There are currently four lounges at Oslo Gardermoen Airport – The SAS Domestic Lounge, the OSL Lounge and the SAS International Lounges, which are divided into an SAS (Business) Lounge and an SAS Gold Lounge.
So which one is the best? Here are a few tips depending on what you are looking for.
In the Domestic transit area
SAS Domestic Lounge
The new SAS domestic lounge opened in June 2017 and was the first SAS ‘Next-Generation Lounge’ with the same concept that has now been used in the new SAS Gold Lounge in Copenhagen.
The lounge is located in the domestic transit hall but since you pass through the domestic transit hall before entering the international transit hall you can also use it before an international flight with SAS or Star Alliance, assuming you start your journey in Oslo. However you are not able to use the lounge while in transit between two international flights unless you go landside and through security control for departing passengers.
But the lounge is certainly not bad as long as you avoid the peak hours. The interior is quite cool and especially the inner part of the lounge which looks much like a living room with large sofas and which even has a fireplace. There is a decent cold buffet in the open kitchen-style buffet area and there is even a ‘cafe’ with a barista. Wine and beer are available but there are no spirits.
Another interesting aspect of the lounge is that it has a gym which you can use free of charge. This is a rather cool lounge if you want to try something different.
Read the full lounge review here!
In the International transit area
OSL Lounge
The OSL Lounge is the only third-party lounge at the airport used by virtually all full-service airlines which are not part of Star Alliance or a partner of SAS. Although you can get in here using some credit cards the lounge does not accept for example Priority Pass.
Although the lounge has been around for some time it still feels quite fresh and modern with a Scandinavian-inspired and fairly contemporary design with many wooden elements and furniture in mostly pastel colours.
There is a cold buffet which varies depending on the time of the day with breakfast dishes in the morning and cold cuts, sandwiches and vegetables during most of the day. There are also snacks, cookies and fresh fruits. Beer and wine are available on tap and starting from noon a standard selection of spirits is available.
There is also a separate area to the right of the reception desk called OSL Premium Lounge, accessible if you travel in business class on some of the airlines using the lounge. This separate lounge has nicer seating areas and a somewhat better selection of food and drinks.
Read the full lounge review here!
SAS Lounge
The new SAS Lounge opened in October 2015 and was at the same time expanded with another 202 sqm, giving a new total size of 550 sqm. The lounge has one of the newer SAS lounge design with the new SAS lounge furniture and is divided into different areas. The design feels quite modern and contemporary with arts on the walls and furniture in green, grey, blue and black. It feels less ‘Ikea’ than in the past but it it still fairly functional.
There is a cold buffet as well as beer, wine and soft drinks for self service.
Read the full lounge review here!
SAS Gold Lounge
The SAS Gold Lounge is located inside the SAS Lounge, so in order to get there you need to scan your boarding pass twice, and as the name suggests you need a gold card to get in
The lounge opened in 2015 and the design is completely new and feels far more modern compared to the old design. The furniture are a mix of sofas, armchairs and the signature SAS gold lounge armchairs in black leather, which are slightly larger than the regular ones. There is also a relax area.
There is a rather sizeable buffet area with a cold buffet and also some hot food in the evenings. Beer, wine and spirits are available for self service.
This is actually a very pleasant lounge and one of the very best lounges in the SAS network.
Read the full lounge review here!
Final impression
If you want to try something different then the new SAS Domestic Lounge is a fun lounge to visit with its contemporary design and plenty of facilities. It definitely does stand out. However at peak times in the morning and in the late afternoon/early evening the lounge is often packed.
The SAS Gold Lounge is one of the nicest in the SAS network with a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and it also has one of the best selections of food and snacks in the SAS network.
The SAS Lounge and the OSL Lounge are really not bad but they are both fairly functional. If you have access to the OSL Lounge, try to get into the OSL Premium Lounge to the right which is much nicer.
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