Most low-cost airlines don't even have their own airport lounges, but this new crib from Brazil's GOL could shade quite a few of the big league airlines.
Now open at São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport, GOL's Terminal 2 VIP lounge is a welcome replacement for the Brazilian airline's cluttered, dated and dowdy lounge.
And it's got clear designer cred, with a contemporary decor referencing Brazilian culture, colours and materials.
GOL is Brazil's second largest airline company, competing against the likes of LATAM and Avianca, so the lounge needs plenty of room for travellers.
The tended bar is a stand out feature – more of these in more lounges, please!
The buffet boasts a pleasing spread, although it probably won't look quite as pretty as this PR photo once travellers descend upon it.
There are also working nooks, which again draw on Brazilian motifs and materials for an authentic feel...
Even the bathrooms and en suite showers wouldn't look out of place at a boutique hotel.
GOL's São Paulo's Guarulhos T2 VIP lounge is open to Gold and Diamond card-holders in the airline's Smiles frequent flyer program, Priority Pass members, passengers in GOL Comfort Class, and first class and business class passengers flying on partners Delta and Air France/KLM.
By the first quarter of 2017 GOL will open two more lounges in Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport, designed along similar lines.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
13 May 2016
Total posts 31
Delta access too? I wonder is Virgin Australa Gold an Platinum members can flash their card to gain entry?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2431
Mavers: Unfortunately not, as Virgin Australia and GOL aren't partners. (Delta is also partnered with Air France, for example, but which isn't also a partner to Virgin Australia.)
13 May 2016
Total posts 31
I didn't think so but I thought it was worth clarifying.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Sep 2012
Total posts 236
As Chris says, it's all about partnerships. And whilst Virgin Australia remain out of a major alliance (such as Skyteam) issues like lounge access eligibility will remain murky.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Feb 2012
Total posts 30
this is better than heaps of full service aurlines out there!!! Qantas Auckland lounge.... singapore airlines gold lounge....well done to GOL
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
Very nice for a LCC.
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