The Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge provided a much-needed oasis amidst the constant hustle and bustle of Athens International Airport’s busy non-EU departures area. As one of Europe’s more hectic airports, finding a calm and comfortable retreat can be a challenge, but this lounge offered exactly that—a stylish and spacious escape where travellers could unwind or stay productive away from the crowded terminal. Read on to discover how this lounge delivered a relaxing refuge, from its food and drink selection to the thoughtful amenities that made all the difference before your next journey.
In this review:
- Opening Hours
- Locating the lounge & reception
- Comfort
- Food & drink
- Toilets & showers
- Wi-Fi, charging & productivity
- Extras
- BG1 Verdict
Opening Hours
The Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge was open daily from 05:00 to midnight, providing ample opportunity for travellers on early morning or late-night flights to make the most of its facilities.
Locating the lounge & reception
Situated in a newly-constructed wing of the terminal, the Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge was easily accessed after passing through security and immigration at A Gates. Travellers simply followed the signs marked ‘Business Lounges,’ navigating two escalators and passing lounges for Sky Express, Swissport, and Goldair Handling along the route.
Upon reaching the top, the lounge’s entrance opened up to an impressive reception area on the left, anchored by a striking olive tree beneath the glass roof—a tasteful nod to Greek heritage. When I arrived in the late afternoon, the space was relatively quiet, though it became noticeably busier as the evening approached. A representative was stationed at the reception desk, ensuring quick and seamless entry.
Comfort
The Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge was characterised by its bright and spacious interior, with high ceilings lending a sense of airiness to the space.
Seating options were well-varied, catering to different needs: dining tables for meals, working benches centrally located and along the windows for those looking to stay productive, and reclining seats near the windows further from the dining area, ideal for a bit of relaxation.
The seating near the windows also provided a great view of the airfield, perfect for aircraft enthusiasts. Information screens were positioned across the lounge, making it easy to keep track of flight details from most seats.
Food & Drink
The lounge provided a range of hot and cold dishes in its buffet, including some particularly enjoyable desserts.
Chilled bottles of still and sparkling water were readily available, along with beers, white and sparkling wines, kept in the cooler wells.
A self-service bar was dedicated to red wine and spirits for those seeking a stronger drink. Coffee lovers could find several stations with machines around the lounge, ensuring a freshly brewed cup was always within easy reach.
Toilets and showers
Toilets were on the smaller side considering the lounge’s capacity, with the male washroom containing just three cubicles. There was also a disabled washroom and a single shower room. While the facilities were tastefully decorated, they were equipped with basic paper and hand-washing products, with no extra amenities provided.
WiFi, power & productivity
The WiFi in the Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge, although easy to connect to, ran at a modest speed of 5 Mbps for both uploads and downloads—adequate for browsing but insufficient for video calls without switching the camera off.
Charging options, however, were plentiful, with mains, USB-A, and USB-C sockets located near most seats. I found the lounge to be a comfortable place for working, offering a good balance of quietness and activity, where it was easy to stay productive without feeling like I was disturbing others.
There were also a couple of side rooms available for use as meeting rooms as well as seating suitable for groups.
Extras
For those looking to pass the time with a bit of reading, the lounge provided a selection of newspapers and magazines. But, for us, the space and the view were the highlight.
BG1 verdict
The Aegean Airlines Athens Extra Schengen Lounge impressed with its spacious and beautifully designed environment. The food and drink selection was solid, and the lounge’s layout made it a suitable spot for both work and relaxation while waiting for a flight. We’ll be back!
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