CIP Lounge — Local services in Faro

I recently visited the CIP Lounge located in the Schengen area of Faro Airport in Portugal, and I must say, my experience was less than satisfactory. The lounge itself is quite small, giving off a cramped, almost bunker-like feel. This confined space significantly affected the overall comfort.

One of the most noticeable issues was the air quality. The lounge lacks windows, which contributed to a stifling atmosphere. The air was heavy, tainted with a distinct smell of gasoline, hinting at poor ventilation. Moreover, the air conditioning system seemed to be malfunctioning, failing to provide any relief. This poor air circulation led to a severe headache after spending just 45 minutes inside.

The food and beverage selection did little to improve the experience. The options were limited and uninspiring. A particularly memorable example was a dry tomato and mozzarella sandwich that was notably tasteless. For a lounge that is meant to provide comfort and refreshment, this was a significant letdown.

While I have unlimited access through my Priority Pass, which makes short visits for a quick beer somewhat justifiable, the lounge certainly doesn't offer good value for money. If I had to pay an entrance fee, which is around €20-25, I would much rather spend that amount at another restaurant within the airport. Given the array of choices available at Faro Airport, the CIP Lounge, in its current state, falls short of providing a pleasant...

Fortunately I had access through my airline since I’d be disappointed if I’d paid to access this lounge. The staff are all really friendly but it’s a shame the environment lets them down. The floor is in desperate need of a proper clean or replacement, the seats are far from being the comfiest and it doesn’t have the cosiest of vibes. The food selection is rather poor and all ‘yellow’ which never feels enjoyable before a long flight. While there is a small choice of wines and the fridge is stocked, each bottle needs uncorking by the staff in a back room.

I was there for a few hours and witnessed the business come and go, but at the busiest people were finding seats hard to find. The views over the terminal floor below are nice and there’s plenty of screens around showing a mix of sport and news.

Overall it was a bit of a let down given there are some nice options in the terminal and it’s far from a...

The non-Schengen lounge is located in the B gate area of Faro Airport, just as you pass through Duty Free.

It's up a short flight of stairs, but there's also a lift.

It's a decently sized lounge, with good sized toilets for men and women, as well as a baby changing area.

There is plenty of seating, arranged well for single or family groups.

There are a number of TV screens, showing general entertainment, and two screens close to reception with departure gates.

Food is standard fare for lounges these days, with sandwiches breakfast serials and pastries. There is a goid selection of drinks, including spirits, beers, soft drinks and two excellent coffee machines.

The lounge accept Lounge Key and Priority Pass, but can be paid for on the day also.

Faro Airport can be incredibly busy from April to October, so this is a well positioned alternative for some respite...