Review Emirates lounge Malpensa

You've probably seen our challenge between economy travel aboard ITA Airways and Emirates, and you may have noticed a small appetizer of this lounge. Here's the full review.

Location

This room is located at the end of Pier B, the one dedicated to non-Schengen flights. The entrance is from the upper floor and is located near the old Alitalia House, which sooner or later Should be reopened under the Premium Lounge banner.. This is the only official lounge in the entire airport along with the Lufthansa hall, located in the area of flights to domestic and European destinations.

Access

In order to gain access to this lounge, you have to fly business class (or first) aboard Emirates or alternatively, have at least Gold status with Emirates or, if you are enrolled in the Skywards program, pay €94.

The ticket to enter Is expensive, but the quality inside is superior to all the other lounges that are around on average. Although personally I would never spend that kind of money and, if I could, I would leave I would stay in the more modest Montale Hall.

I was flying economy, but thanks to the gold card in the Emirates loyalty program I had access. Unfortunately, my card is expiring. In fact when I planned this trip I aimed for the end of January specifically to take advantage of my last days as an Emirates FF elite. I had managed to get it without flying because of the status match.

The hall

The lounge is huge, and it could not be otherwise since 80 passengers between business class and first class can fly on the A380 to which can be added those traveling in economy but with status.

Emirates has two flights departing in the early afternoon and one in the evening. The opening times are aligned with these three flights, all of which are operated by the giant of the skies.

What is special about this lounge, as with many others around the world, is that Emirates has thought of everything and in order not to inconvenience its passengers too much has connected the lounges directly with the two gates. Which, barring emergencies, Emirates always uses to allow guests to board directly from the lounge.

As mentioned, the lounge is large: the design is not modern, but it is the same style found in all Emirates homes scattered around the world and, arguably, the Dubai company has, overseas, the most lounges in the world. All owned and all for exclusive use.

As soon as you enter, to the right, is the dining area. On the opposite side, however, there are armchairs and seats where you can wait for your flight more comfortably.

Finally, there is a second room with a big screen and other seating.

The whole room overlooks the runway. Admittedly, the windows are not huge, but the light coming in makes for a very relaxed experience of waiting for a flight.

There is a small work area with the ability to use pcs or work on computers, but it is really small and not very functional if you have to have a business call or meeting. Nothing comparable to, for example, Haneda's Skyclub.

Perhaps the only flaw is that it is "boring" In terms of diversity of seating. Or rather: it should be said that, except for the small tables in the restaurant area, they are only armchairs.

Boring because it would be logical to expect something more, but there is nothing to make people say wow. If, for example. Qatar in Singapore provides guests with an a la carte menu in addition to the buffet, other companies such as Air France the SPA for biz passengers, there is none of that here.

There is a small area called the "family" area, which is nothing more than a series of armchairs in front of a television set.

Food & Beverage

Here we are above the level of any other lounge not only in Milan, but on the Italian territory, although it must be admitted that there is little competition. Perhaps the ITA's next new lounge may change my opinion, but right now the difference is really embarrassing.

As mentioned, however, everything is buffet style. There is no table service of any kind. Instead, the staff goes around the room and asks if you would like something to drink, and in that case you are served at your seat.

The offerings are truly quality. From appetizers like the veal tonnato, with beautiful presentation, to dessert. There is really everything and everything I tasted was really good. The offerings range from Italian cuisine with cannelloni ricotta and spinach to more ethnic flavors with dishes from Indian cuisine and beyond. Again, the buffet setup is fairly standard-there is no care or search for a particular aesthetic.

Same for drinks. Bottles are left haphazardly floating in a giant frappeuse and a small display for super spirits.

Showers and facilities

Extremely clean bathrooms with staff ready to check as soon as you leave, showers also available to passengers, everything as expected.

In conclusion

Quoting Roberto Carlino, "Emirates does not sell dreams, but solid certainties." This lounge has everything, but it does not stand out for modernity or special pampering, and this is perhaps the main reason why overall Emirates is not the best airline in the world.

• skywards

The verdict

EK currently flies only two aircraft models: the 777 and A380. The cabins are set up almost the same way and the customer knows what to expect, the same goes for the lounges. One could say seen one seen them all, starting from the external portal, to the décor. In the end, they differ in food offerings and architecture, but the décor and finishes are the same all over the world.

7

Pro

• Gastronomic offerings
• The view
• Direct gate connection

Against

• The wow effect is missing