Airport Lounges in Kolkata: Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is home to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Kolkata airport has several lounges that provide comfort and amenities to passengers during their transit or wait times. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about airport lounges in Kolkata.
Overview of Airport Lounges in Kolkata
Airport lounges provide a relaxing environment away from the crowds and chaos of the terminal. At lounges, travelers can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, WiFi access, shower facilities, and more. Lounges are designed to make the airport experience more pleasant and convenient.
Kolkata airport currently has four major airport lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge Domestic, Plaza Premium Lounge International, Travel Club Lounge, and Air India Maharaja Lounge. Most of these lounges are located near the respective domestic and international gates. Some lounges can be accessed through certain credit cards or by purchasing a day pass. Lounge access is also provided to select frequent flyer program members and first/business class ticket holders of specific airlines.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)
Located near the domestic departure gates on Level 1, this is the largest and most popular independent lounge at Kolkata airport. The lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable seating, food, and beverages.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Facilities: The lounge has various seating zones including recliners, couches, and dining tables. A complimentary buffet is available with hot vegetarian options, soups, bread, fruits, juices, and more. Self-serve wine and beer are also offered. Other amenities include WiFi, flight information display screens, shower facilities, and washrooms.
- Lounge Access: This lounge can be accessed through Priority Pass membership, certain credit cards like Amex Platinum and Citi Prestige, and by purchasing a day pass directly.
Plaza Premium Lounge (International)
- This lounge is situated near the international departure gates on Level 3. It has similar features and amenities to the Plaza Premium domestic lounge.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Facilities: Recliners, couches, workstations, flight display screens, buffet food, and showers.
- Lounge Access: Priority Pass, credit cards, day pass purchase.
Travel Club Lounge
- Travel Club Lounge is located opposite gate 8 on Level 1. It offers a more personalized, boutique-style lounge experience.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Facilities: Comfortable leather armchairs, international buffet, and beverages, WiFi, flight screens, and conference room.
- Lounge Access: Accessible through Travel Club membership only. Membership can only be purchased along with a participating airline ticket.
Air India Maharaja Lounge
- Air India’s lounge is situated near gate 10A on Level 1.
- Timings: 24 hours
- Facilities: Private chairs and sofas, buffet dining, shower facilities, flight displays, and business center.
- Lounge Access: Reserved exclusively for Air India’s first and business-class passengers. Star Alliance business class passengers also get access when flying with Air India.
Credit Cards That Offer Lounge Access in Kolkata
Many premium travel credit cards provide complimentary lounge visits as part of their benefits. This allows cardholders to access lounges without having to pay any day fees. Here are some popular credit cards that offer lounge access in Kolkata:
- American Express Platinum Card– Provides unlimited Priority Pass visits. Also gives access to Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta SkyClub when flying Delta.
- Citi Prestige Card– Offers Priority Pass membership and 2 free visits annually to participating lounges outside the PP network including Plaza Premium.
- HDFC Regalia First Credit Card– Provides 4 complimentary visits per year to the Mastercard Lounge program including Plaza Premium.
- Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card– Grants 6 free lounge visits annually through Priority Pass membership.
- IndusInd Iconia Amex Card– Offers 12 lounge visits per year through the Priority Pass program.
It is recommended to check the specific lounge access provided by a credit card before applying. Lounge privileges vary across different cards and networks like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and Mastercard Lounge Program.
Lounge Facilities and Amenities
The lounges at Kolkata airport aim to provide a relaxing and convenient experience for travelers. Here are some of the standard facilities and amenities offered:
- Comfortable seating in various configurations – chairs, sofas, couches, etc.
- Buffet dining with light refreshments, meals, snacks, and beverages
- Complimentary high-speed WiFi connectivity
- Flight information display screens
- Workspace areas with charging ports
- Televisions showing news and entertainment
- Printed newspapers and magazines
- Clean shower facilities and washrooms
- Prayer rooms
- Smoking rooms in some lounges
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Trained staff for customer service
- Porters to assist with luggage
Premium lounges may also provide services like a spa, private resting rooms, conference areas, and open bars. Plaza Premium Lounges offers shower facilities as well.
