Review lounge Sala Montale Malpensa: at least it's open

In these months of at least partial and intra-EU travel recovery, Italian (and other) passengers who transited through Malpensa and Fiumicino found themselves "stranded": in what before the pandemic were the Italy's two busiest airports, in fact, none of the lounges were accessible, or nearly so.

Of course, both the hall were closed Alitalia at Malpensa, because there were no flights, than those at Linate and Fiumicino because. Were part of the cost cutting of the company destined for bankruptcy.

Closed official lounges of other operators, such as those of British Airways and Lufthansa, and especially at Malpensa all lounges operated by SEA and affiliated with Priority Pass, while in Fiumincino, the Premium Plaza, the only lounge open In the Roman stopover, exited the Priority Pass network in early summer.

We then found ourselves in the paradoxical situation of lounges open and operational at tourist airports, such as Cagliari airport, or In those where low-cost reigns as in Bergamo, But nothing at MXP and FCO.

For the past few weeks, however, something has changed at Malpensa, but not for everyone. In fact, the Montale lounge, the one located after passport control, in the area of the airport where the gates used for non-EU flights are located, has reopened.

The Montale lounge is operated by SEA like the other two lounges Monteverdi and Pergolesi. As mentioned, it is the only one open and is located at the beginning of Pier B, before the one that was Alitalia House and Emirates lounge. It is very easy to reach by escalator or elevator and is excellently signposted.

Access to the hall

It is possible to gain access for a fee of 35€, but given the service I strongly advise against it, if you are traveling in business with one of the companies that have an agreement with SEA or if you are Priority Pass holders. 

The priority pass card is a free benefit included in the American Express Platinum fee, thanks to the Prestige level you get unlimited entry worldwide for one passenger plus one companion.

The hall

Remarkably overlooking the runway, the glass windows that run throughout the lounge give plenty of natural light and, most importantly, a wonderful view of the forecourt. 

Of course, at this time it is still very sad and movements are few, however, for those who, like me, are sick of airplanes, it is wonderful to be able to stand and watch the movements, observe the liveries of all the companies and the airport staff working tirelessly on the runway.

The lounge is basic, it should definitely be modernized, passengers in these lounges generally look for 3 things: a comfortable place to wait for the plane, food and drink, and power outlets to charge their devices.

The room offered many spaces and different types of seating, even some counter style facing the glass window. Obviously in this new normal it was not crowded, although with little movement and few passengers it was quite busy.

I had already experienced the gastronomic offerings at Milan Linate, again the hall is managed directly by SEA. Lots of single portions, in compostable containers, nothing hot except coffee. Pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. 

While it might have been fine for Milan Linate, since it is frequented by passengers waiting for short- to medium-haul flights, here I certainly expected something better. Certainly, not like an official British Airways lounge, But at least as an independent lounge at the Amsterdam airport o Phuket.

The most difficult thing, and not only for me, was to find a location with easy access to power outlets. Nowadays in these spaces you can find outlets in almost every chair, but here they are few and inconvenient: still on the wall or in niches. Fortunately the room was not too crowded, otherwise it would have been a real treasure hunt.

The lounge is not operational at 100%, some services such as the family room or showers are not available.

Note the presence of a smoking room, an uncommon feature in the old continent.

On the other hand, the presence of the staff members to clean and sanitize the rooms, an aspect not taken for granted in these latitudes, is excellent.

Food & Beverage

We have already said. Little, too little. Of course, we are not talking about an official lounge, but given that 35€ is charged to enter, something more should definitely be offered.

There was nothing hot, only fresh but cold products. Even the automatic hot drink machine was of low quality. A coffee bar corner for a real coffee or cappuccino is a different service altogether.

Water and soft drinks, all self-service as well as bottles of wine and some hard liquor.

To get an idea of how everything is in low-cost mode, one only has to see the bleak image of the empty Aperol bottle still on display or the nearby one of Maritini that is practically finished.

In any case, too little because this is the only lounge that is open and also welcomes Emirates first-class passengers bound for Dubai and New York, but also for all other premium travelers transiting through the Varese Province airport.

In conclusion

One might say : "At least it is open," however, it is really too little. It certainly doesn't make sense to spend 35€. at this time because the airport is not crowded, there is no problem retrieving a free seat or even one with an outlet. Similarly, one can eat at the airport while still spending less than the cost of the ticket and definitely eating better.

• Priority Pass