Pictorial Lounge Review: AMS British Airways Lounge
 

Pictorial Lounge Review: AMS British Airways Lounge

Index to Genius1 Trip Reports

Towards the middle of March I hopped across the North Sea to The Netherlands for business. Before my flight back to the UK, I had the opportunity of visiting the BA lounge at AMS for the first time since its refurbishment to the latest concept towards the end of 2014.

Before I went airside, I checked out the pleasant outdoor observation deck, which features an ex-KLM Fokker aircraft for passengers to explore, and great views across several of the piers and gate areas to one of the runways.

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The lounge is most easily accessed via the next door check-in zone from BA’s check-in area (not the same area as the BA desks). The lounge is located two floors above gate level, with a narrow entrance immediately to the left of the lift and stairs. Washrooms are located in this lobby area, and are part of the main terminal infrastructure (ie. not exclusive to BA).

The lounge is essentially one long thin rectangle. Turning right from reception (adjacent to a rather strange porthole in the dividing wall), the lounge opens up first into the dining area. Here, there are plenty of tables, mostly individual although there is one of the long communal white tables with feature lighting above that BA seem to be fond of in their latest Club lounges. I found it slightly odd that under the central bank of individual tables was carpet rather than the wooden floors surrounding them; one would assume the wood would’ve been more practical in this space. The dining options were sadly fairly limited when I visited in the afternoon; soup, bread rolls, yogurt and some unappetising processed cold meat and cheese was all there was, alongside some packaged crackers, biscuits and crisps. I did notice as I was leaving the lounge that some small bowls of salad had been put out, but this came too late for me to try.

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Beyond the dining area to the right is a small Study area, with the main lounge seating area straight ahead and to the left. Ample power and USB sockets are built into the tables between armchairs, at the Study desk, and under the white table in the dining area.

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The standout feature of this lounge is clearly the fantastic view (similar to that from the observation deck which is just next door, albeit inaccessible from the lounge). I was impressed with what BA have done with a relatively small space, particularly given the poky lounge they maintained for many years. The comfortable variety of seating, understated but sophisticated design, and focus on maximising natural light makes for a pleasant space in which to pass an hour or two before a flight.

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Thanks for this. I really like this lounge - the view / light are really good & make it a welcoming place to be.

As an AMS regular, I didn't know about the viewing area. It's there a bar? :) Drinking and watching planes is my perfect day!

There used to be a similar facility at MAN, many years ago.

Agree it's a nice space, although my experience is that it can get very crowded despite being quite large. The food offering is also decidedly poor as you note. Overall a decent outstation lounge but could be improved.

AMS lounge
 

My kids love the cartons of chocolate milk, mini stroopwafels and peperami snacks here. They prefer this to BOB if we're not in CE.

Excellent lounge review Genius1, the EDI one as well so thanks for posting. ^

Thanks for the comments!

Yes, there's a food and beverage offering just inside on the same level.

Thanks, I may try it out on Thursday when I'm next there.

Thanks Genius1! ^

Some additional threads for those who are interested.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...l#post19761509

Although historic, it does provide good detail and photographs.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...-2014-a-3.html

The food offering in that lounge is meagre even by BA standards, I'm afraid. The views are good and the power socket provision is reasonable, but generally I feel one should get some food before going there.

Sadly true.

I use my PP to access the next door lounge, which has marginally better and more reliable catering before heading to the BA lounge to wait for the flight and have a glass of wine.

I've done the BA/KLM/Aspire lounges at AMS, and they're all pretty much the same when it comes to food (not great...) EK, QR, SQ etc. all user the Aspire lounge, so they aren't any better.

The Privium lounge is a bit better, but it's landside and you need to be a member.

I've got 2 hours at AMS tomorrow, so perfect timing! Thanks for putting together Genius1

Need to pick between the BA Lounge or the AY Lounge (Aspire).

M

IME, the Aspire lounge has been reliably and marginally better than the BA lounge for food.

Agreed, it is still poor, but there was some salad, IIRC, and some hot pastry high carb things as well. On occasions, the BA lounge has had nothing apart from OK soup and a bit of cheese, if you are lucky.

Neither is great so best to eat in the city and come to the airport for a glass of something only.

I will visit both later this month and report back.

Thanks for sharing. You seem to be producing a series of these lounge reviews which are really useful. Keep up the good work! ��