Aspire Lounge 41
Aspire Lounge 41 – Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
The Aspire Lounge 41 at Amsterdam Schiphol airport serves a large and diverse set of airlines departing out of the airport’s non-Schengen area. AMS has surprisingly few lounges: KLM, the dominant carrier, operates a flagship Crown Lounge for SkyTeam airlines, while the British Airways Terraces Lounge serves oneworld members. All other airlines, including Star Alliance members, Gulf carriers and regional airlines use the Aspire Lounge. The club also welcomes pay-in customers and members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass and Lounge Club.
In its former incarnations, the Aspire Lounge was a Menzies lounge then a Servisair lounge, prior to being completely remodeled and then rebranded as Aspire, Swissport’s premium lounge brand.
Aspire Lounge 41 AMS design
The Aspire Lounge 41 boasts a fresh, clean, and modern design which strikes the right balance between convenience, functionality, density and privacy, with a uniquely European flair.
Aspire Lounge 41 – Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Light tones dominate the space, with a few touches of more vivid colors and darker furniture. The clean lines and overall simple elegance of the décor make the unique light fixtures stand out: the crooked floor lamps and elaborate ceiling lights add a touch of creativity and foster a dynamic vibe.
The long window wall lets plenty of natural light in while offering patrons exciting views on the tarmac. The lightweight partitions that break up the space let the light flow throughout.
The seating arrangement accommodates small groups as well as solo travelers. In the back, groups will find a cozy and uplifting living room area around an amusing fireplace video, while individual travelers will enjoy the private seats by the windows with plenty of personal space and the best views in the house. All seats come with a power outlet, and most benefit from a side table or coffee table. There are also a few dining tables close to the entrance, as well as high-top seating along the partitions.
The Aspire Lounge is typically busy given the number of airlines that it serves, yet it rarely feels excessively crowded, thanks to the open layout and abundant natural light.
Aspire Lounge 41 AMS amenities
Aspire Lounge 41 – Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
A stylish buffet offers a selection of food and drinks. Patrons will find an espresso machine, fresh fruit juices as well as an assortment of soft drinks. The mineral water in glass bottles is an especially classy touch. Alcoholic beverages include Heineken beer on tap, red and white wines, and a pretty typical range of liquor and spirits.
The food selection is a mixed bag. There are definite highlights – the hot breakfast mushroom and cheese puffs are delicious and the soups are tasty – but the spread is overall limited to basic salads, cold cuts, and various snacks. If you’re hungry, skip the lounge altogether and stop by one of the airport’s multiple cafes and restaurants for a far more satisfying experience.
The bathrooms are perfectly functional and clean, but with only a few stalls, lines are pretty common. Showers are available, albeit at a cost for pay-in users and premium passengers alike.
Speaking of fees, Wi-Fi comes in two flavors: basic and premium, with a charge for the latter. In our experience the basic service performed satisfactorily, yet we don’t find that charging for Wi-Fi in any form to be acceptable at an international business class lounge.
Other amenities include a smoking room adjacent to the bathroom as well as a small selection of newspapers and magazines.
Aspire Lounge 41 – Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Reserved section
In an explicit acknowledgement that the amenities and food selection don’t quite meet premium international standards, some airlines reserve the rear section of the lounge for their customers. Singapore Airlines typically occupies the space in the morning. Their fortunate passengers benefit from more private seating, substantially superior catering with hot food, and a dedicated attendant.
For everybody else, this means no access to the most elegant portion of the lounge and the three computers.
Aspire Lounge 41 AMS bottom line
The design of the Aspire Lounge 41 (non-Schengen) at Amsterdam Schiphol airport is a winner – the space is beautiful, bright, and modern, and boasts exciting views on the tarmac. The seats are comfortable and reasonably private, and the beverage selection is enticing. However the food selection is underwhelming, and the nickel and diming is truly low class.
We understand that premium airlines would reserve the best section of the lounge – that’s to their credit – but the combination of the “walled-off garden” and fees for showers and premium Wi-Fi is distasteful. Aspire is supposed to be a premium brand, but if it weren’t for the gorgeous design, the Aspire Lounge 41 at AMS would feel like any run of the mill contract lounge. It’s also worth noting that the Aspire Lounge is far away from a number of gates, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- The modern and elegant décor with a European flair.
- The private seats by the window.
- The hot breakfast pastries.
- The fees for showers and faster Wi-Fi.
- The space restrictions when the back of the lounge is reserved for an airline.
- The limited food selection.
2.5 / 5, based on 67 reviews
Overall ratings
Very poor lounge. More like a high school cafeteria
Go there only if you don’t have any other choice. Too many people have access to this lounge. No quiet place and seats are very basic
Washroom has only 2 rooms.
This is the only lounge I know where you have to pay for shower.
