Review: Aspire Lounge by Gate 13 at Helsinki Airport
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Aspire Lounge at Helsinki Airport is known for providing a comfortable experience for travellers waiting for their flights. Helsinki Airport is now home to two Aspire Lounges. While the first lounge is in the middle of the terminal, the recently opened second lounge is situated at the south end of the terminal building, also in the Schengen area. The lounge offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, free WiFi, and a selection of snacks and beverages. In this article, we will take a closer look at the newly opened Aspire Lounge at Helsinki Airport and compare it to the other Aspire Lounge.
Covered in the Article
A New Aspire Lounge at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Swissport opened another Aspire Lounge at Helsinki Airport. The first Aspire Lounge is at Gate 27 and now there is another lounge at Gate 13. The new Aspire Lounge replaced the previous Scandinavian Airlines Lounge.
The first Aspire Lounge near Gate 27 is relatively small so we like the fact that there are two of them now in the Schengen area. The location near Gate 13 is also more convenient for travellers departing from the south end of the terminal. Gates 1 to 15 are near the new Aspire Lounge.
Information about Aspire Lounge (Gate 13)
Both Aspire Lounges at Helsinki Airport are operated by Swissport ground handling company. Both of these Aspire lounges are almost similar to each other.
Location
Aspire Lounge is near Gate 13 in the Schengen area. After the security check, you need to turn right and walk towards Gate 13 to reach the lounge. The lounge is quite far and you need to walk through a duty-free shop. It is easy to spot the lounge when you are approaching Gate 13. The lounge is on the same level as the gates.
For passengers who are flying to non-Schengen destinations, we do not recommend coming to this lounge. The passport control is so far that you would need a lot of time to reach your gate after the lounge visit.
Price
Walk-in price to Aspire Lounge is between 30 to 40 euros. We do not recommend paying the fee on the spot but it is better to pre-book a voucher from Lounge Pass. It becomes cheaper and you will have a guaranteed entry even during the busy hours.
How to Get in?
Aspire Lounges accept Priority Pass, Dragon Pass and LoungeKey memberships. Eurocard and Diners Club credit card holders have a discounted price. Some airlines invite premium passengers to Aspire Lounge.
If you do not belong to the previous groups, we recommend purchasing a visit from Lounge Pass.
Differences to the other Aspire Lounge
According to our experiences, both Aspire Lounges at Helsinki Airport are similar. The previously existing Aspire Lounge near Gate 27 has a better view of the tarmac. However, the new Aspire Lounge near Gate 13 is more peaceful. The lounges are located at the opposite ends of the Schengen area so the optimal lounge depends on your gate. We don't see much differences in these lounges but perhaps the older Aspire Lounge is a little more stylish.
Our Visit to Aspire Lounge at Gate 13
We visited the new Aspire Lounge at Gate 13 before our flight to Stockholm by Scandinavian Airlines.
Arrival
The lounge was easy to find near Gate 13. We were a little confused that the route to the lounge went via a duty-free shop but the signs were clear so reaching the lounge was simple.
The service at the reception was decent but not overly friendly. The previous customer had a minor issue and the staff could have solved it in a more friendly way. We got in without challenges with our Priority Pass.
We were surprised at how peaceful it was inside. Usually, the other Aspire Lounge is quite crowded. We were visiting the lounge at midday when there were fewer departures at Helsinki Airport. We noticed that more and more customers arrived to lounge the time went on.
Premises
The premises of Aspire Lounge were bright because there were large windows at the ceiling providing much daylight. However, the view outside was good and there was no tarmac view. If you wish to spot planes, the other Aspire Lounge is a better choice.
The lounge was one large area including relaxing chairs with tables, buffet tables and a working area. There were also toilets but no showers.
The lounge had a flight information screen, a TV which was turned off and many power sockets. It would be easy to work in this lounge.
Food and Drinks
The food and drink selection was the same as typically in the other Aspire Lounge.
During our visit, the lounge served curry soup, salad, pieces of bread and oranges. There were soft drinks, water, juices, beer and strong alcohol. The lounge had a special coffee machine.
For dessert, the lounge offered cookies and chips. We were missing the tasty quark that the other Aspire Lounge had been serving earlier. The dessert bowls were unpractically just behind chairs so people taking desserts were disturbing customers sitting on these chairs.
Services
Helsinki Airport has good free Wi-Fi so there is no need for separate Wi-Fi at the lounges. We tested the Wi-Fi in Aspire Lounge and it worked perfectly as always.
The lounge did not have showers but had 5 toilets. We appreciate lounges having their toilets because it is annoying to exit a lounge temporarily and enter it again just because of a toilet visit.
The lounge had also a TV and flight information screen.
Rating
We rate this Aspire Lounge as a 3.5-star lounge at Helsinki Airport. The other Aspire Lounge is nicer because of its more central location and better tarmac view. If you prefer a peaceful environment and your departure gate is near Gate 13, the new Aspire Lounge is better for you. We have also heard that the original Aspire Lounge is often directing customers to this new lounge.
Common Questions
- Where is Aspire Lounge?
- The lounge we reviewed is near Gate 13. The other Aspire Lounge is at Gate 27
- Does Aspire Lounge serve warm food?
- Yes, it does. Usually soup.
- Does Aspire Lounge serve alcohol?
- Yes, it does. Beer, wine and strong alcohol.
- Does Aspire Lounge accept Priority Pass?
- Yes, it does.
- Does Aspire Lounge accept LoungeKey membership?
- Yes, it does.
- Where to purchase access to Aspire Lounge?
- You can buy access from Lounge Pass.
- Is Aspire Lounge a good choice?
- Yes, it is. Finnair Lounge is better but it is meant only for Finnair's premium customers.
- Does it take longer to reach the gates from Aspire Lounge Gate 13?
- Not really. You need a maximum of 15 minutes to get to the Schengen area gates.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, our visit to the Aspire Lounge at Gate 13 was a decent experience. Despite the lounge being located far from the terminal's central area, it was easy to find. The reception staff could have been friendlier, but the service was decent.
The lounge was peaceful, and the premises were bright with large windows providing daylight. The chairs and tables were comfortable, and the lounge had many power sockets, making it easy to work. The food and drink selection was satisfactory, although we missed the tasty quark that the other Aspire Lounge serves. The lounge also had good free Wi-Fi, multiple power sockets, a TV, and a flight information screen. Overall, we rate this Aspire Lounge as a 3.5-star lounge at Helsinki Airport.
If you prefer a peaceful environment and your departure gate is near Gate 13, this lounge is a great choice. And the best thing is that it is affordable and accepts many lounge membership cards. Have you been to this new Aspire Lounge, comment below about your experiences.
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