Air France KLM Lounge

Note: The Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport will be closed for renovation and expansion from October 29, 2018, through March, 2019. Eligible Air France passengers are invited to use the Etihad Lounge. Priority Pass customers may use the Turkish Airlines Lounge, British Airways Galleries Lounge, and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

Air France KLM Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

The Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport serves Air France and SkyTeam premium and elite passengers, as well as Emirates customers. Members of various lounge access programs such as Priority Pass are also welcome on a limited basis between 10:30 AM and 3 PM, and between 7 PM and 8:30 PM.

The club is located in Concourse A, across gate 20 and immediately adjacent to the Air France departure gate.

Air France KLM Lounge IAD design

The Air France lounge at Washington Dulles airport sports a modern but somewhat minimalistic décor with light beige and red tones, in a nod to the airline’s brand and overall aesthetics. Thanks to its high ceilings and large windows with views on the tarmac, the space is luminous and feels fresh and crisp, though overall the décor feels somewhat lackluster.

Immediately behind the reception desk is a staffed bar flanked by a seating area. Further on the right side is a dining area with a rotunda layout, followed by more seating in the back. Partitions break out the space into smaller seating areas, though they tend to give the lounge a slightly convoluted layout and make the space feel cramped. Indeed, real estate is at a premium, and the club gets painfully packed at peak times. This explains the oddly placed chairs by the entrance and right next to the bathroom – Air France is doing everything to maximize capacity.

Air France KLM Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

Power outlets are located throughout the lounge and can be found on the walls and on the ground.

In the back, signs point to a workspace, though in reality the space is furnished in the same manner with individual seats. The lounge could benefit from table top seating or furniture better suited to laptop users, and from a quieter working area.

First Class and VIP customers benefit from a smaller, separate room to the left of the bar, which is accessible through a discreet door by the reception desk. With seating for just twenty customers or so, lovely coffee tables, a view on the tarmac and access to the bar, the separate room is by far the best spot in the lounge, if one doesn’t mind being away from the buffet. (Hint: the room is typically unofficially open to all customers outside Air France flight times.)

Air France KLM Lounge IAD amenities

Air France KLM Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

The food selection at the Air France KLM Lounge at Dulles airport is a mixed bag. The buffet primarily offers baguette-type sandwiches as well as soups, snacks, and a small assortment of appetizing desserts. Unfortunately, both quality and quantity fail to impress for an : the sandwiches are filling but bread heavy, and there are no salads or hot entrees. In short, the buffet spread is no substitute for a meal, which is unfortunate, because flights from Washington, DC to Paris tend to be quick, occasionally in the 6 hour range, which leaves very little time to sleep on board. Some passengers would certainly appreciate the option to eat on the ground prior to their flight.

The drink selection is far superior, though. Besides infused water, soft drinks and espresso, patrons will find a lovely assortment of French wines, as well as a full bar. (Per VA law, all alcoholic beverages are to be ordered from the bartender.)

A single shower suite is available. Towel and bath amenities are provided. Inquire early as there may be a wait.

Other amenities include a selection of newspapers and magazines. Complimentary Wi-Fi is naturally available, and it’s secure – a feature that’s rare enough to be noted – although we were unable to connect when we visited.

Air France KLM Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

Air France KLM Lounge IAD bottom line

The Air France KLM Lounge at Washington Dulles airport delivers on all the basics but fails to impress. The space benefits from a convenient location and large windows, and patrons will find comfortable seating, sandwiches, an enjoyable selection of wines, and a shower. However, the décor is sterile, the club lacks true work desks, and the lounge gets painfully crowded at peak times. The food selection is underwhelming – while Air France does a better job than the dominant carrier United, it falls short of offering true hot meals like neighbors Lufthansa, Etihad and British Airways.

If anything, Air France is pretty consistent with its lounge product in the US – the Washington Dulles airport location is roughly on par with the other clubs nationwide. Emirates passengers may be in for a disappointment, though, as the club is hardly luxurious.

Note: Priority Pass members are only admitted between 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM and 07:00 AM – 08:30 PM.

The pluses

• The convenient location next to the Air France departure gate
• The selection of French wines
• The daylight and high ceilings
• The shower

The minuses

• The crowds at peak times
• The somewhat mundane decor