Maybe it’s Dutch thing, I remember I had to pay extra for ketchup at McDonalds in Amsterdam ! Swiss, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Eva Air… none of them charges extra for a shower.
food is very poor compared to other European lounges let alone Asian or middle eastern. the vieuw at the aircraft might b the best thing.
Really poor lounge, not a patch on the usual Emirates branded product, and surprised Emirates would associate themselves with this. Food selection is minimal, lounge is crowded and noisy, and cleaning needs to be improved.
Absolute basic lounge. Only if you are desperate. I
Very poor food quality, old fashined and crowded
Seems to be an unspoken policy that lounge is not available for PriorityPass before 11am. Went about 9am and it looked full. Tried again at about 10.20am, and staff said lounge is full. But guests were already leaving, so there’s definitely available space. If it’s a policy not to admit PP, they should just put it upfront so guests don’t waste their time.
It is definitely better than nothing if you can get in. Both times we went we were able to get right in, but when we left there were people lined up at the door. The food is fine, but only snacks. My kids enjoyed the soup and the pan au chocolat. The housekeeping also leaves something to be desired.
The only lounge i was refused to enter since i use Priority Pass.
The employees at the entrance are horrible and not respectful. They told me i cannot get inside because it s too busy! Very strange because before and after me many people were accepted to get in.
I had to call Priority Pass and make a complain to be able to enter to this lounge.
When i went inside it was not full like claimed by the employee.
Moreover the food is not good. The lounge is not very clean.
AVOID!
First time I’ve used this lounge and not impressed. On entry at 1500 there was food on the floor in many areas plates not cleared away. seemed there was one person walking about with trolley very slowly and not cleaning much.
People talking loudly on phones not very relaxing. My feeling is I might as well be down in the pub. Shame as I had heard good things before
When it’s not busy, it’s one of my favorite lounges by far. It’s clean, modern, has good food/drinks. But, it does get pretttyyy busy between 8-10am.
I wish it had a phone call booth somewhere — no where to take a call. Not awesome to see the private area on the other side of the lounge (singapore airlines branded)
Four times in a row i was turned away as the lounge was full. Useless if you travel often to Holland to keep a priority card…. There is no alternative on Schiphol for Prioriry Pass holders… Better cancel
By entrance I asked if the lounge was free of charges for MasterCard Black Card holders. As confirmed (!), I proceeded and only few minutes later I discovered that I had been charged a fee which value I wasn’t even informed. I wouldn’t have paid it, since there’s a limit of 3 hours to use the lounge, there is no place to take a nap and to use a shower you need to pay extra. I’m very disappointed.
Dismal. Any cafeteria at any motorway service area has more class than this so-called lounge. Visited on three occasions, same experience every time. Overcrowded, buffet is messy and half empty, the food is more like snack, restrooms untidy. As a frequent flyer on both Etihad and Qatar Airways, I am surprised and disappointed this is what they are offering their guests at Amsterdam airport.
A very disappointing experience. Little space and feels tatty, a €17 charge for a shower,, rather severe and unwelcoming reception staff, and a paltry selection of food in comparison with other premium airline lounges.
I am surprised that Emirates (an excellent airline) attaches its brand to this facility.
I was also shocked to overhear a traveler who had acquired a flight upgrade was not allowed to enter the lounge.
There is nothing ‘aspirational’ about this ‘lounge’. On the day I visited it was so overcrowded that no seats were available, except in the (empty) section reserved by Singapore Airlines.
There is plenty of better seating in the main terminal, so don’t waste time in this terrible lounge.
The worst lounge ever. I would like to explain but I dont have time. I have to hurry get some coffee before they finish cleaning. They are eager to get out of here, the people working here. The lounge closes at 21 o’clock. The servings at 20.15-20.30. Bad food, bad service. No class at all.
Very bad food and unfriendly service. This is the worst lounge I have ever been.
The lounge does not have international charger sockets, only European ones. Since an international airport lounge, by definition, is supposed to cater to travelers from across the wells, I find this appalling.
Food options are really limited, some more variety can easily be introduced at a little extra cost.
Bathrooms dirty and trash full. More cafeteria than lounge. Seats are mostly at small tables. Very full. Not all seats have electrical. Food poor.
The food and drinks choice is poor in comparison with KLM lounge 52.
This lounge operates till 23:30. But at 22:30 most of the food is over. Staff starts to clean the area and force moving people from one part of lounge to another.
Physically, the Aspire Lounge 52 is gorgeous, but food options are limited and we don’t care for the pay-in showers and pay-in premium Wi-Fi. The lounge is also often busy.
Poor atmosphere, very poor food and indifferent staff. If flying Emirates, take the €35 coupon option
New lounge with modern and nice interiour and fantastic apron view. Large windows provide lots of daylight. Plenty of seating in different areas.
Choice of food is good including soup and warm mushroom and cheese snacks. Selection of beverages is fine as well, no sparkling wine though.
Free Wifi, office-areas, newspapers and magazines. Restrooms are very nice and clean.