After visiting family and finishing my groomsman duties at my friend’s wedding, it was time to head home.
I boarded my quick flight from Norfolk to Washington Dulles and spent the next five hours checking out the lounges the airport had to offer.
Dulles has six Priority Pass options including four lounges, a restaurant, and one Sleepbox lounge. In addition, if you hold the appropriate membership, Star Alliance status, or premium cabin ticket, there are four United Clubs, a Lufthansa Business/Senator Lounge, and a Turkish Airlines lounge to keep you occupied before your flight.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
If you’re at the airport between the early morning and afternoon, check out the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Concourse A. It’s available through Priority Pass from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and has some decent food and drink options along with some awesome airport views.
The food and beverage options were solid for a Priority Pass lounge and I imagine that the spread becomes more expansive later in the evening when Virgin’s own passengers begin to occupy the lounge. In addition, the apron views were some of the better ones I’ve had at the airport. Also, during the hour I was there, the lounge was downright empty.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Just a few yards away, in Terminal B was the Turkish Airlines Lounge. This one had much more extended hours is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Unfortunately, it can also get pretty busy, so access may be restricted sometimes to Priority Pass members. In addition, it’s also a Star Alliance Gold lounge.
Of all the lounges I visited at Dulles, the food at the Turkish Airlines Lounge was definitely the best. I also grabbed a drink over at the complimentary bar (not pictured) as I waited for my plane to arrive.
At about and hour and a half before boarding time, I got to watch my plane arrive. A beautiful 20 year-old 747-400 with the tail number D-ABVU. That was my cue to head over to the Lufthansa lounge where I would later board the plane from.
Lufthansa Business Lounge
Also in Terminal B, the Lufthansa Lounge was split into two parts with the Senator Lounge upstairs and the Business Lounge downstairs.
Downstairs, there was ample seating and a solid food and drink selection, but sadly no views.
I grabbed a quick shower to freshen up for my flight and then grabbed a few bites from the buffet before boarding.
The food and amenities were nice, but the best feature of this lounge is the ability to board your Lufthansa flight directly from the lounge and bypass all the “gate lice” out in the terminal.
Planes, Trains, and RVs 