Beautiful Aegean Business Lounge (ATH)
Welcome to the exquisite Aegean Business Lounge – a captivating 1200 square meter haven nestled within Athens International Airport’s Extra Schengen area. Bathed in natural light and adorned with elegant design, this lounge offers an array of comforting amenities and boasts sweeping views of the bustling tarmac.
I have been through Athens airport in spring this year with a rather tight connection so did not have a chance to use this, which opened up last year. With a later trip to Crete planned, so I made sure I had plenty time to check it out properly.
Access & Location
Unveiled just last year, this lounge is Athen Airports own jewel away from the Schengen zone. Beckoning travellers through passport control and a brief 20-minute walk from Intra-European flights.
Located on level 3, it stands as a tranquil oasis amidst the airport’s hustle and bustle. The lounge is open for your please from 6am to midnight daily.
access is granted to passengers flying Aegean Business Class or those with Star Alliance Gold status on any Star carrier, regardless of whether they’re traveling Economy.
As you pass up from the escalators you are greeting by a huge open plan courtyard with a staffed reception area to the right who will check you in..
As you can see the space is gorgeously light filled and welcoming. With the shadows from the square ceiling skylights adding dramatic atmosphere to the otherwise huge grey floor space.
The friendly staff quickly showed me through, but not before I took another picture to capture just how gorgeous this space is with the tree in the middle…
Intended to reflect elegant Greek architecture, the space feels minimalist yet super stylish..
Aegean Business Lounge Layout
Upon entering, the automated glass barriers introduce you to a space awash in the same striking blue hues and ceilings, now set aglow with a more relaxed lighting.
Magazines and newspapers await on shelves for those seeking reading material, while tinted curved glass walls provide an enchanting view of the entrance skylights.
You also get a great affect of the entrance skylights inside through what is essentially tinted curved glass wall. It gives it a lovely courtyard feel.
The lounge’s expansive open layout extends to diverse seating zones characterized by plush grey, cream, and brown leather seating. Marble and wood finishes contribute to an air of opulence, harmonizing with the vivid blue walls.
For those who seek solitude, private spaces with closable curtains are available, ensuring both productivity and relaxation.
There was excellent connectively/charging and fast WiFi where ever you choose to sit.
Aegean Business Lounge Food & Beverage
Beyond its aesthetic prowess, the Aegean Lounge excels in culinary delights. Multiple self-help refreshment stations offer an array of light snacks and beverages. The main buffet area unveils an impressive selection of both hot and cold dishes.
Again, aren’t the sweeping curves just delightful to see?
The offerings encompass an array of local treats – from sandwiches and mini baguettes to delectable meat and cheese deli assortments, salads, quiches, Greek pastry delights, and even hearty chickpea curries.
Fresh fruits, yogurts, and sweet treats complete the indulgent spread, on the whole making it a cut above Air France’s Paris Terminal 2F Lounge.
I had some good videos of several that I posted on my Instagram stories, unfortunately I don’t have individual pictures of them here, so feel free to check out my saved highlights there!
The main dining area has a canteen like feel but if you wanted somewhere cosier, you can just take your food to several other places that are more than adequate to eat in comfortably.
Once again, don’t you just love the design of these self bar service areas?
I just love the continuity of the stylish design theme right down to the detail which seamlessly blends practically to provide you a comfortable experience, however you use the lounge!
Aegean Lounge Viewing Areas
Cushioned, high-shielded pod chairs facing taxiways provide a serene vantage point for observing aircraft movements. This layout offers both tranquillity and an escape from the internal traffic.
With the open plan design of the rest of the lounge, this would also be the best area to sit to get some more privacy away from the moving traffic inside.
In the hour or so I was there I managed to spot several wide bodies including Air Canada, Qatar Airways and Emirates..
Aegean Lounge Service + Staff
As the lounge seamlessly marries design with practicality, it comes as no surprise that it also shines in terms of service and staff.
The lounge remains immaculately clean, with attentive staff members discreetly ensuring the space operates seamlessly.
For the busy business travellers, a shirts press service is offered here too! Something only offered by few of the best of long haul Business or First Class lounges.
Alternative Access
While the Aegean Business Lounge predominantly caters to Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members, an intriguing pathway exists for Aegean Miles+Bonus members. Achieving Silver level status earns members two complimentary lounge entries, making this luxury experience accessible to a wider audience.
Reaching Aegean Silver can really be rather easy as I explain my guide here which you should check out.
Overall Thoughts
Aegean has masterfully crafted an extraordinary oasis in the form of the Aegean Business Lounge. Here, luxury and upgraded lounge experiences coalesce, an accomplishment that eludes many larger carriers.
Even during busier times, the spacious design ensures a serene ambiance, making it a favored choice among European lounges.
For those who fly Aegean frequently, this lounge sure makes it more enticing to retain the loyalty, helped by an already stellar Business Class experience onboard.
In October of this year, Aegean further enhanced it’s lounge game by introducing a new Intra-Schengen lounge with matching decor and facilities, amplifying its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !