Priority Lounge (Legacy)

Opened in 2019, the Priority Lounge at Frankfurt Airport is the third shared-use lounge at Terminal 2. The club welcomes elite and premium customers of China Airlines, Korean Air, Saudia, and Air Namibia, as well as members of various airport lounge access programs such as Priority Pass.

Like all Terminal 2E lounges, the Priority Lounge is located after passport control but before security. On the bright side, this means that passengers departing from Terminal 1 can visit the club relatively easily and without re-clearing security. On the flip side, guests should allow ample time to get to their gate.

Priority Lounge (Legacy) FRA design

The Priority Lounge at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 2 is the re-incarnation of the former Etihad Lounge. When the Middle Eastern carrier moved to Terminal 1 a few years ago, they left their club vacant but intact. The team behind Priority Lounge took over the space and rebranded, but left the décor otherwise untouched.

Despite the lack of renovations, the space and furniture are in pristine condition. The residential design boasts elegant furnishings, and bookcases decorated with artwork and a variety of artifacts. The ensemble is welcoming, warm, and effortlessly luxurious.

At the center of the lounge is Etihad’s signature piece: a distinctive curved bookcase with high-top seating.

The club is partitioned into several distinct spaces each serving a different function.

Near the reception area is an intimate dining alcove with booth seating dotted outfitted with comfortable cushions. The halogen lighting may not be as trendy and efficient as modern LED equivalent, but it creates a warm and inviting ambiance.

There is a second, larger dining area near the windows near the buffet, with fresh flowers on every table. The split setup is a legacy of Etihad’s concept: the airline used to offered both formal and buffet-style dining in two separate areas.

The seating area, separated from the dining room by a mesh curtain, features a dozen plush seats with ottomans and coffee tables, and a large flat-screen TV. Large windows let natural light in, though the lounge overlooks airport infrastructure and does not sport any noteworthy views.

Adjacent to the smaller dining room, another bookcase carves out a small, highly-private business center equipped win individual work spaces. Unfortunately, the business center and the open area near the lobby are the only two places equipped with power outlets. Etihad built the lounge just before personal devices became ubiquitous, and in hindsight the omission of power points seems like a major oversight.

When the Priority Lounge does not host airline-invited guests, it is typically exquisitely quiet. There are no less than three independent, shared-use lounges at Terminal 2E—the primeclass Lounge is literally next door, and the Sky Lounge just at the other end of the hallway—so pay-in guests and Priority Pass members are unlikely to come in crowds.

At peak departure times, however, the experience can take a turn for the worse: with just about a dozen seats in the main seating area, and hardly any power points, it’s advisable to come early to secure a good spot.

Priority Lounge (Legacy) FRA amenities

The Priority Lounge at Frankfurt Airport boasts a set of essential amenities including a hot buffet, a business center, and pristine bathroom facilities.

In the dining room, guests will find a rotating selection of hot entrees with simple but tasty fare such as chicken roulade and grilled vegetables, as well as a choice of salads and desserts. Just around the corner, near the lobby, is a second buffet area featuring a selection of snacks and drinks, including juices in glass bottles, wines, liquor, and spirits. An espresso machine is available, along with a selection of teas.

The business center is equipped with one Mac computer.

Other amenities include a prayer room, fast Wi-Fi, and a selection of newspapers and magazines. A shower is also available, though the lounge reserves the right to charge for its use.

Priority Lounge (Legacy) FRA bottom line

The Priority Lounge at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 2 is an intimate and elegant club featuring a generous range of food and beverages, as well as select amenities such as a business center. The elaborate and homely décor is particularly enjoyable, though the lack of power outlets is unfortunate.

The lounge operates at capacity at China Airlines, Korean, and Saudia departure times, but tends to be eerily quiet otherwise.

The Priority Lounge makes an excellent alternative to the dreadful LuxxLounge in Terminal 1 for Priority Pass members, though the adjacent primeclass Lounge is more spacious and features additional amenities such a showers. Whether returning to Terminal 1 or heading to a nearby gate in Terminal 2E, make sure to allocate ample time, though, as the Priority Lounge is located outside security.