Bidvest Sky Lounge
- Complimentary snacks
- Complimentary finger food
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Complimentary house wine and beer
- Complimentary liquor
- Accessible
- Air conditioning
- Flight information monitors
- Newspapers and magazines
- Phones
- TV
The Bidvest Sky Lounge at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo international airport’s domestic terminal is an independent lounge operated by Bidvest, a large services, trading and distribution company headquartered in Johannesburg. Bidvest operates lounges at multiple airports, with three clubs at Johannesburg airport alone, including a nearby larger location, the Bidvest Premier Lounge.
The Bidvest Sky Lounge is conveniently located immediately after security on a mezzanine overlooking the concourse. The club welcomes holders of a dizzying number of credit cards, bank cards, and other various VIP and membership cards, including members of popular programs Priority Pass and Lounge Club.
Bidvest Sky Lounge JNB design
The Bidvest Sky Lounge is one of the smallest clubs at Johannesburg airport. It’s so compact, in fact, that interested patrons can assess the crowding situation with one glance from the reception area. Indeed, with such a generous access policy, the Sky Lounge is constantly busy, and the tile flooring fails to dampen the noise.
The rectangular room overlooks the lower concourse and security checkpoint. While the windows over the concourse help make the space feel more expansive than it is, the lounge lacks outside views and daylight.
As expected, the design focuses on space efficiency. The space is simply and sparsely decorated, with light wood, dominant whites, and hints of bright colors.
At the center of the lounge is a buffet area, with seats at the periphery in a smart space saving arrangement. Table top seating with power outlets runs along the windows – a convenient option for laptop users. On either side of the buffet area are comfortable armchairs, separated by glass dividers that add a touch of privacy. The rest of the space is dedicated to dining tables, which unfortunately lack power outlets.
Bidvest Sky Lounge JNB amenities
With limited amenities overall at the Bidvest Sky Lounge, the buffet stands out as the main attraction. While the fare is relatively simple, Bidvest does a good job at providing a generous selection considering the space that they have to work with. The spread includes snacks, hot entrees, desserts, and fresh fruit. In the morning, an English breakfast spread is available.
All drinks are self-service. In addition to an espresso machine, patrons will find a selection of soda and juices in a cooler, as well as bottled water. The highlight is the wine selection, with eight local wines available from an automated dispenser, plus a few other bottles over ice. However, there is no liquor.
Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.
Bidvest Sky Lounge JNB bottom line
Overall, the Bidvest Sky Lounge at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo international airport in the domestic terminal is a pretty simple lounge, which delivers on the basics: a comfortable place to sit, a varied food and beverage offering, and power outlets. Unfortunately, the club lacks any significant appeal, outside views, or amenities, and suffers from chronic crowding.
The Sky Lounge fails to impress, compared to the alternatives – which may be a testament to the high bar set by the competition. South African Airways operates its gorgeous new VIA Lounge with a lot of character and an impressive array of amenities. Adjacent to the Sky Lounge is another independent lounge, the SLOW Lounge, which is widely acknowledged for its upper scale food and beverage selection, and personal service. Even Bidvest operates a nicer and larger lounge right around the corner, the Bidvest Premier Lounge.
The best feature of the Bidvest Sky Lounge might be its generous access policy — there is no reason to choose the Sky Lounge if you happen to have access to one of the more lavish alternatives. Priority Pass members may use the nicer and larger Bidvest Premier Lounge, located just around the corner by the escalator to the lower level.
- The wine selection.
- The generous access policy.
- The lack of real estate.
- The noise and crowds.
- The limited amenities.
Bidvest Sky Lounge at Johannesburg - O.R. Tambo (JNB) welcomes:
- Pay-in customers: relax at the lounge no matter what airline you're flying. Purchase access now and save time and money.
- Select premium customers and elite members departing on an airline served by this lounge (see airlines served).
Cards accepted
You may have access to Bidvest Sky Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
FlySafair (FA) |
Buy a pass and relax at Bidvest Sky Lounge at Johannesburg - O.R. Tambo (JNB), no matter which airline you're flying. Book ahead to guarantee your spot and save time and money.
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