Prologue:
After my early arrival at IAD I was ready to visit a few lounges there. My connecting flight to EWR would be a short one scheduled for about 1 hr. but in reality it might be less than that.As soon as I arrived I took the connecting train to the Int. terminal for my visit to the Turkish Airlines lounge.
I have fond memories of this place as a small but well catered spot at IAD. What impact did covid19 have on this lounge? It was safe to expect changes but the question is how drastic will they be?
The attendant at the front welcomed me when I presented my TK Gold card and it was nice to find that the place was kind of empty.
Juices were self serve and available. However the coffee machine was not operating and there was a sign asking people to go to the one at the bar in the back.
The "buffet" looks deficient. Let's see what we have for breakfast.
Boiled eggs on arugula.
Yogurts.
Wrapped muffins.
View from the hallway going to the back of the lounge where the bar is located.
Few seats along the windows.
The bar.
Breakfast.
WC's were individual. Shower was temporarily closed.
At the main sitting area there is a staircase leading up to a "secret" room.
The nice agent said that this was a "VIP" area and allowed me to take a take a look. It's a comfortable space away from the noise below.
UA Club by C7
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There was a line of people waiting for the lounge to open. Agents were friendly and efficient.
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Buffet.
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Children's snacks???? First time I see these in a UA lounge. How innovative. :P
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Bar.
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UA Club by D8.
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This was the other UA Club that was open at IAD. Guests had to take an elevator to go to the basement to access the seating area. I did not stay here for long. I asked for a better seat for my EWR flight and the agent gave me an EMERG EXIT window.
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FA was at the door handing out wipes. Today's flight was scheduled to be about 47 min. and an announcement was made that there will be no service and if pax needed something to please ring the call button.
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My seat 21F. The ride was a bit turbulent and I was tired and jetlagged so I placed my head against the window and closed my eyes. I started to feel a bit nauseated from the choppy ride.
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Taxiing out.
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Bye IAD.
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I rang the button for a bottle of water and the FA brought it to me immediately.
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Landing in EWR.
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There were 2 pilots in the aisle seats of row 21. I felt so safe. :P
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========== Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) - ==========
========== Turkish Airlines Lounge ==========
========== United Club ==========
========== United Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Newark Liberty Intl Arpt (EWR) - ==========
Summary:
I switched my SFO-EWR flight to this SFO-IAD-EWR to seat in a Premium Econ. cabin that luckily was sold as Econ. and check out the lounges at IAD.It's sad to see how much the TK lounge has cut back. Even the one at MIA offered more food than this one. Before covid the TK IAD lounge was considered the best in terms of catering at IAD and was always full. I passed by the AF lounge and inquired about the one day pass which was USD 50. I did not have enough time to spend at IAD and still had to visit the other UA Clubs so I declined. From what I've read lots of Priority Pass members say that the AF lounge is the best at IAD now.
The flight was short and uneventful. Due to its short duration no service was offered but I appreciate that the FA was available to answer the call buttons and bring me a bottle of water.
20 Comments
ReplyNice layout for the lounge but damn.. Not even close to MIA buffet.. Go figure.
Another great report my friend. Thanks ;)
Really inconsistent and disappointing. I believe the Turkish lounge @ IAD is managed by Primeclass.
ReplyWhat a weak lounges, hope it gets better later this year. See you soon and thank you for sharing.
There is no incentive to arrive earlier at airports anymore. Crossing my fingers too.
ReplyA rather sad sight both in the air and on the ground. Many thanks Adan for this report.
I travel with extra Kleenex just in case. :P
ReplyHi Adan!
What a pity to see the TK lounge like that...
A short but nice flight.
Thank you for sharing my friend
It's heartbreaking that it went from one of the best lounges at IAD to this. At least there are kid's snacks at the UA Club to help you swallow the bitterness. ;)
ReplyI was expecting more from TK much less from UA! Gracias amigo!
Covid has turned expectations upside down. C'est la vie!
ReplyHey Adan, thanks for this nice report, glad to see your entertaining review, as always.
Thanks for your visit and comment. Stay tune for the last segment. ;)
ReplyHi Adan
Seems to me that the TK lounge is not as bad as my friends above have found it.
thanks for the spotting and for this TR
hasta la bye bye
It's relative. If we talk about catering before covid this lounge had a very impressive buffet. Now it is just depressing compared to what it was at its peak. However the place is not that big but pretty comfortable and well designed.
ReplyWoof Adan,,
The following flight !
And a nice comparison of the lounges. It's a pity to see how catering is cut. Not sure frequent travelers are convinced. (I wouldn't be^^)
Beautiful picture from your window seat;)
Thanks, JetSetPanda, for this interesting report.
ReplyMany thanks for this short trip.
Thanks for visiting.
ReplyThank you for this report. Nice pictures. Lounge is great.
The TK lounge is a good place to relax. Too bad that the food is not up to par.
Thanks for visiting.
ReplyHi Jetsetpanda,
Thank you for sharing.
Alex
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