Does anyone know if DATE lounge at SVO is different than Classic Lounge at SVO, as it seems that DL, SU, AF, OK pax have access to DATE lounge, and the other FC/BC pax have access to Classic Lounge?
It looks like DATE lounge is located on the third floor (right above the departures level), across from Gate 14, and Classic Lounge is located on the departure level (2 floor), across from Gate 8.

As I recall, DATE lounge really is located on the third floor, but KLM never had access there (Im flying KLM Business Class). I have never seen a lounge on the departure level itself, perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough?

If anybody has any info on these (that) lounge (s), please share your thoughts, including services offered, drinks and food. Thank you.

As AA Platinum, I always get access to the DATE lounge when flying AY from SVO (at check-in, you have a choice of either lounge access or $10 voucher for the Irish Bar in the departure area). Lounge is somewhat small, has two wings - one for non-smokers, and another for smokers. Food is usually small sandwiches with cheese, salami, and salmon, plus some pastries. Drinks are free. There are several phones, that you can use to call Moscow (free) or use your calling card. There is a good selection of local newspapers (both in Russian and English), and at least one TV set. Chairs are a bit too soft for my taste.

So, I take it you would prefer the lounge access to $10 at Irish Bar? It definitely makes sense to me too!
What about Classic Lounge? Have you ever heard of it, or is it the same lounge as DATE Lounge, only some companies/people call it differently?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by asnovici:
What about Classic Lounge? Have you ever heard of it, or is it the same lounge as DATE Lounge, only some companies/people call it differently? </font>

Classic lounge is a different one, at the other side of the terminal. I am not sure whether it's better or worse than DATE lounge, but I once tried to get in (by mistake, did not pay attention to what the invitation from AY said) and was directed to go to DATE, apparently because different airlines have access to different lounges at SVO.

Eugene, thanks for your help!
Is Classic Lounge on the departure level or upstairs (level 3) where DATE Lounge is? As I mentioned before, I have never came across the Classic Lounge on the main departure level, so it must be upstairs?

Both lounges are upstairs (it's like a balcony over the main departure level, you need to climb stairs to get there), just on the opposite sides.

British Airways uses one lounge 4 days of the week, and the other one the other 3 days - confusing! Still, that will all come to an end with the upcoming move to Domodedovo with its - hold your breath - dedicated BA lounge AND dedicated BA fast track immigration and customs http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

But back at SVO, there is little difference between the two lounges, except that the one nearest gate 8 has telephone wires you can actually plug into the back of your computer. The lounge near gate 14 has old-style AT+T connectors, which I haven't seen anywhere else for at least 10 years.

As for the choice of lounge vs. Irish bar, it's really just a matter of taste. The Irish bar has gone noticeably downhill, the food is nowhere near as tasty as it used to be, the tables are always sticky and the staff are ruder than usual for Russia. Upstairs in the lounges, the drinks are free (and generous), the food is tolerable, given you will also be fed on the plane, and you might even find a copy of today's Moscow times/UK paper/IHT etc.

Thanks guys!

Classic Lounge it is for me! I was never fond of the Irish bar at SVO. However, now when KLM is about to join SkyTeam, my hopes for them to move to DME are slim, the only move they are about to make is to the DATE lounge, and its not such a good move from what it sounds.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dr. Zhivago:
British Airways uses one lounge 4 days of the week, and the other one the other 3 days - confusing! Still, that will all come to an end with the upcoming move to Domodedovo with its - hold your breath - dedicated BA lounge AND dedicated BA fast track immigration and customs http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif</font>

Do you know when this change will occur? I'm flying to Moscow with BA on June 18th and while I'd heard about the upcoming move to Domodedovo, my flight is still landing at SVO. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif I will be very interested to see what the new Domodedovo looks like--my last trip through that rathole was in 1996, and I can't even imagine how it could be fixed up to a reasonable standard!

As I understand the switch is scheduled on July 1st

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by asnovici:
As I understand the switch is scheduled on July 1st</font>

@#(@!)(*$#!!! Well, at least I'm getting full miles for this trip, under the soon-to-vanish old Executive Club rules.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by travelmad478:
@#(@!)(*$#!!! Well, at least I'm getting full miles for this trip, under the soon-to-vanish old Executive Club rules.</font>


Sorry to hear that you will go through SVO, travelmad. DME is VERY nice, I mean NICE by Western standards. I on the other hand am stuck with flying through SVO as KLM (my airline of choice for several reasons) flies to SVO, and will continue doing so ...arggggggg

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">DME is VERY nice, I mean NICE by Western standards. I on the other hand am stuck with flying through SVO as KLM (my airline of choice for several reasons) flies to SVO, and will continue doing so ...arggggggg</font>

Well, next time, I guess. This trip I will be in and out of SVO-2, plus quite a few swings through SVO-1 (haven't heard anything about upgrades there either). You have me very intrigued about Domo. The one unfortunate thing is that it's farther from the center than SVO--although the traffic can make that trip endless in any case.

Yes, it's definitely July 1 for the switch to DME.

The nice thing about DME is, it has a DIRECT RAIL LINK from Paveletsky railroad station!!! Only two trains an hour at present, but that will improve with time! And at least you don't have to sit in the Moscow traffic gas chamber unless you are some sort of massochist.

[This message has been edited by Dr. Zhivago (edited 06-07-2003).]