Menzies Aviation is a global logistics specialist that serves the airline industry. Just as it is in hundreds of airports around the world, their presence at Budapest Airport is mostly behind the scenes work with logistics and daily operations.
However, passengers can utilize one of their services at the Skycourt Terminal of the Budapest International Airport: the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest.
Budapest Ferihegy International Airport is the major airport in Hungary, and one of the most visited in the Eastern Europe.
Surprisingly, it is not a big airport – Budapest International Airport consists of only two terminals.
Terminal 1 is permanently closed as of 2012, shortly after the MALÉV Hungarian Airlines declared bankruptcy.
You will most likely fly out of Terminal 2 of Budapest Airport.
Budapest BUD Airport Terminal 2A and 2B serve the Schengen Area of the European Union and the rest of the world, respectively.
In between these two active terminals is the Skycourt Terminal, where the security and duty free, as well as the airport shops, restaurants, and the business lounges, are located.
The Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest is located on the mezzanine level after the security clearance, right inside the Skycourt Terminal. In the Mezzanine Level, you’ll also find the Food Court, a smoking lounge, bars and two other airport lounges.
I also visited the Skycourt lounge.
There are two bigger executive lounges next to the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest: the MasterCard Lounge and the Skycourt Lounge Budapest Airport.
The Menzies Aviation Lounge is the smallest amongst the three.
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!
Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest Access
We are a big fan of Priority Pass , which allows us to visit more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world. If you buy the Priority Pass, you’ll be able to access the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest when you’re there.
If you don’t have a Priority Pass, you can still access the lounge. It’s just going to cost you 9,000 Hungarian Forith – $34 USD – for a two-hour pass.
The Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest is open from 7 AM to 9 PM. It’s open seven days a week.
Checking in
As soon as you walk into the lounge, you will face the first class lounge main desk to check in.
Checking in is very easy. The staff verifies your access – an airline invitation, your Priority Pass card, or a Lounge Buddy membership.
Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest Layout
This is one of the smallest airport lounges I’ve ever been in. It only has one room. It has a clean and simple interior design.
There are several seating options here: cafe-style table and chairs, sofa lounging, and high bar chairs which overlook the outdoor airport tarmac.
The back walls are covered with aviation themes to highlight the long history of Menzies Aviation and their accomplishments.
The Menzies Aviation Lounge’s dark ambiance is created by slightly dimmed lights and transparent curtains to screen the huge back windows.
In the middle of it is a small, self-serve snack and beverage bar.
Food and Drink
All of the food and drink here is self-serve. There is a microwave, a small ice machine, and an espresso coffee machine for your use.
Some basic liquor and beer is available inside the cooler. If you’re a beer drinker, you have a choice between Heineken or Buckler beers.
If you prefer, there is also chilled white wine and Finlandia Vodka.
The food choice is not that great. The lounge has a small selection of potato chips and energy bars, along with candy and bite-size muffins.
You can heat up some hot water for instant noodles from either the espresso machine or the hot water station.
Amenities at the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest
Wi-fi
The Wi-Fi here is password protected, and that password is displayed in several places throughout the lounge space.
Due to the small number of guests inside the lounge, the Wi-Fi is quite fast and it’s accessible everywhere in the lounge.
Full meals
The free food selection is mediocre; however, this airport lounge offers full meals as well. You just have to pay for them. There are menus on every table, and you can order your meal from the front desk. Selections vary throughout the day.
It’s a pretty decent variety though, starting from a simple croissant for breakfast to sushi for lunch or dinner.
Mobile Charging
There is a charging station that is pretty prominent in the middle of the room. If you need a charging cord, just ask the staff.
They have chargers available for most common devices.
Electrical outlets
Outlets are plentiful. But be careful. Many of them are installed on the floor and create a tripping hazard, so be sure to watch your step.
The outlets are European style (two rounded prongs).
Coat closet
If you want to hang your coat, you can do it here. There is a closet right by the entrance. Definitely use good judgment though and don’t leave valuables in your coats.
That said, it’s a small lounge. You will be able to see your coat anyway!
Things to consider
Schengen Immigration
It is worth mentioning that the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest is located in the Schengen airside area. If you’re flying to one of the Schengen countries, you’ll need extra times to get to your gate at Terminal 2B.
You have to go through the Emigration to get your passport stamp.
It wasn’t busy when I went through; however, that’s never a guarantee!
Outside Toilet
There are no restrooms inside this business lounge. You need to go out into the main terminal, and will be able to leave your luggage inside. Make sure that the staff knows that you are planning to return.
Also, there is no shower, business center, or work stations inside this executive lounge.
Quiet Area
When I visited, there were only three other visitors inside the Menzies Aviation Lounge Budapest. This is the perfect place for you if you are looking for quiet and less foot traffic inside the airport.
Many other Priority Pass members visit the bigger Skycourt Lounge instead.
Plane watching
If you are a big fan of watching planes, the Menzies Aviation Lounge is perfect for you! They have a section where you can sit down at the high bar to view planes in the tarmac.
The only downside is that you’ll be watching it through the smoking room between the airport lounge and the window, which is weird.
Nonetheless, you will still be able to observe the planes (and the smokers) while enjoying your cup of coffee or beer!
Click here to check out our reviews of airport lounges around the world!
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Is Airport Lounge Access Worth The Cost of a Priority Pass or Credit Card?
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