These luxurious lounges can now be accessed by Priority Pass members but in a new twist, you will need to pay an extra $20 per person to get in.
What are The House lounges?
There are two The House lounges in Australia and both are located in Sydney and Melbourne Airport’s international terminals.
They are the previous Etihad lounges which are run by independent operator No1 Lounges. They are used by premium cabin passengers on Virgin Australia and Etihad as well as Velocity elite status holders.
They both open at 5:30am, with the Sydney lounge closing at 10pm and Melbourne at 10:30pm. You can enter up to three hours before departure.
What are the lounges like?
We give both of the lounges four stars. They have excellent food and are the only Business Class lounges at these airports to offer à la carte dining.
Other wins are barista-made coffee and a soundproof kids’ room (although note that Priority Pass members cannot bring children under two years into this lounge at all).
Downsides are that you have to pay to use the shower facilities and the wifi can be hit-and-miss.
My take: is it worth the $20 co-pay?
Yes, if you are:
- going to use the lounge for (close to) the three full hours; or
- an American Express Platinum Card Member departing Sydney and the American Express Lounge is crowded/full
American Express Platinum Card Members lost access to Priority Pass eateries last month. That leaves The House in Sydney as the only lounge part of Priority Pass network.
However, Amex Card Members can enter the American Express Lounges in both airports. They can get really crowded, though.
Passengers in Melbourne do have a Priority Pass lounge alternative, and that’s the Plaza Premium Lounge. It also offers great food and drinks but isn’t the best place to work from. We give it four stars too.
Otherwise, for those eligible for the Priority Pass benefit, it’s probably best just using this at one of the 4/3 eateries in Sydney/Melbourne. You’ll get $36 off the bill for each person, which in my mind presents greater value than having to fork out an extra $20 to use a lounge (unless you really need some space and quiet from the terminal).
In this guide
For those with an eligible credit card and travelling on any airline, these facilities are welcome options to grab a drink or bite to eat before your next flight.
Priority Pass has gone from having one location in Australia just two years ago to 23 across six airports, encompassing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Darwin.
About this guide
This guide is an intro to the Priority Pass airport lounge membership program, getting into what it offers for someone who might have heard of it but has not ever really looked into it.
I explore some of the more appealing Priority Pass locations in Australia and around the world (it is updated with the newest lounges added to the Priority Pass network), along with the credit cards that include access in some form or another.
Many folks have heard of the Priority Pass lounge program as it comes with several credit cards but I would wager that few have used it to its maximum potential.
You’ll get unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges with cards like the American Express Platinum Charge, with Priority Pass memberships of different flavours coming with a range of other cards too.
Locations in Australia
Most Priority Pass facilities in these two countries are located in international terminals. However, some eateries, as well as the Rex Lounges, are located in domestic terminals.
- Adelaide: Rex Lounge
- Brisbane: Plaza Premium Lounge and three eateries (two in Domestic and one in International)
- Darwin: Catalina Lounge
- Gold Coast: one eatery
- Melbourne: Plaza Premium Lounge, The House* and three eateries (in International) and the Rex Lounge in T4 (for Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and some Virgin Australia flights)
- Sydney: The House* in T1, the Rex Lounge in T2 and eight eateries (four in T1, two in T2 and two in T3)
*$20 co-pay per person for The House lounges
Perth is slated to get its first independent lounge, the Aspire Lounge, in mid-2020. Priority Pass members may get access to this lounge, but that is to be confirmed.
Eateries
By swiping your Priority Pass card or using the app, you and eligible guests can receive $36 per person off the total bill for food and/or drinks.
You can access the following outlets at Sydney Airport:
these in Melbourne:
and these three at Brisbane Airport:
There is also Velocity Expresso & Bar at Gold Coast Airport.
A single-use lounge pass can be used at the eateries for $36 off for one person, i.e. an eatery is considered the same as a lounge for access purposes.
