Relaxing at the Lufthansa Lounge in Milan Malpensa Airport

A Delightful Start in Milan

On my exciting journey from Bangkok to Paris, I found myself with an unexpectedly long layover at the Lufthansa lounge in Milan Malpensa Airport. What was initially supposed to be just a three-hour wait turned into nearly seven hours due to the cancellation of my flight to Zurich. To be honest, I often find Lufthansa lounges in Europe to be rather unremarkable, but this one in Milan was a pleasant surprise.

Perfect Location

The Lufthansa lounge is conveniently located in Terminal 1, within the Schengen area of the airport. Upon arriving at the terminal, simply follow the signs to gates A24-30, and you'll find the entrance to the lounge on your left. While the space isn't overly large, it comfortably accommodates 117 guests, which is quite reasonable for a regional lounge.

Opening Hours

The lounge's opening hours vary depending on the flight schedule each day. Generally, it opens from 4:30 AM to 4:45 AM and closes between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM. To be sure, it's a good idea to check the Lufthansa or Star Alliance website for specific hours.

Lounge Access Rules

This lounge adheres to Star Alliance's standard access policy. This means it is open to first and business class passengers of Star Alliance, as well as Gold members. Since I had a business class ticket on my SWISS flight, I was granted easy access.

Ambiance and Decor

The lounge features an L-shaped design with a central walkway. One side is lined with seating, while the other hosts the buffet. Notably, there are several communal tables near the entrance that allow for easy device charging, as well as cozy corners and coffee tables for a more private experience. I found the atmosphere very pleasant, with a variety of seating options from leather armchairs to comfortable sofas.

Food and Beverages

The food offerings at this lounge are a notch above the rest. When I arrived, breakfast was being served, featuring a variety of options such as cereals, fruits, yogurt, cheeses, cold cuts, and pastries. Additionally, there were some hot dishes like scrambled eggs and Friuli-style potatoes.

Exceptional Barista Coffee

One standout feature is the barista counter serving coffee, which is not common in other Lufthansa lounges. I indulged in several delicious cappuccinos that were simply irresistible. There were also soft drinks and wines available for self-service, providing plenty of options for a leisurely experience.

Other Details

The lounge does not have shower facilities, which is not surprising for a regional lounge. The restrooms are clean and well-equipped. While the space isn’t large, it still feels cozy and welcoming. The staff is very friendly and assisted me with rebooking my flight.

Conclusion

While many Lufthansa lounges tend to be similar, the Milan Malpensa lounge stands out just a bit more. It’s not overly crowded, offers barista coffee, and features much better food quality than what I’ve experienced in other Lufthansa lounges. I wouldn’t plan to arrive too early, but if you find yourself needing to wait, this lounge is definitely a great choice for a short flight.