Have an Escape to remember

Pre-book from just £25.99 per person*

*Price based on a stay in Essence by Escape Lounges in January 2027

Escape Lounges at London Stansted Airport is evolving

As part of the airport’s transformation programme, the Escape Lounges space in the main terminal is now closed.

A new lounge concept, Essence by Escape Lounges, is now open and is available exclusively for walk-up passengers travelling on airlines that depart from Gates 1-19*. Please check the list of eligible airlines below.

Essence by Escape Lounges

Welcome to Essence, the new Escape Lounges offering available exclusively for passengers travelling with airlines that depart from Gates 1-19*.

Once passengers have travelled to Gates 1-19, they will not be able to return to the main terminal. Due to the lounge’s location, Ryanair and easyJet passengers will not be able to access the space.

Essence by Escape Lounges is designed for travellers who want comfort and simplicity before their flight. No fuss. Just good food, fresh drinks and a place to pause before you fly.

*Eligible airlines are Air Algerie, Arkia, British Airways Cityflyer, Corendon Airlines, Emirates, Flyone, HiSky, Jet2, Lufthansa, Pegasus, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SunExpress, Tui and Turkish Airlines.

Two women sitting at a restaurant table, laughing and holding hands. They have glasses of wine and bowls of food in front of them.

Essence by Escape Lounges

Pre-book from £25.99 per person

Cold light bites, including salads and sandwiches

Selection of wines and bottled beers

Unlimited hot and soft drinks

Complimentary WiFi

Flight information screens

Opening times**

Monday: 04:30 - 19:30
Tuesday: 04:30 - 19:30
Wednesday: 04:30 - 19:30
Thursday: 04:30 - 19:30
Friday: 04:30 - 19:30
Saturday: 04:30 - 19:30
Sunday: 04:30 - 19:30

**Opening hours are subject to change. 30 minutes before the end of service, the food offer will be removed.

Lounge location

Due to its location near Gates 1-19, this lounge is only available for certain airlines.

The lounge can be accessed via the Stansted Transit System.

Exit the Transit System when you reach the stop for Gates 1-19, take the escalators up to the departure gate level and follow the signs for Premium Lounge.

View map

Price

Walk-up from £35 per person
Infants (under 3) free of charge

Our family-friendly Essence Lounge welcomes passengers travelling with eligible airlines.

FAQs

How do I access the lounge?

Essence by Escape Lounges is open to passengers travelling with airlines* that depart from Gates 1-19.

The lounge is available for walk-up entry on the day of travel.

Or, to guarantee a place in our lounge exactly when it suits you, you can pre-book your space using our booking tool (this must be done at least 24 hours before entry).

Which passes are accepted?

We accept several membership cards, including DragonPass, Priority Pass and Lounge Key.

Cardholders travelling with eligible airlines can use their cards to gain access for themselves and up to three guests.

Please check with your card provider for information about any costs associated with entry for the cardholder and any guests.

All cardholder access is subject to availability. To gain entry, you must bring your card with you to show at the reception desk when you arrive.

Are children permitted in the lounge?

Children are allowed entry into Essence by Escape Lounges. Infants aged under 3 receive free entry.

Can I book for a group of more than 6 people?

During busy periods from May to October, we do not accept bookings for groups larger than 6 people. For other times of the year, please contact us for further guidance.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code in Essence by Escape Lounges is smart casual.

We do not allow certain items, including: (but not limited to) football/rugby tops or Sports team shirts/shorts, clothing with slogans or motifs that may offend, fancy dress including sashes/headwear/matching items, or clothing that exposes midriffs or upper thighs. Hair rollers or pin curls must be covered with a head scarf.

We reserve the right to refuse entry, without refund, to anyone wearing clothing we deem to be unsuitable.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards for payments. All sales are final. Essence by Escape Lounges is cashless, so payment is available by card only.

What is included in the price?

Your visit to our Essence by Escape Lounges includes complimentary access to a range of premium facilities, as well as food and drinks.

Facilities

Unlimited ultra-fast private WiFi
Charging ports and power outlets
Print, scan and copy services
Pressreader, providing digital access to 7,000+ newspapers and magazines

Food and beverages

At Essence by Escape Lounges, guests can enjoy a carefully chosen menu of freshly prepared cold dishes, including sandwiches, salads and light bites. Complimentary refreshments include coffee and tea, soft drinks, wine and bottled beer. (You can also purchase premium alcoholic beverages for an additional cost.)

How long can I stay in the lounge?

Guests will have access to the lounge 2 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time.

How do I leave a review of the lounge?

We would love to hear from you about your experience in Essence by Escape Lounges at London Stansted Airport. Get in touch using our contact form.

How do I cancel or amend a lounge booking?

Plans changed? To cancel or amend your booking please click here.

Cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of your booking. Where specified in the product details some special offer bookings cannot be amended or cancelled.

Customers who have booked via a third party should contact them directly.