Belfast City Airport, Ireland

Introduction

This is my review of the Aspire Lounge in Belfast’s City Airport, which I accessed via my OneWorld Sapphire status on a British Airways flight to London Heathrow.

Just a few weeks ago I had visited the Aspire Lounge in Gatwick Airport, which I thought was really poor – but I’ll start by saying I think this lounge is really excellent!

Visited

October 2023 at 18:00.

Opening Hours

The lounge is open daily from 05:15 to 21:00.

Entry Conditions

My entry to this lounge was because I am a OneWorld Emerald member, and thus flying with British Airways meant I was gained access. Alternatively if you were flying on British Airways in Club Europe/Business Class you have access.

If you a Priority Pass member you have access. If you are an American Express Platinum Card holder I THINK you may have access. I believe Dragon Pass and Lounge Key members also have access.

At around £33 per head, it is possible to buy access.

How to Get There

Finding the lounge is very easy – once you’re through Security, you’ll see that the lounge is right next to Gate 4. Gate 4 is BA’s gate, which us super convenient!

Layout

This is a very premium looking lounge, spotlessly clean and in really great shape!

There is a whole bunch of casual seating, that overlooks the runway the airport. I didn’t see too much of it, as it was dark when I arrived!

For eating and drinking there is plenty of dining furniture.

For working there are a couple of small ‘phone booth’ rooms – and also a bunch of desks and booths.

Another feature about this lounge is that there is a direct door out to Gate 4, meaning if you are on a BA flight, it’s literally a walk straight onto the plane!

Food and Drink

Drinks

All drinks in this lounge are self-service, but there is a impressive range!

A WHOLE bunch of beers, spirits, soft drinks and hot drinks. Unlike many Aspire Lounges there is nothing ‘top shelf’ that you have to pay for. I generally rate lounges based on beer choice, and there was a good range – including Guinness, Tiger, Becks and Carlsberg.

One thing that was super handy, as I was driving the other end, was the fact that there was Becks Blue (which is 0% alcohol) – fantastic!!

Food

The food again, was fairly impressive. It wasn’t that extensive, but I thought was a good range. Hot options included curries, rice, naan bread, potatoes and soup.

On the cold side there was cheeses, crackers, crisps, fruit and some cakes.

All food was self-service in the spotlessly clean buffet area.

There is one thing I will say that I was especially impressed with in this lounge, and that’s the plate size! Usually you’re given a saucer or some tiny plate – but here, proper meal plates were provided!

Wifi

Wifi in lounge worked great for me. In didn’t experience any problems.

Showers

There are no showers in this lounge – which is understandable given it’s a regional/domestic airport.

Conclusion

I was super impressed with this lounge! It really is great and so clean!

This is a very clean looking lounge, with nice staff, great drink choices, good food – and a very well considered layout.

I hope the Aspire team and the team at Belfast City Airport keep it this good!