Review Platinum Lounge at Budapest Airport

During the summer, I organised a complex trip to the Caribbean. My journey began at Budapest Airport, where I found designated areas for people staying overnight and several airport lounges. Before my departure, I visited the Platinum Lounge (Non-Schengen).

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Budapest Airport has two terminals, each with two airport lounges. I had a few hours before my flight to London, so I decided to explore the lounges. I could only visit Terminal 2B, which is intended for flights outside the Schengen area. Afterward, I had a choice between Plaza Premium and Platinum Lounge.

Many of my acquaintances prefer Budapest Airport for long trips due to its affordability, and this was my inaugural visit to the airport.

Where is Platinum Lounge 2B located?

The Platinum Lounge is like many other airport lounges, located behind security controls. The signage was a bit confusing because I initially headed to the right, but that would have taken me to Terminal A, which was for flights within the Schengen area.

The Platinum Lounge (Non-Schengen) is near Gate 7-9. To reach it, head to the left toward B Gates B. The Platinum and Plaza Premium lounges are on the upper floor and you can access them via stairs or an elevator.

Who can enter the lounge?

Business class passengers of several airlines (Air China, Air Serbia, Emirates, flyDubai, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines), as well as members of Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, Lounge Key, Diners Club, Loungebuddy, and Lounge Pass, can access Platinum Lounge 2B at Budapest Airport.

Unfortunately, reserving a specific entry time at the lounge is impossible. I couldn’t find any information about the entrance process for guests or fellow passengers.

Additionally, the lounge provides single-entry access. During my visit, the cost for entry was around €30 per person. Access is limited to a maximum of 2 hours, and children under 2 years old can enter free of charge.

The lounge is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from Thursday to Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Inside the Platinum Lounge

I wondered if the lounge was open as the door was closed on the dot at 5:00. However, the interior was well-lit, so I took a peek inside. Two friendly female employees were waiting at the reception as I approached the entrance. After scanning the QR code from the application, they extended warm wishes for a pleasant day, enabling me to enter.

Platinum Lounge 2B is a cosy space. To the reception’s right are buffet tables, coffee machines, and refrigerators stocked with an assortment of drinks. On the left, there are comfortable sofa chairs in shades of turquoise and brown.

I arrived at the lounge before anyone else and found myself alone in the spacious area. I selected a cosy turquoise armchair and settled in, enjoying the view of the parked planes visible from the entire lounge.

Two screens were mounted on the wall, one displaying departure information and the other broadcasting the latest news. It almost felt like I was relaxing in someone’s living room.

Food and beverages

The lounge featured a well-stocked refreshments area on the right side, with tables laden with various drinks and snacks. A cooling counter was also set up alongside a machine for whipping delicious American pancakes and hot food.

Guests could help themselves to a refreshing assortment of cheeses, spreads, hams, and Hungarian salami, all neatly chilled in the cooler. Additionally, a selection of fresh vegetables, salads, chicken nuggets, egg salad, vegetable-mayonnaise salad, and an array of flavorful sauces were available for guests.

I anticipated only the usual fried bread and bacon for breakfast, but I surprisingly found a variety of hot dishes. The spread included fried peppers with cheese, fried broccoli, and rice – a unique and unexpected combination. In place of the expected soup, I discovered a delightful dish called “lecho”, which consisted of vegetables in a flavourful tomato sauce.

After lifting the second cover, I found sausages, corn and beans in tomato sauce.

An assortment of cereals was an essential part of the breakfast spread. In addition to the coffer maker, the fresh milk was conveniently stored in the refrigerator.

I saw a delightful selection of desserts, including three varieties of baklava, a luscious chocolate-coconut cake, freshly-baked muffins, and a selection of fresh fruit.

Next to the coffee machine, there was a bar offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for passengers to choose from. Among the foreign bottles of alcohol, I discovered two bottles of Pálinka. Initially, there were two bottles of Hungarian alcohol Pálinka. One was made from apples, and the other one from grapes. Later, they also brought plum Pálinka. The white wine from Tokaj was right in the middle of the bar.

What else does the lounge offer?

The Platinum Lounge 2B is equipped with electrical sockets at nearly every table, which I found incredibly convenient as I could charge my phone effortlessly.

The entire lounge area is covered by free WiFi, providing seamless connectivity.

However, it’s worth noting that the restroom facilities are located outside the lounge in the common areas.

To visit or not

As I stepped into the Platinum Lounge 2B at Budapest Airport, I was greeted by an unexpected sight – a beautifully laid out early morning spread. Unlike my previous encounter at MyLounge in Stansted, the assortment of food and drinks was already prepared, and guests were waiting to indulge, setting the tone for a delightful experience.

I believe this lounge is definitely worth a visit. I found a wide selection of Hungarian delicacies, whether food or drinks.

As I went to the restroom, I stumbled upon an outdoor terrace offering a tranquil space to inhale the fresh morning air and marvel at the stunning sunrise.

What is your experience with this lounge?