New Airport Lounges Offer Respite for Weary Travelers
Linda Blachly
Virgin Australia opens new lounge at Adelaide airport
Photo credit: Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia has opened its new lounge at Adelaide International Airport for frequent flyers. Designed by Brisbane’s WMK Architecture, the 283-seat Adelaide Lounge completes Virgin Australia’s network of seven domestic lounges across major airports around Australia. The airline said the contemporary design includes a breeze block feature wall upon entry, with canopy ceilings, before ceramic tiling leads guests into a large light-filled space, with the center walkway leading guests to numerous dining and seating areas. Ambient lighting, bright greenery and Australian sustainable furniture completes the lounge, making it a relaxed, inviting and uncomplicated place, to refresh and recharge. Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new lounge is the first of many new and exciting products for customers following the airline’s re-launch, and it plans to make “significant investment in our lounges over the next few years.”
Plaza Premium opens new lounge at Istanbul
Photo credit: Plaza Premium LoungePlaza Premium Lounge is open at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The lounge, located on the domestic departures level, features a panoramic runway view and premium range of services and facilities for domestic and international travelers.
New Centurion Lounge Opens at Denver
Photo credit: Denver International AirportAmerican Express has opened its latest Centurion Lounge at Denver International Airport. The 14,000 sq. ft. lounge is located post-security in Concourse C just past Gate C46 on the mezzanine level. It is accessible to all gates in Concourses A, B and C; passengers must take train to reach Concourse C. The décor embodies Colorado’s charm of a mountain escape. Guests can shoot pool, hit the Craft Beer Bar, or catch up on some work. They can also peruse its contactless Digital Library in a space inspired by Colorado’s Red Rocks. Wine and cocktails are provided at the Main Bar, or guests can celebrate Colorado heritage at the Craft Beer Bar. Menus are provided by Jim Meehan and Anthony Giglio.
Premium lounge reopens at Chandigarh International
Photo credit: Plaza PremiumPlaza Premium has reopened a lounge at Chandigarh International Airport, the second busiest airport in the Indian state of Punjab. Located at the secured area of domestic departures, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Chandigarh offers domestic travelers a relaxing ambience with comfortable seating, delectable food & beverage options, complimentary Wi-Fi, e-magazines for contactless reading, and charging stations.
Gulf Air Falcon Gold lounge opens in new Bahrain terminal
Photo credit: Bahrain International AirportGulf Air chairman Zayed R. Alzayani visited the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge at the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport, just prior to launch of terminal operations on Jan. 28, 2021. Taking into consideration the updated health and safety measures, the new state-of-the-art lounge will reflect new concepts of modern premium lounges. A number of features will be maintained from the previous lounge as well as newly introduced spaces such as a children’s area, shower rooms, prayer space, a quiet area along with live cooking stations and new food & beverage concepts. Operational around the clock and with a capacity of over 400 passengers at any given time, the new Falcon Gold lounge will be available to experience by the airline’s Falcon Gold passengers as well as its Black, Gold and Silver Falconflyer members.
Canada’s VIP lounges get contactless eGates
Photo credit: GunneboInformation Engineering Group (IEG) and entrance control solutions provider Gunnebo are working together to implement contactless solutions for VIP Lounges as part of their 2021 re-opening strategy. The gates are inaugurated for VIP Lounges in Canada. IEG’s lounge management system can read boarding passes at the gate level—thereby recognizing the traveler and any affiliated loyalty-checks. Upon a boarding pass scan, the eGates will open and permit passage if travelers have the correct credentials for entering the lounge. If not, the gate will not open, and a message will appear to “please see an agent for help.” Moreover, there is also a desktop solution available that provides the same features for an agent to process. This can be paired with a pop-up mechanism, for agents to receive information on gate and kiosk entries as they occur.
India’s Hyderabad Airport opens remodeled Plaza Premium Lounge
Photo credit: Plaza PremiumGMR Hyderabad International Airport has unveiled a revamped Plaza Premium Lounge. The 773 sq m lounge is located in the domestic departures area. The lounge has a capacity for 222 passengers and features workstations, Wi-Fi, and amenities that include zone wise music control, ambient temperature setting, and special children seats. Massages and showers are available. Visitors can see a panoramic view of the runway from the lounge.
Canada’s VIP lounges get contactless eGates
Photo credit: GunneboInformation Engineering Group (IEG) and entrance control solutions provider Gunnebo are working together to implement contactless solutions for VIP Lounges as part of their 2021 re-opening strategy. The gates are inaugurated for VIP Lounges in Canada. IEG’s lounge management system can read boarding passes at the gate level—thereby recognizing the traveler and any affiliated loyalty-checks. Upon a boarding pass scan, the eGates will open and permit passage if travelers have the correct credentials for entering the lounge. If not, the gate will not open, and a message will appear to “please see an agent for help.” Moreover, there is also a desktop solution available that provides the same features for an agent to process. This can be paired with a pop-up mechanism, for agents to receive information on gate and kiosk entries as they occur.
