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Searching for a London City Airport lounge? Here’s the honest answer, before you waste time hunting for one: there isn’t a public lounge there today.
That’s about to change. A brand-new lounge is on the way, and until it opens there are still some nice ways to relax before your flight.
This guide covers what’s open now, what’s coming in 2027, and how to make the most of a compact airport.
London City Airport (LCY) does not currently have a public passenger lounge. Its first one, the 09:LDN Suite run by Aspire, is due to open after security in early 2027 and will be open to all passengers. Until then, Priority Pass holders can use a visit for £18 off at Juniper & Co and Soul & Grain, and everyone can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi, seating and cafés. There is also no left-luggage desk in the terminal, so plan bag storage elsewhere.
London City Airport Lounge Status in 2026
Let’s clear up a common mix-up.
Some older pages, including an earlier version of our own guide, described a “First Class lounge” and a “Business Class lounge” at LCY. That’s not correct for passengers today. London City Airport has announced its first-ever passenger lounge, and Aspire describes the new lounge as the airport’s first and only one.
So if you’re flying this month, don’t plan around a lounge. Plan around the departures area instead (we cover it in sections 4 and 5).
Why no lounge until now? London City is a small, business-focused airport, and many passengers travel on short, time-sensitive trips. For many, a long lounge stay just wasn’t a priority.
The New 09:LDN Suite: What We Know So Far
Here’s what has been announced, based on the airport and Aspire’s statements.
- Name: 09:LDN Suite, run by Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality (Swissport’s airport hospitality brand)
- Opening: early 2027, around the airport’s 40th anniversary
- Location: inside the departures area, with a hotel-style reception after security
- Who can use it: all passengers, regardless of airline or ticket class
- Features: runway views, a cocktail bar, barista station, dining, and dedicated workspaces
- Access: advance online booking and walk-in entry, with an annual membership planned later
Pricing and Priority Pass access hadn’t been confirmed at the time of writing. We’ll update this page when they are.
Expert tip: When it opens, book ahead for early-morning business departures. Those are LCY’s busiest slots, and a small lounge can fill up.
Priority Pass and Lounge Access at LCY Today
This is where many travellers get caught out.
A Priority Pass won’t get you into a lounge at London City, because there isn’t one yet. What it can do is get you a discount at selected outlets.
According to Priority Pass, cardholders can use a lounge visit entitlement for £18 off the bill at Soul & Grain and Juniper & Co.
A few things to know:
- Each £18 credit counts as one of your lounge visits, so check it’s worth it if you pay per visit.
- You’ll need your card and a same-day boarding pass.
- Rules vary by card issuer, so check your provider’s terms before relying on it.
- Opening hours change, so check the Priority Pass app on the day.
Having business class or elite airline status doesn’t unlock a lounge here either. That will depend on the new lounge’s access rules.
Where to Relax Before Your Flight at London City Airport
No lounge doesn’t mean no comfort. The airport’s own food and drink directory currently lists these outlets:
| Outlet | Best For |
|---|---|
| Juniper & Co | A sit-down meal or drink (Priority Pass £18 offer) |
| Soul & Grain | Fresh-to-go food and coffee (Priority Pass £18 offer) |
| Caffè Nero | Coffee and a quick snack |
| Pret a Manger | Grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks |
| Big Penny Brews | A beer or café-bar stop |
| Hithes London Bar and Eatery | A relaxed bar-and-eatery meal |
Not every outlet is open at all times, and opening hours can change, so check the directory before you fly. Some outlets are before security and some after, so check each outlet’s page for its location.
You can also sit and work. The airport says the main departure lounge has large seating areas, including a desked area with plug sockets and USB chargers, plus seating by gates on the East and West Piers, many with USB chargers.
Shopping, Food and Drink at the Terminal
Beyond the cafés and bars above, the airport’s shop directory lists Aelia Duty Free, Boots, InMotion (handy for headphones and chargers) and WHSmith. If you want a pre-flight treat, there’s also AeroSpa.
Opening times vary by outlet and day, and the airport’s own hours differ across the week, so check the airport’s opening hours page before an early or late flight.