Lounge Entry Eligibility and Fees
Eligibility criteria to enter an airport lounge depends on the specific policies. Some common ways to access lounges in Kolkata airport are:
- Flying business/first class with participating airlines
- Holding premium frequent flyer status with programs like Star Alliance Gold
- Certain airline and bank credit cards
- Paid entry through membership programs like Priority Pass
- One-time pass purchase at the lounge entrance
Lounge day fees for single entry without membership are typically ₹2000 to ₹3500 at Kolkata Airport lounges. Annual membership plans like Priority Pass and Travel Club provide unlimited lounge visits at discounted rates.
Lounge Timings and Locations
- The Plaza Premium Lounges at Kolkata airport are open 24 hours daily. The other independent lounges like Travel Club also remain open 24×7.
- Airline lounges may have specific opening times depending on flight schedules. For example, the Air India lounge is open from 5 AM to 8 PM daily.
- In terms of locations, the Plaza Premium domestic lounge is near gate 6 while the international lounge is close to gate 2. The Travel Club Lounge can be found opposite gate 8. Air India’s lounge is situated near gate 10A. Proper signage guides passengers to the correct terminals.
- It is recommended to confirm the lounge locations and timings before visiting. Passengers can contact the airport help desk or visit the official websites for updated details.
Lounge Services for a Comfortable Airport Experience
Lounges provide various useful services aimed at making travel comfortable, convenient, and stress-free:
- Food and Drinks – Lounge guests can enjoy free meals, snacks, and beverages. This helps avoid spending on expensive airport food. Complimentary alcohol is also served in some lounges.
- Chauffeur Service – Certain lounges offer luxury car pickups and drops to aircraft boarding gates for maximum convenience.
- WiFi and Charging Facilities – Get free high-speed internet access to stay connected and charge your devices easily while waiting.
- Flight Monitoring – Live flight information display and alerts regarding boarding gates or delays.
- Conference Rooms – Many lounges have private meeting rooms suitable for business travelers.
- Rest Zones – Recliners, sofa beds, and napping pods to relax before flights.
- Shower and Spa – Freshen up and unwind at lounge spas and shower suites.
- Childcare – Some family lounges have play areas and video games for children.
FAQ About Airport Lounges in Kolkata
- Which is the best airport lounge in Kolkata?
The Plaza Premium Lounges are considered the best independent pay-in lounges at Kolkata Airport. They provide comfortable seating, dining, and shower facilities in a classy ambiance. The Plaza Premium International lounge near gate 2 is newly renovated with upscale amenities.
- How can I access lounges without airline business class tickets?
You can access Kolkata airport lounges through credit card lounge programs, paid memberships like Priority Pass, or by purchasing one-time passes at the lounge entrance. Some lounges provide free entry with certain high-end credit cards.
- Do lounges provide sleeping facilities?
Many lounges have recliner chairs and sofa beds that allow you to relax, stretch out, and rest before your flight. Plaza Premium Lounges offer pods with privacy curtains and day beds where you can sleep.
- Can I get a massage or spa treatment inside the lounges?
Yes, select independent lounges offer massage services and spa treatment rooms like Plaza Premium International Lounge. You can enjoy a relaxing massage before your flight.
- Are airport lounges worth the fee?
Airport lounges provide a comfortable, luxurious experience that can greatly enhance your airport transit time. If you value amenities like premium food, relaxation zones, WiFi, showers, and airport transfers, lounges are worth the fee. Frequent flyers get the most value from paid lounge memberships.
- Can I get free alcohol in the lounges?
Yes, most independent lounges serve complimentary house brand liquors, wine, beer, and cocktails. Premium imported alcohol may require payment. Consumption is restricted to 2-3 drinks per person owing to safety policies.
Conclusion
Kolkata International Airport has a selection of high-quality lounges that provide comfort, luxury, and convenience for all types of travelers. Plaza Premium Lounges are the leading independent pay-in lounges with excellent facilities. Passengers can also access lounges through credit cards, airline status, and memberships.
Lounges allow you to start your journey in a relaxed, stress-free manner with services like comfortable seating, gourmet cuisine, spa treatments, WiFi, and professional staff to assist you. So next time you are at Kolkata airport, be sure to treat yourself to the airport lounge experience.
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