The Pearl at Bahrain International Airport
Image credit: Yates and CompanyThe newly opened lounge at Bahrain International Airport, The Pearl, differs from the normal airline lounge in so many ways. The residential concept creates intimate spaces and a tremendous variety of experiences and dining—from a casual Italian cafe serving flat breads straight from the Forno to chairside service in the reception cocktail lounge. Hospitality is foremost. An inclusive culture and anticipation of needs flows throughout the seven spacious rooms. Architecture of the Experience and Hospitality by Yates+ Building Architecture by Champilmaud, New York and Tony Masters, Sydney
Iberia reopens Dalí lounge at Madrid Airport
Photo credit: IberiaIberia has reopened the Dalí lounge at its T4 hub in the Madrid airport, now with rigorous protocols to ensure the health and safety of its customers and staff. New protocols include using barriers, separating traffic flows, enhancing cleaning and disinfection, deploying hand sanitizer dispensers, reducing seating capacity, and offering special zones for family “bubbles” traveling together.
Lufthansa Lounge at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
Image credit: Kurt HofmannLufthansa’s new lounge at the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER), which opened Oct. 31, 2020. Pictured is the Business Class section. A dedicated section for Gold Status guests will be completed soon.
Brussels Airlines’ The Loft named Europe’s leading airline lounge
Image credit: Brussels AirlinesTHE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus at Brussels Airport has been named “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” at the annual World Travel Awards. THE LOFT opened June 25, 2018 as a relaxing new space for international travelers inspired by Lexus luxury, design and Omotenashi hospitality. It is currently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Covering an area of 2,040 sq m, THE LOFT offers seating for 500 guests. It is divided into areas with different ambiences and features, including a central bar, seating zones and a break-out space that’s ideal for those who need to work while on the move.
WestJet’s Elevation Lounge opens at Calgary airport
Image credit: WestJetWestJet’s flagship lounge—Elevation Lounge—at Calgary International Airport opened in early November 2020. The Elevation Lounge is designed so travelers can rejuvenate, rest and stay connected. The lounge blends contemporary design with refined mountain living inspired by Canada’s diverse landscape. It features beautiful reality art developed by Calgary artist, Mandy Stobo and curated products from local companies like Rocky Mountain Soap Co and Fratello Coffee Roasters. There is dedicated family space where kids can explore interactive video games and hangout nooks. The lounge has implemented health, safety and sanitation measures to ensure safety such as touchless, self-serve entry; face masks required; space and distance markers; digital menu service; and a clean environment that includes plexiglass shields, hand sanitizers throughout and continuous high-touch cleaning, including electrostatic spraying.
Sharjah Airport opens newly renovated Premium Lounge
Image credit: Sharjah Airport/FacebookThe UAE’s Sharjah Airport has opened a new luxury Premium Lounge, by JPA Design. The 4,000 sq m modernized extension caters to business-class passengers and provides an “unparalleled escape while waiting for your flight,” according to the airport.
New Marhaba airport lounge opens in Manila
Image credit: dnataThe dnata hospitality brand, marhaba, opened another airport lounge in Manila at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Located in Terminal 1, the newest marhaba lounge features comfortable seating for over 85 guests, a prayer room, a private meeting room and shower facilities. It is open 24 hours a day and offers Wi-Fi and all-day dining with an international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. The comfort of guests is ensured by a diverse team of 30 customer-oriented staff, who speak five languages. Marhaba has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and agents. The lounge offers touchless payment options and frequently undergoes increased cleaning and sanitization with specific focus on high-touch surfaces. Marhaba lounge staff have all been thoroughly trained on health and safety protocols, and wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines while serving passengers.
‘Ready 2 Order’ offers contactless F&B service to select lounges
Image credit: CollinsonCollinson Group is launching the pilot of its new “Ready 2 Order” digital food and beverage (F&B) solution. Two of The Grand Lounge Elite airport lounges in Mexico City are now live and a third lounge will follow soon. Ready 2 Order will see further pilot launches in October in India, the US, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Japan and the UK, and will be available to all lounge access programs including Priority Pass. With Ready 2 Order, lounge visitors can scan a QR code or tap an NFC-enabled device on signage at each table or seat within the lounge, to see a lounge-specific menu and make their selection. The order will be delivered directly to the table, or collected at an assigned pick-up point, depending on the individual lounge. Ready 2 Order launches in collaboration with Collinson’s strategic partner Grab, the airport e-commerce platform and largest marketplace for contactless order and pay at airport restaurants.
