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The Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is better than I expected for a small airport lounge. Although it’s a small lounge that can get crowded during busy times, the food at the lounge offers variety and good quality.
In short, it was a pleasant experience to visit The Escape Lounge at Oakland airport in California. Here are the details:
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| The Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at Oakland International Airport (OAK) |
The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is officially reopened. You can gain access to the lounge in a few ways:
- Complimentary entry for American Express Platinum Card or American Express Business Platinum Card Members up to two (2) guests with a valid boarding pass with any airline.
- Complimentary entry for American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Credit Card and $30 for additional guests with a valid boarding pass with Delta airline.
- Complimentary entry for TAV Passport Card Members and one guest.
- Dreamfolks Card Holders receive access based on their plan. Contact Dreamfolks to learn more about your benefits.
- Pay the entry fee of $45 per person if paid at the door, or pay $40 per person if booked online at least 24 hours before entry. AAA and military discounts are also available at the door.
- Children under 24 months receive free entry.
We used our American Express Platinum Card and showed our boarding passes to get free access to the Escape Lounge at Oakland airport.
How much does it cost to access The Escape Lounge?
- If you pay at the door, it costs $45 per person. However, you can also ask the front desk upon your arrival for AAA or military discounts.
- If you book online via the official Escape Lounge website, you receive a $5 entry fee discount. It would cost $40 per person. You must book at least 24 hours before entry.
In my honest opinion, I am not really sure whether the lounge is worth the entry fee. While the food is good, the lounge itself is small. For that amount of money, the airport restaurants and bars may be better options. But it’s completely up to you.
I gained access to The Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at Oakland airport with an additional 1 guest for free using the American Express Platinum Card. The card has a very high annual fee, but each year I am able to maximize the card benefits to justify its annual fee.
Can you access Escape Lounge at Oakland Airport with the Priority Pass?
The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the Amex Centurion Studio Partner. Unfortunately, the lounge is not part of the Priority Pass Airport Lounges, and therefore, you cannot access the lounge with your Priority Pass Select Membership.
Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Location and Contact
- Location: The Escape Lounge can be found in Terminal 1, across from Gate 9, between Gates 8 and 8A.
- Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Phone: 1-855-643-1100
Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Menu: Food & Drinks
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| Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Food |
You order food and drinks off your table. You scan the QR code to get the menu. A paper menu is also available if you prefer.
We were there around dinner time so these are what they were serving at the time. All items come out in a small dish. My favorite items are:
- Stromboli Bite
- Soy Ginger Salmon
- Caramel Apple Pastry
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| Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Food Menu |
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| Escape Lounge Caramel Apple Pastry Dessert |
There’s also a bar area. Complimentary drinks are all listed on the menu along with non-free Signature cocktails and wines as well. See the menu below.
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| Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Drinks Menu |
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| Escape Lounge Oakland Airport Drinks Menu |
For the most up-to-date menu at The Escape Lounge Oakland airport, you can access the menu here.
Do you tip at the Escape Lounge?
Tipping is a personal thing. Given the Escape Lounge at OAK airport is not a self-serving buffet-style lounge, it’s best you tip the lounge servers to receive better services or to show your appreciation for their work. Don’t get me wrong, the services at the Escape Lounge are quite good.
After we were seated, we received food and drinks services from the same server the entire time. We tipped him $10 at the end of our visit, and he very much appreciated it.
Lounge Seats & Amenities
The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a small lounge but not as bad as the Plaza Premium Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is also a small lounge, complimentary access for American Express Platinum Card or American Express Business Platinum Card members as well.
During busy times, you may expect the lounge to be crowded. There are a good amount of seats inside the lounge. But my favorite part is a seating area with big windows and you can spot Southwest Airlines planes there.
Bathroom
There’s no bathroom inside the Escape Lounge at OAK airport. You have to use the airport bathroom outside the lounge, which is right across the lounge.
Conclusion
Overall, I feel that The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is small and thus it’s expected to be crowded during busy times. It is the only lounge at Oakland International airport at this time, so it was nice to be able to relax before flights and enjoy complimentary food and drinks while spotting planes through the big windows seats.
Would I pay the lounge entry fee to gain access to this Escape Lounge? No. We got in the lounge for free through my American Express Platinum Card.
