- Mr Plane Guy
- Nov 21, 2024
- 6 min read
Review: Escape Lounge, London Stansted Airport
By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy
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The Escape Lounge at London Stansted Airport is Closing
**Update January 2026: The Escape Lounge at London Stansted Airport is scheduled to permanently close on 28 February 2026. At the time of writing, no replacement lounge has been announced.
After this date, Stansted will effectively have no traditional airport lounge. Priority Pass members will instead be offered an £18 food and drink credit at The Camden Bar & Kitchen, which counts as a lounge visit per person.
I’ll update this page if a new lounge is confirmed, but for now, expectations at Stansted should be set accordingly.**
Flying through London Stansted Airport can be a bit shambolic, especially during peak travel times. But if you're looking for a slice of tranquility before takeoff, the Escape Lounge offers a fantastic alternative to the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. I recently had the chance to experience this airport lounge, and here's everything you need to know.
If you’re a frequent traveler with a Priority Pass or certain premium credit cards (such as American Express Platinum), you might already have complimentary access.
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is your golden ticket to over 1,800 airport lounges worldwide, including Stansted's Escape Lounge. Membership plans start from as little as £69 per year, but with my exclusive 30% discount, you can get started for just £48! Use my link below to sign up (yes, I do get a small kickback, and I appreciate your support).
Are you wondering What Is Priority Pass? you could read these next:
Location: Where to Find the Escape Lounge
The Escape Lounge is located in the main departure area of London Stansted Airport. After passing through security, follow the signs toward the lounges, and you’ll find it on the mezzanine level. It’s well-marked and easy to spot. Go past Burger King and its next to Pret.
What’s Included in the Escape Lounge?
Buffet Dining: A selection of hot and cold dishes tailored to the time of day. During my morning visit, the breakfast spread was delightful with options like scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, and fresh fruit. Later in the day, they serve more substantial meals such as pasta dishes and salads.
Unlimited Drinks: Hot beverages (coffee and tea), soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are all complimentary.
Comfortable Seating: The lounge offers a variety of seating options, from cosy armchairs to work-friendly tables.
Wi-Fi: Fast and free, perfect for catching up on emails or streaming.
Magazines and Newspapers: Stay entertained or informed with a range of reading materials.
Toilet Facilities: Not located in the lounge they are back in the terminal.
My Escape Lounge Experience
I arrived at the lounge a couple of hours before my flight to Germany. The check-in process was quick and efficient, with friendly staff welcoming me in. The lounge was but very crowded considering it was a Wednesday evening in November a very quite off peak time in an airport.
The decor strikes a balance between modern and homely, with plush seating areas, wooden accents, the ceilings are quite low making it feel even more busier and full. If I'm honest it was a little bit grubby here and there.
Food and Drink at Escape Lounge, London Stansted Airport
The buffet offered clearly catered for the British tastebuds
Thai red curry:
Mustard flavoured mash was a winner!
Coffee Station: A self-serve machine provided lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
For those visiting later in the day, the lunch and dinner menus are equally satisfying, with hearty soups, salads, and the occasional themed dish. There’s also a dedicated bar area serving beer, wine, and spirits at no additional cost.
Comfort and Amenities
The seating was ample, and I found a comfortable corner to settle into with my coffee. The lounge also features several charging points, essential for keeping your devices powered up before a flight.
The Wi-Fi connection was strong and reliable, allowing me to catch up on emails and even download some videos ready for my flight
FAQ's
What is included in the Stansted Escape Lounge?
Access includes unlimited food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating areas with plenty of charging points.
How do I get to the free lounge at the airport?
Unfortunately, Stansted Airport does not offer a free lounge. However, you may be eligible for free access to the Escape Lounge with a Priority Pass, certain credit cards, or premium airline tickets.
How many lounges does Stansted Airport have?
Stansted Airport only has two airport lounges: the Escape Lounge and Emirates Lounge. The Escape Lounge caters to a wider range of passengers whilst Emirates is exclusive to Emirates business class passengers.
Flying in or out of London Stansted? Maybe at an ungodly time like I always seem to do? You could stay at the Premier Inn London Stansted, here is my review, packed full of information for staying at London Stansted Airport hotels.
Final Boarding Call
The Escape Lounge at London Stansted Airport is a good option option for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and value for money. While it may not have the ultra-luxurious feel of some high-end airport lounges, it delivers where it counts: good food, and a place to unwind away from the carnage of London Stansted!
Pros:
Excellent value for the price, especially with a discount code.
Wide variety of food and drink options.
Comfortable seating and strong Wi-Fi.
Cons:
Not as luxurious as some premium lounges.
Was really busy even during off peak travel times.
For frequent travellers, why not upgrade your airport experience across the globe with a Priority Pass? My exclusive discount makes it more affordable than ever.
Mr Plane Guy Let's Make Travel Better.
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
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