Menzies Aurora T5 Stockholm Arlanda Lounge
Of all the lounges at Stockholm Arlanda the Menzies Aurora Terminal 2 lounge is one of the worst.
Small, with poor facilities, the food is minimal, the bar basic, there are few seats, it is frequently overcrowded, and there isn't much of an outside view.
Alas, with the move of oneworld into Terminal 5, it is the lounge of choice for British Airways and Qatar Airways. Indeed, when these flights overlap, the overcrowding is so extreme, potential passengers are sent elsewhere.
This lounge is also known as the Pearl Lounge T5 Stockholm Arlanda, and the Norsken Lounge ARN Terminal 5. It's all the same small lounge, that changes it's name according to the airline.
Stockholm Arlanda Menzies Aurora Terminal 5 lounge review
The utterly depressing Menzies Aurora Lounge at Stockholm Arlanda in Terminal 2 should be a delight: after all, it's a nice airport, and tbis lounge is used by many large airlines as their go to lounge for Business Class passengers. Set your expectations low.
However, the lounge should be good, and it seems welcoming: you access it by the three lifts, or the staircase at the corner of the terminal, where the one arm goes out, and further round you can walk around to the other half of Terminal 2. Heading up, there is all the SAS branding, and it looks cool, swish, and very Scandinavian. It is not
Turn right on exiting the lift, and instead you can see the queue to enter the Menzies Aurora T2 Stockholm Arlanda Lounge, plus how, due to the overcrowding, you are unlikely to be able to enter the lounge today.
If you do make it in the door, you'll find one large room, with a semi-circular barrier around the bar and food area. At the end of this room is a quiet room, there are a row of seats on the left, while on the wall side there are a couple of inset seats and table sets into the pine wall.
By the entrance are three tables, and it is here there is the only view of the airfield. Indeed, these tables, by the reception desk, are the only pleasant places in the lounge.
At the far end of the lounge is another small room, with tables arranged just so you can't look out.
Finally at the far end of the corridor are a rack of left bag lockers that are never used, and one small chair, almost left there in desperation for people who are desperate to sit down in the lounge.
And that's it - a small depressing lounge, with few facilities, that would seem out of place in a small outpost, but certainly odd in a place like Stockholm
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Food
There is food in the Menzies Aurora T2 Stockholm Arlanda Lounge, but it isn't very good, and goes very quickly.There is some basic hot food in the tub with staples like curry and rice.
In the cold tray are cold cuts of ham, and cheese.
When the Qatar flight leaves, there is a circular table with hot soup, rolls and cheese.
Bar
The bar is equally basic, with beer on draft - along with wine on draft too, with two options. Red or white.No spirits.
Basic soft drinks are in the fridge under the counter.
Business Facilities
None.Wifi from the airports own supply.
Bathrooms
Very basic, with just two cubicals, one for gents and one for ladies. It can be far faster to leave and re enter the lounge.Access
Many airlines use this lounge as their lounge: including BA and Qatar. When the Qatar and BA flight leaves, the lounge is seriously overcrowded, and pay in customers are not permitted. Amazingly even Emirates, Delta and Turkish also use this lounge, and in summer it's packed and woeful.
At this time, many eligible customers are sent to the Schengen lounge in another terminal, which means going through passport control, and back again.
Video: Menzies Aurora T5 Lounge
Overcrowded
Poor food