Note that American Express Card Members do not have access to eateries—only lounges. (Citi Prestige cardholders and those with single-use passes do have access to eateries.)
Rex Lounges
Rex operates three small but relaxing lounges at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Airports.
They offer complimentary wifi, snacks and the usual hot and cold drinks, with beer and wine served from 3pm, and massage chairs.
A private meeting room can be arranged at the lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, the lounge is located in domestic Terminal 2, which is used by all airlines except Qantas. Qantas passengers departing from T3 can also use this lounge but as you will have to re-clear security for your flight, you are probably best just dining at one of the two Priority Pass eateries in T3. Note that there are also two eateries in T2.
In Melbourne, the lounge is located in Terminal 4, used by Jetstar, Tiger, Rex and some Virgin Australia passengers.
And, in Adelaide, the lounge is located in the domestic section of the airport—international passengers should leave enough time after visiting the lounge to clear passport control and a liquid security check.
If you have the Amex Platinum Charge card and are flying Virgin Australia, you’ll also have access to the Virgin Australia Lounges at all three airports.
Note that eligible American Express Card Members also have access to the American Express Lounges in the international terminals at Sydney and Melbourne.
Plaza Premium Lounges
These aesthetically-pleasing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane are accessible to passengers departing on international flights and offer good food and drinks but are not the best places to get some work done.
Locations in New Zealand
- Auckland: Strata Lounge
- Christchurch: Manaia Lounge
- Queenstown: Manaia Lounge
Background on Priority Pass
Since its launch in 1992, Collision Group’s Priority Pass has grown to be the biggest independent airport lounge access plan.
By attempting to offer members a premium experience, with a chance to relax and refresh before a flight, the idea behind Priority Pass is that it doesn’t matter what class your ticket is or what airline you fly, you can still enjoy premium facilities before you fly.
So, if you are flying Scoot, Jetstar or Qantas, whether in Economy, Premium Economy or higher cabins, you can enjoy the same comforts of having lounge access when you travel.
It’s handy for those travellers who fly on a range of airlines, primarily in Economy or Premium Economy, and are not (or can’t be) especially loyal to a particular alliance.
Since the start of 2015, over 150 new lounges have been introduced into the network, with many in Asia, as a response to the growing number of travellers who would rather enhance their travel by lounge access rather than in-flight upgrades.
Whether you purchase one of the three membership options or your membership comes as part of your credit card plan, there are 1,200+ lounges, in more than 140 countries worldwide, offering a range of amenities to deal with the stress that often accompanies travel.
Some of the benefits of lounge access might include:
- Free wifi
- Snacks, soft drinks, and complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Access to power or charging stations
- TV and comfortable seating (ideally!)
- Showers and spa facilities (often with an additional fee)
Priority Pass does not operate the lounges themselves, they negotiate access for their members to use lounges around the world, so amenities do vary across airports.
You can get a feel for what each lounge has to offer at the Priority Pass Lounges index.
Credit cards that offer unlimited access
One neat thing about the unlimited access with the Amex Platinum Charge, Citi Prestige Visa and BOQ Specialist Signature Visa is that in an airport with multiple lounges, you can just walk out of a lounge if you don’t like it and go find another.
The American Express Platinum Charge comes with full membership with unlimited visits for the Platinum Charge cardholder and a supplementary cardmember per account. Note that American Express Card Members do not have access to eateries—only lounges.
One complimentary guest is also permitted per enrolled Platinum Card Member, with additional guests charged at US$32 per visit. The Business version of the card also provides for unlimited entries but there are no complimentary guesting privileges, with each guest charged the guest fee.
The Citi Prestige Visa has a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder. You are entitled to unlimited visits to Priority Pass lounges and may bring one guest per visit. Additional guests will be charged for.
The BOQ Specialist Signature Visa also includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder, with unlimited entry for you and a guest into the network’s lounges.
Credit cards that offer single-use passes
The Amplify Signature Visa from St.George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA gives you two entries each year you have the card.
