Korean Air KAL Lounge

Korean Air KAL Lounge – Osaka (KIX)

The Korean Airlines KAL Lounge at Osaka international airport is located outside security, below the check-in concourse. From the Korean Airlines check-in counters, turn around and locate the staircase going down near the windows. Go down one level, and make a right. There is also an elevator at the end of the hallway.

The KAL Lounge serves Korean Airlines and SkyTeam premium and Elite Plus passengers. It’s also the only club at Osaka airport to welcome members of global lounge access programs such as Priority Pass and Diners Club, which makes it popular with international passengers. However, the lounge closes from 2pm to 3:30pm.

Korean Air KAL Lounge KIX design

Korean Air KAL Lounge – Osaka (KIX)

Located in a subterranean location, the KAL Lounge at Osaka airport lacks windows and thus daylight. The homely décor embraces the natural darkness of the place with dim lighting, Earth tones, wood paneling, and an old-fashioned but elegant design with Asian accents.

The layout aims at offering a comfortable amount of privacy despite limited real estate. Low dividers and indoor plants carve out small seating areas with a handful of seats around coffee tables. TVs (thankfully with the volume turned down to the minimum level) dot the space.

The space is kept pretty warm and can feel stuffy at times. The KAL Lounge sees a lot of traffic, and the club would benefit from a refurbishment. Some of the furniture is worn out and stained, and there are virtually no power outlets.

Korean Air KAL Lounge KIX amenities

The Korean Airlines KAL Lounge at Osaka airport offers a set of essential amenities for domestic and short-haul travel.

Korean Air KAL Lounge – Osaka (KIX)

The buffet features a modest assortment of Japanese snacks and shrink-wrapped pastries, along with tea, coffee, beer, wine, sake, and a minimal liquor selection. There is also a cooler with soda, individual water rations—a wasteful and inconvenient trademark feature of KAL Lounges worldwide—and chilled glasses.

Trays are available to carry food and beverages, and patrons are expected to pick up their own trash, bus their table, and return their tray—the process doesn’t exactly scream First Class, but this being Japan, everybody complies.

Adjacent to the seating area is a small business center straight from the 80s with three cubicles equipped with a phone, a fax, and a printer. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Other amenities include a small bathroom with a single stall per gender, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Korean Air KAL Lounge KIX bottom line

The KAL Lounge at Osaka airport is a dated and basic but comfortable lounge. While the design and amenities fail to impress—the club lacks daylight and power outlets, and the snack selection is limited—it’s difficult to expect much more ahead of a two-hour journey to Korea. For Priority Pass members, the KAL Lounge is the only option, and it compares favorably to the many clubs for Japanese premium credit card holders which don’t offer much beyond a place to sit.

International passengers should make sure to allow ample time for security, customs, and a brief train ride to gates.