If you’re flying out from Terminal 2 at Milan Malpensa Airport and looking for somewhere comfortable to escape the busy departure hall, the Alda Merini Classic Lounge offers a peaceful place to relax before your flight. Tucked away near Gate D22, the lounge is somewhat hidden from view, located on the far left-hand side of the departures area next to the e-gates. While it won’t rival some of Europe’s larger premium lounges, it provides everything most travellers need for a comfortable pre-flight stop.
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We review Alda Merini Classic Lounge at Milan Malpensa Airport
Lounge Snapshot
Lounge: Alda Merini Classic Lounge
Airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Terminal: Terminal 2
Location: Airside, near Gate D22, adjacent to the e-gates
Opening hours: 5 am – 10 pm
Access: Available through participating airline programmes, lounge memberships (we used Lounge Pass) and paid entry (subject to availability)
Food and drink: Light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee
Facilities: Wi-Fi, power sockets, USB charging ports, lounge seating, workstations, restroom
Showers: No
Best for: A quiet place to relax, charge devices and enjoy refreshments before departure
The interior
The lounge has just 65 seats, but we managed to find a space easily
The Alda Merini Classic Lounge is relatively small, with a mix of lounge chairs, armchairs and high stools positioned around a work counter for those needing to catch up on emails before boarding. The décor is certainly distinctive, featuring bold splashes of red, yellow and green throughout the space.
Although it lacks the contemporary styling of some newer airport lounges, the atmosphere is calm and comfortable. During our visit, at around 5 pm on a Thursday, there was plenty of seating available, making it easy to find a quiet corner away from the terminal crowds.
Food and drink
The sandwiches were freshly made with premium ingredients
Food offerings are modest but perfectly adequate for a short airport stay. While we were there, the buffet included two varieties of sandwiches, ham and cheese croissants, yoghurt pots, doughnuts, cake, biscuits and crisps. I’ve got to hype up the sandwiches, which feature roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and exceptional breads.
There are no hot dishes or made-to-order options, so travellers expecting a full meal may want to eat before arriving. However, for a quick snack before boarding, the selection works well.
Drinks include beer, wine, fruit juices and bottled water, alongside the usual hot beverage options. Everything is self-service and easy to access.
The facilities
Around dinnertime, a selection of cold food was available
The lounge provides complimentary Wi-Fi, along with a useful number of power outlets and USB charging ports scattered throughout the seating areas. For travellers whose phones, tablets or laptops are running low on battery, this alone can make a lounge visit worthwhile.
Facilities are otherwise fairly basic. There are no showers, relaxation rooms or business suites, and the restroom provision is limited, with just a single female toilet available within the lounge.
Still, for a quick stop before a flight, the essentials are all covered.
Frequently asked questions: Alda Merini Classic Lounge
The verdict
The Alda Merini Classic Lounge won’t win awards for luxury, but that’s not really its purpose. Instead, it offers a comfortable and quiet place to escape the terminal, enjoy a complimentary drink, charge your devices and grab a light bite before departure.
Learn more about Alda Merini Classic Lounge
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The lounge is located in Terminal 2 at Milan Malpensa Airport, near Gate D22. It can be found on the far left side of the departures area next to the e-gates.
Yes. Guests can enjoy a selection of light snacks including sandwiches, croissants, yoghurt, cakes, biscuits, doughnuts and crisps.
No. The lounge focuses on cold snacks and light refreshments rather than hot dining options.
Beer, wine, bottled water, fruit juices, tea and coffee are available on a complimentary self-service basis.
No, shower facilities are not available.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for lounge guests.
Yes. Power sockets and USB charging ports are available throughout the lounge.
Yes. There are work surfaces with high stools, Wi-Fi and charging points, making it suitable for catching up on work before a flight.
The lounge is relatively compact compared to many international airport lounges, but it offers a comfortable range of seating options.
No. There is no outdoor space, nor a place for smoking at the lounge.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, recharge your devices and enjoy complimentary refreshments before your flight, it offers good value. Travellers seeking extensive dining or luxury facilities may find it more basic than expected.
