Escape Lounge
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), Main Terminal, near Gate Gates A1 to A12 entrance
Hours of Operation
| Days | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | 3:45 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Thu, Sun | 3:45 AM | 9:45 PM |
Walking Directions
After the central security checkpoint, the Escape Lounge is directly opposite TSA, next to the walkway that leads to the A1 through A12 gates. It is about 2 minutes from the checkpoint, one of the easiest lounge walks anywhere.
Access Methods
| Method | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Pass | Membership | Complimentary for Priority Pass members with a same-day boarding pass |
| American Express cards | Membership | Accepted for eligible American Express cardholders |
| Dragon Pass | Membership | Accepted for eligible Dragon Pass members |
| Day pass | Day Pass | Purchase online in advance or at the door with a same-day boarding pass, subject to capacity |
Amenities
Food and Drinks
Food
Complimentary chef-prepared hot and cold dishes plus snacks, refreshed through the day
Drinks
Complimentary standard beer, wine, and spirits, with premium options available for purchase
Signature Items
- Rotating hot dishes
- Self-serve coffee and soft drinks
- Complimentary beer and wine
Guest Policy
Guests allowed: 1
Cost per guest: Guest rate per the visiting membership program
Guest allowances follow your Priority Pass, Amex, or Dragon Pass terms. Children under 2 enter free and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Crowding Information
Peak Hours
Early morning business departures from roughly 4:30 AM to 7:00 AM
Best Times to Visit
Mid-morning and early afternoon between the business travel waves
Workspace
Power Outlets
AC and USB outlets at most seats and counters
Desk Areas
Yes
Quiet Zones
Yes
The business-heavy traveler base means the lounge is set up well for working, with power and quieter corners
The Good
- Extremely convenient location directly opposite TSA, one of the shortest lounge walks anywhere
- All-inclusive chef-prepared food and complimentary bar for a small regional airport
- Open to everyone via a day pass, not just members
- Well suited to the region's business travelers with solid workspace and power
The Bad
- Compact 2,300 square foot space that can fill during the early business bank
- No showers
- Shorter hours on most weekdays, closing at 6:30 PM except Thursday and Sunday
Pro Tips
- Check the day of the week before you count on it. The lounge closes at 6:30 PM Monday through Saturday except Thursday, and stays open to 9:45 PM only on Thursday and Sunday.
- It is right across from security, so you can clear TSA and be in a comfortable seat within a couple of minutes.
- Access is permitted up to 3 hours before departure. The early 3:45 AM open is a genuine help for the first business flights out.
- Smart casual dress applies, and the food is all-inclusive, so it is an easy breakfast stop before an early meeting flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Escape Lounge at XNA open every evening?
Not the same hours every day. It closes at 6:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and stays open until 9:45 PM only on Thursday and Sunday. It opens at 3:45 AM daily.
Do I need a membership to enter?
No. Any departing passenger can buy a day pass, subject to capacity. Priority Pass, eligible Amex cards, and Dragon Pass members enter on their membership.
How big is the lounge?
It is a compact space of about 2,300 square feet, so it can fill during the early morning business departure bank.