The Citi Signature Visa comes with a Priority Pass standard membership, including two lounge visits for the primary cardholder each cardholder year.
The Westpac Altitude Black account also comes with a Priority Pass membership entitling you to two visits per cardholder year.
Notable Priority Pass lounges globally
With so many lounges worldwide and such a wide range of operating companies, it is hard to say which may be the best, but here are lounges that could be well worth the visit.
Hong Kong
Being one of the world’s busiest airports, there are three Plaza Premium lounges in the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport. Features include 24-hour entry, showers, internet, TV, buffets and conference areas but some readers have not been impressed with the shower facilities and customer service.
The latest lounge to be added here is a Plaza Premium First Lounge, which requires a co-pay of HK$200 (= ~AU$35) for Priority Pass members to access. It is a step above a regular lounge, with à la carte dining and complimentary massage treatments. The first ‘First’ lounge to open was in Kuala Lumpur and it looks like this concept will be expanded to other airports.
Singapore
This airport boasts multiple lounges in each terminal, totalling 12 across the entire airport. The latest addition is the Changi Lounge in the new, futuristic Jewel terminal.
With so many to choose from, which you visit will depend on terminal and departure time, as certain lounges are only open at specific times.
Minute Suites and sleep pods in the US and Dubai
A nifty addition to the network, you can now get some space, privacy and shut-eye between flights in a private room or pod, currently at Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia and Dubai Airports.
Digital membership via the app
A digital membership card has been rolled out to American Express Platinum Charge, American Express Explorer and Citi Prestige cardholders, amongst others.
The app (iOS, Android) houses your membership card and allows you to search lounges, see important information about lounge access and speed up the check-in process.
Just make sure your battery is charged so that you can actually show your digital card. It is a good idea to carry your physical card with you as a backup.
Paid membership plans
There are some paid membership plans if you don’t have access to Priority Pass through your credit card. You can get a 10% discount for being a Point Hacks reader.
Standard membership: US$99 annual fee
- Per visit member fee: US$32
- Per visit guest fee: US$32
This is best for those who may travel up to five times per year.
Standard Plus: US$299 annual fee
- Per visit member fee: 10 free visits within 12 months
- US$32 for each additional visit
- Per visit guest visit fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership between 5 and 16 times per year.
Prestige: US$499 annual fee
- Per visit member fee: all-inclusive
- Per visit guest fee: US$32
This is best for those who will use the membership more than 16 times per year.
Summing up
I have tried to highlight some of the better lounges in the Priority Pass program in this guide but there are definitely a few which you’d probably pass on too.
That’s probably the biggest downside to the program—knowing whether it is worth using up some of the limited access you might have on what might be a crappy lounge.
One way to get around this is to research lounges before you visit using the free LoungeBuddy app, TripAdvisor or Google, and choose carefully where you use your access if it is limited, i.e. you only have single-use passes.
I’d also love for anyone who has got heaps of value out of Priority Pass to leave a comment and let us know your favourite Priority Pass lounges. Thanks!
Supplementary images courtesy Priority Pass and respective lounges.
![Strata Lounge](http://<div class="promotions"> <div class="row"> <div class="promotions-image"><a href="https://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/strata-lounge-auckland-overview/" target="_blank"><img src="https://nz.pointhacks.com/img/2019/03/22221452/Strata1.jpg" alt="Strata Lounge Auckland | Point Hacks" class="img-responsive"/></a></div> <div class="promotions-content"> <h3><a href="https://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/strata-lounge-auckland-overview/">Read our overview of the Strata Lounge Auckland</a></h3> <a href="https://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/strata-lounge-auckland-overview/" class="button promotions-button">Read the overview here</a> </div> </div> </div>){kind=link}
Does anyone know if it’s required to register your guest if you’re dining together, or you can just use a single cardholder’s visit and pay the rest in cash? I’d happily just get the $36 bucks off and pay the rest in cash, rather than spend an extra ~$47 on top of that (at which case I’d probably just eat at the food court haha – after all, I’m points-chasing to try and save money!)
