly ninety years later, the privilege no longer depends upon an invitation. A place in a good airport lounge can be reserved in advance and, with food and drinks included, often costs rather less than one might imagine.
Its purpose, however, remains much the same: to put a little distance between the traveller and the terminal. This has particular appeal on a hot and frantic day, when the car was late, sleep was scarce and the journey to the airport was spent wondering whether the passport—or that unnecessary extra outfit—had actually made it into the case.
Once the luggage has been deposited and security negotiated, somewhere comfortable to sit, something freshly prepared to eat, a properly made drink and a little peace can seem less like luxury than good sense.
When flying became commonplace
The first airport lounge appeared long before mass air travel. Flying began to reach a much wider public with the arrival of the Jet Age in the late 1950s and 1960s, when larger and faster aircraft increased capacity and gradually lowered the cost of a ticket. Between 1955 and 1972, passenger numbers more than quadrupled.
In Britain, charter flights and the rise of the Mediterranean package holiday brought foreign travel within reach of many more families during the 1960s and 1970s. Airports grew busier and the quiet room behind a closed door became more valuable still.
Over the following decades, first and business-class tickets, airline loyalty programmes, paid memberships and credit-card schemes opened airport lounges to a far broader audience. There are now thousands around the world, varying considerably in both style and tranquillity.
The best retain something of the original Admirals Club idea: fewer people, greater privacy, personal service, something decent to eat and a proper drink before boarding.
The modern Clubroom
Clubrooms is the premium collection from No1 Lounges, with smaller, capacity-controlled lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3, Gatwick North and South, and Birmingham Airport.
Guests are looked after at their table, with freshly prepared dishes and a broad selection of wines, sparkling wine, premium spirits, beers, cocktails and soft drinks included. There is complimentary Wi-Fi, flight information and comfortable seating away from the main terminal, while the Gatwick lounges also include Fast Track Security.
Advance prices currently begin from £44 per person for up to three hours in the lounge. Once the cost of airport food and drinks is considered, the difference may be considerably smaller than expected.
Clubrooms, with member recogntion
Luxury Restaurant Club members receive a further 10% off the advance online rate at all four Clubrooms lounges. Reservations must be made in advance. Explore Clubrooms, discover your member benefits and reserve your visit.
Clubrooms Heathrow — Terminal 3
Clubrooms Gatwick — North Terminal
Clubrooms Gatwick — South Terminal
Clubrooms Birmingham — Departure Lounge
Nearly ninety years after the first Admirals arrived at LaGuardia, the appeal of the airport lounge remains remarkably unchanged. A little peace, a proper drink and the pleasure of being looked after can still make all the difference to a journey.
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