Tried & Tested: Aspire Lounge 41, Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Passing time in an airport is a necessary evil for travellers. It's the pesky in between period when you're either really excited to be going away or you just want to get home - whichever, it can often feel like time is standing still when you want to get moving.

Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam © Ume-y - Flickr CC BY 2.0

You've trawled through Duty Free, resisted buying another pair of sunglasses, and sunk a few coffees - perhaps even pints - and spent a small fortune in the process. What if, instead, you could make your airport experience that bit more relaxed? Dare we say, even enjoyable? This is where lounge access comes in.

Unfortunately, not all of us possess high-flying airline lounge access but thankfully Aspire Lounges is there to offer a similar service for those passengers willing to purchase a lounge pass.

On a recent short city break to Amsterdam, Weather2Travel.com checked in to Aspire Lounge 41 at Schiphol Airport* in the Netherlands on the way home to see whether lounge passes are all they're cracked up to be.

Why book an Aspire lounge pass?

The biggest benefit of booking a pass for Aspire Lounge 41 at Schiphol Airport has to be the peace and quiet.

This laidback space is well stocked with comfy armchairs that offer splendid views over the runway (a serious bonus for plane spotters!) as well as seating for those wanting to work or simply have a meal.

Please note: there are two Aspire Lounges at Schiphol Airport* - 41 and 26. Aspire Lounge 41 is for international passengers travelling outwith the Schengen area, while Aspire Lounge 26 is for those travelling within the special Schengen area.

There are plenty of handy charging points around also - great if you're running out of laptop, tablet or mobile juice. Of course, there's also fast, free wifi for all lounge users.

Once you've found a spot, it's time to load up from your choice of soups, salads and bread as well as small pastries, biscuits and fruit. There seemed to be an ample supply of dishes, which were quickly replenished once empty.

The bar is always open at Aspire Lounge 41 serving everything from coffee and tea to draught Heineken (in Amsterdam, of course!) and mixers. We liked the variety of fresh flavoured water on offer also - mint and cucumber anyone?

How does it work?

Getting your pass for Aspire Lounge 41 is easy: simply head to the likes of Trusted Travel and book your pass in advance with no extra booking fee.

Is it worth it?

When you consider the complimentary food and drink, wifi, and generally relaxed environment, it's hard to think of a reason not to book a lounge pass, especially given the cost you can quickly accumulate buying supplies in the main departure hall. This makes Aspire Lounge 41 really good value in our book.

Although it was quite quiet when we visited, it isn't a massive area, so it's easy to see how it could become quite busy quite quickly, and noisy with it. This is presumably worse at certain times of the day and week. As for a Sunday afternoon, well, it wasn't overcrowded at all, and it felt very chilled - a good way to fill that time-void pre flight!

Book your Aspire Lounge 41 pass >>

Aspire Lounge at Schiphol Airport FAQs

Where is Aspire Lounge 41 at Schiphol Airport?

Aspire Lounge 41 is for those departing on international flights outwith the Schengen area only. You will find it on the top floor of terminal 2 close to gate 'E'.

What time does Aspire Lounge 41 open?

Aspire Lounge 41 is open from 6.00am until 11.30pm every day.

Is Aspire Lounge 41 family friendly?

Children are welcome at Aspire Lounge 41 although they must be supervised at all times.

Is there a dress code at Aspire Lounge 41?

The dress code is smart/casual - no baseball caps, sportswear (football shorts / tracksuits etc), football shirts or clothing with offensive slogans.

How long can you stay in the lounge for?

Each Aspire Lounge pass is valid for three hours.

Are there shower facilities at Aspire Lounge 41?

Yes, for an extra fee.

Weather2Travel.com experienced Aspire Lounge 41 as a guest of Trusted Travel in March 2018. All opinions are those of the writer.

More about the Netherlands

Netherlands by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

Posted on Monday 16th April 2018 in: Reviews

Back to top

Explore holidays in the sun for less

More holidays

Airport parking

More parking

Airport lounges

More lounges

Related posts

Back to Travel inspiration Top ^