Anyone have any experience with this?
On top of the price increase, devaluation, loss of express entry last year… I’m struggling to think of what’s left to keep…
Despite the high prices in Airports, $36 is a big spend for just food, so would I get away with ordering what is obviousy 2 x Meals and getting it paid for with the PP $36 credit?
or is the eatery going to refuse on the basis its for one person only.
Not sure if you able to answer this question or the bank – but I took out the St George Amplify card last year and went with the Amplify Rewards. I also enrolled myself into the Priority Pass membership (which has been very useful so far)
If I cancel the card this year, do you know if that effectively cancels my Priority Pass membership too?
Or are they exclusive?
Cheers
Deej
It is likely that your Priority Pass membership will also cancel once the Amplify card is cancelled.
I don’t have direct experience with St. George so welcome other readers experience here. However I have cancelled a competing bank’s card and my Priority Pass membership was immediately cancelled.
When I got home I saw 2 separate charges for lounge entries in LHR and in Milan, where I only signed in using my card for both of us. Called Amex and they said email PP. I did that and they said no free entry for guess as per email below.
Thank you for your e-mail.
Please kindly be informed that Mrs Xxxx and your Priority Pass membership is offered to you as a supplementary benefit of your American Express Australia Platinum Card and is valid until 24 Jul 2020.Both of you are entitled to have unlimited free member visits (for member use only) during the membership year. However, all your accompanying guests (including family members, children and friends) are subject to a lounge visit fee of US$27 per guest per visit.
Per the lounge visit record we received from the Aspire, The Lounge at LHR T5 at London Heathrow International Airport and Club S.E.A. Sala Leonardo at Milan Linate, you signed in one guest to the lounge on 31 Jul 2018 and 12 Aug 2018 accordingly. As we do not have records of Mrs. Xxxx xxx visiting the lounge on the same date at the same time, we will specially arrange to reallocate the guest visit record from your membership account to Mrs. Xxxx xxx personal membership account under the member number 143 5430285. The guest visit fee of US$27*2 in your account would be refunded against your charged credit card.
Please note this was a reply to my second email clarifying if I was allowed free guest. Seems like different rules to what Amex has stated. I don’t really want to ask them a third time as its probably a waste of time.
Thanks for providing this detailed guide on priority pass. I got my membership through Amex Plat Card and have following questions want to ask:
1/ are there any restrictions on how many times I can use the lounges/eateries per day?
2/ if no such restriction, does that mean, if I travel with a friend, we can go with the eateries first, then relax in lounges before every departure?
Thanks in advance.
That’s really cool.
Korean Air and Alaska lounges at LAX are ok but again so over crowded.
Dnata lounge terminal 1 SIN changi is fantastic but apart from that other quite average.
I’m at the point of almost cancelling my membership as it would be more quiet and less crowded sitting in the terminal.
If I get the $1200 AMEX card – I can have 2 priority pass memberships if I nominate a supplementary card holder?
And we could each bring a guest on that priority pass and travel seperatley?
And we would each have a Priority Pass with our own names?
That has just made this card a hell of a lot more attractive!
As per the Amex website, the PriorityPass membership from the Platinum Charge card allows both the primary and supplementary card holders to bring in a guest at no extra cost. I personally have never been charged for bringing in a guest.
Looks like Prioritypass is now accepted in Melbourne Airport too, Bar Pulpo by MoVida and Urban Providore.
Regards,
Jack
The Brisbane Plaza lounge at the international is fine and basic, much the same as the Auckland lounge. More importantly, decent internet and quiet work spaces as I usually need to do some catch up.
As an added benefit, I get decent value for something that is very much a bonus as it is a work credit card.
…stack one visit from each to get twice the credit at a restaurant?
