Chennai Airport (MAA) Lounge Guide
Chennai International Airport (MAA) serves as a major gateway to South India, handling over 22 million passengers annually.
For travelers seeking a respite from the bustling terminals, the airport offers several lounges across its domestic and international terminals.
These lounges provide a range of amenities to enhance your pre-flight experience, from comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments to Wi-Fi and shower facilities.
Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, Chennai Airport's lounges cater to various needs and preferences, offering a touch of luxury and tranquility before your journey.
Introduction to Chennai Airport
Serving as the primary international gateway for South India, Chennai International Airport (MAA) is a bustling hub that handled over 18 million passengers in the last year.
It is the sixth busiest airport in India and third busiest airport for international traffic in India.
Located in Tirusulam, approximately 4.4 kilometers from the city center, and 21km from Chennai, the airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations, with plans to increase its capacity to 35 million passengers annually through the development of new integrated terminal buildings.
With its strategic location and growing importance, Chennai Airport offers several lounges across its domestic and international terminals, providing travelers with comfortable spaces to relax, work, or refresh before their flights.
TFS Travel Club Lounges
TFS Travel Club Lounge. Courtesy of cardexpert.in
Two TFS Travel Club Lounges are available in Terminal 1 for domestic travelers - one near Gate 1 on the 3rd floor across from Gates 1-3, and another near Gate 5 on the 3rd floor. Both lounges are open 24 hours and provide amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, digital newspapers via PressReader, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi.
The international TFS Travel Club Lounge is located in the new Integrated Terminal Building (NITB-T2, or Terminal 2). The lounge is on the 2nd floor after security. This 24-hour lounge offers similar amenities to its domestic counterparts, with the addition of shower facilities for long-haul travelers.
TFS Travel Club Lounge (Terminal 1, Domestic)
Description and Facilities
The TFS Travel Club Lounges in Terminal 1 provide a peaceful environment separate from the busy terminal. They offer complimentary food and beverages, digital newspapers, and magazines accessible through the PressReader app. The lounges are air-conditioned and have comfortable seating. Additionally, both lounges feature free Wi-Fi and charging points for electronic devices.
Location and Directions
There are two TFS Travel Club Lounges in Terminal 1:
Near Gate 1: After security, take the elevator to the 3rd Floor. The lounge is located across from Gates 1-3.
Near Gate 5: After security, the lounge is located on the 3rd floor near gate 5.
Opening Hours
Both lounges are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Price of Access
Access is complimentary for eligible credit card holders and members of certain lounge programs. For others, paid access is available online from INR 1700 (US$20) p/p.
TFS Travel Club Lounge (Terminal 2, International)
Description and Facilities
The international TFS Travel Club Lounge in Terminal 2 offers similar amenities to its domestic counterparts, including complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. It also provides shower facilities for refreshing before long-haul flights.
Location and Directions
Located after Security Checks, 2nd Floor.
Opening Hours
This lounge is open 24 hours a day.
Price of Access
Access is complimentary for eligible credit card holders and lounge program members. Paid access is available for other travellers on walk-up to the lounge.
Some airlines use this lounge for their Business Class passengers and eligible frequent flyer program members, such as oneworld member airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, and SriLankan Airlines.
TFS Travel Club Lounge (Terminal 4, International)
The TFS Travel Club Lounge previously located in Terminal 4 (International) at Chennai Airport is no longer available in its original location. Terminal 4 has been repurposed for domestic flights as part of the airport's modernisation project. Currently, TFS Travel Club Lounges are operating in Terminal 1, which handles domestic traffic. International passengers should note that TFS Travel Club lounge facilities are now available in the new Terminal 2, which has become the primary terminal for international flights.
Travellers are advised to check the latest terminal information and lounge locations before their journey, as the airport continues to undergo changes as part of its expansion plans.
Air India Maharajah Lounge (Terminal 4, Domestic)
As of 2024, Air India does not operate a dedicated Maharaja Lounge at Chennai Airport. Instead, premium passengers and eligible cardholders can access the new Travel Club lounge in Terminal 2, which serves as a contract lounge for multiple airlines. This modern facility offers separate sections for business/first class passengers and pay-per-use customers, with a capacity for about 450 passengers. Further information is available on Air India’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chennai airport have lounges?
Yes, Chennai International Airport (MAA) has several lounges across its terminals:
Terminal 1 (Domestic): Two TFS Travel Club Lounges, open 24 hours
Terminal 2 (International): TFS Travel Club Lounge, open 24 hours
These lounges offer amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and access to Press Reader.
Does Chennai airport have sleeping pods?
Chennai Airport introduced sleeping pods in 2022 in a facility called "Sleepzo" in the domestic terminal's arrival hall, near baggage belt number 1. The facility consisted of four bed-sized capsules. However, as of the date of writing, it is unclear whether these sleeping pods are still available. The website for the operator is no longer functional, which raises uncertainty about the current status of this service. Travelers interested in using sleeping pods at Chennai Airport should check with the airport directly for the most up-to-date information.
How much time can I spend in Chennai airport lounge?
The maximum stay duration in Chennai Airport lounges typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours. However, this can vary depending on the specific lounge and your access method. For example:
TFS Travel Club Lounges generally allow a maximum stay of 3 hours.
Some credit card programs or lounge memberships may have different time limits.
It's always best to check the specific terms of your lounge access, as policies can change and may vary between lounges.
Which debit cards have lounge access in Chennai airport?
Several Indian banks offer debit cards with complimentary lounge access at Chennai Airport. Some of these include:
The specific lounges accessible and the number of complimentary visits can vary. Always check with your bank for the most up-to-date information on your card's lounge access benefits.
Which cards are accepted at Chennai airport lounge for free?
Various credit and debit cards offer complimentary access to Chennai Airport lounges. These typically include:
Premium credit cards from major issuers like American Express, Diners Club, and Mastercard
Certain airline co-branded credit cards
Priority Pass, DragonPass, and Lounge Key memberships (often provided as a benefit with premium credit cards)
Select debit cards from Indian banks (as mentioned in the answer above)
For the TFS Travel Club Lounges, access is complimentary for eligible credit card holders and members of certain lounge programs. The Air India Maharajah Lounge typically provides free access to Air India Business Class passengers and eligible frequent flyer program members. At this stage, there is no operational Air India Maharajah Lounge at Chennai International Airport.
Always check your card's benefits or contact your card issuer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on lounge access privileges.
Summary: Chennai International Airport Lounges
Airport lounges at Chennai International Airport offer a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and business facilities.
Each lounge is strategically located within the airport for easy access to your departure gate.
Whether you're a frequent flyer or a sporadic traveller, consider enhancing your travel experience by enjoying the comforts of these lounges. They provide a perfect retreat to refresh, recharge, and prepare for your journey ahead.
Remember to check your credit card benefits or consider purchasing access to make the most of your time at Chennai International Airport.
Safe travels!