Pro tip: Queue times at security vary through the day, so don’t plan around a set number of minutes. As general guidance, the airport uses CT scanners, which means passengers can usually keep items in their hand luggage. Check the airport’s security and baggage page for the current rules, and allow plenty of time at busy early-morning periods.
Wi-Fi and Charging
London City Airport offers free airport-wide Wi-Fi. Connection quality depends on how many people are online, so don’t rely on a particular speed. For video calls or big downloads, it’s safest to download what you need before you leave home.
For power, the airport’s seating and power page describes a desked area with plug sockets and USB chargers in the main departure lounge, and USB chargers at many seats beside the departure gates.
Quick checklist:
- Charge your phone and laptop before you leave
- Pack a short cable and a power bank in case sockets are busy
- Download boarding passes and documents in advance
Luggage Storage, Printing and Other Practical Services
Luggage storage: there is no left-luggage facility at London City Airport. The airport’s own FAQs say there’s no left-luggage facility in the terminal. That includes passengers whose booking mentions dropping bags early, as the airport says it can’t offer this.
So if you need to store bags before or after a flight, plan an alternative:
- Use a luggage-storage service in the city, such as an app-based provider, near your hotel or first stop
- Ask your hotel to hold your bags before you leave
- Travel light, or book a transfer that fits your schedule so you don’t need storage at all
Prices and locations for third-party services change, so check them directly before you book.
Other practical points:
- Printing: Print your boarding pass at home or use your airline’s app, so you don’t depend on airport kiosks.
- Assistance: If you need extra help, see the airport’s Assisted Travel page and arrange support in advance.
Getting to London City Airport Without the Stress
LCY is one of the easiest airports to reach. It sits right next to its own DLR station, and many passengers get there in minutes from the City and Canary Wharf.
But if you have luggage, kids, an early start or a late arrival, a pre-booked London City Airport taxi takes the guesswork out. Your driver tracks your flight in real time, so late arrivals aren’t a problem, and with meet and greet they’ll be waiting for you when you land.
Want to know the building before you go? Read our guide to the London City Airport terminal.
Common Mistakes Travellers Make at London City Airport
- Planning around a lounge that doesn’t exist yet. Check dates, because the new lounge isn’t open until early 2027.
- Assuming Priority Pass means lounge entry. Right now it’s a discount at selected outlets.
- Using outdated guides. Several older pages still list lounges that LCY doesn’t have.
- Not checking your airline’s advice on arrival times. Rules differ by airline and time of day, so follow your airline’s guidance rather than a general rule.
- Expecting a left-luggage desk. The airport confirms there isn’t one, so arrange storage elsewhere.
- Forgetting to download documents. Don’t rely on airport printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does London City Airport have a lounge?
Not currently. London City Airport’s first lounge, the 09:LDN Suite run by Aspire, is planned to open in early 2027.
When will the London City Airport lounge open?
Early 2027, according to the airport and Aspire. Exact dates and pricing hadn’t been confirmed at the time of writing.
Can I use Priority Pass at London City Airport?
Not for a traditional lounge, because there isn’t one yet. Cardholders can use a lounge visit for £18 off the bill at Juniper & Co and Soul & Grain, subject to the card issuer’s terms.
How do I get into the new London City Airport lounge?
The airport has said access will be available through advance online booking and walk-in entry, with an annual membership planned later. It will be open to all passengers.
Is there free Wi-Fi at London City Airport?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available across the terminal.
What is there to do at London City Airport before a flight?
You can eat and drink at the outlets listed in the airport’s food and drink directory, shop at places like Aelia Duty Free and WHSmith, and use free Wi-Fi and seating with USB chargers. Outlet opening times vary, so check before you fly.
Is there luggage storage at London City Airport?
No. The airport says there is no left-luggage facility in the terminal. Use a luggage-storage service in the city or ask your hotel to hold your bags.
What’s the easiest way to get to London City Airport?
The DLR stops at the airport, or you can pre-book a private transfer for door-to-door convenience with flight monitoring.
