Primeclass preview: first and new lounge at Rome Fiumicino Terminal 1
Fiumicino airport's first new lounge is Primeclass, here's the preview: accessible with Priority pass also as an arrival lounge
FCO
Rome Fiumicino Airport's Pier A. Is about to become even more comfortable: next year, Italy's best airport is destined to climb further up the Skytrax rankings and (perhaps) to enter the Top10 also thanks to the opening - in a few days - of the new Pier B, which will permanently retire the remaining part of the old airport.
In this article:
Obviously this is not a review. Today I was invited to the presentation, for the review I will go through it soon as an ordinary passenger.
The Primeclass
The company that runs this new lounge is the same one that runs some of the most beautiful independent lounges around the world. In Europe they are two of our favorites, the Pau Casals of Barcelona and the Riga Primeclass.
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Without forgetting that it handles what it probably is, One of the top 3 independent lounges in the world: the Muscat Primeclass.
The new lounge at FCO
All lounges in Fiumicino Terminal 1 will be located on the mezzanine level, above the stores on the pier connecting the two piers dedicated to embarkations.
There will be a total of 4 lounges between now and July that are expected to open in this area: The largest will be ITA Airways, then three rooms of the same size (410sqm), this Primeclass, the Plaza Premium and the new Prima Vista.
Later on, it should also open the new Star Alliance hall, but here it will have to be seen whether Lufthansa's acquisition of ITA Airways will change the plans of the alliance that ITA will join.
The only flaw, but that will be the case for all lounges in this terminal, is that it has no view. However, the space is not dark, and once ITA's lounge is also open, it should be even brighter.
Only ITA's lounge, which will be over 1,500sqm in size, will overlook the terminal and have a view of the "crawl" below.
The hall
The lounge is an open space with a beautiful bar counter in the center, manned by a real bartender who can make a cappuccino or cocktail and tap a beer.
At the opposite end from the entrance is the open kitchen and buffet. The latter is not very large, but with a single-portion offering, almost in the style of Centurion Lounge in London.
All over the perimeter are seats, of different types. Couches, sofas, bar seating, and armchairs. All with at least one outlet, except for those in the center island of the bar.
There is then a large work table and there are other innovative workstations, to stand at work, and get the last tasks done on the fly before takeoff.
There is also a booth that allows you to completely isolate yourself from the noise of the lounge, make calls without disturbing anyone or being disturbed.
For those who are looking for a little bit of relaxation, there is a small room with some armchairs/bedding: it is not a silent room, but it is definitely the quietest room in the lounge.
Facilities and showers
The lounge also has a shower that will be accessible and usable by passengers
Food & Beverage
As mentioned, there is a buffet that is catered by the open kitchen, dishes and menus change according to the time of the visit.
In the center, the bar counter will offer a range of free drinks: from spritz to Caipiroska. For discerning palates, there will also be an a la carte offering with an average price of 8 euros.
Access
The lounge has been open for a few days and is now also regularly affiliated with Priotiy Pass: it is then possible to access using the free card included in the fee of the American Express Platinum together with a companion.
The lounge will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and, importantly, will also be accessible in arrival lounge mode. People will then be able to disembark from a flight, and before heading to their final destination, it will be possible to have coffee or something to eat.
In conclusion
If FCO previously lacked lounges, as of May 1 this will no longer be the case. In fact, there will be an embarrassment of riches.
