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If you are a Delta flyer you have very few options in Minneapolis. When it comes to lounges you have two Delta Sky Clubs to choose from. While I like both clubs in MSP, neither of them have showers which is really frustrating for such a huge Delta international gateway hub.
During the past year, Delta has really improved the Sky Club experience systemwide. For example, they are now sourcing local craft beers and even offer much improved food choices (including new buffets at some clubs in ATL & JFK). I have tested and found wifi speeds are dramatically better than in the past and they have even added passwords to protect unauthorized use. Overall the Sky Clubs are one of the areas Delta can be proud of and should be commended for #KeepClimbing improvements.
But now in MSP Delta will see some competition in the lounge space in 2016. According to ARN we learn that Manchester Airport Group (MAG) is going to open a:
“5,000-square-foot Escape Lounge on the mezzanine level at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP).”
And ARN then quoted Rosemarie Andolino, president and CEO of M.A.G.-USA who says:
“”The Escape Lounge at MSP will be our flagship lounge and will provide the airport’s passengers with an opportunity to begin their travel in the most enjoyable and relaxing manner possible.” – BOLD MINE
That sounds amazing! It will be good to have another lounge choice in MSP airport. I have reviewed two of the Escape lounges in Manchester airport this summer HERE and HERE and was less than blown away by either of the two experiences. The latter lounge I would, in fact, actively avoid.
The nice part for US travelers is that this is open to anyone for $45 and should, from all I am seeing, be part of the Priority Pass lounge network.
The Platinum Card® from American Express <—LINK
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN <—LINK
By holding either of the non-Delta AMEX Platinum cards above you get free Priority Pass Select membership (as long as you are a card member) and get access free of charge.
How will this new lounge compare to the other Escape lounges? I reached out to MAG and no additional information was provided for this post. Unless “flagship lounge” means something more than the other lounges in the network, we are talking about some free drinks (including wine and beer) and some food and snack items with other items for purchase. Also free Wifi and newspapers and such.
At this point, with all the BIG improvements to the Sky Clubs, I would rather spend my time there. As long as you are flying Delta Air Lines, the non-Delta Amex Platinum cards also gets into the Sky Club free the day of travel. However, if you are not flying Delta this new Escape could be a good alternative and I look forward to the grand opening next year.
I will hold off on opinions until I see the space, but I hope they do this right. I hope they consider showers and other high end amenities and I would be so excited if they really challenge the Sky Clubs like the AMEX Centurion lounges do wherever they open new locations (other than in SEA that is). – Rene
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It would be TERRIFIC if the ESCAPE lounge is very nice, since we are seldom trending on Delta these days. But I really wish they would open one in Denver – that place is a wasteland for lounges.
Will this lounge be ground-side/pre-security. If so, not very useful. If airside, would probably kill off the (dismal) United Club at MSP
@MSPpete – Airside by the looks of it.
The best kept secret at msp is the pga lounge. $10 to enter. Incredibly quiet, spacious, and with a putting green.