...

Table of contents

REFURBISHED Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge – full tour, review and practical tips

Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge

Quick overview

The Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge is a newly refurbished departures lounge located at the far end of Tenerife South terminal. It offers runway views, a generous buffet (including hot and cold options), unlimited drinks and alcohol, showers, indoor and outdoor seating and a small smoking and vaping terrace. For many travellers it is a calm, comfortable place to relax before a flight – especially if you value peace, plane-spotting or need a quieter space.

Prefer to watch?

Where it is and how bookings work

The lounge sits at the end of the departures area. After security you need to walk to the far end of the terminal to reach the Sala Montana Roja lounge. Booking is straightforward — the official AENA Tenerife South Airport site issues single-entry passes. You buy a pass, receive a QR code by email (add it to your phone or print it) and simply turn up on the day. No time slot is required, but you must show a valid boarding pass on entry.

If you want a broader overview of the terminal before you travel, including arrivals, departures, buses, taxis and car hire, see our full Tenerife South Airport guide.

Tips for booking

  • Where to buy: Use the AENA Tenerife South website to buy an entry pass.
  • No slot needed: You do not need to select a time — the pass is flexible on arrival.
  • Bring your boarding pass: Entry requires both the QR pass and your boarding pass.
  • Opening hours: Generally 07:00–23:00, though some days open later. Check the AENA listing for exact times on your travel date.
Entrance to Sala VIP lounge at Tenerife South Airport with signage and seating

Food, drink and facilities

The food and drink offering is large and varied. During breakfast there is a full spread: breads, cheeses, a toast station, juices, fruit, pastries including muffins and doughnuts, cereals and bottled soft drinks. There are also wrapped sandwiches to take onto the plane if you want one with you.

Tray of pastries and doughnuts on the breakfast buffet at Tenerife South VIP lounge.

Drinks are included. Expect a well-stocked self-service bar with spirits, red and white wines, a selection of premium mixers and bottled soft drinks. There are gluten‑free and low‑alcohol options in some cases but do bring a backup if you have strict dietary needs — gluten‑free bread was not always available during the morning service.

Practical notes on the catering

  • Quality: Good quality items and bottled soft drinks make the lounge feel premium compared with typical airside cafés.
  • Varies by time: Hot items and buffet selection change through the day; lunchtime and evening offerings differ from breakfast.
  • Takeaway: Pre-wrapped sandwiches make a handy plane snack.
Bottle of cava being poured into a glass with a slice of cake and buffet hot trays on the counter at Tenerife South lounge

Seating, comfort and views

The lounge has a range of seating: large comfortable armchairs, sun‑lounger style seats and quieter alcoves. Free Wi‑Fi, charging points and flight information screens are available throughout. The runway views are one of the lounge’s best features — perfect for plane‑spotters or anyone who finds watching arrivals and departures relaxing.

aircraft on the apron and the sea beyond seen through a dusty lounge window

There is a small issue with the windows being dusty at times, which reduces the view. Cleaning would improve the experience significantly, but even with that caveat the seating is comfortable and the overall ambience is calm.

Need car hire at Tenerife South Airport?

If you’d rather avoid waiting around for taxis or working out buses after landing, booking your car in advance can make the whole arrival much easier. See our Tenerife South Airport car hire options and get sorted before you travel.

Outdoor area and smoking terrace

An outdoor terrace provides fresh air and direct runway views. It is useful for smokers and for anyone who wants a quick breath of fresh air before boarding. Tables are decorated with small cacti and the terrace offers unobstructed plane-watching.

Outdoor terrace at Sala Montana Roja with white chairs, small cactus on a table and runway view

Showers, toilets and extras

Showers and toilets are available inside the lounge. That makes this a good option for long travel days or when you want to freshen up before a long flight.

Who benefits most from this Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge?

