A few weeks ago we were invited to attend the grand opening of the latest “The Club” Airport Lounge located in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the dates didn’t work out with our schedule but luckily we found ourselves passing through the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport a few days later. I’m sure glad that we did have a chance to stop by because the new Club Lounge MSY is fantastic. Beautiful and thoughtful space, delicious food, and the perfect setting to relax when flying out of MSY!
Check out our Very Basic Review of The Club MSY Below
The Club Airport Lounges
We love the hanging at the Club! Let’s keep it in context here, not that kind of club 🙂 The Airport Club Lounge Network has continued to grow over the years both in the United States and Europe. I’m a big fan of the “branding” of The Club airport lounges, where you’ll find a similar layout from city to city, but always with a unique touch from the city that you’re visiting. The previous Club Lounge that opened in Buffalo NY had many unique “easter eggs” representing the city which were fun to find when we attended the opening day at The Club BUF!
The Club MSY
The brand new Club Lounge at MSY is located in Concourse A of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The Club MSY is very easy to get to from any of the concourses and does not require going through a TSA checkpoint. The hours of operation are from 4:30 AM until 9:30 PM daily. Access is permitted up to 3 hours before a scheduled flight departure. In addition, it’s possible to stop by when flying into MSY before leaving the airport.
Access to the Club
A Priority Pass Membership is our preferred method of entering the Club at MSY. These memberships are perks that come with many different Travel Cards. Our two Favorite options are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum® Card from American Express. Both of these cards provide unlimited access to Priority Pass Airport Lounges Worldwide. For travelers who don’t pass through airports with many lounge options, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card comes with 10 Annual Priority Pass Lounge Passes.
Alternatively, the Club MSY is accessible without a Priority Pass Membership for $40 per person. AAA Members will receive a $6 discount with their membership card.
What’s included with a visit to the Club MSY?
Guests will have the option to relax in a myriad of different rooms and spaces. One of our favorite aspects of the Club Lounges is the options or “zones” for relaxing within each location. At the Club MSY, you’ll find a Quiet Zone, Replenish Zone, Productivity Zone, and Relaxing Zone. Within each Zone, you’ll find seats and space that helps to cultivate the basic goal of that particular area within the lounge. I’m a big fan of the quiet zone which offers the comfiest seating options to close and rest your eyes!
Food & Beverages at The Club MSY
One of our favorite money-saving strategies while traveling is to take advantage of the complimentary food and beverages found within the airport lounges. The Club Lounge MSY did not disappoint! Chef John Folse, a well known New Orleans Culinary Icon worked with the Club to create locally infused food and drink options. Throughout the day, you’ll find a large buffet that includes both hot and cold food options. Depending on the time of the day, the options can include fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and potatoes in the morning. Later in the day, you’ll find different wraps, pasta, and soup to choose from. All-day you’ll find my favorite coffee and espresso machine which has been a basic lifesaver on more than one occasion!
To pair with the delicious food options, there is a full bar that includes tasty drinks and a unique space to enjoy. The bar is actually created in the shape of a music note, hinting at the popularity of live music found in New Orleans. The menu includes all of the standard drinks you’d hope to find plus a handful of special signature cocktails. A few of our favorites are The Big Easy Margaritas, Sazerac, and The Ultimate Vodka Soda.
Showers & Bathroom
One unique aspect of the Club at MSY is the ability to freshen up with a shower! We’ve both showered at Club Lounges before and I can say that they can sure come in handy. The last time was during a long day of travel that was due to a flight delay. We ended up spending 6 hours at the airport during this layover and the shower was definitely the highlight of that particular day!
The Club MSY provides complimentary towels, soaps & shampoo, and even toothpaste. Inside the shower rooms, you’ll find a beautiful and modern space to relax and freshen up.
Local Touch at The Club MSY
In addition to the local take on their food and drinks, throughout the Club MSY there is beautiful artwork on display. There are great photos taken by a local photographer capturing the different sights found throughout New Orleans. Beautiful murals are also hung up throughout the lounge that really creates a unique ambiance. The ceiling in the main room is comprised of hand-blown glass chandeliers that we’re created by a local artist. Finally and perhaps my favorite aspect of the Club MSY is the southern hospitality. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, I felt welcomed. Colleen who manages the lounge even took some time to show me around and answer any questions that I had about the newest and coolest place to be in the NOLA Airport!
Basic Recap
It was so great having the opportunity to be one of the first guests of the brand new Club Lounge at MSY. From the unique space to the delicious food & drink options, I was not disappointed. If you’re passing through the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport I encourage you to make a stopover to Concourse A and take in some Southern Hospitality!
Have you been to the Club MSY? I’d love to hear what you thought about it down in the comments below or in our Basic Travel Facebook Group!
More Basic Reading
- Top 16 Things to Do in New Orleans
- Airport Lounge Access
- Basic Review of The Club at BUF Lounge
- Basic Review of The Club at MCO Lounge
- Our Favorite Money-Saving Travel Strategies
- Top Credit Cards of the Month
For rates and fees for American Express cards mentioned in this post, please see the following links: The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates & Fees; terms apply)
