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Star Alliance may have more branded lounges than any of the other major alliances (we’re still waiting for more news on the first oneworld branded lounge that was announced two years ago) but it’s about to lose a key lounge in South America – the Star Alliance lounge at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport is about to be closed.
A statement issued by the alliance reads as follows:
“Star Alliance regrets to inform that it will no longer offer a lounge at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport effective April 1, 2021, as a consequence of the GRU Airport authority’s decision to pursue its own lounge operations. We are encouraged by discussions taking place between member airlines and the GRU Airport towards a seamless transition of lounge services to avoid any impact on the premium customers of the Alliance. Star Alliance remains committed to its premium strategy, and to Brazil, and continues to offer a Star Alliance lounge at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport.”
A search on the Star Alliance lounge finder shows that this will leave travelers with just the ‘Sala VIP Smiles’ lounge as their only option and as this lounge is in Terminal 2, it’s not going to be particularly convenient for international travelers departing from Terminal 3.
Bottom Line
Stat Alliance has announced that its branded lounge at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport will be closed permanently from 1 April 2021. The alliance says that member airlines are currently in negotiations with the airport to give flyers another option, but for now, it looks like anyone traveling with the likes of United Airlines and TAP will have to make do with the Sala VIP Smiles contract lounge.
Was at this lounge around New Years and it was terrible. They had rolls and some type of soup served by one worker, and one bartender for all alcohol. It was packed and very large. Won’t be missing anything.
Right across the hallway is AMEX lounge that had much much better food options.
i really liked that lounge. sad to see it go.