This lounge suits travellers who want a calm space and creature comforts before departure. Specific groups who will find it useful include:

  • People who prefer peace and quiet rather than airport bustle.
  • Families or companions traveling with someone who has sensory needs or anxiety.
  • Anyone wanting unlimited drinks, a proper breakfast and runway views.
  • Plane‑spotters and those travelling on long‑haul flights who value a shower or a decent seating area before boarding.

Is it worth the price?

The typical cost observed was about €43.30 per person (roughly £40). For that price you get:

  • Unlimited soft drinks and alcohol
  • Hot and cold buffet items, pastries and takeaway sandwiches
  • Showers, toilets and free Wi‑Fi
  • Indoor and outdoor seating with runway views

Compared with buying a couple of coffees and snacks in the terminal, the lounge offers good value — particularly if you plan to relax, enjoy several drinks or freshen up. If you prefer a quick coffee and prefer to spend more time in town before arriving at the airport, you might skip it on return journeys. For peace and convenience on the outbound leg, it is worth considering.

Practical tips before you go

  • Buy via AENA: Purchase your pass through the official AENA Tenerife South Airport page and save the QR code to your phone.
  • Bring your boarding pass: Entry requires both QR pass and boarding pass.
  • Dietary needs: Bring a small backup for strict allergies or special diets — items like gluten‑free bread may not always be available.
  • Plan onward transport: Pre-booking car hire or arranging transport helps the travel day flow smoothly. For a quick, contactless pickup at the terminal, see our Tenerife South Airport car hire options.
  • Early mornings: The lounge opens early (usually 07:00) and can be especially peaceful then.
  • If you’re travelling in a peak period, it’s also worth reading our guide to Tenerife South Airport delays and queues so you know what to expect at security, passport control and the gate areas.

Tenerife South Airport lounge review summary

The Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge is a solid, comfortable upgrade to pre‑departure time at Tenerife South. With a wide food and drink selection, showers, runway views and outdoor seating, it suits travellers who want to relax and prepare properly for a flight. The main negatives are slightly dusty windows and the occasional lack of specific dietary items. Overall it is a reliable option for anyone looking for calm, comfort and convenience in departures.

FAQ

How do I book the Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge?

Buy a pass on the AENA Tenerife South Airport website. You will receive a QR code by email — save it to your phone. On the day, present the QR code and your boarding pass at reception.

How much does entry cost?

Expect around €43 per person based on recent prices. The fee covers food, unlimited drinks, access to showers and the lounge facilities.

What are the opening hours?

The lounge typically opens at 07:00 and can close around 23:00. Some days have slightly shorter hours — check the AENA listing for your travel date.

Is the lounge suitable for travellers with sensory needs?

Yes. The atmosphere is generally calm, with comfortable seating and minimal loud background music. It is a good option for travellers who prefer a quieter waiting area.

Plan the rest of your travel day

Plan the rest of your travel day
Booking airport transport or a hire car in advance removes stress from the moment you land. If you want a fast, contactless pickup straight from the terminal, see our Tenerife South Airport car hire page. Prearranging transport helps keep the whole travel day smooth and avoids last-minute scrambling after arrival.

Conclusion

The Tenerife South Airport VIP lounge is a worthwhile option for many travellers. It delivers comfortable seating, a wide buffet and drink selection, showers and great runway views. If you value a calm departure experience or need a quieter space before flying, the lounge is worth considering. Booking is simple through AENA and pairing the lounge with pre-booked transport makes the travel day far less stressful.

Need car hire at Tenerife South Airport?

If you’d rather avoid waiting around for taxis or working out buses after landing, booking your car in advance can make the whole arrival much easier. See our Tenerife South Airport car hire options and get sorted before you travel.

Author

  • The Knightstrider - Andrew knight

    Andrew Knight is a Tenerife content creator and owner of Sanasty Car Hire. He publishes first-hand guides to food, hotels, beaches, excursions, driving and trip planning. His YouTube channel has 106k+ subscribers, and he reaches 200k+ across platforms. Disclosure: Andrew owns Sanasty.

Request a quote