The Aegean Business Lounge in the non-Schengen area of Athens Airport opened in April 2022 and has that perfect mix of modern design with subtle Greek touches. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend a layover; comfy seats, sleek lighting, and everything set up to make travel a bit more relaxing.
I had the pleasure of visiting this lounge on a recent trip to the big blue island of Amorgos in Greece. What a wonderful start to my journey with Aegean.
I departed Athens on Aegean Airlines to Istanbul and onwards to Singapore flying Singapore Airlines. I was able to secure a business class ticket using a combination of Krisflyer & Velocity points to seal the deal. In fact at checkin, the airline agent was gracious enough to check in my luggage al the way to my final destination. I didnt need to worry about rechecking my bags on my connecting flight in Istanbul. That made all the difference in being able to sit back and relax before and during my long journey home,
Yes – I did visit the Turkish Business lounge in Istanbul and that is a different level of excellence.
Location and Accessibility
Situated in the departures level of the non-Schengen area in the Concourse A , the lounge is easily accessible post-security. Passengers can follow signs to the “Business Lounges” after passing through the duty-free shop and heading towards the A Gates. It takes up the entire top level (1,250 m2). The entrance, marked by electronic glass gates and a large skylight, is designed to make a striking first impression.
Design and Ambiance
The lounge spans 1,250 square meters and is designed by K-Studio, the same architects behind Aegean’s Thessaloniki lounge. The space is characterized by its use of high-quality materials such as marble, terrazzo, glass, and wood, creating a luxurious yet welcoming environment. Natural light floods the lounge, complemented by impressive airside views, enhancing the overall ambiance. This lounge can host up to 350 passengers.
What amenities are available at the Aegean Business Lounge?
Seating and Design
The lounge is spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the airport. The interior features a mix of dark blue, black, white, and grey colors, with marble and wood accents. Seating is available in various configurations, including quiet zones with recliners, social areas, and media lounges with large screens.
The lounge is divided into several distinct areas to cater to different passenger needs:
- Quiet Lounge: Offers a serene environment for relaxation, with recliner chairs overlooking the tarmac, ideal for plane spotters.
- Media Lounge: Designed for networking, equipped with a large flat-screen display showcasing digital art and destination photos.
- Social Lounge: Perfect for passengers who wish to stay connected and engage in conversations.
- Meeting Rooms: Available for those needing to conduct business or work in a private setting.
- Restrooms: The lounge includes restrooms, although they are limited to a single toilet for men and women, and there are no shower facilities.
- Internet and Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge. There are power sockets and USB ports located near seating areas for charging electronic devices.
Culinary Experience
Aegean Airlines has made a concerted effort to promote Greek culture through its culinary offerings. The lounge serves a variety of warm and cold dishes, predominantly sourced from fine Greek producers.
The food stations offer a mix of options, including quinoa salads, sandwiches, wraps, cheese dishes, and hot items like filled filo pastries, meatballs, and stuffed vegetables.
For those with a sweet tooth, a selection of cookies, croissants, cakes and sweet pastries are available.
The drinks menu includes a range of canned soft drinks, spirits, and Greek wines. There is also an espresso machine for some fabulous coffee.
Entry Requirements
Access to the lounge is available to:
- Business class passengers on Aegean Airlines or other Star Alliance carriers.
- Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold members.
- Star Alliance Gold members traveling in economy class.
What are the operating hours of the Aegean Business Lounge?
The lounge operates daily from 5:00 AM to midnight, and entry is not available for purchase. I generally get there as early as i can. On one hand it helps me combat jet lag in certain cases and on the other hand its just so enjoyable relaxing there.
Summing Up
The new Aegean Business Lounge at Athens International Airport is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, addressing issues of overcrowding and limited facilities.
The standout of this lounge is the culinary experience. It is a true & authentic taste of Greece. Make sure you go in with an empty stomach – you won’t regret it.
The most rewarding part is that you are able to do this using miles if you have mastered the points game like me. Flying business and first class for free gives you all the pre flight luxuries that go with it.
By the way, I also love Aegean Airlines. There is an unmatched service and culinary experience when flying their business class. The best in Europe.
✍️ About The Author
From building a thriving company to mastering the frequent flyer game, Cranky Boss has learned that in both business and travel, the journey teaches more than the destination. A Melbourne Business Awards finalist with a knack for building strong teams and keeping things real, Cranky Boss shares the wins, the mishaps, and the occasional “OMG” moments along the way.
Today, Cranky Boss brings real stories, sharp insights, and a grounded perspective from the boardroom to the boarding gate.
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✍️ Quick Facts
Miles flown: Closing in on one million | Hidden talent: Turning frequent flyer points into first class tickets | Coffee strength: Dangerously high | Office pet peeve: Speakerphone calls | Business mantra: Culture first, profit follows | Superpower: Understanding people before they speak.
