When you visit Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport, you’ll notice that it’s a pretty great airport. But even the best of airports can be expensive, so you’ll want to take advantage of lounge access, if you have it.
Aspire Lounge 41 in Amsterdam’s Terminal 2 is a decent lounge – even though it is insanely busy.
Flying KLM or one of its partners? Visit the KLM Crown Lounge in Terminal 2.
Get a Priority Pass today to access this lounge!
Although the lounges are usually pretty full at times, they’re much better (and much cheaper) than hanging out in the main areas of the airport.
And remember, there are two Aspire Lounges in Amsterdam Airport. This one is for non-Schengen travel only.
You can stay here for a maximum of three hours. Although, with the number of people in the lounge, I don’t know how they enforce this rule.
Here’s our review of the Aspire Lounge in Schipol’s Terminal 2.
Getting to Aspire Lounge Amsterdam Terminal 2
The one thing you might not like about Amsterdam’s airport is that it is bit confusing.
The good news is that the signage here is excellent.
All you have to do is follow the signs to “Lounge 41” – which is weird, but that’s how they do it. They number the Amsterdam executive lounges.
It’s very close to the E Gates. The elevator is just around the corner from the Starbucks.
Getting Into the Aspire Lounge 41 at AMS
When you arrive, just outside the lounge entrance, someone is there to check you in. The cost to enter is €30 – about $39. But if you have a Priority Pass, you’ll get in for free!
This lounge can get busy, especially in the morning, so it’s possible that you’ll be told you have to wait. When I was there, I briefly left the lounge.
When I came back 10 minutes later, they weren’t going to let me in (until I told them I was already checked in, then it was fine).
But other customers could not enter. So, you’ll probably have to wait a bit.
I’d actually recommend avoiding this lounge in the morning. Even if you get in, you won’t get a decent place to sit.
Aspire Lounge 41 Layout
Aspire Lounge 41 in Amsterdam Terminal 2 is what I call a “long lounge.” In other words, long and narrow. But this is what makes it tolerable, in my opinion.
It’s a well-sectioned lounge that means you can sit in a larger public area without feeling like you are in a massive room full of people.
But again, there’s no avoiding the feeling of being crowded when you’re there in the morning. It’s crazy.
Note: Aspire Lounge 41 Singapore Airlines
There is a separate section of the lounge for Singapore Airlines passengers only. This section serves better food and has separate staff.
That only happens in the mornings, however.
When SQ323 departs at 10:25AM, so does the barrier keeping this section separate.
Food and Drink at Aspire Lounge 41
Food at Aspire Lounge 41
The food offerings here are about typical for a non-exclusive lounge. Breakfast was mini omelets, various types of breads and cheese, and oatmeal/porridge.
Lunch options include soup salads, cheese, and more.
Bagels and sweets were also on offer.
Drinks at Aspire Lounge 41
The Aspire Lounge 41 in Amsterdam Terminal 2 has a good selection of liquor. It’s not a huge offering, but it has the basics that most people would want – vodka, rum, scotch, gin, Bailey’s, etc.
Plus, they have a few different types of red and white wine.
The sad part, for me at least, is that they only offer Heineken beer. I couldn’t find anything else.
But then again, it was 9:00AM, so it wasn’t a big deal to me at the time.
The coffee from the machines was surprisingly good, and they have plenty of other non-alcoholic beverages (including a jug of mint-infused water, which was awesomely refreshing!).
Amenities at Schipol’s Aspire Lounge
Wi-Fi
Aspire Lounge 41 has free Wi-Fi, but it’s not terribly fast. It’s probably because dozens and dozens of people are all using it at the same time. If you want speed, consider upgrading to their paid service.
Ask about it at reception.
Toilets
The bathrooms in this lounge are exceptionally well-maintained, especially given the number of people flowing in and out. It impressed me a lot, actually!
Showers
While the Aspire Lounge 41 does have a shower, there’s an extra fee to use it. And it’s not cheap. Your shower will set you back about €17.50.
Aspire Lounge 41 Smoking area
There is a separate, and very small, smoking area next to the toilets.
Electricity
There are lots of European-style plugs in the lounge. I looked everywhere and did not find any USB ports.
Conclusion
If it wasn’t for the insane number of people here, this would be a great lounge. But it’s just crazy busy.
If you’re here in the morning, you’ll probably have to wait to get in. And even then, you’ll have to fight to get a chair (I saw people eating right at the buffet table).
So factor all that into your decision to visit Aspire Lounge 41 in Amsterdam – especially if you’re one of those who has to pay to get in.
I definitely would not pay to come in here in the morning. I only bothered at all because it was free with my Priority Pass.
When we fly, we always take our Priority Pass to get into over 1,200 lounges at airports around the world (and get discounts at several restaurants!) If you travel, consider getting a Priority Pass Membership and stop paying for drinks and food at the airport!
For More on The Netherlands: When we travel, we use Lonely Planet
Want more like this? Subscribe to our newsletter below (mobile) or in the sidebar (desktop) to get our posts delivered to your mailbox! And like our Facebook page and Instagram feed. We’re also on YouTube. Watch our Travel vlogs right here.
Michael is originally from Canada but now resides in Atlanta, GA with his husband, Halef, who also writes here. He is a Couchsurfing expert. Michael has traveled to over 50 countries learning how to experience more for less as he travels.
Omg seriously…. i have visited twice now and both times walked out. The food is inedible apart from packets of chips! Beer is beer and u cant really mess it up … unless they served it warm!
I highly recommend people to avoid this lounge, i had access for free with my Emirates flights and would definitely not pay to stay here.
I understand that airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines have little choice in an lounge in Amsterdam.
P.s we spent €60 at a lovely restaurant Kebaya and had a great lunch- same price if you had paid to enter Aspire lounge!!
Hi Luke: I thought the food was ok – just ok. But you’re right about the crowds! It’s insane!
The worst lounge I ever had been. I fully agree with Luke. The poorest food you can imagine. Nearly no choice.You have the feeling you are in a third world country where they have no money for maintaining the food.
Definitely I will never ever go there again.
Today wanted to acces the lounge at 20.00 hrs. with my Priority Pass, its fully booked! We were sent away. What a dissapointment.