Above Ground Levell Lounge in Bengaluru Airport:
Airport lounges are no longer just for first and business class travellers. You read it right, in Bengaluru airport, even if you are flying economy class and have no airline provided premium lounge access, you can still pay a fee to enter a premium lounge called Above Ground Levell Lounge.
I love traveling but always miss my bed and couch with the comfortable blanket at home. I wish the connection flights wait for my arrival and I could directly walk into the next plane without waiting in the busy lounges. Unfortunately, that's not the case always. If you are a frequent traveller, you will know how boring it is to wait in the airports for the connection flights, unless you have a business class ticket and get access to one of the premium airport lounges.
If you have a layover, a cancelled flight or an early morning check-in, you will find these premium lounges to be very useful. I am not lucky enough to enjoy the luxury of business class travel but I got an opportunity to visit and enjoy one of the best premium airport lounges in the country. I am talking about the "Above Ground Levell Airport Lounge" in Bengaluru International Airport.
During my recent visit to Goa to test drive Tata Motors' upcoming car "Zica", I travelled through Bengaluru Airport and had a pretty long waiting there for my connection flight. Instead of opening my laptop, this time I decided to explore the newly opened lounge in the airport. It was worth the visit and read further to know why.Above Ground Levell Lounge
Until I walked into this premium lounge, I didn't realize it is the name of the facility. I was of the impression that it is a lounge located above the ground level and so the name! Strange name, isn't it? But anyway, what I found in the "Above Ground Levell" were really high level of quality, including the seating, food, and other facilities for business class travellers. This is not a day time hotel but you will find it close enough in terms of comforts and seating! 
"Above Ground Levell" operates 2 lounges in the airport - one in the domestic airport and one in the international airport. Access to these lounges are allowed only for the passengers who have a boarding pass for departure. It is not possible on arrival unless you have a boarding pass for a connection flight.Facilities in Above Ground Levell Lounge
These are some of the facilities you can enjoy:
1. Unlimited buffet meal/snacks/drinks/brunch, depending on the time of visit.
2. Alcoholic drinks at an additional pay.
3. Comfortable seating including 180° reclining sofas.
4. High speed free Wi-Fi.
5. Separate smoking room next to the lounge.
6. Conference/meeting facilities at an additional fees.
7. Business facilities including computer, printer, projector, fax etc, at an additional payment.
How to access the premium lounge in Bengaluru Airport
There are few ways you can get access to this premium lounge:
Pay and access
If you like to pay and use the airport lounge as and when you need, they have few options for you:
1. Rs 509 - With this plan, you can get unlimited soft drinks and coffee/tea.
2. Rs 859 - Brunch 3:15 am to 10:30 am - Unlimited buffet food.
3. Rs 839 - 10:30 am to 7 pm - Unlimited snacks and drinks.
4. Rs 859 - Dinner 7 pm to 10:30 pm - Unlimited buffet dinner
Alcoholic drinks are available all day at an additional charge.In a nutshell
Above Ground Levell lounge is an ideal place for travellers who are looking for extra comfort in the Bangalore airport and enjoy food and Wi-Fi while waiting for the connection flights. This place can be used like a mini office with a table and chair to comfortably work using your laptop with high speed internet. Business executives may hire the conference room facility and conduct quick meetings in the airport without having to look for a hotel.
Some frequently asked questions:
Is this a day time hotel with sleeping facility? - No, this is not a hotel. You cannot sleep here.
Is there a bath room with shower facility? - There are toilets, but no, there are no bathrooms here.
Is there a baggage store room? - There is no baggage store room. But since this is a restricted access area, your baggage will be pretty safe in the area. I didn't feel afraid to leave by baggage in a corner and then walk around for food, toilet etc.
Can I use this facility while arriving in the airport? - No this facility can be accessed only after passing the security in the boarding area. While arriving, if you have a boarding pass for a connection flight, then you can use it.
Can I use this as a place to spend an entire day if my connection flight is on the next day? - No, access to this place is limited to 3 hours per visit. If you are paying for the visit, then you will have to pay again to extend the period. However, if you are getting a free access through a business class ticket or a club pass, then you may be able to use Above Ground Levell Lounge for extended hours.
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hope other Int. airports in the country like Hyderabad implement these kind of facilities for business customers. It is better to stay in this type of lounges than renting out rooms, I guess.
Does Bengaluru airport has a duty free shop to purchase items?