Escape Lounge
★4.1(2,100 reviews)MSP · Terminal 1 · airside
MSP's only pay-in independent — walk in regardless of airline, or use an eligible Amex card.
The Escape Lounge at Minneapolis-Saint Paul holds a place in lounge history as the first Escape Lounge to open in the United States, the start of the brand's American expansion. It sits airside in Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) on the mezzanine level above the entrance to Concourse E — reached by the stairs or elevator up from the airport mall. Its big draw is openness: the lounge welcomes any traveller on a pay-in basis, regardless of airline or class of service, which makes it the one MSP lounge you can use without airline status. It's also an American Express Centurion Studio Partner, so eligible Platinum and Centurion cardholders can get in by showing the card, and the lounge is listed in the DragonPass and Priority Pass networks for MSP. Inside you'll find a buffet, a bar with wine, beer and spirits, complimentary Wi-Fi and a mix of relaxed and work-friendly seating. Note it's accessible for Terminal 1 departures only, with entry available within a set window before your flight.
Crowding · busy at peak
A workable pre-flight spot with Wi-Fi, power at many seats and seating you can use for a laptop. Fine for email and light work, though not a dedicated business lounge.
✓ Printer available
Escape Lounges are known for a more elevated buffet than the typical pay-in lounge — a hot and cold spread with seasonal dishes, salads, snacks and a self-serve and staffed bar with wine, beer and spirits, plus coffee, tea and soft drinks. The selection refreshes through the day to cover early and midday Terminal 1 departures.
Dietary: Vegetarian options
After clearing security in Terminal 1, head to the north end of the airport mall at the entrance to Concourse E and take the stairs or elevator up to the mezzanine level.
- 01Clear Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) security
- 02Go to the entrance of Concourse E in the airport mall
- 03Take the stairs or elevator up to the mezzanine
- 04Check in at the Escape Lounge desk
Landmarks: Concourse E entrance · Terminal 1 airport mall · Mezzanine level
ℹ Airside - After passport control and security check, the lounge is located on level 3.
DragonPass
Priority PassIncluded: Food for sale · Premium drinks for sale
Facts checked by LoungeDeal on Jul 17, 2026
- —Children under 2 enter free
Airside members pay $44.50 — save $3.45Join Airside
Instant confirmation · No hidden fees · USD
Make the most of it.
This is the only MSP lounge open to all on a pay-in basis — no airline status needed.
Eligible Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders get in as a Centurion Studio Partner; bring the card.
It's accessible for Terminal 1 flights only, with entry within a set window before departure.
Book ahead at busy departure times, when the lounge is most likely to be full.
It's on the mezzanine above Concourse E — take the stairs or elevator up from the airport mall.
Quick answers.
Yes — the Escape Lounge welcomes all travellers on a pay-in basis, regardless of airline or class of service. It's the only MSP lounge you can enter without airline status. Booking ahead is wise at busy times.
Yes. The lounge is an American Express Centurion Studio Partner, so eligible Platinum and Centurion cardholders can enter by presenting the card. Check current Amex terms and guest policy.
On the mezzanine above the entrance to Concourse E in Terminal 1 (Lindbergh). Take the stairs or elevator up from the airport mall. It's accessible for Terminal 1 flights only.
