Your ultimate lounge guide at East Midlands Airport

Everything you need to know before you fly

Plan ahead for a relaxing airport experience

As one of the UK's most bustling hubs, East Midlands Airport (EMA) welcomes over 4 million travellers a year, connecting them to an impressive 75+ global destinations. The airport is divided into three terminals, each serving different airlines and flight types. But if you’re seeking a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle, our airport lounge is an absolute must-visit.

Whether you're a seasoned jetsetter or are embarking on a family adventure, we’ll take you through the unique features and benefits of the lounge, so your journey can start in style and serenity.

Escape Lounge

Retreat from the bustling, busy terminal and indulge in a variety of freshly prepared food options. The complimentary bar offers everything from spirits and wine to barista-style coffee, all included in the cost. With prices starting from just £31.99 per person, this lounge is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their airport experience before their flight.

Escape Lounge is located on the ground level in the main terminal, opposite Gate 17. It’s been designed to cater for all travellers, whether you're a premium passenger or simply looking to elevate your experience. We recommend you book ahead, but there is a pay-at-the-door option (subject to availability).

Feel free to unwind in cosy corners or utilise the quiet workspaces, all while enjoying a complimentary bar and freshly prepared meals crafted with regional ingredients. This lounge is family-friendly and free for children under three, making it an ideal spot for all ages.

Food, glorious food

Booking into an airport lounge means there’s no need to grab a coffee on the go or perch in a corner balancing a sandwich on your lap.

Our Escape Lounge is great for those grumbling bellies, with a wide variety of food and drink to choose from. Our in-house chefs have created a range of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes for breakfast, lunch, or when you just fancy a little something to tide you over before you board. But it's not just about the food; the complimentary bar is a real highlight of booking into a lounge. From a refreshing pint to a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, the Escape Lounge has you covered.

Sit back, relax, and taken a (cabin) load off

Imagine sinking into plush, comfortable seating that whispers relaxation before boarding your flight. From cosy corners to quiet workspaces, every need is covered. 

But what about young families? Or those looking for a livelier atmosphere? The Escape Lounges are an excellent choice; designed with families in mind, they offer a cosy environment that's welcoming and inclusive, with a warm and inviting space.

Fly high on the Wi-Fi

In today's fast-paced world, staying connected is crucial, especially for business travellers. The lounge at East Midlands Airport provides a seamless space where you can blend productivity and relaxation. Whether you're wrapping up a report or streaming Netflix to help keep your little ones entertained, free Wi-Fi is provided along with convenient charging ports, so your devices can stay powered up and ready to go.

But wait, there's more?

If you’re considering booking a spot in East Midlands Airport's lounge, you might wonder if there's more to discover beyond the plush seating and complimentary refreshments. Indeed, there is! Check out these hidden gems that will elevate your lounge experience even further:

Stay on schedule with the handy flight information screens that are strategically placed throughout most lounges, so you can stay updated on the status of your flight and any last-minute gate changes. Also, there are no tannoy announcements in the lounge. So, you can sit back and relax without the constant flight calls and announcements to disrupt you.

Although the lounge features a bar, there may be some upgrades on offer for an additional cost, such as a bottle of champagne to treat yourself to a truly special pre-flight experience.

How to access the lounge

So, how do you gain entry into this tranquil oasis?

For those who prefer spontaneity or find themselves with unexpected downtime, you can take advantage of the convenience of pay-at-the-door access. However, these prices may be higher than pre-booked rates. It’s similar to booking a last-minute hotel room: it’s convenient but may not be the most cost-effective choice. If you're a planner, you might want to consider alternatives and save some money…

Booking your space in advance is the savvy traveller's secret to securing a lounge spot without breaking the bank. By booking in advance, you not only save money but also guarantee availability. This option works best for those who value predictability and budgeting.

Some memberships offer you access, perfect for those frequent flyers to elevate your travel experience to new heights. These often provide unlimited access, special perks, and a sense of belonging to an exclusive club, so you’ll always have a special place to unwind, no matter how often you travel.

Book a space in the lounge now.

The insiders' tips you'll want to know

Timing is everything. It isn't just about when you book; it's also about how you plan your lounge visit. Consider the time of your flight and tailor your lounge access accordingly. If you have a morning flight, arriving early at the lounge can give you a chance to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and unwind before boarding. For evening flights, a pre-dinner visit can be the perfect way to relax and enjoy some complimentary refreshments.

East Midlands Airport's Escape lounge offers a range of experiences tailored to different traveller needs. Whether you're a solo traveller seeking sanctuary, a family looking for a convenient space, or a businessperson on the go, there's a lounge to suit you. But don’t just take our word for it, take a look at some recent reviews from travellers:

Reviews
"The staff have always been so friendly and helpful, this time was no exception"
5stars
Annabel N. - Google Reviews
Love this regional airport lounge at EMA. Every time I've been the staff have always been so friendly and helpful, this time was no exception. The lounge has had a beautiful refurbishment, the layout redesign is very well thought out. It is easy to find everything and aesthetically I loved all the wood and cream design. I observed during my stay in the lounge that the food was replenished frequently. Staff appeared to take pride in their job and went out of their way to speak with me and check I was OK. I travel a lot and the staff here make this lounge so special. Highly recommend.
"Best lounge I've been in so far"
5stars
Lyndsey H. - Google Reviews
Very friendly staff, all food was hot. I was in between 7am-9.30am and the breakfast was delicious. Comfortable seating area. Clean and tidy. Staff going around cleaning tables at all times. Best lounge I've been in so far!
a female employee welcoming a guest to the lounge
escape lounge logo black

Pre-book from just £33.99 per person

  • Freshly prepared hot and cold food
  • Selection of wines, beers and spirits (including Fizz)
  • Unlimited hot and soft drinks
  • Flight information screens
  • Mobile charging points

FAQs

An airport lounge is a designated area within the airport that offers a comfortable and often more private experience than the general terminal area.

The Escape Lounge at East Midlands Airport provides amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and more.

Escape Lounges are open to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class.

You can turn up to the lounge on the day and pay at the door to enter.

Or, to guarantee a place in our lounge exactly when it suits you, you can pre-book your space using our booking tool (this must be done at least 24 hours prior to entry).

To gain entry to Escape Lounge, prices start from just £33.99 per person for a pre-booked space. You can pay on the door, from £49 per person. Children under 35 months can enter free of charge.

Guarantee your place in the lounge by using our booking tool (this must be done at least 24 hours prior to entry).

We accept several membership cards, including DragonPass, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, Diners Club, Lounge Me and TAV Passport.

Eligible guests can use their cards to gain access for themselves and up to three guests.

Please check with your card provider for information about any cost associated with entry for the card holder and any guests.

All card holder access is subject to availability. To gain entry, you must bring your card with you to show at the reception desk when you arrive.

Your visit to our Escape Lounges includes complimentary access to a range of premium facilities, as well as food and drinks.

Facilities:

  • Unlimited ultra-fast private WiFi

  • Charging ports and power outlets

  • Print, scan and copy services

  • Pressreader, providing digital access to 7,000+ newspapers and magazines

  • Food and beverages

Escape Lounges offers a variety of complimentary freshly made dishes from our chef-curated menu. Menus vary at every location as they are prepared by local chefs with the local community’s taste in mind. Complimentary refreshments include coffee and tea, soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits. You can also purchase premium alcoholic beverages for an additional cost.

During busy periods from May to October, we do not accept bookings for groups larger than 6 people. For other times of the year, please visit https://escapelounges.com/contact/ for further guidance.

Useful Links

Copenhagen harbour

Inspiration

Destination guides and travel tips to inspire your next trip away

Pre-book FastTrack

Book FastTrack

Save time with the express lane at Security and Passport Control

Airport parking

Accessible parking, close to every terminal