Quantcast

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

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
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 will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025