Madrid T4S lounge now open [Sala VIP Velázquez]
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, BA
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I think we are still waiting for a definitive timeframe for the closure of Dalí but that is the lounge for your flight, in the main terminal building, and the indications are that for your flight you will be given a refreshment voucher and a wifi code instead of lounge access. And you won't be able to get to T4S, nor frankly is it practical, it could easily add 30 minutes to your trip just getting there and back. If you moved to a BA metal flight then you do get lounge access, but perhaps that has to be balanced against the fact that depending on your tastes the IB flight should offer better food catering during the flight.
#32
Join Date: Mar 2014
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#33
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Zurich
Programs: BA GGL, TK*G EL, KL P ELPL, ex AB P, ex LH/LX Sen, HHonors D4L, Bonvoy P
Posts: 1,643
According to the lovely lounge dragon, renovation will only start around mid November and should be completed by year end, latest mid January.
As others have stated earlier, the lounge will be closed entirely (not half/half like Velasquez).
#34
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: WC1
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#35
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: London
Posts: 3,500
#37
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NCL
Programs: UA 1MM/*G. DL Gold for one more year.
Posts: 5,305
I visited this lounge for the first time the other day. As somebody who used to book with *A, I remember the Spanair lounge well, where the food consisted of a large bowl of crisps. So whilst the food selection in the Velásquez lounge, smoked salmon apart, isn't that great, it's still an improvement for me, and the lounge certainly looks great. The big difference to me was the staff, and their spontaneous interaction with guests. One chap was walking past whilst I was struggling to open my cava miniature, and immediately offered to help. Another one greeted me as I returned to the wine bar, and started explaining to me which of the reds he considered the best, and why. Imagine BA's harried contract staff at the LHR GFL doing that! They could so easily arrange tastings of the food and wine for them, like a good restaurant does, but that's so far removed from their way of doing things.
With its limitations, the food at the Velásquez lounge is perfectly packaged for pilfering, if you're that way inclined, to the point that it almost looks like they're expecting passengers in their meager economy class to do that. Not only are miniature water bottles available, but also miniature cava bottles, crisps, and sandwiches in plastic wrapping. I must admit to pinching a couple of containers of Spanish grated tomato/garlic/olive oil mix for my airline food survival kit.
With its limitations, the food at the Velásquez lounge is perfectly packaged for pilfering, if you're that way inclined, to the point that it almost looks like they're expecting passengers in their meager economy class to do that. Not only are miniature water bottles available, but also miniature cava bottles, crisps, and sandwiches in plastic wrapping. I must admit to pinching a couple of containers of Spanish grated tomato/garlic/olive oil mix for my airline food survival kit.
#41
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,200
I'm afraid not - the MAD-LGW flights are operated by Iberia Express and will leave from the main terminal