Essential Comforts

A new lounge at MIA provides a much needed escape

- BY GEORGE GOMEZ

AVIANCA AND TAP Air Portugal have reopened a joint lounge at Miami International Airport's (MIA) Concourse J. The new space replaces the previous Avianca Lounge, which closed at the start of the pandemic and remained shut for nearly five years. The facility has restored its original layout and has reopened to support Avianca's prominent presence in MIA. Eager to experience my flag carrier's latest lounge, I visited it at 5 a.m., just before my 7:55 a.m. departure to Bogotá.

Access

Access to the lounge is available for first and business class passengers flying with Avianca, TAP or any Star Alliance member airline. Additionally, Star Alliance Gold status holders can enter the lounge regardless of their fare class and may bring one guest. Priority Pass Select members are also welcome, and walk-in access is available for $48 per person. The lounge is open 24 hours a day, but peak crowding occurs between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., which coincides with the Europe-bound departure schedule.