The best airport lounges don’t simply offer somewhere to sit before a flight – they transform the often stressful airport experience into something you actually look forward to. On a busy Sunday evening, Aspire Edinburgh Airport Lounge near Gate 16 proved exactly why so many travellers now choose to begin their journey behind lounge doors. And if you’re Edinburgh-bound, be sure to take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh, written by local musician, Jane Gilbert.
Aspire Edinburgh Airport Lounge review
Airport Lounge Snapshot
Lounge: Aspire Lounge (Gate 16)
Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Location: Airside, after security, close to Gate 16 on the departures level
Access: Open to all passengers regardless of airline or class of travel. Entry available by pre-booking, selected premium tickets and lounge membership schemes, including Priority Pass and LoungeKey, subject to availability
Price: From approximately £46 per person when booking direct (prices vary by date and availability)
Opening hours: Sunday-Friday: 4:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday: 4:00 am – 7:00 pm
Maximum stay: Three hours
Facilities: Complimentary hot and cold buffet, complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, charging points throughout, business work booths, family seating areas, runway views, newspapers and magazines, toilets (no showers)
Best for: Holidaymakers wanting a relaxed start to their trip, business travellers needing workspace, and anyone looking to avoid expensive terminal food and drinks.
The arrival
Arriving just after 6 pm on a Sunday, the lounge struck a welcome balance between relaxed and lively. Using my LoungeKey pass, I was quickly checked in by the friendly team. While I hadn’t booked in advance, the lounge recommends this during weekends and busy periods like holidays. There were plenty of guests enjoying a pre-flight drink or catching up on work, yet it never felt overcrowded or difficult to find a comfortable seat.
Inside the lounge
Guests can choose from an array of different seating options
One of the lounge’s biggest strengths is its variety of seating. Whether you’re travelling alone, with family or as part of a business trip, there’s a space that feels purpose-built. Meeting booths provide privacy for video calls or last-minute emails, many equipped with convenient power sockets, while a long communal table running through the centre of the lounge offers integrated charging points for multiple devices. Sofas and armchairs near the windows are ideal if your only priority is watching aircraft taxi across the apron.
Grab yourself a table with a view of the tarmac
Those panoramic views over the runway add a surprisingly calming backdrop. Even frequent flyers can appreciate watching aircraft movements while enjoying a drink, and the natural light makes the space feel far more open than many airport lounges.
The food and drink
During our visit at dinnertime, there was a selection of hot and cold food options
Food is another pleasant surprise. During our visit, the complimentary buffet included a Sri Lankan chicken curry served with rice, macaroni cheese, a fresh salad bar and a charcuterie selection. It isn’t restaurant dining, nor does it try to be, but the quality comfortably exceeded what you’d expect from many airport food outlets, and having unlimited access means you can graze at your own pace before boarding.
Drinks are equally generous. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are included, with flavoured syrups available for coffee lovers wanting something a little sweeter. The staffed bar serves complimentary alcoholic drinks, allowing guests to enjoy a glass of wine, beer or spirit before departure without facing typical airport prices.
Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available
Business travellers haven’t been forgotten either. Complimentary Wi-Fi proved fast enough for browsing and emails, while charging points throughout the lounge mean you won’t find yourself hunting desperately for a socket before boarding. Magazines, including Business Traveller, provide traditional reading material alongside your own devices.
The lounge has Edinburgh-themed art hanging around every corner
A thoughtful local touch comes from the artwork displayed around the lounge, showcasing Edinburgh’s architecture and history. It’s a small detail, but one that gives the lounge more personality than the generic corporate interiors found at many airports.
Unfortunately, there is no outside area at the lounge, which means that there is no smoking facility either.
Location
Departure boards can be found inside the lounge
Located just a short walk from Gate 16 after security, Aspire is open to passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods, although entry is also available through a number of lounge membership programmes, including Priority Pass and LoungeKey, subject to availability. Standard visits are limited to three hours. Prices start from around £46 when booked directly, although rates can vary depending on date and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Aspire Edinburgh Airport Lounge
If you plan to eat, enjoy a couple of drinks and relax before your flight, many travellers will find it good value. The cost can compare favourably with buying food and drinks individually in the terminal.
Yes. You don’t need to be flying Business Class or with a particular airline. Anyone can book access in advance, subject to availability.
The lounge is located after security near Gate 16 in Edinburgh Airport’s departures area.
The buffet changes throughout the day but typically includes hot meals, salads, snacks and desserts, alongside tea, coffee and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are also included.
Yes. Standard beers, wines and spirits are included with lounge admission, although premium drinks may incur an additional charge.
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge.
Absolutely. There are dedicated work booths, plenty of charging points and reliable Wi-Fi, making it well-suited to business travellers.
Yes. Many seats overlook the airport apron and runway, making it a pleasant place to watch aircraft movements while waiting for your flight.
It’s recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays, as the lounge can reach capacity and pre-booking helps guarantee entry.
The verdict
Aspire won’t replace a fine dining restaurant or luxury hotel lounge, but that’s missing the point. What it offers is considerably more valuable: a calm environment, satisfying food, unlimited drinks, comfortable seating and enough facilities to ensure your holiday begins well before you step onto the aircraft. Compared with the cost of buying dinner, drinks and coffee in the terminal, it can represent surprisingly good value—particularly for travellers who enjoy starting their trip in comfort.
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