Review: Cologne Airport Business Lounge
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Cologne Bonn Airport
Cologne Bonn Airport is a shared airport between two major German cities: Cologne and Bonn. Bonn is the former capital of West Germany and Cologne is a big metropolis just next to Bonn. These two cities share the same airport which is about 15 kilometres away from each city. The airport is modern being the 7th busiest airport in Germany.
Only Two Lounges
Even though the airport serves more than 10 million passengers annually, there are only two business lounges in the whole airport. The other lounge operated by Lufthansa is located in the Terminal 1 serving only passengers departing from there. The lounge is meant mainly for Lufthansa's and Star Alliance's customers but one may also buy an entry voucher to this lounge from LoungeBuddy. Lufthansa's lounge is divided into two: The normal business lounge and Lufthansa Senator Lounge which is only for first-class travellers or equivalent loyalty card holders.
Almost all airlines except Eurowings, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines depart from the Terminal 2. There is no airside connection between the terminals so the passengers departing from the Terminal 2 can only use Airport Business Lounge located in the same terminal. This lounge is operated by a ground service company.
Airlines departing from the Terminal 2 will invite their business and first class passengers to this lounge. We were flying in the economy class of Easyjet but we were still able to access the lounge with our pre-booked single entry Lounge Pass.
Business Lounge in the Terminal 2
There is only one airport lounge in the Terminal 2. It is shared with business and first class passengers and Priority Pass members. Also, DragonPass, LoungeKey, Lounge Club and Diners Club card holders are welcome. One may have thought that the lounge is super busy but according to our experience, the lounge was surprisingly peaceful.
How to Find the Lounge?
The lounge is easy to find. You must pass the security check in Terminal 2 and then turn to the left. After a short walk, you will see the lounge signs and you just need to take the stairs or a lift up to the second floor where the lounge is located. Distances in Cologne Airport are short. Hence, not much walking is needed.
The lounge is in the Schengen area. If you are heading to a non-Schengen destination, reserve 20 minutes extra time to pass the immigration after exiting the lounge.
Accepted Entry Methods
Cologne Airport Business Lounge welcomes the members of the following lounge programs: Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Key, Diners Club and Lounge Club. Check your lounge program's terms to know if you will be charged for a visit.
The lounge also serves customers of many airlines departing from Terminal 2. If you are travelling in the business or first class, consult your airline about the lounge.
The walk-in price to the lounge is about 25 euros. However, it is recommend to place a pre-booking, like we did to guarantee your entry. Pre-booking is possible via Lounge Pass.
How to Access Lounges?
- Infrequent traveller may book lounge visits on Lounge Pass.
- Frequent traveller may benefit from a lounge membership. Read our Priority Pass review.
- Budget traveller may bid for a lounge visit. Read more about LoungePair.
You will find more helpful information from our lounge guide.
Rating Based on Our Visit
The Easiness to Reach the Lounge
The lounge is really easy to find, but it is only suitable for people flying out from Terminal 2. Theoretically, you could also fly out from Terminal 1 but then you would need to pass the security again and it would be time-consuming and stressful. We only recommend this lounge for travellers departing from Terminal 2. For said passengers, the location is excellent.
You will find the lounge fast after the security check. Reaching your gate from the lounge takes only a few minutes.
Friendliness of the Staff
At the time we stepped into the lounge, we haven't spotted any customers but only one staff inside the lounge. We were the first customers. The receptionist lady was not sitting behind her desk instead, she was in the kitchen but after noticing us, she arrived quickly.
We can't say that she was unfriendly but she had minor difficulties handling our Lounge Pass voucher. It seemed to be a new thing for her. Finally, she let us in with a wide grin on her face.
For a passenger who arrived after us, was behaving in a somehow unfriendly way.
Comfyness
The lounge is comfortable. It is close to the glass roof so there is plenty of daylight coming in that makes the lounge bright. Still, the lounge is not a closed space and you can see around the terminal. The lounge is like a terrace standing above the departure level. The view of the tarmac from the lounge is quite good for plane spotting but the distance to the glass windows is not good enough for photographs.
The lounge has a simple design, a grey colour theme, and comfortable chairs. The interior design of the lounge satisfies one's expectations from an ordinary airport lounge.
The lounge has also many kinds of services. Some to mention: iPads next to chairs, German magazines, a few English magazines, flight information monitors and a WiFi.
There are no toilets in the lounge nor a shower.
Food and Drinks
The catering in the lounge is at an average level. During the time of our visit, the lounge offered Greek salad, candies, peanuts, potato salad, cookies, popcorn, pancakes and cake slices. No warm food was available.
The drink section consists of Beck's (German beer), wine and many spirits. There are also coffee, tea and speciality coffee available and juices. Bailey's is a nice extra.
Overall Rating
The lounge gives what it promises. Especially the lounge premises are nice and the location is perfect. Catering could be better and there is some room to improve the service too. Lacking a toilet and shower is a small minus.
IPad Fixing
During our visit, the iPad next to our seats was not working. Before we had even said anything, a technician came to fix the device. This minor detail gave us the impression that they are keeping the lounge in a good condition.
Common Questions
- What memberships are accepted in Cologne Airport's Business Lounge?
- The lounge accepts Priority Pass and DragonPass. In addition, LoungeKey, Lounge Club, Lounge Pass and Diners Club can be used.
- How to find Cologne Airport's Business Lounge?
- After passing the security check-in Terminal 1, turn left and you will see lounge signs soon. The lounge is on the second floor.
- Does Business Lounge in Cologne Airport give value for money?
- According to our experience, the lounge gives value related to its affordable price.
- Are there showers in Cologne Airport's Business Lounge?
- No, there are no showers or even toilets.
- Is Cologne Airport's Business Lounge crowded?
- According to our experience, not at all. We visited at 11 am.
Bottom Line
The business lounge in Terminal 2 is the only lounge so the customers have no choices. If you have a long waiting time at Cologne Airport, we recommend you to visit this lounge. With about 25 euros, you get value for your money. The lounge is not one of the best lounges we have visited, but it is affordable and not crowded.
Have you visited the business lounge at Cologne Airport? Please comment below!
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