Oakland International Airport in Alameda County, California, has opened its first luxury lounge for visitors. Passengers flying on any airline can pay US$45 to enter the Escape Lounge, which has seating, internet access, and unlimited food and drink from a food program designed by well known Oakland chef Chris Pastena.
The lounge measures 2,000ft², with seating for 50 people over three distinct zones – one for relaxing, with chairs and couches; a dining area with a bar; and a work space. Pastena, who owns popular Oakland restaurants Lungomare, Chop Bar and Calavera, has designed a buffet for the dining zone featuring breakfast items, sandwiches and salads.
With Oakland currently embarking on an ambitious renovation and expansion project, the Escape Lounge is the result of a collaboration with UK-based airport operator Manchester Airport Group (MAG).
The company began introducing the Escape Lounge brand to the USA last year, with Minneapolis the first location to receive a facility and Oakland the second. The Oakland lounge is open daily from 5am until 8pm.
Rosemarie Andolino, president and CEO of MAG USA, said, “We are delighted to be working with Oakland International Airport to bring our first Escape Lounge to the West Coast. Increasingly, consumers seek simple and affordable upgrades to their daily lives and Escape Lounges provide an opportunity to do just that. Common-use airport lounges are still a new concept in North America and we look forward to working with more airports as they improve their passenger amenities.”
