✈️ Lounge Review: Schengen CIP Lounge – Faro Airport (FAO)

Faro Airport (FAO) is the main gateway to Portugal’s stunning Algarve region and sees a high volume of seasonal traffic, especially in summer. While the airport itself is fairly compact, it offers two contract lounges: one in the Schengen area, the other in non-Schengen.

We recently visited the Schengen CIP Lounge – and while it ticks a few boxes, it’s far from a premium lounge experience.

📍 Location & Access – Hidden, but reachable

After clearing security and passing through the mandatory duty-free zone, follow the signs toward the CIP Lounge. Signage is decent but not obvious – so keep an eye out.

The lounge is located on a slightly elevated level, behind glass doors in an interior corner of the terminal. Sadly, there are no windows or natural light, which impacts the overall atmosphere.

Access is granted to:

• Business Class passengers (on select airlines)
• Frequent flyer status holders (e.g. Star Alliance Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus)
• Priority Pass members
• Holders of select credit cards (e.g. LoungeKey, DragonPass)

💡 Tip: Even if you’re flying low-cost (e.g., Ryanair, easyJet), you may still enter with Priority Pass or certain credit card benefits – a welcome escape from the usual gate area chaos.

🛋️ Facilities – Small and basic, with one major flaw

The lounge is compact, but generally sufficient for the number of Schengen departures. You’ll find a mix of:

• Armchairs
• Small café-style tables
• Basic seating areas

However, there’s a major downside:
🚫 There are no restrooms or showers inside the lounge.
Guests must leave the lounge and use the airport’s public toilets. This is especially inconvenient during peak travel hours or layovers.

🍴 Food & Beverages – Light and local

The food offering is minimal, but serviceable. Think of it more as light refreshments than a proper meal.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Basic finger food (sandwiches, chips, cookies)
• Local favorite Pastel de Nata – highly recommended!
• Packaged snacks, yogurt, small salads
• Self-service bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks

While hot meals are absent, the lounge provides enough for a quick bite before boarding.

🔌 Wi-Fi & Power – Good enough for short stays

Free Wi-Fi is available and worked reliably during our stay – fine for browsing, email, and messaging. Streaming or video calls may be hit-or-miss depending on crowd levels.

Power outlets are available, but limited – if charging is a priority, grab a seat near a socket early.

🪟 Ambience – No light, little charm

With no windows or natural light, the lounge has a closed-in, slightly dated feel. The decor is neutral and lacks any regional flair or modern design touches. There’s no business zone, no nap area, and no standout feature that invites you to linger.

In short: It’s quiet, functional, and bland – but definitely not inspiring.

✅ Verdict – Worth it if you have access, but nothing special

The Schengen CIP Lounge at Faro Airport is not a lounge you’d go out of your way to visit – but it serves its purpose. If you need a calm space to relax, snack, or check emails, it beats waiting at the gate.

That said, missing toilets, no views, basic food, and a dated feel make it one of the more underwhelming lounges in Europe.

Bottom line:

✔ Convenient if you have access
✖ Not worth paying extra for
🚪 More waiting room than premium space

If you’re flying from Faro and already hold lounge access, it’s a decent way to escape the crowds – just don’t expect luxury.