In partnership with
The Adani Lounge, Mumbai International AirPort. Picture by me
Airport lounges can feel like a small oasis in the chaos of travel — comfortable chairs, free food, decent Wi-Fi, and (sometimes) a quiet place to breathe before a long flight.
But after spending a lot of time in lounges around the world, I’ve learned that how you use them matters. Some habits make the experience better for everyone… and some definitely don’t.
So here are 10 things I never do in an airport lounge.
1. Never treat it like an all-you-can-eat competition
Yes, the food is free. That doesn’t mean you need three plates “just because.” I take what I’ll actually enjoy and leave plenty for others. Plus, you don’t want to feel bloated on your flight.
2. Never take calls on speaker or blast videos without headphones
Lounges are shared quiet spaces. If I need to take a call, I keep it quiet, and never on speaker. If I’m watching something or listening to music, headphones are non-negotiable.
3. Sitting or relaxing etiquettes
Don’t put your bag on a separate chair or put feet with shoes (or even bare feet) on airport furniture. Unhygienic. Gross. Not cool if the lounge is crowded and people are waiting for seats.
Food at the Adani Lounge, Mumbai
4. Never empty the snack bar into your backpack
Grabbing something for the flight is fine. Packing a full grocery haul… not so much. Or, you can ask them to pack a meal for you (most lounges do it)
What do these names have in common?
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Codie Sanchez
Scott Galloway
Colin & Samir
Shaan Puri
Jay Shetty
They all run their businesses on beehiiv. Newsletters, websites, digital products, and more. beehiiv is the only platform you need to take your content business to the next level.
🚨Limited time offer: Get 30% off your first 3 months on beehiiv. Just use code PLATFORM30 at checkout.
5. Never forget the staff are not hotel concierges
Lounge staff deal with hundreds of travelers daily. A smile and a thank you go a long way.
6. Never assume the lounge will fix a flight problem
Delays and cancellations are airline issues. Lounges can sometimes help, but they’re not miracle workers. Also, watching for gate changes, flight delays, etc is your responsibility, not theirs. Screens in the lounges are a facility, not your right.
The lounge at Zurich AirPort. Picture by Me
7. Never snooze/ sleep
This is your personal choice, but even if I'm tired, I'm always too nervous I'll not wake up in time, even if I put an alarm 😅
To be honest, I never had more than 3-4 hours layovers and also, most lounges have time limits on how long people can use them. But just relaxing is good enough for me.
8. Never overdo the “free” drinks
Some lounges offer free alcohol even great cocktails and it might be tempting, but airports and alcohol don’t always mix well. Try to keep it light, especially before a flight. Don’t get drunk or create scenes (yes, I have seen this happen).
9. Never leave your belongings unattended
Even in lounges, airports are still public places. Plus, the lounge staff is not responsible for your luggage.
88% resolved. 22% loyal. Your stack has a problem.
Those numbers aren't a CX issue — they're a design issue. Gladly's 2026 Customer Expectations Report breaks down exactly where AI-powered service loses customers, and what the architecture of loyalty-driven CX actually looks like.
10. Never forget the lounge is a privilege, not an entitlement
Whether through status, a credit card, or a day pass — it’s still a shared space. Respect goes a long way.
Airport lounges are meant to make travel a little better. When everyone treats them with a bit of courtesy, they actually do.
I am curious- what’s one lounge habit you wish more travelers would stop doing? Do let me know. I read and reply to every email.
Safe travels, Yogi 😊
Subscribe to my newsletter if not already done https://yogitravels-newsletter.beehiiv.com/
Follow me on X , Follow me on Medium