Unlimited Food for ₹2: YouTubers and Influencers Eye Railway Lounges as the Next Hotspot
In recent years, the phenomenon of YouTubers and influencers making headlines at airport lounges has become almost commonplace. These self-proclaimed travel and food enthusiasts seem to have mastered the art of finding the best perks for minimal expense. The latest trend? Making a meal out of airport lounge access for as low as ₹2 – courtesy of credit card benefits.
However, it appears their ambitions are not limited to airports. With railway lounges also stepping up their game in recent times, providing premium experiences at affordable prices, it seems this new territory is becoming the next hotspot for content creators looking to snag that perfect “relatable luxury” shot for their followers.
The Airport Lounge Story: The ₹2 Meal Fad
Airport lounges, known for their exclusive offerings of unlimited food, beverages, and a calm environment, have become a playground for influencers. Credit card and membership perks allow lounge access for as little as ₹2 in some cases. While this has democratized the lounge experience, it has also resulted in overcrowding, with influencers and vloggers queuing up to showcase every bite of their unlimited buffets.
This trend has sparked debates on whether these lounges are losing their premium appeal due to increased accessibility and overwhelming crowds.
Railway Lounges: The Next Frontier?
As airport lounges experience the YouTuber invasion, railway lounges might be next in line. India’s premium railway lounges, now operational at major stations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, offer a surprising array of features:
- Unlimited Food and Beverages: Much like airport lounges, railway lounges provide buffets at Rs 2 on selected credit and debit cards.
- Comfortable Seating: Perfect for those long waits between train connections.
- Wi-Fi and Workspaces: Appealing to digital nomads and, of course, influencers.
- Affordable Access: A nominal fee that is influencer-friendly.
With content creators already venturing into unexplored territories for “authentic experiences,” it’s no surprise that railway lounges might become the next viral sensation.
The Impact: More Buzz, Less Exclusivity?
While the increased attention might help promote the existence of railway lounges, there is a flip side. Overcrowding and misuse of the facilities could dilute the experience for genuine travelers seeking comfort. Much like the overcrowding issue at airport lounges, the charm of railway lounges might soon be overshadowed by noisy vlogging and camera flashes.
A Fun Possibility?
Imagine your favorite YouTuber diving into a railway lounge buffet, reviewing samosas, sandwiches and chai like Michelin-star dishes, and ending with, “All this for just ₹2!” The concept is both amusing and, perhaps, inevitable.
The Fin Cafe’s Take
While influencers have brought lounges – both airport and railway – into the public spotlight, it’s essential to strike a balance. Lounges are meant to be places of relaxation and comfort, not just content creation hubs. For travelers, the key is to enjoy these spaces as they were intended: as a retreat amidst the chaos of travel.
So, if you see a vlogger at a railway lounge soon, just know – you read it here first.
