Star Alliance will open its new Amsterdam lounge on March 7, representing a substantial upgrade to the airport’s original Star alliance lounge, not only in capacity – with room for as many as 200 passengers – but in offering large windows with a view across the tarmac.
“The current lounge at Schiphol is encapsulated by walls, so you don't have any windows or access to the outside world” explains Christian Draeger, Vice President for Customer Experience at Star Alliance.
"But with some restructuring of the airport, we had the opportunity to get a space which was really dedicated to being a lounge, with high ceilings and big windows, and a view onto the tarmac where customers have a sense of being at the airport,” Draeger tells Australian Business Traveller.
“This was really important to us, because once we open in March, our customers will have significantly better lounge than today. We're quite excited about that.”
As with other Star Alliance lounges, the new Schiphol den will will reflect its location – “we’re trying to give a sense of Amsterdam, a vibrant and attractive city, and a sense of Holland,” Draeger says – and allows further room for expansion “to increase capacity if we see more growth.”
The Amsterdam lounge will cater for business class travellers and top-tier frequent flyers on the 15 Star Alliance member airlines flying out of Schipol airport’s Schengen zone and be geared more towards flights within Europe.
Reflecting this, Draeger believes that travellers’ stays will be shorter and typically more for business than leisure.
“Hence, the lounge will have a lot more focus on being a comfortable place to work as well as relax. While the lounge will still offer a good degree of interaction in the food and beverage experience, more focus will be placed on a buffet service which is more convenient for guests with less time to spend in the lounge.”
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.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
12 Jun 2011
Total posts 4
All I can say is GREAT and Finally ! Traveled SQ Business class last year and the SQ "lounge" was disgraceful.Sectioned/chained off in a Priority Pass Lounge that was overcrowded with little area to move or sit down.Probably the worst service and lack of refreshments/food I've ever experienced in a Business Class lounge world wide.
13 May 2015
Total posts 22
robjan02, you should try oneworld's offering - the Aspire Lounge. Heavy on the Asp, and lots of Ire. I'd rather sit in the terminal. (The BA lounge is not bad though)
Etihad - Etihad Guest
09 Feb 2019
Total posts 1
I do hope Star Alliance look at a Lounge at Singapore, it is not acceptable for Air NZ Gold status to be sent to the Kris Flyer Gold Lounge, this does not even have toilets or Showers and for me when travelling between London and Auckland its one things that really helps me to stay refreshed by being able to enjoy a nice lounge with a meal and a shower prior to boarding my onwards Flight. When Singapore Airlines Gold Status come through Auckland they are allowed full access to Koru Club, meals and showers, as Star Alliance partner airline and one of the Worlds major Airlines, Singapore Airlines you can do better
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