Exploring new destinations is undeniably thrilling, but the journey to reach them can sometimes be exhausting. Airports often present long wait times and crowded spaces. Airport lounges provide a comfortable space for travelers to relax before their flights.

Are you contemplating a visit to an airport lounge but uncertain if it will enhance your experience? Long layovers can be significantly more enjoyable and comfortable with the amenities offered at these lounges. Global Lounge Network (GLN) is dedicated to creating, financing, developing, operating, and promoting VIP lounges in airports worldwide, ensuring travelers have a superior experience.

The company’s management team consists of exceptional professionals, with over 30 years of experience in airport lounge management. With GLN’s extensive expertise, they have the capability to design, develop, and operate lounges globally.

In conversation with Jeffrey Stern, CEO of Global Lounge Network

Q. What is Global Lounge Network’s story? Why did you decide to start a company that designs, finances, develops, operates and markets VIP Lounges at airports around the world?

As CEO of Global Lounge Network, I have devoted decades to the aviation industry. In my extensive travels I’ve visited numerous lounges, owned and operated by both airlines and third parties. With my background in design and architecture and knowledge of customer experience, I realized that travelers, airlines, and airports all need better lounge options.

Since day one, Global Lounge Network has focused on providing customers with personalized service, quality menus, and premium beverages in a luxurious and stylish environment. This commitment to quality and going the extra mile has set Global Lounge Network apart from its competitors.

How has Global Lounge Network grown since its founding? According to you, what are the most important factors that directly contributed to the company’s growth?

We are very proud of our continued growth since the founding of the company. Year after year, we’ve broadened our lounge portfolio, starting with our first location in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We currently have over 45 lounges in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia, and we are still growing. We offer our brand, “The Lounge,” and also design, finance, build, and operate lounges for major airlines and alliances.

Our growth stems from our strong understanding of airport dynamics, showing that every airport, no matter its size, can benefit from a well-designed lounge.

We are dedicated to transforming the VIP lounge experience at airports by offering personalized, all-inclusive services with a focus on every detail.

Q. What sets Global Lounge Network apart in the VIP airport space? How does this difference benefit the company’s clients?

We specialize in selecting the right spaces, financing, designing, and tailoring the operation and services for each location. Our dedication to efficiency, driven by sustainable practices, cutting-edge construction techniques, extensive industry expertise, and strategic partnerships with airlines, alliances, and airports, enables us to construct and manage lounges punctually and within budget constraints.

Once a lounge opens, we never cut corners or outsource any of our services. Our in-house team manages everything from a warm welcome at the front desk to fresh, innovative food and drinks, ensuring the facility is clean and well-maintained.

Q. How has your amazing team contributed to the success of Global Lounge Network?

Our success is a result of our excellent team culture. We operate lounges in diverse cultures and regions throughout the world. Our staff has grown to over a 1000, but we still treat each employee with the utmost care and respect. Our executive team regularly visits each lounge to communicate personally, listen actively, and exemplify the company’s values and mission.

We focus on hiring the best people, creating a positive, empowered workplace, with minimal turnover. Each employee is provided with regular training and positive feedback. We never outsource, so every employee learns to manage all tasks. This encourages collaboration while eliminating specific job roles.

 Our executive team has over 30 years of experience in the airline and travel industry, specializing in airport lounge management. We understand the business from every angle. Taking care of the customer and their needs is the absolute top priority at GLN, and it is everyone’s responsibility.

Q. What are some of the most memorable challenges you and the team at Global Lounge Network have overcome? How did the company learn from these challenges?

The most memorable challenge to date was the COVID pandemic. The entire aviation sector, including our organization, faced significant challenges when borders were closed, airlines either halted or diminished their flights, and we had to scale back or temporarily close several of our lounges. Because our internal culture is very employee centric, we had to carefully manage during this very stressful time. But we learned that if we work together, we can get through any challenge. We successfully introduced a mobile app for food ordering, moving away from the traditional buffet service.

The new ordering system is user-friendly, offers better meal service, and boosts sustainability by cutting down waste. We also developed new and improved cleaning techniques for added safety, along with effective response plans for any future challenges.

Q. What is Global Lounge Network’s plan for the future?

We aim to further enhance our lounge portfolio by developing new lounges that are currently in various stages of progress across Asia, Europe, the USA, and Latin America. We aim to grow by understanding our customers, exceeding their expectations, and adapting to changing airline and airport travel trends.

Q. Would you like for us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?

At Global Lounge Network, LLC, we focus on providing guests with a unique lounge experience that emphasizes personalized service and comfort, along with freshly prepared food and drinks.

As part of that innovative lounge experience, we also offer two new products:

• Take a moment to relax in our new “Dream Box” rest & refresh lounge in Medellín, Colombia. Guests can unwind in our luxurious rooms, which feature comfortable beds, quality linens, power outlets, reading lamps, water, and a tasty snack. Additional rooms are available for meditation, prayer, yoga, or a quick workout before departure.
• If you’re at JFK Terminal 1, skip the security line and enjoy hassle-free travel at the new VIP One Lounge. Customers can customize their travel options by adding a concierge or electric cart service before arriving at the lounge. Guests in the lounge can enjoy free drinks, including premium spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, along with a light meal. They can then use the “Fast Track Security Lane” for quick access to the concourse.

Meet the Founder and CEO

Jeffrey Stern is the Founder and CEO of Global Lounge Network. Jeffrey is an aviation professional with more than 29 years in the aviation industry. With an education background of design, architecture, and business, he has a unique eye for detail, quality, and style. He specializes in strategic planning, international sales, brand development, airport management, airline operations, contract negotiations, marketing, and new business development.

His leadership and vision in setting and achieving goals have been key to the consistent growth and success of Global Lounge Network. He recognizes the difference between a boss and a leader. His compassionate leadership style is evident in Global Lounge Network’s commitment to excelling in customer experience.

“Our growth stems from our strong understanding of airport dynamics, showing that every airport, no matter its size, can benefit from a well-designed lounge.”