…use visits solely for other people without myself entering, in the event that (say) I have status- or travel-based access to a different lounge in the same airport?
For example, my PP membership (enrolled as a result of my Platinum Charge card) expires in 2020. If I cancel my Platinum Charge account now, what’s happens to my PP membership? Will it still expire in 2020? Thank you.
I have to say, I’ve found it to be basically useless after trying to use it on several international trips (Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, a few others) for two main reasons:
The lounges are nothing compared to what most Australians would consider a lounge (such as Qantas and Virgin lounges – domestic or international). They range from OK to something that might be mistaken for a regular sitting area at the airport. I had the most tasteless laksa of my life in a Singaporean lounge – a country where you should be able to get a world class one quite easily.
As the card holder, whilst get 2x free passes per year, my fiancé costs $27 USD – which totally not worth it given the standard of the lounges. Much better for us to just go to a nice restaurant and spend this on a quality meal instead of a cheap buffet.
This restaurant deal is a welcomed improvement, however unfortunately Melbourne (and other Australian cities) have missed out. Hopefully the expand this offering to Melbourne.
“Dear Mr. XXX,
Thank you for your e-mail.
Your Priority Pass membership under member number xxxxxxxxxxxxx is offered to you by American Express Australia as a supplementary benefit of your Platinum card and it is valid until xxxxxxxxxx. Under which, you can enjoy unlimited free lounge visits, which can be used by member only, and you can bring 1 guest per visit for free. Guest visits in excess of 1 will be charged against your credit card at the current prevailing rate of US$27 per person per visit.
For outlet/dining options, members can use their eligible membership cards to receive a AUD$36 credit (per person) off the final bill at each outlet, for themselves and their guests. Each AUD$36 credit will represent a single lounge visit within their existing lounge visit allocation. For example, if you take 1 guest to the dining option, you will receive AUD$72 credit off the final bill, which will show on your account as 1 Member + 1 Guest visit. Each AUD$36 credit will represent a single lounge visit within your existing lounge visit allocation (unlimited free member visits during the membership year + 1 free guest per visit). The AUD$36 offer is valid for any type of meal and/ or drink and there is no minimum spend.
Please be kindly informed that in general there is no limitation of number of visit. However, participating lounges/outlet/dining options may reserve the right to enforce a maximum number of guest access to prevent overcrowding. Please kindly refer to our website http://www.prioritypass.com for details information.
Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us.”
I have used the No 1 Lounge at LHR only once out of 4 attempts to use it over a year. A lot of that time they were guesting in Cathay Pacific first and business passengers while it’s own lounge was referbushed. It’s a nice lounge with mediocre food. No 1 at Gatwick South has the same food set up but a nicer view over the runway. Be warned that in the early morning on a clear day you will fry in the sun.
No 1 lounges offer a scheme where they guarentee access for GBP5 booked in advance. To make it worthwhile, they also give you booked access if you pre-order a glass of champers for GBP7.50. Worth doing IMHO.
I’ve used the Maharaba lounge in DXB. Hard to find. Not much in the way of food and drinks poured by a bar tender. Showers are an extra and they aren’t very good. You come out sweatier than you went in as the ventalation is non-existant. Now I just pay for the shower and avoid using up a lounge visit.
The Premium Plaza lounge in HKG is how a lounge should be run. Lots of space. Fantastic views. Excellent food. Excellent staff. I’d happily route my flights between UK/ Australia to stop here. Very good showers although at times there is a weight, but at least it’s not like the BA/QF Singapore lounge showers where you had to queue. You’re given a time and you can enjoy the lounge while waiting. Would like to try their new BNE lounge, but it shuts an hour before the Cathay Pacific flight leaves currerntly.
A warning with Priority Pass. When you sign up they say they will auto renew your membership. Very easy to forget that but if you don’t catch it in time you may be stuck with a membership you no longer require. You need to email them to say you don’t want to renew which is what I advise you all to do. There is usually some offer going on somewhere for new members but of course you’ll renew at the going rate. Don’t be a fool and email them now and cancel. Renew when you are ready and not them.
