Airport lounges come in all shapes and sizes. Some lounges span multiple floors while others may be no bigger than a tiny eatery. At small to midsize airports, lounges are becoming a popular mainstay. American Express partners with the Escape Lounge brand for smaller to midsized airport lounges. On a recent flight on American Eagle from John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Ohio (CMH) the Escape Lounge was reviewed prior to departure.
Who Can Access The Lounge
The Escape Lounge is located in concourse B post security near gate 32. The lounge is open daily from 5AM to 8PM CST. Access is granted into the lounge through a variety of credit cards and access criteria including:
- American Express Platinum Card holders. (complimentary access).
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card holders (must be on a Delta Air Lines ticket).
- Walk up ($45 / passenger, must have a same day boarding pass).
- Pre book ($40 / passenger, must have same day boarding pass, pre book 24 hours before).
First Impressions
Upon reaching the lounge entrance, two attendants were working the desk. After presenting boarding passes and the American Express Platinum Card entry was granted. The lounge is arranged in a cozy yet welcoming space consisting of lounge chairs, high top seating, a buffet and bar area. Furniture was clean and in working order. Overall the theme of the lounge was modern yet cozy. Plenty of seats were open this morning with plug outlets at almost every seat.
Buffet Options
During this particular visit the buffet was in transition from breakfast to lunch. This awarded the opportunity to try out both buffet selections. Breakfast options included oatmeal, hardboiled eggs, cinnamon bagels and a fruit thyme salad. Coffee, tea and orange juice were also available. Lunch buffet selections included shrimp salad, turkey baguettes, truffle hummus and an antipasti board. For a smaller lounge, the selection was large and diverse.
Final Boarding Call
The Escape Lounge Columbus exceed expectations in many aspects. For what the lounge lacks in size, it greatly makes up in amenities. There was more than enough seats available with power outlets at almost every seat. Furniture was in good shape and was nearly spotless. Both breakfast and lunch options at the buffet had a wide selection of options exceeding that of some mainline airline lounges. Staff working throughout the lounge were personable and were proactive in ensuring dirty plate ware was cleared off tables. Even when compared to a recent visit in the Centurion Lounge Philadelphia the Escape Lounge Columbus offers a stellar lounge experience.