The smarter way to catch a flight |
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| Type | Airport lounges and chauffering |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founder(s) | Phil Cameron |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Area served | London airports |
| Website | www.no1traveller.com |
No.1 Traveller is a London-based company specialising in airport transfers and airport lounges. It provides chauffeur and travel concierge services,[1] and operates lounges at Stansted[2] and Gatwick.[3]
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No.1 Traveller was founded in 2006[4] by Phil Cameron, a former West End producer, whose productions included the Tony Award-winning Journey's End[5] and the Olivier Award-winning 2005 revival of Hamlet.[6] Through initially trying to launch an airline catering exclusively to business customers, he built up relationships with airports, and recognised a need for dramatic improvement in the airport lounge experience for premium and aspirational customers.[7] No.1 Traveller first opened a lounge at JFK Airport in 2007 (which continues to operate under the brand of 'The Lounge'), then Gatwick Airport in April 2009, and two further operations at Stansted in September 2009 and January 2010. It currently has plans to expand to Heathrow and other London airports. Howard Ebison, a former Apprentice candidate in Series 5, works for them as general manager, commercial.[8][9] The company offers a Mercedes-Benz chauffeur service between London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, and any destination in England, Wales and Scotland.
The company's three UK airport lounges all offer complimentary WiFi access and internet workstations, light meals, a bar, newspapers and magazines, flight information screens, seating areas and other forms of entertainment.[10][11] The service is open to all checked-in passengers, and customers are entitled to a three hour stay in the lounge, with the option to pay for additional time. The company has partnerships with Priority Pass, Airport Angel, WEXAS, and Diners Club International,[12] whilst No.1 Traveller also runs its own loyalty card scheme, which gives its members benefits such as discounted entry, airport transfers and bar prices, as well as the ability to invite up to 3 guests and reserve seats in the VIP area.[13]
Their lounge at Gatwick, in the South Terminal, incorporates a VIP room and an indoor green wall, and was recently highly commended by Priority Pass.[14] The Gatwick lounge is accessible for free by business class customers of TAP Portugal, US Airways and Aer Lingus. Star Alliance Gold Card holders also receive discounted access.[15]
No.1 Traveller has announced its second facility at Gatwick airport, a 10,000 square feet (930 m2) lounge within the North Terminal. Due to open “ahead of the 2011 summer season”, the lounge will feature a travel spa, mini-cinema, pool table, complimentary food and refreshments, TV, newspapers and magazines, and wifi internet access. For business travellers there will be private meeting rooms and “high-end business centre facilities”. The travel spa will include hairdressing, massage, manicure and shower facilities, and guests will also be able to take advantage of lounge “hosts” to buy travel insurance, foreign currency and Duty Free items “from the comfort of their seat”.[16]
The company operates two lounges at Stansted, catering only for international passengers: one at gate 49,[17] serving exclusively Ryanair flights,[18] and another at gate 16,[19] both of which allow clients to fast track the queues at security.
In August 2011 No.1 Traveller opened their flagship lounge in London Heathrow’s Terminal 3.[20] The addition of a travel spa and airside accommodation represents a departure from their traditional lounge arrangement.
The lounge is located on the departures side of Terminal 3, past security. An arriving passenger cannot legally access it unless departing the same day.
The lounge itself boasts the usual trappings of a No.1 Traveller lounge including panoramic runway views, a fully tended bar and freshly prepared food. A games room complete with iMacs, table football, bar billiards and a PlayStation 3 console is designed to entertain guests of all ages. A cinema, quiet relaxation area as well as Skype phones for international calls can also be found within the facility.
Shower facilities are complimentary for lounge guests and £12.50 for passengers not using the lounge. A range of hair, beauty and men’s grooming treatments are also be available at the Travel Spa (for an additional charge).[21]
The lounge will be the first in the UK to offer paid-for airside accommodation.[22] Designed with the transferring passenger in mind, the soundproofed bedrooms are a key highlight of the new space. They are available to all passengers and feature en-suite showers, telephones, Wi-Fi, television and room service.
The Heathrow lounge opened in August 2011 and operates from 4.30am until 10.30pm every day.[23] Entry can be booked online at No1Traveller.com, all of the facilities can be accessed separately. With the bedrooms opening at the end of September, reservations can be taken for stays from the 30th September onwards.In August 2011 No.1 Traveller opened their flagship lounge in London Heathrow’s Terminal 3.[24] The addition of a travel spa and airside accommodation represents a departure from their traditional lounge arrangement.
The lounge itself boasts the usual trappings of a No.1 Traveller lounge including panoramic runway views, a fully tended bar and freshly prepared food. A games room complete with iMacs, table football, bar billiards and a PlayStation 3 console is designed to entertain guests of all ages. A cinema, quiet relaxation area as well as Skype phones for international calls can also be found within the facility.
Shower facilities are complimentary for lounge guests and £12.50 for passengers not using the lounge. A range of hair, beauty and men’s grooming treatments are also be available at the Travel Spa (for an additional charge).[25]
The lounge will be the first in the UK to offer paid-for airside accommodation.[26] Designed with the transferring passenger in mind, the soundproofed bedrooms are a key highlight of the new space. They are available to all passengers and feature en-suite showers, telephones, Wi-Fi, television and room service.
The Heathrow lounge opened in August 2011 and operates from 4.30am until 10.30pm every day.[27] Entry can be booked online at No1Traveller.com, all of the facilities can be accessed separately. With the bedrooms opening at the end of September, reservations can be taken for stays from the 30th September onwards.
The chauffuer drive service is available from anywhere in England, Wales and Scotland to Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. They operate a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles ranging from the executive (E) class to the luxurious Sedan (S) class and for the group bookings the V-class people carrier.