First Look: No1 Lounge BHX
Walk into No1 Lounge BHX, and before long, you can see what all the fuss is about. It’s simple enough to pick out the primary departure lounge. Appropriate indicators from security and the main terminal are helpful. The lounge is located near to shops and gates, so you don’t have to drag your bags far. For the majority, that’s a welcome bonus!
For some, the walk from the check-in desk is a bit too lengthy, especially with children or large bags in tow. Still, most are easy to get to.
Finding Your Way There
Clear signs guide you from security right to the lounge doors. They’re enormous and impossible to ignore! The lounge is right next to the main shops and only a minute’s walk from the gates. Even if you want to nip to the shops first!
Some guests report that the lounge does get busy during peak times. The second lounge is closed, so this one fills up quick, especially when flights are delayed.
My Initial Impressions
As you arrive, the staff beamed at you. If you don’t have a reservation, it can be a bit slow to check in. One visitor almost got turned away for not having booked. The staff graciously let them in for a short visit.
It’s a very orderly entrance, with neat seats to sit and wait if you need to. The lounge feels tranquil – a world away from the frenetic terminal outside.
The General Vibe and Decor
Renovated most recently in 2019, the lounge is still looking fresh. The decor employs soft greys, pale wood and navy blue accents with a design that lends a calm, laid-back vibe.
There are two main spaces: a dining area with a bar and buffet, and a lounge space with comfy seats. The broad chairs lure solo visitors and small groups in to sit. They make for an ideal place to lounge around, catch up on work or have a natter!
The configuration helps it remain tranquil, even when packed.
What’s On Offer Inside?
No1 Lounge Birmingham Airport lounge is a peaceful oasis. It’s the ideal place for a pre-flight chill. The space is split into two main bits: one with a dining area, bar and buffet, the other more for relaxing, with soft chairs and a bit of quiet.
Open from 5am to 5pm, the lounge captures those early flights and the mid-afternoon wave. It’s been given a freshen up since its 2019 refurb, still looking pretty fresh. The adjacent lounge has shut, which can make for a hectic ambiance. You’d be smart to make a reservation well in advance if you want to bag a place!
Food and Drink Selection
Breakfast options range as early as cooked dishes, pastries, fruit and cereals. When morning turns to lunch, the buffet exchanges in more robust lunchtime fare – think salads, hot dishes and bites.
The bar dishes out a selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus soft drinks. Coffee and tea pour all day. Quality is good, with new look, speedy topping up by staff.
Comfort, Wi-Fi, and Cleanliness
Seating ranges from upright chairs in the dining zone to cushioned sofas in the quieter space. Wi-Fi is free and reliable, ideal for browsing or streaming.
Cleanliness is a must, with all tables and loos sanitised regularly.
Any Standout Features?
What makes No1 unique is its combination of comfort and clever design. There are magazines, newspapers, TVs and a couple of private nooks for quiet time.
There are quiet areas if you wish to get away from the hype.
Business Traveller Bits
Charging point workstations allow business-travellers to catch up on emails. Printing is to hand if required.
Catching up in the lounge seems effortless, with sufficient hush and seclusion for a phone call or conversation.
The Big Question: Value for Money?
We all want a little more comfort in the airport. The burning question is, does the No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport stack up? Entry prices start out at around £28pp. Value is in the eye of the beholder though, and the question is how much you get and how well it fits your travel style.
1. Understanding the Entry Costs
No1 Lounge has a few entry points. There’s the usual £28 pay-per-entry, plus a £6 premium to book your seat in advance. That makes sense if you’re after a sure bet, especially in high season.
Deals appear intermittently, but the savings tend to be negligible. Book early to secure your spot! It saves you the headache of FOMO when it’s a hectic time.
2. Is Pay-As-You-Go Worth It?
Pay-as-you-go caters for the less frequent traveller. You pay your fee, hop on, and that’s that. Regular fliers frequently discover that an annual package or a credit card perk pays off.
That’s particularly the case if you’ve got a deal with unlimited or bundled visits. Pay-per-entry remains a steal, though. If you’re going for a few hours, you can enjoy what there is!
3. Leveraging Cards and Memberships
Priority Pass and some credit cards allow entry, occasionally with complimentary visits or discounted guest fees. A few cards even permit family access for free, providing genuine value for groups.
4. Food and Drink: Real Value?
The spread in the lounge includes hot dishes, snacks and drinks. Frequently it equals or even undercuts what you’d fork out at the public canteen!
For a lot, a meal and a few drinks pays for the entry.
5. My Personal Take on the Price Tag
If you fly infrequently, the lounge can be a nice treat. If you’re a regular, memberships or cards are a smart move. It all depends on your travelling preference.
Real Traveller Feedback
Visit reports in the No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport are always mixed but honest. The lounge offers an escape from the terminal. Reviews emphasize extreme highs and lows that determine the experience.
What Fellow Fliers Really Think
Online reviews from frequent fliers reveal some distinct trends. Lots rave about the peaceful atmosphere – even when the lounge is rammed. Some say it can seem busy at peak times, yet others still manage to find a tranquil nook to unwind.
