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We visited the CIP Lounge in the Schengen Zone of Faro Airport. Although the lounge felt too small, our visit was pleasant. This article shares our experiences and ideas for improving the lounge. Read the article to learn the whole story.
CIP Lounge in the Schengen Zone of Faro Airport
Faro International Airport is located in southern Portugal. It provides connections to various European destinations and, sometimes, long-haul routes. The airport is medium-sized and often gets busy, especially during the peak season. The CIP Lounge serves airline customers, members of lounge programs and walk-in customers.
The Other Lounge
The airport has another CIP Lounge outside for passengers travelling to destinations outside the Schengen area. This lounge is after the passport control.
Unlike many other airports, there are no dedicated airline lounges in Faro; airlines partner with CIP Lounges to provide lounge service to their premium passengers.
Our Visit to CIP Schengen Lounge
We visited the CIP Schengen lounge on the morning of November 2024. There were only four other guests when we arrived. However, the lounge became full quickly.
Below, we share details of our visit and review the lounge.
Location
The lounge was straightforward to locate post-security in the Schengen zone. We needed to follow signs to Gates A. Situated on the same level as the departure gates, the lounge was easily accessible for all travellers, especially those with mobility impairments.
CIP Schengen Lounge has a practical location at Faro Airport, less than 5 minutes walk from the departure A-gates.
Access
Several options were available for accessing the lounge, such as a Priority Pass membership, which we used. The receptionist was quick and friendly, so we felt welcome.
In addition to Priority Pass, the lounge welcomed DragonPass, LoungeKey, and Lounge Pass customers. Alternatively, visitors could pay a fee for walk-in access.
The lounge partners with several airlines, including Air Nostrum, British Airways, BA Euroflyer, Brussels Airlines, Condor, Edelweiss, Lufthansa, Luxair and TAP Portugal. As a result, many business and first-class passengers are eligible to enjoy the lounge’s amenities. The lounge has a maximum stay of 3 hours, and children under 3 years old were admitted free of charge. The opening schedule was from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm during the season of our visit.
Premises
The CIP Lounge was small. It offered a variety of seating options. Three circular white wooden tables and two high chairs were available for intimate seating. A larger, circular, white wooden table was furnished with three comfortable, soft grey chairs just after the reception. Next to the tables, a spacious dark blue sofa, capable of accommodating up to five people, was complemented by a round glass table.
The remainder of the lounge, on the right side, featured rows of green chairs paired with square white wooden tables. Glass partitions separated each row of chairs, offering a degree of privacy. Together, there was quite limited seating capacity.
Four vibrant posters showcasing various fruits adorned the lounge walls. Each table adjacent to the green chairs had one or two convenient electric sockets. While the round tables lacked integrated plugs, electric sockets were available on the adjacent wall.
Due to the lounge’s compact size, seating arrangements were quite close, leading to potential noise disturbances when multiple guests were conversing.
Toilets were not available inside the lounge. Guests should exit and walk for 3 minutes to reach the nearest restroom.
The lounge had a great ambience and modern design. The furniture was in good condition, which is not self-evident. Even some premium lounges have worn furniture.
Food and Drinks
The buffet table offered a delightful array of options. For savoury delights, we could indulge in tuna paste sandwiches, tuna baguettes, veggie baguettes, and chicken baguettes. A selection of bacon and cheese complemented the bread choices, including dark and white varieties.
For a lighter bite, cereals were available in three flavours: chocolate, gluten-free, and whole-grain fitness. Fresh fruits like pears and oranges provided a healthy and refreshing option. A variety of cookies and yoghurts were also on offer.
The dessert table featured custard tarts, plain croissants, chocolate napolitanas, and muffins to satisfy sweet cravings.
The lounge also catered to various beverage preferences. Hot beverages such as coffee and tea were readily available. We could enjoy soft drinks from a machine, bottled tomato juice, tonic water, or freshly squeezed orange, pineapple, apple, and mixed fruit juices for refreshing options. A special coffee machine was also available for those seeking a more sophisticated brew.
For those who preferred alcoholic beverages, the lounge offered a selection of hard liquors, wines, and local beers. A large fridge housed yoghurts, local beers, tomato juice, and tonic water, while three smaller fridges contained a variety of wines.
Services
The lounge offered a wider television screen suspended from the ceiling near the buffet table, providing visual entertainment for guests. Two flight information screens, conveniently located near the reception and the rear wall, kept us informed about departure status.
For those seeking information or relaxation, the lounge provided a selection of international newspapers and magazines in English, with some titles offering Portuguese translations. Additionally, complimentary Wi-Fi offered excellent down and upload speeds and seamless connectivity for work or leisure. Since there were many electric sockets, the lounge was suitable for working.
The cleanliness of the lounge was well-maintained, with staff promptly collecting used dishes from each table. The staff filled the buffet table quickly, ensuring a constant supply of fresh food and beverages. The friendly and attentive staff enhanced the overall experience, providing excellent service and welcoming guests.
Rating
We rate CIP Lounge in the Schengen Zone as a 4-star lounge. While the lounge offered several positive aspects, such as freshly prepared snacks, ample electric plugs, fast Wi-Fi, and friendly staff, its small size was a drawback. Small premises can lead to overcrowding, noise, and a lack of private amenities like toilets, showers, and luggage storage. Despite these limitations, the lounge’s modern design, convenient location, and attentive staff made it a decent option for a short stay before a flight. With bigger premises and warm food, we could give a star more.
Where to Purchase Access
We recommend pre-booking your lounge access through Lounge Pass for a good price. While it’s possible to pay a walk-in fee, there’s a risk of the lounge being full, especially during peak times. Lounge Pass offers excellent value and is a reliable option when you don’t have a dedicated lounge membership.
A lounge membership can be worthwhile if you frequently use airport lounges. Priority Pass is a popular option, offering unlimited access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide for an annual fee of around €450. The membership can quickly pay itself, especially for frequent travellers.
PRO TIP
There are many ways to access airport lounges.
You will find more helpful information from our Airport Lounge Guide.
Bottom Line
Our visit to the CIP Lounge at Faro Airport was a pleasant experience. The lounge had a modern design and offered good food and drinks. However, the lack of on-site toilet and shower facilities limited the overall experience. Despite its small size, the lounge provided a comfortable, relaxing space before a flight.
With its convenient location near the gates and overall positive experience, we would revisit the CIP Lounge. It’s a great place to unwind before a flight, and you can feel the warm Portuguese hospitality within its walls.
Have you flown through Faro Airport? Did you try any of the airport’s lounges yourself? Comment below.
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