Are you fed up with overcrowded airport terminals, no where to sit and everywhere you turn there's a queue, a queue to buy your coffee, a queue for the loo, a queue to buy a newspaper. With the increased security surrounding the UK's airports, queues are inevitable part of airport life. However, there is a solution, a way to escape the overcrowded terminals, and one that doesn't require loads of cash, but will take the strain out of your wait, add a little luxury to your holiday and allow you to relax before flying...an airport lounge.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of Manchester airport's terminals lie the airport lounges. Once regarded as an expensive extra for business travellers, they are no longer beyond the reach of everyday travellers. Airport lounge prices start from as low as just £12 making them well within the grasp of even the budget traveller.

These little havens let you escape from the overcrowded terminals with their screaming kids, the assault course of baggage and stretched out bodies that are trying to grab a quick shut eye before taking off.

Airport lounges and the facilities they offer vary from airport to airport, some permit children, others only allow children over the age of 12 and opening times vary too, so it's well worth checking with your UK airport (http://www.airportsinformation.co.uk) to see if all your requirements are catered for. Manchester airport offers four airport lounges, one in Terminal 1 and three in Terminal 2.

Terminal 1

Located airside in Terminal 1 is the Servisair lounge. Open daily from 5am until 19.30, this air conditioned lounge has disabled access and offers alcoholic and soft refreshments, fax, flight information monitor, internet access, newspapers and magazines, telephone, television and Wi-fi access. Access is permitted to ticketed passengers only and stays are limited to three hours. Infants and children under the age of 12 are permitted and a smart casual dress code is operated with strictly no shorts, baseball caps or football shirts allowed.

Terminal 2 Three airport lounges are on offer in Terminal 2:

The Escape Lounge - AM The Escape Lounge - AM is located airside opposite Gate 208 and, as the name suggests, is open in the mornings only, 6am to midday. The air conditioned lounge is accessible to disabled passengers and offers soft and alcoholic refreshments, flight information monitor, newspapers/magazines, television and Wi-fi access.

The lounge is available to ticketed passengers only with a maximum stay of three hours. Children under the age of 8 are not admitted and children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. The smart casual dress code must be observed at all times with a strict no shorts, football shirts, baseball caps or sleeveless vests policy.

The Escape Lounge - PM, The air conditioned Escape Lounge - PM, located airside in Terminal 2, is open 12.00-20.00. Accessible to disabled passengers, the lounge offers soft and alcoholic refreshments, flight information monitor, newspapers and magazines and Wi-fi access.

Only ticketed passengers are admitted with a maximum stay of three hours. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted access and children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. The smart casual dress code must be observed at all times with a strict no shorts, football shirts, baseball caps or sleeveless vests policy.

Servisair Lounge The air conditioned Servisair Lounge is located airside in Terminal 2 and is open from 05.30 to 20.30. Access is available to disabled passengers and facilities include soft and alcoholic refreshments, fax, flight information monitor, internet, newspapers and magazines, telephone, television and Wi-fi access.

Only ticketed passengers are admitted for a maximum three-hour stay. Infants and children under 12 are permitted. Unofficial groups will be refused entry and a smart casual dress code is observed with strictly no shorts, baseball caps or football shirts allowed.

With the great facilities on offer, Manchester airport lounges offer a great way to escape the crowds, have a drink, catch up with last minute emails, watch TV or just simply relax prior to your flight.

To prevent overcrowding, tickets to airport lounges are limited so it is advisable to book your airport lounge (http://www.manchesterairportflightarrivals.co.uk/manchester-airport-FAC-facilities-lounges.php) early. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance and can be purchased on the internet.

About the Author

Paula Garrett is a frequent traveller and believes paying the extra for a Manchester airport lounge is worth every penny. For more information on airport lounges at Manchester airport check out Manchester Information.