Open Sky Lounge at Düsseldorf Airport: Your Complete Guide
Tucked away on the upper floor of Pier C at Düsseldorf Airport, the Open Sky Lounge offers a welcome escape from the bustle below.
Open Sky serves as the primary lounge for most non-Schengen flights, welcoming business travelers and day-pass holders alike with its recent renovation and dual-section design. With access starting at just $32 USD (or €27), it's an accessible option for any traveler seeking comfort before their flight.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Open Sky Lounge at Düsseldorf Airport, from access options and amenities to insider tips for making the most of your visit.
Open Sky Lounge
The Open Sky Lounge spans 465 square meters across Pier C's upper level, offering a quiet retreat for up to 152 passengers. Following its post-2020 renovation, the space features a distinctive two-section layout wrapped around the pier’s central core, providing options for both social dining and quieter relaxation.
Lounge Location
This contract lounge is located airside in Pier C, on the upper floor above the gate area. You'll find it centrally positioned near Gates C36 and C45.
After clearing security and passport control, navigate through the duty-free shopping area and look for the red "Lounges" signs. Take either the main staircase (visible from the duty-free area on the left side of the main corridor) or the elevator located behind the stairs to reach the second level.
Above: Map showing location of Open Sky Lounge at Dusseldorf Airport, Pier C. Select the map to open the full Pier layout on the airport website.
The signage can be confusing since both the Open Sky Lounge and Emirates Lounge use similar red logos and share "Lounges" directional signs.
Note that the piers at this airport are sometimes labelled ‘Terminal A/B/C’ on transport signs and older guides - don’t stress, they’re all the same areas, just remember to go by the lettering.
Opening Hours
The lounge operates daily from 05:00 to 21:00, aligning well with Pier C's flight schedule. Early morning travelers should note that slight queues sometimes form at opening time.
Layout and Seating
The lounge's square design creates two distinct sections connected through a central reception area. The larger left section houses the main business area with high-top tables and bar stools near the entrance, followed by a spacious bistro zone with two-person tables and comfortable armchair groupings along the walls. The smaller right section tends to be quieter and less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful environment.
One notable drawback is the heavily tinted windows throughout the lounge, which block much of the natural light and limit tarmac views. The post-renovation design is modern and clean, though some travelers have reported finding the atmosphere somewhat sterile compared to airline-operated lounges.
Food and Beverages
The Open Sky Lounge maintains two separate buffet areas, one in each section. The breakfast service can be inconsistent - while bread rolls, cereals, yogurt, and croissants are reliably available, hot items like scrambled eggs and sausages appear sporadically.
From late morning onward, the selection improves with tomato soup, warm dishes like vegetable bolognese with rice or chicken with vegetables, falafel, and an extensive salad bar. Snacks including chips, nuts, and TUC crackers remain available throughout the day.
The beverage selection includes seven different bottled beer varieties in each section, basic wines, and limited spirits including discount gin and Killepitsch vodka. Soft drinks, four juice varieties, and coffee from two machines round out the non-alcoholic options. Premium drinks are available for purchase, including Taittinger champagne at €45 for a half bottle.
Amenities
The lounge provides all the essential amenities, though some are limited:
Wi-Fi: Free high-speed internet throughout
Power outlets: Limited availability ("Mangelware" as locals say) mainly in the work area
Shower facilities: Available with modern fixtures
Business services: Small dedicated work area but no printer or meeting rooms
Children's area: Mini Lounge by Little Pippa featuring books, toys, wooden sensory boards, Lego, and Tonieboxes with stories in German, English, and French
Reading materials: Very limited selection with Financial Times as the only English newspaper, though digital newspapers can be downloaded
Restrooms: Modern facilities accessed through what appears to be an emergency fire door
Access Options
The Open Sky Lounge welcomes all travelers with multiple access methods. Note that the maximum stay is limited to 3 hours for all guests, regardless of access type.
