Lounge Access - Big Banana Lounge @ VC Bird International

Could someone give a critique of the big Banana Lounge @ VC Bird International in Antigua. Am flying on to SXM with LIAT so have a hold over there. Is it worth the $20 > $25 pp? Hope to be able to use it on return as UC. if upgrade for Wife's 65th successful. Please advise, Thanks& God Bless.



thread title edit by mod to specify which lounge OP is asking about..... Nick

With pleasure, as I've been there a couple of times now. Honestly, it's a marginal call for $20. It's not very big, windowless, pretty dark, and can get quite crowded as both VS and BA use it. We struggled to get seats when we were in there last Easter. Food is limited to a few snacks/cheese on a small table, althought there is a reasonable bar for drinks. So if you do want a few drinks before the flight, you may get your money's worth, and unless they have made significant progress on the new terminal, it's slightly better than being outside. But not by any means a lounge that I'd go out of my way to visit.

WIFI worked pretty well from what I remember.

Hope that helps

RC

When the works are finished at ANU I think the airport will be amazing. We use Big Banana and whilst it's a small dark lounge, the relative peace and quiet from the hot and usually heaving terminal is priceless.

It is air conditioned, has good wifi. I find the seats a bit low and not overly comfy but it's better than downstairs. Service is always superb. Snacks are usually nibbles, cheese, melon.... excellent range of drinks, very clean facilities. They have it arranged in two sections in an L shape, a narrow longish area with seating, tables and a TV, with the bar area on a slightly elevated section. It is very small and feels quite claustrophobic though, especially when it's busy. We have always managed to be seated (always 3 of us sometimes 4), the staff will assist if it's busy.

Google "big banana antigua" and hit images. The first half a dozen are the lounge with the grey chairs.

These two part TRs may be useful.

http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=4& ... ic#p878482

http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=6& ... ic#p878649

Been there a few times.

Can get crowded but not as crowded as outside in the main terminal.

Basic snacks OK and full bar with very nice staff.

Money well spent IMO

As a seasoned ANU flyer...My advice, go through security, get some food from the small Big Banana bar downstairs, head upstairs. Upstairs is always almost completely empty (loads of space and seats to yourself), fully air conditioned, has windows with views of the planes, and you don't have to worry about making time for security, just sit back and wait for your flight to be called. This is a far better option than the rather average and crowded lounge.

As a seasoned ANU flyer...My advice, go through security, get some food from the small Big Banana bar downstairs, head upstairs. Upstairs is always almost completely empty (loads of space and seats to yourself), fully air conditioned, has windows with views of the planes, and you don't have to worry about making time for security, just sit back and wait for your flight to be called. This is a far better option than the rather average and crowded lounge.

Thanks for mentioning this option. Probably a good move with two youngsters in tow during Easter hols