Food options divided opinion. Others are mad for fresh croissants and pastries. Others limp the menu, saying mains are in short order or lukewarm. Cleanliness is hit and miss, too. No traveller comments on dirty tables and floors. Crumbs littered on tables and the gradual clearing of used plates is recounted by others.
Service is another hot topic. Most reviewers cite staff as the friendliest and most helpful. A few visitors referred to staff members as indifferent or less than hospitable. They suggest that the attitude of the team can alter the tone of your stay dramatically.
Navigating Busy Peak Times
Chokefriends appear to be the order of the day, particularly during the week and on Sunday afternoons. Visitors advise arriving early or checking in online for a greater chance of a comfy seat.
Some recommend staying away from the lounge shortly before noon, as it gets busy and though difficult to find a peaceful corner.
Staff Service: Helpful or Hindrance?
Personal mentions of staff shine through in reviews. A couple of guests remember staff going above and beyond, sorting special requests or providing flight tips. Others found the team spread too thin, resulting in missed smiles and a leisurely service.
Staff interactions in general are where the balance swings between an average visit and a revitalising start to your trip.
Smart Access: Getting Through Doors
Accessing Birmingham Airport’s No1 Lounge is a breeze, but only if you know how. Getting in comes down to reservations, card benefits and how crowded it gets. The lounge is landside, post-security, with signs pointing the way.
Check-in staff are quick and courteous to request booking confirmation or your card. You’ll require your boarding pass and either proof of booking or a membership card. If you’ve had a credit card with lounge benefits, you will know how simple it is.
Simply scan your card/boarding pass, and you’re in! It’s a process that seldom takes more than a couple of minutes, even in peak periods. Digital screens and scanners quicken things up, meaning you’re not just stood around in a queue.
Booking Ahead: Is It Necessary?
It will save your sanity to book in advance, particularly if you’re travelling during rush hour or on public holidays. Walk-ins are allowed, but the lounge has a fixed capacity.
When it’s busy, even cardholders can be refused entry. If your visit is spontaneous, you might slip in, but it is a risk. Flying frequently, or at irregular hours? Book in advance.
It’s fast online and reserves your place, so you won’t be stranded outside.
Best Card Perks for Entry
Cards such as Priority Pass, DragonPass and select Amex cards can grant complimentary or discounted access. A few cards even come with bonus guests or complimentary meals, making them even more valuable.
Frequent fliers, see if your bank offers airport lounge perks! These advantages accumulate over time, smoothing and saving with every journey.
Tips for Business Users
Business types can snag a quiet corner with plug sockets and free Wi-Fi. The lounge is ideal for meetings or impromptu calls.
With a constant stream of professionals, it’s the perfect place to swap business cards and share tips. With a chilled-out atmosphere and room to spare, it’s no problem to work or meet someone new.
My Take: A Worthy Birmingham Escape?
Walking into No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport was a breath of fresh air. It was like discovering a serene pocket at the heart of the quotidian airport hustle and bustle. The lounge attendant at first said it was full. When I told them I just needed a pitstop, they let me in. That sort of flexibility made arriving at my visit quite personal.
The lounge is open between 5am and 5pm, so is ideal for both early flyers and those with afternoon flights. It doesn’t serve the night owls. Inside, the interior divides into two distinct halves. One side houses the dining area with bar and buffet. It’s alluring enough for a full English or at least a comforting cup of tea.
On the other, the lounge has seats for solitary reading or responding to emails. The setup is tidy and provides that seamless feeling, which aids during the occasionally fraught travel hours. There’s a Priority Pass card included too, packed with four free visits. If you go over, additional visits are £24 each – something to consider if you drive out a lot.
The lounge dances well, too! It almost falls into nice hotel territory (though not quite hitting the luxury end). For the £50-ish admission fee, I did think the temperature could have been better managed, though… If you can secure one for a reasonable amount, it becomes properly good value. Particularly when the airport’s busy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport?
Entry covers hot and cold bites, drinks (including alcoholic), Wi-Fi, charging points, newspapers and comfy seating. Some packages include fast-track security as well.
Can you enter No1 Lounge without a booking?
Walk-ins are accepted at times, but booking ahead is highly recommended, particularly around peak times, to secure access.
Is No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport family-friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome. It has family-friendly seating and a choice of food and drink for younger travellers.
How much does entry to the No1 Lounge cost?
Prices usually start at around £32 per adult, although rates do vary depending on time and availability. Check the website for up to date pricing.
Is the No1 Lounge worth it for a short layover?
If you’ve got a minimum of 2 hours, it’s certainly worth it for the comfort, food and relaxation. For very short connections, it’s not always great value.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options in the lounge?
Yep, the lounge’s menu features vegetarian & vegan options and dietary requirements. Always check the menu before you book.
Does No1 Lounge at Birmingham Airport offer runway views?
Indeed, the lounge has a brilliant runway view. It’s an ideal place to plane spot while you chill pre-flight!