You’ve had a great holiday. You’ve barely thought about the office. Work deadlines – what are they? Your head is very much still in the Alps. But if anything is going to take you back to reality with a crashing bump it’s airport travel. There are few international airports that travellers actually look forward to spending time in and thankfully Geneva Airport is one of them.  Here is our BC Guide to extending your luxury ski holiday until take off.

Whether you are looking for a café or restaurant to relax in, you need some last minute presents to appease loved ones back home, or you are travelling with kids and in need of a playroom and a family friendly space — Geneva Airport has it all.Here is our BC Guide to extending your luxury ski holiday until take off and enjoying Geneva Airport.

1. RELAX IN ONE OF THE PLUSH LOUNGES

This one is imperative. Delay your return to reality and extend your luxury ski holiday until take off. There are several lounges available at GVA all taking you out of the hub and into tranquillity.

  • Premium Geneva – Whether you are arriving or departing, Premium Geneva can offer you a VIP experience. Simply access their luxurious Skyview lounge and kick back until it’s time to board, or perhaps arrange for them to drive you in a limo to the foot of your plane. The choice is yours. The team are there to please.
  • Swissport Horizon – Irrespective of flight carrier or class of ticket the Swissport lounge is a great end of holiday destination. The lounge boasts a wide selection of complimentary food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you are looking for a quiet space to relax, or perhaps somewhere to catch up on emails before your flight, the lounge is perfectly located on the mezzanine in the heart of the terminal.
  • Swiss Air, British Airways, Air France, Dnata, Swissport, and Lufthansa all also offer lounges for their first class, and business passengers. Get in touch with your airline to find out more.
2. INDULGE IN SOME DUTY FREE SHOPPING

Feeling guilty after a week spent in the French Alps on your luxury ski break? Did you leave your nearest and dearest at home as your whizzed across the slopes of the Portes du Soleil? Use your airport time wisely with some airport shopping, Swiss style. Why not stop by Hermes on your way to Mont Blanc? Omega and Rolex are also showcasing their newest additions. There are also a handful of boutiques selling traditional Swiss fares, from army knives, to digestivs,  local cured meats, wines & cheeses, their famous Swiss chocolates and a penknife or three for good measure. Geneva Airport might not be overflowing with shops in the style of Heathrow Terminal 5 but what they do have ticks all the luxury boxes. We struggle to get past Hermes!

3. SHORT ON TIME BIG ON HUNGER? THE CAVIAR HOUSE & PRUNIER

If you don’t want to hide away in one of the airport VIP lounges or are short on time why not stop by the Caviar House on the way to your flight. Nothing beats end of holiday blues like a spot of caviar, a smidge of smoked salmon and a dash of champagne. Freshly prepared in front of you, and a stone’s throw from boarding gates, this is a must do treat before you say farewell to the Alps and your skis.

4. GO FRENCH

This is a little secret of ours but if you really want to avoid the rush and the queues we recommend going through airport security on the French side. It’s a small section of the airport close to the car rental sector (French) and rarely has a person waiting to pass through security. It’s saved us from many a last minute dash to our flights AND makes us feel that we are in our own private airport terminal. But shhhh, don’t tell everyone about it!

5. ENJOY FAMILY TIME

Geneva Airport does family and has created a family space within the airport to make family travel that bit easier. A great alternative if you don’t want to book into a VIP lounge. Located at the Mezzanine level in transit/departure area there is a small children’s play area which is for under 5s. It’s staffed and parents can enter too. There is a colouring table, games, slides, books, armchairs, swings, a baby-changing corner, nursing area, kitchen and rest area for children. It’s completely free of charge.

Let your kids Burn off any extra energy before the constraints of a homeward flight.

6. THE PRIVATE JET TERMINAL

What better way to enjoy airport travel and avoid travelling with the masses! Geneva Airport’s private jet terminal is Terminal 3, where PrivatPort, Jet Aviation, and Tag Aviation are the 3 major private charter companies operating. From here you can also take a helicopter  to all the major ski areas including Morzine-Avoriaz, Les Gets, Meribel and Tignes. Your BC Concierge can arrange this for you.

7. GET OUT OF TOWN (OR AT LEAST THE AIRPORT!)

Spending more than just a few hours at Geneva Airport? Well, Geneva City centre is only 5 km away  and on a direct train line from the airport. It is well worth a visit if you have time . The train station is located underneath the airport and all trains head into Geneva central where you can walk around the old town and take in the famous Lake. Go hands-free and leave your baggage at the Left Luggage Facility located in the train terminal.