Only KLM lounge in the US now has a fresh look in Houston — and it's accessible with Priority Pass

19.09.2023 - 22:33 / thepointsguy.com

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is known for a lot of things, but being home to a variety of Priority Pass-eligible lounges you'd actually want to visit hasn't typically been one of them. However, things just got a bit better in that regard, as the renovation of the KLM Crown Lounge in the international D Terminal is now complete.

This is actually Amsterdam-based KLM's only lounge in the U.S. It has been revamped for a more consistent and cohesive look with the airline's lounges in its home airport of Amsterdam Schiphol.

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"Houston is one of our top markets in the U.S., and this upgraded lounge is a wonderful new offer, reaffirming our dedication to providing travelers with the utmost comfort and convenience. We look forward to welcoming our valued passengers in soon, providing an experience that will make their time at the airport as memorable as the destination itself," Eric Caron, general manager of North America at Air France KLM, said.

With the renovation complete, there are now 100 seats in the 3,962-square-foot lounge. The main components of the renovation center around some of the flooring, very cool-looking wallpaper, furniture, fixtures and the renovated bathroom.

This was not a complete gut job-style renovation, as those who have visited before will likely quickly pick up on the circular buffet and entrance having essentially the same shape, look and feel.

With work deeply underway on the new international terminal at the airport, I was told that it was not the right time to start completely over with the lounge. But, during a tour of the new space, I learned it was also time to do something fresh with the current lounge.

During my mid-afternoon visit — which was admittedly very crowded until the departing passengers on the 3:15 p.m. KLM flight left — the self-service buffet had options such as pita, hummus, soup, salad and quinoa. There was also a Tex-Mex-style station with chicken, beans, rice, salsa and pico de gallo serving as the local specialty.

There was a small bar, which I'm told will be expanded shortly. The section for the bar will be larger, while the fridge will transition to an under-mount location. The selections served by a bartender were complimentary and included options such as Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch, 1800 Tequila, Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin and Jack Daniel's Whiskey.

I spotted at least four or five different types of wine available, including rose — a nice treat you don't always find in an airport lounge.

There's also a fridge, so travelers can help themselves to a mix of Coke products, Heineken and Saint Arnold Amber Ale, along with some juice.

In addition to the fresher look and feel of the