American Express opens Centurion Lounge at New York JFK
Image credit: American ExpressAmerican Express opened its 13th Centurion Lounge at New York JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 in October. With more than 15,000 sq. ft., the new space is the largest Centurion Lounge and the first with two guest floors. This is the fourth location to open in 2020. Amex card members visiting the Centurion Lounge at JFK will see new health-and-safety practices in place, as part of the Centurion Lounge Commitment. These new practices will be implemented across the lounge network and include socially distanced seating, reduced capacity, increased cleaning frequency, requirements to wear a face covering when entering the lounge, served food instead of buffets, and more. The Centurion Lounge at JFK will feature American Express’ first-ever “1850” speakeasy bar, a reference to the year the company was founded, complete with cocktails developed by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan, as well as an Equinox Body Lab wellness experience, a bespoke menu created by executive chef Ignacio Mattos, new design elements inspired by New York’s cultural landmarks and much more.
COVID-19 measures at reopened UK Aspire and Club Aspire lounges
Image credit: AspireEdinburgh Aspire Lounge. Reopened Aspire Lounges & Club Aspire lounges have implemented a number of health and safety measures, including: social distancing; self-service check-in; reduced capacity; table service and/or assisted buffet service; reduced menu offerings via low-contact menu; increased cleaning schedule; three alcoholic drink limit per person, per visit across UK & Irish lounges; drinks will be served to customer table via a service trolley; and no physical newspapers or magazines.
Austrian Airlines reopens Vienna Airport lounge
Image credit: Austrian AirlinesAustrian Airlines reopened its lounge at Vienna Airport, which closed March 16 due to COVID-19. At the end of September, the Austrian Business Lounge Schengen (Terminal 3, Level 2 or F-Gates) reopened its doors for Austrian Airlines passengers. The reopening brings a change for lounge visitors: Caterer DoN is now responsible for the culinary offerings in the Austrian Airlines Lounge. The largest privately run catering company in Austria has won the tender and will be catering for lounge guests from now on. DO & CO will remain the partner for onboard catering on Austrian Airlines’ flights. The food and drink offerings in the lounge complies with all hygiene requirements and has been adapted to meet official guidelines. Visitors can choose from a wide range of beverages as well as cold and warm snacks and meals. Regional delicacies are also offered. The Austrian Airlines Lounge is located at the F-Gates in Terminal 3 and is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In the Austrian Airlines Lounge, as in the entire airport terminal and on board, there is a strict mask-wearing obligation. Mouth and nose protection may only be removed while seated at the tables.
American Express to expand Centurion Lounges at LGA, LAS
Image credit: American Express/Business WireRendering of Centurion Lounge at New York LaGuardia Airport. American Express plans to expand two of its signature Centurion Lounges and introduced The Centurion Lounge Commitment, a set of new health and safety protocols and practices, which will be implemented in all Centurion Lounges as they reopen this fall. • The Centurion Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) will relocate to a larger location in the brand-new Terminal B, and as previously announced, the current Centurion Lounge at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport (LAS), will be expanded and redesigned. • The Centurion Lounge at LGA will double in size and relocate to a space post-security within the airport’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Terminal B. The new lounge will feature a family room, additional workspaces, private telephone rooms, and views of the New York City skyline. The footprint of the first-ever Centurion Lounge, opened at LAS in 2013, will be expanded from nearly 9,000 sq. ft. to over 13,400 sq. ft. The newly designed lounge will feature additional multi-purpose areas, new private telephone rooms, newly designed reception and workspace areas and more. American Express is also working toward opening its newest lounge locations in New York JFK, London’s Heathrow and Denver International airports.
Newest Delta Sky Club opens at Salt Lake City airport
Image credit: Delta Air LinesAs a part of Salt Lake City International Airport’s newly opened terminal, the newest and largest Delta Sky Club has welcomed its first guests this fall. Boasting more than 28,000 sq. ft. of luxurious lounge space and thoughtfully designed details, the new Club spotlights the area’s glorious mountainous landscape and offers guests a relaxing retreat during their travels. Located on the ground level of the new terminal and nearby Delta gates amenities include: a 360-degree fireplace; covered sky deck overlooking the Wasatch Range that can be enjoyed year-round; artwork collection inspired by the mountain west and hand-picked by Delta Sky Club’s art curator featuring several local artists; two convenient food stations, two full-service bars, and five coffee and beverage stations; warm and inviting seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and power outlets at nearly every seat.
BWI airport unveils Minute Suites
Image credit: BWIBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) introduced Minute Suites, which offer private rooms where airport passengers can relax, nap or work before a flight or during a layover. Minute Suites provides five relaxation and workstation rooms on Concourse C. The Minute Suites are accessible for passengers flying from concourses A, B or C. The private rooms include a daybed, television, workstation, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The company has locations in four other US airports, with more planned.
In the pandemic era, airport lounges are seeing a shift in purpose: While still a place of luxury, lounges must now serve as a safe space for travelers, according to Pininfarina designer Paolo Trevisan. “Airport lounge designs must focus on quality and the well-being of travelers to create moments of healing and tranquility for the mind, body and spirit.”
