Review: SkyTeam Lounge Santiago Airport (SCL)

During my two times to Latin America trip, I had the chance to check out a couple of lounges at Santiago Airport, prior to my Delta A350 business class flight.

In a previous installment, I reviewed the LATAM Lounge Santiago, which is exceptional, probably the best lounge in Latin America. Now I wanted to review the SkyTeam Lounge Santiago, which is much less exciting. It’s still okay, and a comfortable enough place to pass some time prior to a flight. However, I doubt this lounge will blow anyone away.

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago location

The SkyTeam Lounge is located in Terminal 2 of Santiago Airport, which is exclusively used for international flights. It’s located in Pier E, which is a bit of a walk from where you enter the terminal. Once through security, just turn right and follow the signage in the direction of Pier E.

Eventually you’ll find yourself walking down a corridor to this part of the terminal.

As soon as you’re in Pier E, you’ll see the entrance to the lounge on the right.

It’s a shared entrance, as both the SkyTeam Lounge and Banco de Chile Lounge are one level beneath the terminal, so can be accessed via the same elevator. Also, did Banco de Chile steal Corona’s typeface, the other way around, or am I losing my mind?

Once on the lower level, the entrance to the SkyTeam Lounge is to the right.

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago hours

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago never closes, as it’s open 24/7, given that the airport sees flights all hours of the day.

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago entry requirements

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago follows standard SkyTeam lounge access rules, so it’s open to SkyTeam business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus travelers.

On top of that, the lounge also belongs to Priority Pass, though it can only be accessed through the program if you’re flying on a SkyTeam airline (which I find to be an interesting restriction). I sat near the entrance for much of the time I was in the lounge, and I can’t count the number of people who were turned away, as they weren’t aware of the restriction (this is the only Priority Pass lounge in the terminal).

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago seating & layout

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago is 757 square meters (~8,150 square feet), with seating for 154 guests. As you enter the lounge, there’s first a seating area with… well, whatever you call these things, which look like private couches from the back, but are really just a pair of chairs. There’s also some high-top seating along a self-serve bar.

Off to the side of this area are two chairs at a shared workspace, as well as a printer.

There’s also a section here that’s roped off, though I’m not sure who that’s saved for. Perhaps for Flying Blue Ultimate members, as both Air France and KLM fly here.

There’s also an area with a few daybeds, separated by partitions. Don’t expect to get any real rest here (it’s bright and not quiet), but it’s a nice place to lounge nonetheless.

Then there’s one of two main seating areas in the lounge, which is elevated above the other main seating area, up a couple of stairs. This has some chairs, benches, and dining tables.

The lower seating area has pairs of seats arranged facing one another, with partitions between them. For whatever reason, during my visit everyone seemed to want to sit here, rather than in any other part of the lounge.

Lastly, there are a couple of communal counters with a bunch of chairs, which I’d only choose if there are no other places to sit. There are also a couple of dining tables with chairs. This is all in the same area as the buffet.

One nice thing about the lounge is that it has windows throughout. The lounge is on the same level as the apron, so you get a different perspective on the action than you’d typically get from the terminal. Views were the only thing missing from the LATAM Lounge. Below you can also see the Delta A350 that I’d be flying to Atlanta!

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago food & drinks

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago has a pretty good drink selection. During my visit, there was a self-serve bar near the entrance, with a variety of wine and liquor.

There were also fridges with soda, water, and beer.

The main buffet is located in the very back of the lounge, though I find the spread during my visit to be quite lackluster.

Food options included some cold cuts, individually plated salads, fruit, mini sandwiches, bread rolls, brownies, and cookies.

The only hot option during my visit was soup.

There were also a couple of coffee machines here, plus a selection of tea and soft drinks.

So while the selection wasn’t terrible, it was a far cry from the LATAM Lounge, which had a massive choice of hot and cold food, cocktails made by bartenders, barista coffee, etc.

SkyTeam Lounge Santiago bathrooms & showers

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago has bathrooms and showers in the back right corner of the lounge.

The men’s room has three sinks, three urinals, and two stalls, and seemed to be well maintained.

The lounge also has two shower suites, each with a sink, toilet, and walk-in shower.

Bottom line

The SkyTeam Lounge Santiago is a perfectly okay contract(ish) and Priority Pass lounge. It’s nice and bright, it wasn’t too crowded, and the drink selection was decent. That being said, I thought the food selection was pretty underwhelming, with the only hot option being soup, and even the cold options not being all that substantial. Furthermore, I’d describe the lounge’s decor as being rather basic, as is the case at all SkyTeam branded lounges, in my experience.

If this is the only lounge you have access to, then of course this is what you should use. However, if you have access to this or the LATAM Lounge (like when flying Delta), then the choice is incredibly obvious — don’t bother with this lounge!

What’s your take on the SkyTeam Lounge Santiago?