On a recent trip, I flew out of Sacramento International Airport in the Capitol city of California. The lounge options are limited there with no Centurion, Delta, United, or American lounges. Likewise, Priority Pass has no affiliate lounges in Sacramento. The only two lounge options are two Escape Lounges, Centurion Studio Partners, located in terminals A and B.
My Delta Skymiles Reserve Card provided me access and I spent about forty minutes in the A terminal Escape Lounge.
To evaluate my lounge experience, I will default to my familiarity with grading (I’m a professor) and assign a letter grade to each aspect of the lounge experience: Access, Service, Décor/Aesthetics, and Food/Beverage Quality.
Access – A
Escape Lounges partner with American Express to provide access to both Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve cardholders. Entry to the lounge was seamless. I presented my Delta Reserve card and the attendant didn’t ask for my boarding pass as expected. Access is also available to walk-ins flying on any carrier for $44 through the Loungebuddy app, which is cheaper than many Airline-branded lounges.
Service – B
Several workers were moving around the lounge, but they seemed to congregate at the entry desk (perhaps they had an issue to resolve). I waited for several minutes at the bar before a bartender came to serve me my soda. The lounge is very small, and it seemed that the staff all had multiple responsibilities which slowed the service considerably. I finished my food and no one came by to clear my plate and silverware, although I didn’t notice used dishes on empty tables around me.
Décor/Aesthetics – B+
For a small lounge (two rooms), the décor was pleasant. The seating was comfortable and the lighting was warm. Charging stations are included with the plush chairs, and the dining tables were small but adequate. The food stations were placed against two walls across from the bar and were clean.
Food/Beverage Quality – B
The food stations were self-serve and included hot food selections. The main course was beef brisket with cornbread in a small cast-iron crock. I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised as it tasted quite good and was piping hot. A bay shrimp salad, some sort of casserole (I didn’t have any), and a vegetable/cheese tray were available along with dips and a soup selection. The food was much better than the cold snacks available in some lounges but failed to rise to the level of fine cuisine offered by premier lounges. The lounge has a full bar with ample house choices for those so inclined.
Overall, The Escape Lounge in the A terminal of the Sacramento International Airport is a welcome respite from the terminal. As the only option in Sacramento, the lounge is fairly easy to access, has a nice décor, an adequate service staff, and decent food choices.
Final Grade – B+
The Rewards Master 