Why Complimentary Spa Services Are Disappearing from Airport Lounges in India
The discontinuation of complimentary spa services in many airport lounges in India is primarily driven by several factors:
1. Cost-Cutting Measures
- High Operational Costs: Offering spa services involves maintaining a dedicated space, hiring trained therapists, and covering the costs of consumables like oils and towels. These expenses add up, especially in high-traffic lounges.
- Inflationary Pressures: With rising operational and staffing costs, many lounges have scaled back non-essential services to maintain profitability.
2. Shift in Passenger Priorities
- Demand for Other Amenities: Travelers now prioritize services like better food and beverage options, workspaces, and Wi-Fi. Lounges are reallocating resources to enhance these aspects.
- Time Constraints: Many passengers have shorter layovers or less time to spend in lounges, making spa services less utilized compared to other amenities.
3. Post-COVID Hygiene Concerns
- Health and Safety Protocols: After the pandemic, lounges have been more cautious about close-contact services like massages, as they require rigorous hygiene standards to reassure guests.
4. Membership and Credit Card Agreements
- Reduced Subsidies: Many credit cards and membership programs that used to subsidize spa services in lounges are now cutting back on such perks to minimize costs.
5. Increase in Passenger Volume
- Limited Capacity: With more passengers accessing lounges, it has become harder to manage demand for spa services without increasing wait times or service complaints.
- Focus on Essentials: Lounges are focusing on universal amenities that benefit all guests rather than niche services like spas.
6. Focus on Premium Paid Services
- Revenue Generation: Many lounges have shifted from offering complimentary spa services to providing them as paid add-ons to generate additional revenue from interested passengers.
Final Thoughts by The Fin Cafe:
While complimentary spa services were a luxurious offering, the changing dynamics of air travel, cost management, and evolving passenger preferences have led to their decline. However, some premium lounges in India and abroad still offer spa facilities for an additional charge or as part of exclusive packages. If you’re seeking lounges with spa services, it’s worth checking in advance or exploring premium options.
