The Escape Lounge at Minneapolis – St. Paul airport reminds me of an international lounge, but at a fraction of the cost. With expanded food and beverage options I’ve found myself choosing the Escape Lounge at MSP over any other airline lounge. The lounge at MSP is not as large as other lounges, but at 5,000 square feet there is plenty of room to sit back and relax before a flight. Most importantly, because the Escape Lounge is a privately owned lounge you can access the space when flying with any airline when departing from terminal 1.
How To Access the Escape Lounge at MSP Airport
The Escape Lounge at MSP is operated by the Escape Lounges network. Anyone is permitted to enter at any point in time by visiting the Escape Lounges website (linked prior) and purchasing a pass. The cost of a day pass is $40 if purchases prior to arriving or $45 at the door.
Additionally, the Escape Lounge at the MSP airport is a member of the Priority Pass network. Anyone carrying a Priority Pass membership card can access the Escape Lounges, but you must have your priority pass card (or mobile card) to present at the door. When checking into the lounge you are typically required to present the priority pass card, a valid same day boarding pass, and a valid photo ID.
I personally recommend anyone based in a Delta Air Lines hub to open the American Express Platinum card because it grants access to Delta Sky Clubs and priority pass lounges alike. Otherwise, consider opening a card that offers complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership.
Escape Lounge MSP Amenities
When compared to traditional airline lounges such as Delta Sky Clubs, the amenities offered at the MSP Escape Lounge are overall better. As you’d find at nearly every lounge there is complimentary beer, wine, and champagne. There is also a full service bar that offers ‘premium’ alcoholic beverages for purchase. The Escape Lounge also offers several non-alcoholic options if you don’t feel like having a drink before a long flight. Refreshments include canned soda, bottled still and sparkling water, and coffee/tea stations.
Food options at the Escape Lounge really set this lounge apart from traditional airline lounges. The lounge features a wide variety of cold snacks which include fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. While also offering several hot options like sliders, wraps, and warm desserts. I typically do not try to substitute meals with lounge snacks, but you very well could at the Escape Lounge.
The Escape Lounge also offers a wide variety of seating options for either groups or individuals. There is a shared TV section of the lounge, a more traditional dining area, and a secluded workspace area. The lounge isn’t nearly as large as the central Delta Sky Club at MSP, but I’ve never seen the lounge above 70% capacity or so. Although the Escape Lounge is open to the public, its hidden entrance and lack of advertising make it more difficult to find that other airline lounges.
Really the only downside to the entire lounge is the lack of restrooms. Restrooms are located outside of the lounge area which is somewhat inconvenient, but by no means ruins the experience.
Delta Sky Club or Escape Lounge?
I don’t know if I would pay $40 to access the lounge unless needed to get some work done. The Escape Lounge offers plenty of workspaces and complimentary WiFi to help you stay productive on the road. However, if I had access to the Escape Lounge via a Priority Pass membership (which I do thanks to the American Express Platinum card) I’d always choose the Escape Lounge over a Sky Club.
I love Delta Sky Clubs, but generally they are significantly more crowded than the Escape Lounge. Also the food options are far superior at the Escape Lounge than those currently offered from the Delta Sky Clubs. The only reason I’d ever avoid going to the Escape Lounge is if I had a tight connection in a far away gate. MSP is a linear airport meaning the distance from one location to your gate is often a very far walk.
Final Thoughts
I can’t believe how many times I’ve been to MSP airport without evening knowing the Escape Lounge existed. The limited branding throughout the terminal makes the lounge difficult to locate if you’ve never been before. Once you’re in though you’ll find an improved lounge experience over traditional airline lounges. Each time I visit the Escape Lounge I’m impressed by the food and beverage options offered. It’s hard to believe this lounge is free with a Priority Pass Membership given how nice it is. It is the perfect place to refuel before a long flight and void the chaos that is MSP Terminal 1.
