C010T3

Oh, that's unfortunate.

Tiki

Are any of the lounges open 24 hours? We will arrive from EZE to GIG on GOL at 2300, have to clear formalities but no bags as we will have carry-on backpacks so I am estimating 90 minutes for all that. The connecting domestic flight is at 0630 also on GOL so allowing for security, we should check in around 4am-ish. We have to do something from 0030-0400 and don't want to book into one of the over-priced airport hotels for such a short time. We have Priority Pass and Amex PLT to get into lounges if it helps.

If the lounges aren't open in the wee hours, are there any restaurants that are?

C010T3

I don't think you will have much luck. GIG turns into ghost town during the night. I would even take food with me.

SoCal

You used the right lounge. Signs we found called it a VIP Longe. We also used that one, twice, when flying US Airways biz class. My wife was happy, since the VIP lounge has showers, which US Airways clubs (even CLT) do not. The TAM club next door is, as mentioned, a "TAM Gold" lounge. We couldn't get into that. www.loungeguide.net calls the lounge you used the "Rio De Janeiro (GIG) Independent Smiles VIP International Lounge," and listed access as "TAP Portugal, United Airlines, US Airways, Priority Pass." Maybe it was a true Smiles lounge when the Smiles program was Varig's, as an independent airline (before it merged with Gol). Perhaps Varig still flies out of Terminal 2, though increasingly their planes seem to be painted over as Gol planes. Gol flies out of Terminal 1, so the lounge in Terminal 2 would not seem to be theirs anymore.

When CO and UA truly become one (sometimes in 2012; still a work in progress), I wonder if all operations will be moved into one terminal. Since they will all be called United flights, I don't see how they could continue to have two separate check-in desks, etc. Of course, many check-in desks are interchangeable (e.g., US Airways sets up shop in the early evening at gates used earlier in the day by others).

I think the lounge closes at 11 p.m. I don't know of airport lounges anywhere that are open all night. I imagine at least a couple of places in the food court, on the departures level of Terminal 1 (the one Gol and AA use) will be open in the wee hours, though the quality doesn't match the prices. We had a better meal in the Luxor hotel inside Terminal 1 (doubt it'd be open late).

qfrodo

The UA agents are mostly all contract workers and they tell me that the CO agents are CO employees, so the UA agents are wondering if they will still be employed once the merger is completed. They still haven't been told anything.

SoCal

We will be taking Continental but, due to flight schedules, will be going through GRU rather than GIG both ways. We'll use the United Club (former Red Carpet Club) at GRU.

Villavic

I'll be departing from GIG /on saturday 26, 6am, so I think I'll be checking in by 3:30am or 4am.. Probably at Terminal 1 (Taca) What is open there at that time?

SoCal

You might want to confirm just how early the TACA counters open, though people willl likely be lining up beforehand. Terminal 1 is the older of the two terminals and can get cramped (insufficient space for long lines). Some places in the food court in the terminal (or the restaurant in the Hotel Luxor next to it) may be open, but once you go through security you may be lucky to find a coffee/snack place open that early. An expresso and pao de queijo may be sufficient. I'd be very surprised if any airline clubs are open. You should be boarding the plane by 5:30. Hope you get breakfast on board.

VidaNaPraia

For domestic flight in Brazil, you can even check in only an hour beforehand. Lines are usually not as long or as slow-moving as in the U.S. for example.

This site may have some info you can use for the wee hours at GIG:
http://www.sleepinginairports.net/casa/riodejaneiro.htm

SoCal

OP will, of course, be on an international fight. I've been in quick-moving and slow-moving lines at Brazilian airports. Luck of the draw (e.g., staffing at that particular time, number of passengers with complaints or unusual situations, or large numbers of bags).

jbcarioca

To answer your question explicitly, it will be a minor miracle if anything at all will be open then. In theory most of the concessions are required to be 24 hours, in practice they usually close by 10-100 PM, after the rush is over and reopen around 6 AM or so. YMMV. IME there are sometimes ones open but there is no apparent pattern.

OTOH, TACA will feed you.

Rushfan1

Terminal 2 TAM lounge is outstanding. United sent me there.

johnnyroc

air france is very comfortable.free if you are flying BC on delta

Mark Garretson

can anyone report on any recent visits? Is it still the GOL Smiles lounge only with all the partners having access?

If I buy a oneday pass from United, will I get access to the Lounge at GIG?

Thanks!

qfrodo

UA is still using the Smiles lounge. Since it isn't a United Club, I don't know if a pass will get you access.