Have an Escape to remember

Pre-book from just £25.99 per person*

*Price based on a stay in our Essence Lounge in January 2027

Escape Lounges at London Stansted Airport is evolving

As part of the airport’s transformation programme, the Escape Lounges space in the main terminal is now closed.

A new lounge concept, Essence by Escape Lounges, is now open, serving a selection of cold food, soft drinks (including tea and coffee), and wine and bottled beer. Please check the list of eligible airlines below before you book.

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Essence by Escape Lounges

Welcome to Essence, the new Escape Lounges offering available exclusively for passengers travelling with airlines that depart from Gates 1-19*.

Once passengers have travelled to Gates 1-19, they will not be able to return to the main terminal. Due to the lounge’s location, Ryanair and easyJet passengers will not be able to access the space.

Essence by Escape Lounges is designed for travellers who want comfort and simplicity before their flight. No fuss. Just good food, fresh drinks and a place to pause before you fly.

*Eligible airlines are Air Algerie, Arkia, British Airways Cityflyer, Corendon Airlines, Emirates, Flyone, HiSky, Jet2, Lufthansa, Pegasus, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SunExpress, Tui and Turkish Airlines.

Spacious airport lounge with tables, chairs, and large windows overlooking the runway; fruit basket in the foreground.

Essence by Escape Lounges

Pre-book from £25.99 per person

Cold light bites, including salads and sandwiches

Selection of wines and bottled beers

Unlimited hot and soft drinks

Complimentary WiFi

Flight information screens

Book now

Visit Essence by Escape Lounges at London Stansted Airport

A lounge area with a sign reading "Welcome to Essence by Escape Lounges" on a small table, and an airport runway visible through the window.

Assorted pastries, including muffins and donuts, displayed in wooden trays, with tongs and stacked plates in the background.

Fruits in wire baskets, cups, and cutlery on a buffet at a lounge labeled "essence by Escape Lounges."

A buffet with baskets of bananas, apples, oranges, and trays of pastries. Plates and utensils are neatly arranged, with snacks and muffins displayed.

The details

Opening times**

Open daily: 04:45 - 20:15

**Opening hours are subject to change. 30 minutes before the end of service, the food offer will be removed.

Lounge location

Due to its location near Gates 1-19, this lounge is only available for certain airlines.

The lounge can be accessed via the Stansted Transit System.

Exit the Transit System when you reach the stop for Gates 1-19, take the escalators up to the departure gate level and follow the signs for Premium Lounge.

View map

Price

Pre-book from £25.99 per person
Walk-up from £35 per person
Infants (under 3) free of charge

Our family-friendly Essence Lounge welcomes passengers travelling with eligible airlines.

FAQs

How do I access the lounge?

Essence by Escape Lounges is open to passengers travelling with airlines* that depart from Gates 1-19.

The lounge is available for walk-up entry on the day of travel.

Or, to guarantee a place in our lounge exactly when it suits you, you can pre-book your space using our booking tool (this must be done at least 24 hours before entry).

Which passes are accepted?

We accept several membership cards, including DragonPass, Priority Pass and Lounge Key.

Cardholders travelling with eligible airlines can use their cards to gain access for themselves and up to three guests.

Please check with your card provider for information about any costs associated with entry for the cardholder and any guests.

All cardholder access is subject to availability. To gain entry, you must bring your card with you to show at the reception desk when you arrive.

Are children permitted in the lounge?

Children are allowed entry into Essence by Escape Lounges. Infants aged under 3 receive free entry.

Can I book for a group of more than 6 people?

During busy periods from May to October, we do not accept bookings for groups larger than 6 people. For other times of the year, please contact us for further guidance.

Is there a dress code?

When visiting Essence by Escape Lounges, all guests must wear appropriate attire and conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with a family-friendly environment.

We do not allow certain items of clothing, including, but not limited to: clothing with slogans or motifs that may offend, matching attire (such as hen or stag items), fancy dress, or any other items that may offend other guests. Footwear must be worn at all times. 

Lounge managers and staff reserve the right to refuse entry or ask guests to leave at their discretion. In such cases, a refund will not be provided.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards for payments. All sales are final. Essence by Escape Lounges is cashless, so payment is available by card only.

What is included in the price?

Your visit to our Essence by Escape Lounges includes complimentary access to a range of premium facilities, as well as food and drinks.

Facilities

Unlimited ultra-fast private WiFi
Charging ports and power outlets
Print, scan and copy services
Pressreader, providing digital access to 7,000+ newspapers and magazines

Food and beverages

At Essence by Escape Lounges, guests can enjoy a carefully chosen menu of freshly prepared cold dishes, including sandwiches, salads and light bites. Complimentary refreshments include coffee and tea, soft drinks, wine and bottled beer. (You can also purchase premium alcoholic beverages for an additional cost.)

How long can I stay in the lounge?

Guests will have access to the lounge 2 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time.

How do I leave a review of the lounge?

We would love to hear from you about your experience in Essence by Escape Lounges at London Stansted Airport. Get in touch using our contact form.

How do I cancel or amend a lounge booking?

Plans changed? To cancel or amend your booking please click here.

Cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of your booking. Where specified in the product details some special offer bookings cannot be amended or cancelled.

Customers who have booked via a third party should contact them directly.