There is a new winner of Priority Pass Lounge of the Year for 2011 – and it’s the first time in the award’s seven year history that it’s gone to an airport lounge outside the Americas.
The winner is Finnair Lounge in Helsinki’s Terminal 2, which takes the accolade ahead of over 1,500+ other lounges worldwide in the Priority Pass program.
The award is based on over 40,000 ratings made by Priority Pass members from all over the world; these are frequent flyers who visit airport lounges on a very regular basis and connoisseurs of what makes for good service.
The winning lounge, which is operated by SSP Finland, offers a wide selection of drinks and snacks, together with a buffet serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a spacious facility and, as well as the usual comfortable seating and work areas, it has six private shower suites and luggage storage – ideal for those with long-haul layovers.
Next to the lounge is a spa offering treatments designed to combat the side-effects of flying, and including a steam room, four saunas and a stone bath.
As well as the main award, Priority Pass members also awarded the Finnair Lounge the “Best Business Facilities” title.
“The Finnair Lounge is a deserved winner with innovative design and facilities matched by high standards in refreshments and an excellent, peaceful atmosphere.” commented Jonathan French, Priority Pass Head of Brand.
“We are really pleased to win this award. The SSP lounge team works very hard to make every visitor feel welcome and to have an enjoyable experience at Helsinki Airport.” said Anneli Taskinen-Lintula, SSP Finland’s Director of Partnership Relations and Lounge Operations.
A total of 16 other awards were made including these regional winners outside Europe:
Middle East / Africa: Dilmun Lounge, Bahrain
North America: Alaska Airline Board Room, Seattle
Latin America / Caribbean: SUMAQ VIP Lounge & Business Center, Lima
Asia Pacific: Asiana Lounge, Incheon Airport, Seoul