Star Alliance is increasing access at Rio De Janeiro Airport Lounge… for a fee.
Star Alliance has expanded its paid lounge access service to its lounge at the Rio De Janeiro Airport.
Looking at the access rules, Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers in eligible cabin classes on Star Alliance member airlines will not need to pay to use it.
This access change will allow the lounge to welcome all other Star Alliance passengers regardless of membership status or cabin class, for a nominal fee- starting at US$55.
If you’re travelling with others ( family members, friends or colleagues travelling together), those who can access the lounge can book access for them.
The lounge is located on level 3 of the new international departures pier, the Star Alliance Rio De Janeiro lounge offers impressive views of famous landmarks such as Rio’s downtown area, the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Its interiors reflect the rich architectural heritage of Rio, complemented by impressive handmade Brazilian furniture pieces crafted by local designers. The lounge also offers refreshments inspired by hearty local flavours and can accommodate 150 guests
Passengers can pre-book and purchase lounge access vouchers on Star Alliance’s website https://www.staralliance.com/lounge-access.
Subject to availability at the time of booking, they would receive a confirmation email with a QR code valid for the day(s) and time(s) selected. At the airport, they can simply scan this QR code at the lounge entrance and walk in.
Vouchers are priced from USD55 for three hours of use. Passengers will also enjoy a discount if they are a member of a Star Alliance member airline’s frequent flyer programme.
In Quotes
Star Alliance VP Customer Experience Christian Draeger said:
“At Star Alliance we are always looking to see how we can do more to offer passengers a seamless, great experience. Adding Rio De Janeiro as the third Star Alliance lounge to offer paid access is in line with this. Now, more passengers can relax and indulge in this beautiful space before a flight. Online pre-booking also makes the process very easy, so passengers can plan in advance and head to the lounge without any worries. We welcome more passengers to our Star Alliance lounge in Rio, and will explore expanding paid access to more of our lounges in the future.”
It’s one way of making extra revenue
It seems this model is very much to Star Alliance’s liking, as this is the third airport this option has been added to – with Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), Buenos Aires and at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Although $55 a time is not what I would call value pricing (and looking around, on-the-day pricing at other lounges can be a bit more expensive).
The value of a lounge to me is the peace and quiet, away from the main terminal. The food and drink (although nice) are always a distant second. Having reasonable Wi-Fi is also a requirement for me if I’m going to be using the lounge productively.
Oh, and a seat is handy too.
If your travel with others and are feeling generous, $55 a person may be a good way to while away three hours before your flight. If you feel the terminal is too busy and need some quiet before a flight – US$55 could be a good investment.
Ultimately, it’s a choice of what you can put that $55 towards. Considering the times we are in, there may be better value options out there.
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