Follow the signs to the Hugo Junkers Lounge in DUS.
Recently on a oneworld itinerary connecting through Dà¼sseldorf Airport (DUS), I was able to visit the Hugo Junkers Lounge, which is contracted by several airlines to serve their premium passengers. As I said in my review of the Hamburg Airport Lounge, I’m always iffy when it comes to third-party lounges, so I headed up the elevator with cautious optimism.
As a oneworld Sapphire elite member (in my case, Platinum on American Airlines), flying with Oneworld partners grants me access to airport lounges, though with the caveat that lounges operated by third parties may not be available. Fortunately, that restriction wasn’t in place on this trip; previously, flying Air Berlin on my first leg from Hamburg (HAM) to DUS, I was given access to the Hamburg Airport Lounge. My next leg from DUS to London Heathrow (LHR) was on British Airways, which contracts with the Hugo Junkers Lounge operated by DUS, to which I was also granted access thanks to my status.
Wikipedia: Who is Hugo Junkers?
The Hugo Junkers Lounge also contracts with several other airlines departing out of in the Schengen zone (read: mainly any airline not named Lufthansa), as well as a few membership programs. One could also pay €21 for access (credit cards only).
Airlines that contract with the Hugo Junkers Lounge in DUS.
The lounge was on the small side, but still easily handled the passenger traffic coming in. The friendly staff scanned my boarding pass and welcomed me in, not needing my frequent flyer card. Inside, the decor was dominated by darker shades of wood and natural colors, making for a sedated, relaxed ambiance.
Seating area in the Hugo Junkers Lounge in DUS.
The wall of large floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to flood the space, and gave great views of the apron… plenty of planespotting opportunities for the #AvGeek (more spotting photos below).
The view overlooking the apron from the Hugo Junkers Lounge at DUS.
As it was still morning, I scoped out the food offerings. A light breakfast was provided, perfectly adequate and filling (and frankly, a welcome break after the daily morning German meatfest at my hotel). Some hot/cold cereals, yogurt, fruit, pastries, breads, cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs… typical continental-style items.
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- Food service area at the Hugo Junkers Lounge in DUS.
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- A colorful breakfast at the Hugo Junkers Lounge in DUS.
Overall, it was a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours in. There was also a shower that I didn’t use, but was glad to know was available. The lounge was certainly more comfortable than the “exclusive” Air Berlin Waiting Area, which is an odd concept that amounts to a glorified waiting room segregated by a glass box. It is protected by an automated gate allowing access only to Air Berlin’s own elites as well as those of Etihad Partners (Etihad has a minority stake in Air Berlin). I confirmed this when I scanned my boarding pass and was summarily denied entry.
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- “Exclusive Waiting Area” for Air Berlin and Etihad Partners elites at Dà¼sseldorf Airport.
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- Automatic gate to the “exclusive” waiting area for Air Berlin and Etihad Partners elites. Red X means “No Entry.”
Honestly, I have no idea why an Air Berlin elite would choose this waiting area over the Lounge, but I spied quite a number of passengers sitting in it when I passed by (glass box, remember?).
In any case, the Hugo Junkers Lounge gets a thumbs-up from me, especially as a third-party contract lounge. Things can always be worse…
“VIP lounge” at Da Nang Airport – Photo: John Nguyen | AirlineReporter
Now, for some plane-spotting from the lounge…
The view overlooking the apron from the Hugo Junkers Lounge at DUS.
An Air Berlin A330-200 (D-ALPA) at DUS.
An Air Berlin A320-200 (D-ABNN) at DUS.
A Flybe Bombardier Dash 8 Q-400 (G-FLBC) at DUS.
An Etihad A330-200 (A6-EYU) in previous livery at DUS.
An Etihad A330-200 (A6-EYD) at DUS.
Welcome to Dà¼sseldorf Airport.
