Escape Lounge at Manchester Airport

Table of contents

• Which terminal is Escape Lounge Manchester Airport?
• Aspire vs Escape Lounges
• Is the Escape lounge worth it?
• What is included in Escape Lounge?
• Is the Escape Lounge Adults only?
• Can I pay on the day?
• Can I see out?
• Accessing the lounge

This is based on a visit in April '24

Which terminal is Escape Lounge Manchester Airport?

The Escape Lounge we use in Manchester is in Terminal 1, although there is also an Escape Lounge in Terminal 2. In terminal 1, from security, head through the duty free and into the shopping area. Before you pass through all of the shops there are signs to the Premium Lounges, which lead the first floor where all lounges are located. Signs will clearly lead you to the Escape and Aspire lounges, which are opposite to each other.

Aspire vs Escape Lounges

Aspire is more expensive for 3 hours, but cheaper than the Escape Lounge for 2 hours. With most airlines only letting you checkin 3 hours before the flight and requiring you to be ready for boarding 30 minutes before then 2 hours should be enough, but we'll be putting this to the test in November.

Previously I've thought the food in Aspire was good and my experience on this visit to Escape had the food selection slight more limited, but following a disappointing visit to the Aspire Lounge, I think Escape could have edged forward. Maybe that's a one off.

Aspire felt slightly more spacious, but then we were visiting Escape on a Thursday evening surrounded by stag and hen parties and as they cleared out it felt more spacious. Because we'd booked in advance there was even a table reserved for us with our name on it, but the receptionist couldn't find that at first. Once we stumbled over this table it was quite quiet.

Is the Escape lounge worth it?

But it really depends on how you behave in the airport. We typically turn up at the airport as early as possible because we enjoy being there and we'd rather be there early than cutting it fine in traffic. With the Escape lounge you are allowed 3 hours access from the time that you book, and in that time you can help yourself to food and drink.

We'd normally otherwise be in an airport restaurant, followed by a coffee stop and then fighting to find somewhere to sit. So a guaranteed seat with a fixed price for the food and drink is well worth it for us.

The Escape Lounge is a the cheapest priced lounge (for 3 hours) in Manchester Airport and it's probably fair to say we'd spend as much eating in the restaurants as we do on lounge entry. The Aspire ***can*** be cheaper if you book for 2 hours.

What is included in Escape Lounge?

A lot and it's all included! Beer and wine are available from the bar - just walk up, ask and you are served. There are a couple of hot drinks machines dotted around the lounge to easily help yourself.

Although the lounge offers complimentary premium brand drinks an additional cost applies for fizz.

Food is regularly topped up in a buffet style with choices of main meal to serve yourself from, plus soup, sandwiches, cheese and the odd cake.

Free wifi is included and up to the minute flight information is displayed around the lounge so you know when your current flight time and when it is ready for boarding plus there are charging points around the lounge for those personal devices that need a little boost if you have a lot of work or browsing to do.

Is the Escape Lounge Adults only?

No, it is a family friendly environment and there are usually of children around, but on a Thursday evening the Stag and Hen parties are much louder.

Can I pay on the day?

You can, but it's a risk that you might not get in or might be delayed getting in. This lounge is frequently full and plenty of times I've seen people turned away at the door, or told to come back on 30 minutes to see if it's quieter because they haven't booked. For this reason it's well worth booking in advance. Advance bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance if you are worried.

Can I see out?

No! The Escape lounge in Terminal 1 is totally windowless. In fact there are no external walls at all, so it's not possible to see what's happening outside.

Accessing the lounge

After security and duty free, watch for the left turn up the stair / lift just before you hit the main part of the concourse. Once you reach the first floor (second floor for the Americans) you arrive on a balcony area with the toilets, Aspire and Escape lounges. If you have prepaid you just show your boarding pass, which is checked, and then you are allowed in. If you haven't booked it then depends how busy the lounge is and how many customers are expected.

The dress code is more relaxed than the 1903 Lounge in the other airport terminal, but don't arrive wearing vests (men), sportswear etc. The lounge welcomes priority pass cards, but check before you travel whether there is availability.