Location & Access

The Escape Lounge is located alongside the 1903 Lounge, with both sharing an entrance, reception desk and other facilities. Once through duty free, head upstairs to the food area and turn right at the top of the escalators following the signs until you reach the checkin desks. There's frequently a queue so at least you know you are where you want to be!

Following the signage it is easy to access, with the escalator and I think lifts if you prefer. Once upstairs it's all on the flat, although a couple of minutes of walking if that bothers you.

First Impressions

View from Escape Lounge Terminal 2 across Manchester Airport pier toward Terminal 1

Check-in was easy — we simply showed our confirmation and boarding passes and then we walked straight in.

We arrived 04:15 in the morning; although half term it was late in the week so the lounge was busy but just adults when we were there and pleasantly quiet.

The lounge is just a nice size - not so large that it feels vast and souless, but not so small that it would feel cramped, with areas at the side and hidden away slightly to make it feel more cosy. There's a choice of seating areas, the most popular being the small tables by the window, then there's a quiet area next to the bar and some small sections that are shared with the 1903 Lounge - they are opened up one side or the other to allow access from the chosen lounge.

There were staff everywhere! Two dealing with the reception queue, one behind the bar, more cleaning and others stocking up the food supplies and shortly after we arrived 2 welcomers to show you to your seats.

Food & Drink

We visited during early moirning breakfast (04:15 to 06:30). The food offering was good and I had no complaints other than maybe I ate too much. Porridge, cerials, cooked breakfast items, breads (and someone requested gluten free toast whilst I was there), pastries, fruit... Nothing was missing and it was quality food well cooked.

Hot and soft drinks were help yourself but unlike the 1903 next door alcoholic drinks are served from a bar, as this lounge does accept children. There was a choice of wines, a few beers, and basic spirits and we were able to get a couple of glasses of Prosecco, although from a tap not a bottle - but it tasted fine at 05:00! Unlike the Escape Lounge T1 there was no indication of a drinks limit and the cost to enter this lounge is a little higher than that one.

The lounge was kept clean and the coffee machine was quickly refilled whenever it ran out.

Atmosphere & Comfort

As mentioned we were there very early morning, late half term holiday but it was busy - possibly even full. Many people did turn up and spend just 30 minutes eating and then vanish whilst others, like us, spent their time relaxing in the lounge. Early moring and dark outside, it was quiet and calm and there was a large group who were all asleep at their table the entire time we were there.

It was opened just after covid (2021) but it's been maintained well. To be frank, it's highly comparable (at least when we were there) to the more expnsive 1903 except the lack of help yourself alcohol.

The view was as per the 1903 as they share a length of window - the side of the new pier, but at least you can see out.

Value for Money

We booked the day before duer to change of plans and paid £81.98 for two passengers.

By comparison, the Aspire Lounge Terminal 2 costs similar but excludes sparkling wine and virtually no runway views.

So while Escape isn't extortionate, it does feel expensive for what's offered, especially as enough drinks are included.

Comparison with 1903 Lounge & Aspire Lounge