London Stansted has opened a new premium space, Essence by Escape Lounges, introducing a quieter, design‑led environment aimed at travellers who want a calmer pre‑flight experience without the formality of a traditional business lounge.
Located beyond the airport’s transit system near Gates 1–19, the lounge marks the first outing of Escape’s new “Essence” concept, built around simplicity, comfort and a lighter, more contemporary food-and-drink offer.
A new concept for a busier airport
The lounge offers freshly prepared cold dishes, including sandwiches, salads and light bites, alongside complimentary soft drinks, wine and bottled beer. Travellers also have access to ultra‑fast private Wi‑Fi, charging points and PressReader — a combination clearly pitched at passengers who want to work or decompress before boarding.
Open daily from 4.30am to 7.30pm, the lounge operates on a walk‑up basis for £35 per person, with access limited to two hours before departure. Children under three can enter free of charge.
Eligibility restrictions
Because of its location — accessible only via the transit system to Gates 1–19 — the lounge is restricted to a specific list of airlines. Eligible carriers include British Airways Cityflyer, Emirates, Lufthansa, Jet2, Tui, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian and several others.
Crucially for many Stansted regulars, Ryanair and easyJet passengers cannot use this lounge, as both airlines operate from different gate areas not served by the transit stop.
Positioning for the business‑travel market
While not branded as a business lounge, the amenities — fast Wi‑Fi, quieter seating zones, and a more curated food-and-drink selection — clearly target travellers who want a productive space before short‑haul and mid‑haul flights. Its walk‑up model also suits last‑minute corporate travel, where lounge access isn’t always bundled into a fare.
A growing premium footprint at Stansted
The opening reflects Stansted’s ongoing push to broaden its premium offering as its long‑haul and full‑service airline portfolio grows. With Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa all operating from the airport, demand for a more refined pre‑departure environment has increased.