A Race Across the World couple who have travelled to 60 countries have blasted a “shocking” airport lounge as the worst they’ve ever experienced.
Stephen and Viv Redding, from Uppingham, Rutland, were left stunned after paying nearly £50 to access what they thought would be a relaxing business class lounge.
Stephen, 64, and Viv, 68, visited the Avianca lounge while waiting for their flight to Bogotá before returning to London Heathrow, following a six-week trip around South America.
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They claim to have been met with “tasteless” food and shabby surroundings.
“We bought business class tickets because it was a long-haul flight and that way we can have flat beds and get a bit of sleep,” Stephen told What’s The Jam.
“We’d been led to believe that we would have lounge access [at the airport] but when we went up to the lounge, we were told that our tickets did not qualify.
“So we decided that we would pay for the upgrade because we knew we had over two hours to spare.”
Once inside, the couple, who appeared on the BBC travel show in 2024, say they were shocked by the poor quality on offer at the San Jose lounge.
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Stephen said: “There was only one meal available, tasteless and watery spaghetti bolognese.
“The pasta was cold, the sauce was not very nice.
“There was a little side bread thing that was dried and tasteless.
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“We were given drinks tokens for a glass of wine, which meant we were only allowed one drink each – one glass of wine each!
“The place was not good.
“The seats weren’t comfy, the tables were shabby, it was not what we’d experienced from any other airport lounge that we’ve been to.
“And to be fair, there have been quite a few since Race Across the World two years ago.
“We’ve been to about 60 countries now and probably up to a dozen lounges across the globe and this is the worst lounge that we’ve ever been to.”
The pair raised their concerns with staff at the time but claim they were met with little interest.
After returning home, they contacted Avianca to request a refund, but say their complaint was rejected.
Stephen added: “We asked for money back because of the poor lounge quality but they have refused and rejected that claim and basically said that’s just the way it is.
“I must also say though that the flight with Avianca was absolutely spot on, I have no complaints at all.
“[That being said], we were disappointed and actually after being away for six weeks touring through the north of South America we were tired and just wanted to relax in a bit of comfort, but this did not fulfil our needs by any means.”
