East Midlands Airport has one terminal and one lounge you can pay to use: the Escape Lounge. There is no second lounge to compare it with, so this page sets out what you get, the rules on children and timing, and who it suits, so you can decide whether it is worth booking. If you are still weighing that up, our guide on whether an airport lounge is worth it goes through the costs and benefits.
Escape Lounge
- Where: airside, on the ground floor of the departure lounge. After security and duty free, walk past the shops; the lounge is opposite Gate 17, towards Gates 8 to 23.
- Included: hot and cold food from a set menu, with gluten-free and vegan options, plus tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits and fizz. Premium alcoholic drinks cost extra. There is fast private Wi-Fi, charging points, printing and scanning, digital newspapers and magazines, and flight information screens.
- Children: welcome, and the lounge describes itself as family-friendly. Under-3s go in free and do not need a booking. Children's tickets cover ages 3 to 15.
- Timing: you can go in up to three hours before your scheduled departure, depending on your airline's check-in times. It opens at 3.30am, and closing time varies by day, from late afternoon to early evening. Hours change with the season, and food is cleared 30 minutes before service ends.
- Booking: pre-booking must be done at least 24 hours ahead. You can also pay at the door on the day if there is space; it is card only. From May to October it does not take groups of more than six.
- Dress code: smart casual. Sports team shirts, offensive slogans, fancy dress and matching stag or hen outfits are not allowed, and you must wear shoes.
- Lounge cards: Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey and several other cards are accepted, subject to space.
The lounge was refurbished in 2025 and is now split into four themed areas: The Arcade, The Fair, The Arboretum and The Cavern.
Is it worth it here
Getting to your gate in time for boarding is your responsibility, so keep an eye on the flight screens inside. The value depends mainly on when you fly. For a dawn holiday flight, a sit-down breakfast and a drink in a calmer room can be worth the cost, especially for a couple or a family with young children, as under-3s go free. If your flight leaves in the evening, check the closing time for your day first, as the lounge may have shut before you need it.
As it is the only lounge, there is no cheaper or more premium alternative airside. If it is full on the day, your choice is the cafés and bars in the departure lounge.
Which one for you
- An early flight, travelling as a couple or family: the Escape Lounge, booked at least a day ahead.
- A lounge card holder: the Escape Lounge, but arrive early in the summer, as entry depends on space.
- An evening flight: check the day's closing time before you book.
Compare prices and book on our East Midlands Airport lounges page. For parking, drop-off and how early to arrive, see our guide to flying from East Midlands Airport.
Sorted before you fly.
