Lounging around

With longer check-in times, expanding airports and increased security it is probably true that most travellers are spending longer waiting around at airports than actually sitting in the plane.

Similarly, when in transit, airlines now require longer for passengers to transfer from one aircraft to another. The facilities available at the airport may well determine where a busy executive will transfer. A quick glance at the OAG Executive Flight Guide, for example, indicates that a transfer at Geneva airport takes a minimum of 40 minutes compared to Moscow where a similar operation takes up to 2 hours 30 minutes or even 6 hours when changing airports.

Airport lounges vary dramatically as individual airlines try to impress passengers, both in the air and on the ground. Complimentary drinks and snacks, showers, business facilities and even health spas are all on the menu, in an effort to attract frequent travellers to the quieter corners of the world’s major airports.

Arriving passengers also appreciate the use of showers and business facilities after a long, overnight flight. Driving off to the office after a shower and a change of outfit makes life a lot easier

Airport is a great example of a venue where travelling and meetings or conferences work in harmony.

Passengers may arrive from all over Europe and assemble in the Meridian Business centre. The facilities at LCY cater for up to 120 people in well equipped rooms and private working offices. Secretarial support, audiovisual equipment and private dining facilities are all available within a short walk of the aircraft door.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport promotes its Skyport Business Centre, where meeting rooms accessible from arrivals and departures accommodate between 2 and 22 delegates. From here it’s possible to conduct video and teleconference sessions, and as meetings draw to a close delegates may check in for their flight from within the centre.

Other, less obvious facilities may also be needed. Transfer services between terminals, car parking, arrangements for disabled passengers and connections to rail services are all vital components that make an airport more user friendly.

Efficient car hire arrangements with easy access to the vehicle compound are impotant. Convenient parking arrangements such as the ‘Meet and Greet’ service offered by Purple Parking, helps to make the transit through the airport more practical.

Planning ahead makes life easier for the busy traveller and their PA. Frequent flyers will be familiar with the services available at certain airports. Columbus World Airport Guide, however, explains where passengers may find ATMs, banks, a post office, internet and other essential services. The guide also provides details of shopping, eating, left luggage and medical facilities.

Adrian James, New Media Manager at Columbus Travel Guides says, “On line services such as www.gocoti.com offer users easy access to over 200 airport fact files and detailed terminal maps enabling the PA to direct the traveller to the precise location on arrival and departure, to avoid time consuming queues at information desks.

“Empowering the travel arranger with geographical knowledge of the airports and the final destination not only ensures that the traveller enjoys trouble free trips, but the person back at the office is seen as an expert, a professional and very efficient.”