Lounge Review: Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
The Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo is one of a handfull lounges operated by Star Alliance. All other lounges are either operated by the member airlines of third parties. Personally, I’d say that the Star Alliance makes a good job with its lounges in Sao Paulo!
All Star Alliance lounges are located at hubs of major competitors. In case of the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo this is TAM, a former member of Star Alliance. The Star Alliance Lounge Paris for example is located at the hub of Air France. The access criteria is straightforward with Star Alliance Gold members on an international Star Alliance flight (there are no domestic flights in this terminal) as well as everyone holding a Star Alliance Business Class oder First Class ticket is granted access.
Star Alliance Gold, Business and First Class passengers can access the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
The Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo is in the same area as all other airline lounges in Sao Paulo, one level above the shopping and gate area. To get there you just have to get up with an escalator shortly after security. Be aware that the gates are approximately five to ten minutes away.
Seating in the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
The Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo pretty much consists of two massive rooms. There’s a wall between the areas at the buffet area, but they are not really seperated further away from the buffet.
The larger room of the lounges comes with several dining tables
Upon entering, you find yourself in the bigger room of the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo. As the whole lounge is open air (as much as this description is right for still being inside a building) and thus feels even more spacious. The room comes with several areas with different seating styles.
You can find several dining tables, some high-top seating as well as more comfortable seating by the glass wall. While there are also some armchairs, the smaller room in the back of the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo is more meant to be the relaxation area.
To the back of the lounge, you can find a relaxation zone
There are set-ups for watching TV, lounging as well an area with angled chairs for a nap. Sadly, the Star Alliance Lounge lacks a proper detached room with sleeping areas.
The lounge only has views of the terminal
Besides that, I really like the design, which makes the lounge a beautiful place to hang out, have a snack and get some work done prior to your flight.
Buffet of the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
It’s worth noting that I visited the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo past midnight for a 3am departure on Turkish Airlines. Thus, I’m not sure whether the buffet spread is more substantial at other times.
Buffet of the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
Yet, the offerings of the Star Alliance Lounge where perfectly fine for that time of the day. There was a very nice selection of sandwiches, croissants, salads and veggies. In addition, there was a hot soup available.
There is also a set-up with two past options, two sauces and cheese. Several whole fruits alongside a few dessert options rounded up the buffet. The drink selection ranged from juices to water, softdrinks, wine and beer to spirits.
The options available were medium-range quality, but okay for a Business Class lounge.
Entertainment in the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
The Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo offers a decent choice of entertainment options.
There’s a nice little business center in the lounge
There’s a business ccenter with a couple of windows computers, which were reasonable quick. In addition, there are international newspapers available at the reception desk.
You may also enjoy watching an international news channel on one of the TVs in the lounge. Surely, the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo also offers quick and easy to use (and log-in) Wi-Fi.
If you are looking for a refresh, the Star Alliance Lounge also has shower rooms available upon request. There was no queue when I visited the lounge and the shower was nice.
Bottom line Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo
The Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo is a great option for international flyers departing from Sao Paulo on a Star Alliance airline. The design of the lounge is stunning and the open air feeling makes it look even more spacious. I’m quite sure you’ll also find some seating of your preference in the lounge. The buffet could have some more substantial hot options taking into account this is an international lounge, which also caters First Class passengers of Lufthansa. The entertainment options are good and the Wi-Fi is quick. Overall, I’d say that the Star Alliance Lounge Sao Paulo is a good spot to spend your time prior boarding your flight.
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