How do you stop the kids getting bored and frustrated or running off into the crowds in the airport terminal? Easy ... book the family into an airport lounge and keep them entertained for up to three hours before your flight.

Depending on which lounge you choose, there may be toys, board games and video games for children to play with, music for them to listen to or computers where they can surf the internet. Almost all lounges have TV and free newspapers and magazines - so Mum and Dad won't get bored either.

Some lounges even have a flight viewing deck where you can watch the planes take off and land, while others have activity areas specially for children where they can play to their heart's content. And it doesn't matter if they get absorbed in a world of their own - most lounges have flight information screens, so you'll know when it's time to board the plane. You'll get free snacks and drinks too, including alcoholic drinks for adults. A small number of lounges even offer full meals. And with one or two exceptions, such as champagne, everything is included in the price - which starts from as little as £14.50 per person. Not bad if it means the kids aren't asking 'Are we there yet?' before they've even got on the plane.