If you’re traveling internationally with an American Express Platinum or Centurion Card, don’t forget to check the AmEx app or website to get a full list of all the available lounge options for your airport. This is something that I need to get better at doing as I normally only check the Priority Pass app when traveling internationally. Fortunately for me, I just happen to be checking the AmEx app while traveling through Stockholm Arlanda Airport and stumbled across a non-Priority Pass Lounge that I had access to – the Pontus in the Air Lounge by American Express.
Well, let me clarify. Pontus in the Air is actually a restaurant and the “American Express Lounge” portion is really just a closed off section of the restaurant for card holders. But don’t let that discourage you; it’s actually a nice place to sit, relax and have a snack before your flight. The Pontus in the Air restaurant is located airside (after security), halfway down the corridor between the A and F gates. It’s on the second floor (mezzanine level), across from the Oak Cafe. As you walk up to the restaurant host, just let them know you’re here for the American Express Lounge and present your AmEx card and boarding pass. They will then walk you over to the lounge.
The Pontus in the Air American Express Lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, which is great for those with early morning flights as the only Priority Pass Lounge at ARN (Norrsken Lounge) does not open until 11:00 AM. The lounge is accessible by American Express Platinum and Centurion Card holders. I’m not sure if American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders qualify or not but I don’t think so.
The lounge area itself is not very large, with room for about 30 passengers or so at any given time. But the food and views are worth it for a quick visit in between flights. The seating is comfortable; there’s free WiFi and the views looking out onto the ramp are pretty incredible (even if you’re just looking at a bunch of SAS A320s). European electrical outlets are provided by all the tables along the wall and along the long bar table.
Here’s the deal about the food situation. There’s no buffet but light food and drinks are provided complimentary. For breakfast, it’s a light European breakfast option and for lunch and dinner, you get to choose from an a la carte menu with a limited selection of dishes. The food is tasty but you only get a couple of options to choose from for free. If none of the options look good to you, you can also order from the main restaurant menu for an additional charge. Wine, sodas, juice, coffee and water are free. Other alcoholic drinks are not.
On my 7:00 AM visit on a Wednesday morning, the place filled up pretty quickly with only a table or two left open during my two hour visit. For breakfast, there was only a light offering of pastries, yogurt, coffee, apple juice and water. It wasn’t anything special by any mean but it was a nice perk to have a comfortable space to relax, enjoy some light bites and work while waiting for my flight. The waiters were super attentive and did a great job of clearing tables, refilling coffee, etc.
Pontus in the Air American Express Lounge Bottom Line
Overall, the Pontus in the Air American Express Lounge at Stockholm Arlanda Airport is a nice place to just sit and relax. It’s not a very large space and the food selection is nothing to write home about but it does the trick for transit passengers. If you’re starting your journey in Stockholm, this is not a lounge that I would recommend getting to the airport early for but if you have some time to kill, then you should definitely visit. This is also a good reminder to never leave home without your American Express Card and to always check the AmEx app to see all your available lounge options.
Have you visited the Pontus in the Air American Express Lounge? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
The other reviews included in this series:
