Preview, here is the new Hangar lounge of ITA Airways

ITA Airways' new lounge will be operational from tomorrow morning (April 20), with the simultaneous closure of the old "temporary lounge". We at TFC were invited to the inauguration ceremony: a busy morning, enlivened by the parade of the "new" uniforms, the presentation of the new A320neo, and, indeed, the new lounge.

Location

All lounges in the new Terminal 1 are located in the mezzanine above the stores. Here are the other two lounges opened in recent days: the Primeclass and the premium Plaza.

From the main terminal floor, access is easy: a quick flight of escalators and check-in desks are immediately in front of the stairs.

Access

Lounge entry is allowed to all departing passengers aboard ITA and Skyteam airlines (unless otherwise arranged) with a business class ticket, or with one Premium status or higher in the Volare loyalty program, or Skyteam Elite Plus equivalent (unless otherwise agreed).

The lounge

The lounge is a large open space. With the exception of the VIP Room, which is located to the right of the reception desk, the entire lounge is built around the huge bar counter.

It is one large room. There are no partitions or other elements dividing the spaces-the architects' idea was really to recreate an immense belly of an airplane.

The lounge does not overlook the terminal. In fact, the very large glass window has a shade that lets light through without showing what is happening outside. The front has very comfortable armchairs. Too bad there are no power outlets, except for one USB and one USBc.

The problem of lack of power outlets is present on all perimeter seating. In fact, those around the bar do not even have Usbc outlets or wireless charging. Then there is a long row of armchairs: uncomfortable for working, but perfect for chatting. But here, however, there are power outlets galore.

On the side opposite the counter, there is a configuration with small tables and bar chairs, with power outlets and then-as mentioned-a long sofa attached to the wall.

Services

Here the plate is crying. They are not there at the moment, but they will be coming very soon and will be strategically placed in the back of the lounge.

There is no map room, no chaise lounges where you can take a nap, no children's area, and you don't even notice any somewhat imaginative cues.

For example, like the SPA at terminal 2F in AF's Schengen lounge, there is no baby area or play area where you can turn off your brain and distract yourself before the flight.

There are toilets and 3 showers (female, male, disabled)

Food & Beverage

This is where ITA bets everything. The bar counter is made to be the heart of the lounge with its two cores. The part in collaboration with Lavazza will offer different types of coffee, espresso and American. But you will also be able to order mocha or a cold brew.

The other soul will be in collaboration with Campari, with an ad hoc service operating, as I understand it, from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.

Catering will be different than in the past: hot menu at breakfast and hot items at lunch and dinner as well, in addition to the ever-present buffet.

There are no self-service drink machines or fridges. This means that the bar counter will have to be manned constantly by at least 5/6 staff so as not to choke during particularly busy times.

VIP Room

In the email ITA sent to all Volare subscribers, the VIP Room was mentioned, and many readers asked us to find information about it.

The VIP Room is not yet operational, but it will be soon. It will be a large meeting room equipped with a bathroom (with shower) and can be booked at the desk to have business meetings and meetings with other passengers. Access to this room will, at least initially, be open to everyone subject to availability.

• Flying