Guide to Edinburgh (EDI) Airport Lounges [Updated Apr 2025]
Edinburgh Airport, situated in Scotland's bustling capital city, offers several premium lounge options to ensure your journey begins in comfort and style.
Our guide will provide you with all the information you need to find your ideal pre-flight relaxation spot - whether it’s the Plaza Premium Lounge, the Aspire Lounge (Gate 16), or the brand-new Escape Lounge opening in May 2025.
Most of the lounges covered here are accessible to all, regardless of their airline status or class of travel.
Introduction to Edinburgh International Airport
Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling over 14 million passengers annually. Located just six miles west of the city of Edinburgh, the airport is the gateway to Scotland's capital city, as well as the surrounding area.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to its origins as a Royal Air Force base before being converted to a commercial airport in the 1940s. Today, it is a modern and efficient airport, with state-of-the-art facilities and excellent transport links to and from the city.
Whether you're a business traveller, a tourist visiting Edinburgh's many attractions, or simply passing through on your way to another destination, Edinburgh Airport offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience in a welcoming Scottish setting.
Plaza Premium Lounge
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport offers an exceptional travel experience. The interior, decked with traditional Scottish accents and local artwork, creates a sense of tranquillity. You can even sip on an exclusive gin cocktail created by Edinburgh Gin while enjoying views of the runway and Edinburgh Hill.
Location: Turn right after passport control and walk to the far end of the terminal, turning left just before Brewdog. The lounge is located on Level 2, accessible by using the staircase or lift near Gate 16, Level 1.
Hours: Over the winter, the lounge will have the following opening hours:
Monday: 04:00 - 22:00
Tuesday: 04:00 - 21:00
Wednesday: 04:00 - 22:00
Thursday: 04:00 - 21:00
Friday: 04:00 - 21:30
Saturday: 04:00 - 21:30
Sunday: 04:00 - 22:00
(Note: Check current hours before travel as these may vary seasonally)
Amenities: Food & Beverage (including British and International Cuisines), vegetarian options, gluten free options, complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks, complimentary selection of beer and wines, baby changing station, flight information display, kids play area, interactive area, computer station, Wi-Fi. Note that there are no toilet facilities in this lounge.
How to access:
Buy a flexible lounge pass with LoungePair, which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from £45 (US$58) per person.
You may have access depending on your status or class of ticket when travelling with Delta or United.
Access is offered to American Express Platinum and select Diners Club and Capital One cardholders, and those with Priority Pass or DragonPass membership.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free with an adult.
Contact: +44 0131 348 4731
Escape Lounge (Opening May 2025)
Replacing the former Aspire Lounge at Gate 4, the brand-new Escape Lounge is set to open its doors in May 2025, operated by CAVU. It promises a taste of Scotland with locally inspired food and drink in a comfortable, Edinburgh-inspired setting. Pre-booking is now available.
Location: On the lower level, next to Gate 4 and the British Airways Lounge.
Hours: Daily 04:00 - 22:00 (from opening in May 2025). Access available 3 hours prior to scheduled flight departure time.
Amenities: Freshly prepared hot and cold food (including gluten-free and vegan options), complimentary soft and alcoholic beverages (including barista coffee, draft beer, wine, cocktails), ultra-fast Wi-Fi, charging ports, print/scan/copy services, PressReader access, comfortable seating, dining area, bar.
How to access:
Pre-book online from £39.99 per adult (16+) during off-peak.
Walk-in access available for £45.00 per person (subject to availability).
Access included for DragonPass, Priority Pass, and Lounge Key members.
Children: Under 3 years are admitted free with an adult.
Aspire Lounge Gate 16
Located in the north-east of the terminal above Pret a Manger, the Aspire Lounge at Gate 16 is easily accessible for all gates and offers stunning views of the airport runway and Edinburgh. This lounge is especially well-suited to those with flights from gates 12-29. The lounge combines comfort and convenience, with work booths for business travellers and a dedicated family booth area for leisure travellers.
Location: Once you have passed through Security and Duty Free, take a right and head towards Gate 16. The lounge is located in the north-east of the terminal above the Pret a Manger.
Hours: The lounge currently operates from 04:30 to 20:00 Sunday-Friday, and 04:30 to 19:00 on Saturday.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, champagne available, charging facilities, hot food, cold and hot drinks, toilet facilities, complimentary draught lager.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from £43.99. Children from 2-11 years old are cheaper at £29.99. You may also have access depending on your status or class of ticket when travelling with Air France, Finnair, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic. Access is also offered to those with DragonPass or Priority Pass membership.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
British Airways Lounge
The British Airways lounge is the dedicated departure lounge for customers flying on a scheduled British Airways flight in First, business (Club World or Club Europe), or who are Silver or Gold Members of the British Airways Executive Club or Emerald or Sapphire members of any of the oneworld airline frequent flyer programs. This is not a paid access lounge, so will not be available for general access.
Location: Within the Main Departures Area, After Security.
Hours: This lounge operates daily from 05:00 to 20:30.
Amenities: Complimentary food and beverages, snacks, hot food, vegetarian options, alcoholic beverages, champagne, business center, wheelchair access, air conditioning, restrooms, flight information screens, free WiFi, Ethernet connection, TVs, and reading materials.
How to access: You may have access to this lounge depending on your status or class of ticket when travelling with American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Qatar Airways.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lounges are there at Edinburgh Airport?
There are currently three open airport lounges at Edinburgh Airport: The Plaza Premium Lounge, Aspire Lounge Gate 16, and the British Airways Lounge. A new Escape Lounge is opening in May 2025 at Gate 4.
Who can use Aspire Lounge in Edinburgh Airport?
The Aspire Lounge at Gate 16 is accessible to all travellers, regardless of airline or travel class. Access can be gained either by purchasing a pass, having certain types of airline status or class of ticket, or through membership schemes such as DragonPass and Priority Pass.
Can you pay for Aspire Lounge?
Yes, you can pay for access to the Aspire Lounge Gate 16 at Edinburgh Airport. You can purchase access through Lounge Pass, with adult prices (aged 12+) from £44.
How much is the Aspire Lounge at Edinburgh Airport?
For the Aspire Lounge at Gate 16, access starts from £43.99 for adults and £29.99 for children aged 2-11 years. Please note that these prices are subject to change based on travelling season and it's always best to check the current rates before your travel.
What happened to the Aspire Lounge at Gate 4?
The Aspire Lounge at Gate 4 closed in November 2024. The space is reopening as the brand-new Escape Lounge, operated by CAVU, in May 2025.
Can I pre-book the new Escape Lounge?
Yes, pre-booking for the Escape Lounge (opening May 2025) is now available via LoungePair, with prices starting from £39.99.
What is the best lounge at Edinburgh Airport?
The "best" lounge depends on your priorities (location, amenities, cost, access method). The Plaza Premium Lounge is relatively new with good amenities. The Aspire Lounge at Gate 16 offers runway views and specific airline partnerships. The upcoming Escape Lounge aims to provide a strong local flavour. The British Airways lounge is exclusive to eligible BA and oneworld passengers. Consider your gate location, budget, and desired atmosphere.
Summing up
Whether you're looking to get some work done, relax with locally inspired food and drink, or just enjoy the exclusive offerings, the lounges at Edinburgh Airport offer a variety of experiences tailored to your needs. With the addition of the new Escape Lounge in May 2025, travellers have even more choice. Make your travel journey more enjoyable by booking a spot and start your trip off in style and comfort.
And if you’re lucky enough to have membership with Priority Pass, DragonPass or Lounge Key, or are an American Express Platinum, Diners Club or Capital One cardholder, you could potentially access multiple lounges (check specific access rules for each lounge and membership).