Last twelve months we’ve been to:
Zurich (ZRH) Aspire Lounge. You have a choice of lounges here, all in the one place managed by the same check-in. We were told Aspire was the better. Nice soup that not much in way of food. Self-serve alcohol.
Helsinki (HEL) Aspire Lounge. Very funky lounge. Bright colours and chair swinging from the ceiling. More food choices than Zurich too.
Riga (RIX) Primeclass Business Lounge. We were flying to Dublin, so automatically went to the non-Schengen lounge. We walked in (no-one to check us in) and the place was totally empty. We helped ourselves to some drinks and then a lady came in who’s services both lounges. Seems the Schengen area lounge is the happening lounge but since we’d passed through Customs it was now too late to go back. She was nice and brought us some sandwiches from the Schengen lounge. The alcohol section had a full selection of various types of Balsam, a traditional Latvian liqueur, which was a nice touch. However we were the only travellers in there the whole time.
Mexico City (MEX) Salon Premier. Very crowded and not much in way of food options. We now get our PP from Amex Platinum and there are two Centurion lounges (why they are separate I don’t understand) next to the Aeromexico lounge and these are much better. They have table service and charge a nominal cost for food, but much more relaxing atmosphere. We tried both Amex lounges and the one directly next to Aeromexico was the largest but very similar otherwise.
Puerto Vallarta (PVR) VIP Lounge. Very basic, but then I was surprised to see a lounge at such a small airport. Table service for drinks and they’ll toast a pre-made sandwich for you.
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Alaskan Airlines Board Room. Nice enough. They had very lovely tortilla soup but I don’t remember much else. There was a full bar, but we didn’t use it.
Los Angeles (LAX) KAL Lounge. We visited this lounge 2 years ago and everything, including the food, is exactly the same. Selections of three sandwiches, all nice. Cup noodles and some corn chips and salsa. Also some random sliced vegetables. Self-serve alcohol. It’s a big lounge with a balcony overlooking the duty-free area. Chairs on the balcony aren’t as comfortable as the ones inside. Wifi a little weak on the balcony because you’re away from the receiver. It’s in the Tom Bradley International Terminal so suitable for travellers leaving on Qantas, although we also tried to use it leaving LA on an morning AA flight and it was closed.
Bangkok (BKK) CIP First Class. Again basic food offering but self-serve alcohol and power outlets in the floor so it was better than sitting in the terminal.
Over all, it’s a good perk to have with the Amex Platinum both my partner and I can have a membership each and the visits are unlimited. Some of the lounges on the PP app say there is a maximum time we can visit, but as someone that rocks up early, we’ve never found that enforced in practice.
* The No. 1 Lounge at Heathrow T3 was the best with comfortable seats and great food. We didn’t use the spa room or private bedroom but I’m sure they would have been a welcome retreat.
* The Aspire Lounge at Helsinki was also great, with a birdsong soundtrack piped into the toilets and blistering fast internet.
* The Airportclub Lounge at Tegel was the worst – by far. It’s small and hidden out of the way in Terminal A when all of our flights were from Terminal C. Due to its restricted size, there is nowhere to stretch out for a nap. The food and drink choices were limited and the free internet was restricted to 2 hours of use. This lounge can be missed – indeed try to avoid flying into/through Tegel at all. The sooner they finish Brandenburg and close down Tegel the better.
* I have also visited the Avia Lounge at Fiumicino, Sala Monteverdi at Malpensa and the Neptuno Lounge at Madrid Barajas. All of these lounges were a welcome and comfortable retreat from the main terminal waiting areas.
I also have Qantas Captains which works for any QF or AA flight but falls into a hole when travelling through Asia and Europe. The PP fills that gap and works well, especially considering I get the annual membership paid by Citibank.
