Erste Prague Lounge

The Prague Airport Erste Premier Lounge is probably the nicest of the lounges in the Schengen Area.

Much larger than the Menzies lounge it can also get unseasonably packed in summer.

There are two areas, both very similar, two bars, snacks and sandwiches, a small VIP room, and a children's area.

Compared to sitting in the very dull airport terminal, it is a delight, particularly if you are into Pilsner.

Prague Erste Premium lounge review

The Prague Airport Erste Premier Lounge is found in the middle of the terminal, right from security and then follow the signs marked 'Airport Lounges', up the stairs (or the lift) and along the corridor. The central reception area - and also the crossover between the two halves of the lounges - is straight ahead, and processes all the usual Priority Pass cards, or takes credit cards. Next to the reception is a little display with model aircraft for sale.

The Prague Erste Lounge is no gorgeous hideaway, but it's OK if you get there at an off peak time.

There are two main seating areas - one to the left of the entrance, which has windows and a view, and one to the right, which is a big long box, but it's emptier and has a playroom at the far end.

In both of the areas there are enormous seats - really large ones - which are great for curling up and vanishing in, but it makes the lounge seem overly crowded and fussy.

Plus, it's hard to see if there is anyone in a seat, and you have to lean over to have a look.

There are however two long benches beside each of the buffet areas, and these are popular, perhaps too much so, with people having a beer or three. Alas at these benches there are no power sockets, and you also tend to be disturbed by other travellers heading to the fridge for, yes, more beer.

The children's area is at the far end of the right lounge, and has a soft play area with a few toys.

In the left lounge is the Premier Private Lounge, with a closed door. In here - for another 25GBP - you can enjoy a private bar, and a private seat (unless someone else has already booked it).

Food

Get ready for sandwiches if you are in the Prague Erste Lounge.

Each side has a large fridge, with a tray of sandwiches on the top shelf. Options are salami, cheese, or coleslaw. On a sandwich. Yep, tasty.

At breakfast time these are replaced with croissants and two types of cereal.

There is also another tray with the same salami and cheese, just in slices, to nibble on.

A bowl of soup is in the left lounge, with rolls.

There are also two odd dishes with just raw, cold, vegetables, if you like cold peas and carrots.

Another dish with olives, and two with crisps completes the gourmet delights of the Erste Lounge in Terminal 2.

Bar

The bar in the Prague Erste Lounge is basic, but serviceable, and identical on both sides.

In the fridge are bottles of Budvar Pilsner, with light and dark varieties.

There are bottles of red wine on the worktop, plus a large jug of the same red wine (so it can breathe, you know) and white in the fridge.

There are also bottles of spirits - five of them, on optics, including Beefeater gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Whiskey and port.

Most interesting is the bottle of the spirit of the Czechs. It comes in an ornate green bottle.

Called Becherovka its made from a secret recipe based on more than twenty types of herbs. And, at 40%, as lethal as it comes.

Avoid before a flight. Or indeed, just plain avoid.

There is a combined Coke and Fanta fountain.

There is also an illy coffee machine, which makes a decent cappuccino, and tea bag with hot water.

Business Facilities

In the left hand side there is a small business centre with three PCs and a printer. Often, these seats are used as an overflow with people sitting and eating, but not using the computers.

Free wifi.

There is a small magazine rack, with many Czech papers and magazines, but few in English.

Bathrooms

In lounge, by reception, quite small and tired.

Access

Priority Pass, or Loungekey.

Access is also given to Business Class passengers of some airlines, like Swiss, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal.

You can pay for entry if you are in economy. Each person is CZK 720 (25GBP) on the door. Book at prg.aero.

It costs CZK 1,499 for the private room, which only has some marginal benefit: it is in effect the Prague First Class Lounge, with a separate bar and food on request.

Video: Erste Lounge T2

Erste Lounge T2 video - Click to play

Erste Lounge T2 video - Click to play