Breakfast at the newly renovated Latam lounge in Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport offers the standard fare – cereals, fresh fruit, yogurts and cold cuts of meat.
But the local flavour comes from the variety of South American cheeses on offer and the dedicated TV area set up to feature local football games.
The 19,000 square foot space may feel empty now, but it will become one the most visited in South America next year when the Olympics comes to Brazil.
It is the first lounge opened by Latam following the merger between Lan and Tam in 2012. Lan was the largest airline in South America, and Tam was Brazil’s national carrier.
There is certainly a very Latin American feel to the space – it was designed by the same international designers that launched the carrier’s new lounges in Bogota and Santiago. Rich woods, onyx and leather are found on almost every surface, chair or wall.
With seats for 450 people, the lounge feels surprisingly small, the illusion coming from the variety of zones created – there are intimate areas for relaxing, work, TV, dining, sleep and showering. A business traveller certainly will not struggle to find somewhere to call their own for an hour or two.
Some elements are particularly well executed, from the welcome area, which includes bottled water, newspapers and storage lockers for people in a rush, through to the dedicated TV areas.
On tap are a wide range of drinks, and while most dine in the dining room, surrounding the 30 metre-long counter, if travelling alone, I would recommend setting up camp on one of the outward-facing seats that run along the glass wall facing out to the runway. Beside each seat is a small table that contains not only nearby power sockets, but built-in USB charging sockets for smaller devices too.
While the lounge is open plan, it does mean the constant airport tannoys and general passenger traffic below can be distracting for those wanting quiet time. However, a dedicated rest area offers peace and quiet.
And, next to the bathrooms, six private shower suites – complete with Natura Ekos and Trousseau toiletries and large fluffy towels – are ideal for connecting passengers wanting to freshen up ahead of an onward flight.
q&a something for everyone
Jonny Clark tells business travellers what to expect from the Latam lounge in Guarulhos International Airport:
Who has access to the Latam lounge?
The VIP lounge is available for all customers flying business class with Latam or other Oneworld Alliance members. The lounge can also be used by holders of Tam Frequent Flyer Black, Vermelho Plus and Vermelho cards and LanPass Comodoro Black, Comodoro and Premium Silver cards, and Oneworld’s Emerald or Sapphire frequent flyers.
Where is the lounge?
Transiting passengers can find the lounge in terminal 3 on the mezzanine level with views over the terminal, apron and runway.
Which airlines fly to Sao Paulo from the UAE?
Both Emirates and Etihad offer direct flights to the airport, as does British Airways. Qatar Airways offers direct flights from Doha and one-stop connections through London and Madrid.
I am travelling with another carrier. Can I purchase access?
Yes. Lounge access is available at a fee of US$50. The lounge is open from 5am to midnight daily.
Do Latam have other new lounges in South America?
Yes. Latam has recently renovated lounges in Bogota, Santiago in Chile, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. The next lounge to open will be in Miami. All will be open to Oneworld partners.
What’s on offer for those travelling with children?
There is an entertainment room full of consoles, meaning kids will be kept busy during any stay in the lounge.
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