Overall, I felt it was worth the $27USD entry fee and would use it again if I was travelling on an airline I don’t have status with (majority of the time I fly SQ/NZ/VA/DL so I don’t need to use Priority Pass, but sometimes it’s handy).
The quality does vary but all the lounges still beat sitting in the airport concourses hands down. I haven’t been to one yet that comes anywhere close to the Emirates lounges. IF I didn’t have the Emirates lounge access and didn’t get the card for free, I would probably still pay for the card given the amount of travel I do. For someone who travels only a couple of times a year it would, for me, be a waste of money.
It seemed fine. More open-plan and brighter than the Koru lounge. I didn’t really have much time to do a full investigation. If you have a choice of the two though, I’d go with the Koru lounge (Unless it’s really packed) – design and ambiance is much better there (and I think the food and beverages might be a bit better too).
Rome – I Mosaici in terminal 3 is horrible! Avoid if you have to pay the fee to visit.
Vancouver – Plaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures) is ok – nothing flash, it’s quiet and does the job.
However there has been a resurgence in the quality of lounges on offer, especially in some Asian cities it would seem.
1) Star Alliance Lounge at Sao Paolo Garrulhos:
Very spacious with various seat types. Food was ordinary but the ambience is overall very nice, with TVs, wifi, showers. I’d imagine this one was above average but not in the top tier of Priority Pass lounges.
2) Aspire Lounge London Gatwick North Terminal
This lounge was crowded and crammed. It had a decent drink selection but very limited food. Still better than being out in crappy Gatwick airport but not as good as the other two Priority Pass lounges I’ve been to. This one is below average.
3) Skyview Lounge Basel-Mullhouse Airport, Switzerland
Best of the three and had an award as the Priority Pass lounge of the year. Extensive drink selection, I took quite a few as my easyJet flight had a lengthy delay. Don’t fly those guys. Very spacious, showers were out of order. The lounge was quite hot on an unusually hot day for the Swiss. Again, I’d say this one would be above average but not elite. In a limited airport though, it’s a great upgrade over what the general populace experience.
Alaska Boardroom LAX
Nice lounge with a good bar but limited food. Views are nice and the wifi is very good quality.
The Club ATL
Nicest lounge I’ve seen in the US PP network. It’s spacious, has a very good drink selection and decent food as well. Excellent views.
The Club DFW
This one is quite limited and small with only a limited drink selection, no bar. The wifi is good though.
1. Heathrow T5 Aspire Lounge – I thought the views were awesome, the food was actually pretty good, there is a bar and you can have beer/spirits. Also you can order afternoon tea as well for 2. There are also these sun lounges you can book prior to relax on as well. Showers you need to pay which is a downside. and it is a little bit small the lounge.
2. Amsterdam Aspire Lounge 41- Food spread and drinks were excellent. big lounge, great views. Beats BA lounge next door which totally sucks
LGW:
– No. 1 Gatwick. Quite homey with nice couch. Food wise is a bit lacking. You can order one complimentary hot food from the menu, the rest is just cold salad bar. Soft drinks are free but you need to pay for alcoholics. It’s an OK lounge if you just want rest and have a bit of nibble. But if you need to have your main meals there, then you will be disappointed.
GRU:
– Star Alliance lounge. A very nice lounge featuring similar star alliance theme as LAX. It has a little area where it offers Z shaped chair for you to lie down and snooze. Good food and drink option. IMO it is the best lounge in GRU. Please note, as a priority pass user, shower is subject to a fee of $20.
– Executive Lounge. Not as good as Star Alliance lounge. Very industrial like and seats are limited. Food wise about the same as Star but drink not as good. Shower is also subject to a fee. If you have limited access, I would choose Star alliance over Executive lounge.
I have yet to experience all 11 lounges in SIN. I have tried the oasis wellbeing and the fish spa is fun. But food and drinks are very limited. So it is for the fish spa, but not for food. Stay tuned, more to come as I am heading to SIN again in 2 weeks.