Even though I already had a couple of flights from Newcastle Airport (NCL), I never shared my lounge experience from there with you. As Aspire seems to have updated their lounge recently, my flight back from there with Air France felt to be a good opportunity to change that. As a frequent traveler of that airline, I had access to their Luxe & Suite area. Here is my lounge review from the United Kingdom.
Aspire Lounge NCL (Luxe Area) – Location & Access
The Aspire Lounge at Newcastle Airport (NCL) is located in the gate area of the terminal. The layout of the airport is a bit unusual, as shopping and dining is on the upper floor (as typical), but you then talk an escalator down to most of the gates (gates 1 to 30). The lounge is a short walk away from the escalator. The lounge opening times in summer (April to October) are Monday to Saturday 3:30 to 20:30 and Sunday 3:30 until 21:00. In the other months, the lounge opens at 4:00. Sunday and Monday, it closes at 20:00, Tuesday to Friday at 20:00 and already at 18:00 on Saturdays.
In fact, there are two lounges, the “ordinary” one and the Luxe & Suite one. In fact, the Suite area is an upgraded offer within the Luxe zone. For example, they bring you made to order dishes from a menu to your table. This is also possible in the Luxe area, but is then not included in your lounge access. The Luxe area is only open to passengers who travel with British Airways, Air France / KLM or Emirates. Other visitors use the normal lounge, which is using the same reception. This part also takes lounge passes like the priority pass. Buy-in to the ordinary lounge is 52 Euro (on the Aspire website) roughly, which the Suite, which feels to be free for Emirates First Class guests, is about 70 EUR. Maximum stay is three hours.
Aspire Lounge NCL (Luxe Area) – Atmosphere
I visited the lounge on a Sunday during breakfast times. It was a good opportunity to take some snaps, as the Luxe Area of the lounge was rather empty. The normal part was popular at these times, though. The lounge is separated into different areas and feels rather cozy. I went to an area, which is having a limited view of the runway as well as some passengers heading to their gates. Power outlets are partially provided below benches, but also by hatches in the ground (USB outlet as well as ordinary UK-style power outlets).
Below are some snaps of the suite area, which is separates from the Luxe lounge. Suite guests may also use the Luxe lounge facilities, regarding food and toilets. he view from there is really nice.
Aspire Lounge NCL (Luxe Area) – Food & Drink
The Aspire lounge comes with quite an impressing bar (self-service) and some nice food items. The morning service included a full English breakfast as well as some fruit, cereal and bread items. This part is definitely not overwhelming, but absolutely solid. As said, there are also items to order for a charge.As I had breakfast right before, I did not go for that service.
Aspire Lounge NCL (Luxe Area) – Services
The staff in the lounge was great. They were very friendly and attentive. The lounge provides good WiFi. The login process is a bit of lengthy though. There are no showers, but own toilets for the Luxe and Suite area. They are unisex cabins, providing a washing basin as well.
Aspire Lounge NCL (Luxe Area) – My View
I really liked my stay at the Luxe Area of the Aspire Lounge at Newcastle Airport (NCL). The updated and upgraded facilities are really nice, the staff was great. The food selection is not overwhelming, but got its job done. Well done, Aspire!
Lounge Reviews – United Kingdom
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