I was flying economy class on Qantas of the return flights to the U.S. from Bali. Even though I’m a Oneworld Emerald, Qantas offered no lounge access in Bali. No problem. There are two Priority Pass lounges in the international terminal. The Premier lounge looked like it had more comfortable seating although the free 15-minute massage in the T/G lounge was tempting.
Priority Pass lounge access is a lifesaver when I’m flying coach on an airline I don’t have status with. Relaxing in a quiet lounge, having a drink and a bite to eat, maybe taking a shower, always improves my attitude and relaxes me for a long flight in tight seat with minimal legroom.
You can buy a Priority Pass membership. The best deal is to get the membership ‘free’ with one of several U.S. credit cards from Chase, Citi, American Express and others.widely available (in the U.S. at least) credit cards. The value of the benefits, including Priority Pass from these cards is easily more than the cost the annual fees.
There are now over 1,200 Priority Pass lounges around the world including a small but growing number of airport restaurants. Participating restaurants add a $28 credit to the bill for a member and up to one guest. I probably use my Priority Pass membership at lounges and restaurants at least 20 times each year.
Posts about the Bali trip:
Hotel Review – The Stones Hotel, Legian, Bali, A Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel
Wings Air ATR 72-500 Economy Class – Denpasar, Indonesia (DPS) to Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (LBJ)
Komodo National Park, Rinca Island, Indonesia – Trip Report
Economy Class Trip Report – NAM Air 737-500 Labuan Bajo, Indonesia to Denpasar, Indonesia
My Worst Ever Travel Mistake – Qantas 737-800 Denpasar, Indonesia (Bali) to Sydney, Australia
Premier Lounge
Location
The Premier Lounge is located above the duty free shopping area in the international terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, Indonesia. There is a large sign stating “Premier Lounge” on the mezzanine one level up. Take stairs or an elevator to get to the mezzanine.
Hours and Access
The Premier Lounge is open whenever the airport is open. Ngurah Rai Airport is open everyday except Nyepi Day, a Balinese hindu day of silence, fasting and meditation. Nyepi Day is a very sacred public holiday that falls on the day before New Year’s Day on the Balinese calendar. That date varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. The day runs from 06:00 to 06:00 the following day. Travel is forbidden.
Priority Pass members may use this lounge for free. Guests of Priority Pass members must pay $32 to enter. Anyone can purchase access for $24 for themself and each guest. Children under 2 are not charged. There is no stated time limit for staying in this lounge. Access can be denied due to space constraints.
Seating
Seating is to the left of the lounge entrance. The lounge is one large oddly shaped room.
There are a few tables for eating and many individual chairs and sofas for relaxing. Electrical outlets are reasonably available in the seating areas.
Food and Beverages
Beverages are available at a bar just to the right after entering the seating area. There is a limit of two free alcoholic beverages per customer.
There is a wide variety of items on the buffet. Most items are just for nibbling.
Services
The Premier Lounge offers the standard airport lounge services including decent WiFi, flight monitors, fax and international phone service for a fee, television, newspapers in various languages, and conference facilities. In addition, the lounge has showers and reflexology massage services. Reflexology is a separate charge.
Overall Impression
In comparison to very good Priority Pass lounges like the Dnata Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport and the Asiana business-class lounge at Seoul/Incheon, the Premier Lounge at the DPS international terminal is an average Priority Pass lounge. The food and beverages are at best average in quality and quantity. This best attribute of this lounge is the comfortable seating in a quiet setting away from the commotion of the terminal. The next time I’m at this airport I’ll try the T/G lounge for the free 15-minute massage.
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