Quantcast

Priority Pass Sala VIP lounge review: worth visiting during long layovers

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Priority Pass Sala VIP lounge review: worth visiting during long layovers
Events
Webp f6yhbtzip7n1bl824z3xihud6bag
Runway Girl Network | Runway Girl Network

Traveling business class in Europe typically offers access to lounges in both the Schengen and non-Schengen zones. The Schengen area allows for travel between EU member countries without border controls, often resulting in shorter flights. Consequently, some Schengen lounges offer lighter amenities, raising the question of their value.

During a recent trip from Barcelona with a five-hour layover, I evaluated the Priority Pass Sala VIP lounge to determine its worth compared to spending time in the city. This lounge caters exclusively to Schengen and domestic T1 flights and generally allows entry four hours before departure. However, from July 26 to September 15, access is restricted to three hours prior.

Navigating through the terminal's metal-and-glass structure with somewhat unclear signage, I found the lounge entrance up an escalator under a first-floor terrace. Staff welcomed me as I entered.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The lounge design features a central lightwell overlooking the food court below and corridors shaped like a hashtag (#). The modern decor includes marble side tables and angular leather chairs in white, grey, and red hues. Despite its elegance, the space felt subdued due to busy occupancy during my visit.

I quickly secured a recliner chair facing a terrace area but had to clear debris left by the previous occupant—a minor inconvenience indicative of inconsistent table maintenance throughout my stay. A European power point was nearby; however, its placement often disrupted device charging.

The air conditioning struggled against summer heat despite blinds on large windows—many of which were broken—resulting in a stuffy atmosphere.

The buffet offered cold cuts, pastries, sandwiches, Spanish cheese, cured meats, mini croissants, and cream-filled Choux buns (though slightly frozen). Local wines from Spain’s Penedès region and two types of cava added Catalan flair. Soft drinks included Coke brands served in glass bottles. However, the buffet layout faced seating areas directly causing noise and smells to permeate.

Wi-Fi access was complimentary; streaming YouTube videos was smooth except for frequent loud PA announcements. Despite searching for showers—listed on the lounge’s webpage—I found none but discovered additional seating options near the main entrance including armchairs and semi-enclosed group spaces.

A business zone featured rows of white desks with traditional lamps reminiscent of an exam room setup while a meeting room enclosed by glass walls offered privacy with curtains drawn around it.

Lunch included small plates and salads with local flavors like soba noodles with tomato sauce and cheese sandwiches—both satisfying options.

Reflecting on my experience revealed that while Sala VIP excels in distinct Catalan menu offerings amid ample seating maintaining calmness overall—it lacks certain amenities such as showers important for business travelers or cruise ship passengers needing refreshment post-journey. Improved soundproofing would enhance workspaces beyond broad benches currently available.

In conclusion: good food/drinks alongside quiet seating make this lounge preferable over smaller airline outstation lounges though not exceptional enough warranting extra effort visiting specifically.

___

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025