Pleasantly surprised and with a bag full of chocolate, I walk happily out of the Aspire lounge.
Aspire Lounge Helsinki
For our flight from Helsinki, I have access to the Aspire Lounge. There are two Aspire lounges at Helsinki Airport: one near Gate 13 and one just after security at Gate 27. Since the lounge just after security is closed, I have to rely on the lounge near Gate 13.
Although I am a big fan of the Helsinki airport – it is modern and clean – on my way to the lounge, I notice that the lounge at Gate 27 is in the old part of the airport. The sleek wood gives way to yellowed steel pipes and everything looks dated.
So once I arrived at the lounge, I was skeptical based on the exterior appearance.
Priority Pass Helsinki Airport
Once inside, one notices that the lounge is not large and, due to the crowds, almost full. The different seating areas – chairs are back to back – do provide separation, but it is not atmospheric.
What stands out positively is that the food looks fresh and there is Karl Fazer chocolate, a well-known (and delicious) brand from Finland.
Access Aspire Lounge Helsinki
I gain access to the lounge with my Priority Pass, but there are more ways to enter the lounge. The memberships below will give you access to the lounge.
- Priority Pass
A Priority Pass membership gets you into this Aspire lounge. The one at Gate 27 is also accessible with this. - Loungekey and Dragonpass
Loungekey and DragonPass memberships also get you access. Although I haven’t seen DragonPass come up before, LoungeKey is widely accepted. - Buy access
Buying access is also possible, but on the expensive side. You pay ~40 euros for 3 hours of admission.
Location Aspire Lounge Gate 13 Helsinki
As the name suggests, you will find the Aspire Lounge Gate 13 near Gate 13. This is the older part of the airport.
Food and drink Aspire Lounge Helsinki
The food and drinks in the Aspire lounge are very good. Beyond expectations even. After a lesser experience in Copenhagen, I am pleasantly surprised with the food in Helsinki.
Although there is not much choice, what there is is good quality. These include fresh soup, a couscous or potato salad, hummus, salad or bread with a slice of meat or cheese. Snacks and chocolates are also well stocked in the lounge.
Drinks consist of the usual soft drinks, wine, spirits, or coffee and tea for those who want something a little less strong.
Working at Helsinki Airport
The Aspire lounge has a couple of tables you can sit at to work, but it is not specially equipped for it. Wifi is available, but I personally choose to use my hotspot in Helsinki, purely for convenience and security.
If you do use the Wi-Fi network, make sure you secure your connection with a VPN.
Shower & toilet Aspire lounge Helsinki
Showers are not available in the Aspire lounge. Toilets are, although that is all. There is a small area with four unisex toilets and they are on the small side.
Conclusion Aspire lounge Helsinki
The Aspire Lounge at Helsinki airport is not special by any means, but it is a pleasant place to spend (a short time) before your flight. The food is better than in many other lounges, despite not having much choice.
It is a pity that the lounge at Gate 27 is not open, as the lounge at Gate 13 is promising, and from the outside, the lounge at Gate 27 looks bigger and more modern. Nevertheless, the Aspire Lounge Gate 13 is fine in any case.
