Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift towards prioritising health and wellbeing considerations, especially recognising the impact of airports on our health, particularly for those traveling for work.
In today’s fast-paced world, business travel is often more a necessity than a choice. While it presents unique opportunities, it also brings challenges to one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Long hours in transit, irregular schedules, and the stress of constant mobility can take a toll.
Thus, understanding and utilising the health and wellbeing facilities available at airports becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity for the modern business traveler.
A new study from Good Travel Management compared 10 data points (including lounges, shower facilities etc), and reviews from TripAdvisor and Google to provide a comprehensive tick chart and overall score out of five.
The best UK airports for wellbeing facilities
In top position is London Heathrow Airport with an overall score of 4.1/5. Although in ninth place for average review score (3.15/5), London Heathrow has ten lounges, eight with shower facilities. Heathrow Airport also has quiet zones, a Be Relax Spa, Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar, and Regus Express Business Lounge.
London Heathrow offers Pret A Manger, Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar, Leon, Wondertree, Yo Sushi, Wagamama, Giraffe, and Itsu. Heathrow caters to all wellbeing needs.
Birmingham Airport, with a score of 3.2/5, holds second place. Its facilities include three lounges, fast-track security, meet and greet services, and healthy food options like Pret A Manager and Giraffe’s bowls for the soul.
Newcastle Airport ranks third with a score of 3/5. A distinctive feature is the Private SnoozePods in their Aspire Plus Lounge, offering single or dual occupancy and a Smart TV with on-demand services.
London Gatwick Airport is fourth with a score of 2.6/5 and an average review rating of 2.7/5. It offers fewer lounges than Heathrow but has two quiet zones and an AeroSpa.
London City Airport, in fifth position with a score of 2.5/5 and an average review rating of 3.35/5, impresses despite fewer facilities. It offers an AeroSpa, fast track, and meet-and-greet services.
For health-conscious travellers, London City Airport provides Pret A Manger, Soul and Grain, and the Cabin Bar. Despite its size, it offers quality services and healthy food options.
Recharge and refresh – leveraging airport facilities for healthier travel
The variety of facilities in UK airports is encouraging, particularly for individuals who travel frequently for work. Navigating through airports and enduring flights can be physically and mentally draining, making it essential to know how to rejuvenate and recover during transit. For instance, the availability of lounges with shower facilities, quiet zones, and health-conscious food options at airports like London Heathrow and Birmingham can significantly enhance the travel experience, allowing travellers to refresh and reset.
Leaders and employers should proactively inform their travelling employees about available airport amenities. By doing so, they not only prioritise their employees’ comfort and health but also potentially improve their work performance and overall travel satisfaction. This approach reflects a thoughtful understanding of the challenges of work travel and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The full data can be viewed here.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