Direct Purchase
You can buy a pass before you arrive at the lounge, via the options below.
LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair, which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access for $32 USD (or €27), a fully refundable pass for an additional $6 USD (€5) , or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Lounge Pass: Access can be purchased via Lounge Pass for $32 USD for adults and $28 USD for children aged 2-11. This option requires selecting a specific date and time for your visit, and all bookings must be at least 24 hours in advance of the specified local arrival time at the lounge.
Dusseldorf Airport: You can make a direct booking through the airport website for a fixed date for €39 for adults and €17 for children aged 3-12. The airport also offer a “Family Special” at €79 for two adults and one child (3-12 years). Buying two adult passes with LoungePair and a child pass at the lounge on arrival will be slightly cheaper, however.
Lounge Membership
Priority Pass, DragonPass and TAV Passport members enjoy complimentary access, with guest privileges varying by membership level.
Credit Card Access
Premium credit cards including American Express Platinum, Mastercard World Elite, Capital One, and Diners Club provide access through their associated lounge programs, which are typically Priority Pass, LoungeKey or DragonPass.
Airline Access
Business class passengers and eligible status holders flying with Pier C airlines (except Emirates, which has its own lounge) receive complimentary access. This includes British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, and non-Schengen Eurowings flights. Star Alliance Gold members flying Turkish Airlines can also access the lounge.
Child Access Policy
Children under 2 enter free with all access types. Ages 3-12 pay reduced rates (€11 walk-up) or count as guests under membership programs. Ages 13 and above require adult pricing or guest privileges. If travelling with a mix of adults and children, we recommend buying child passes at the lounge on the day, as they are usually cheaper than advance purchase options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Open Sky Lounge worth the price at Düsseldorf Airport?
At €27/US$32, the Open Sky Lounge offers reasonable value for Pier C travelers. The recent renovation, decent food selection, and quiet atmosphere make it worthwhile for stays over 2 hours, especially compared to airport food and beverage prices.
Which is better - Open Sky Lounge or Hugo Junkers Lounge at Düsseldorf?
The Open Sky Lounge in Pier C is slightly larger and serves non-Schengen flights, while Hugo Junkers Lounge in Pier B handles Schengen routes. Some reviewers prefer Hugo Junkers for its layout, though both offer comparable experiences. Note that the lounge you use however won’t be based on preference, but based on whether your flight is Schengen or Non-Schengen.
Can I access Düsseldorf Airport lounges with Priority Pass?
Yes, Priority Pass provides access to both the Open Sky Lounge in Pier C and Hugo Junkers Lounge in Pier B at Düsseldorf Airport. The Lufthansa lounges in Pier A do not accept Priority Pass.
How much do Düsseldorf Airport lounges cost?
Lounge prices at Düsseldorf vary by location. The Open Sky Lounge charges €27/US$32 for access via LoungePair, or about the same price on walk-up. The Hugo Junkers Lounge in Pier B is €28/US$33 via LoungePair. The Lufthansa lounges in Pier A are also available to purchase direct via the airline’s website, though are typically more expensive, and primarily focus on serving their premium passengers.
What are the shower facilities like at Open Sky Lounge?
The Open Sky Lounge provides shower facilities with modern fixtures at no additional charge. Reviewers note the showers are well-maintained following the recent renovation, though specific numbers aren't always available during peak times.
Summing Up
The Open Sky Lounge delivers a solid contract lounge experience at Düsseldorf Airport's Pier C. While it may not match the Lufthansa lounges in Pier A for luxury, it surpasses many airport-operated facilities with its dual-section layout, reasonable food selection, and peaceful atmosphere. The recent renovation shows throughout the 465-square-meter space, from the modern furnishings to the family-friendly Mini Lounge area.
For Pier C travelers, especially those without airline status or flying economy, the Open Sky Lounge presents an accessible escape from the concourse below. Whether you're paying the walk-up rate, booking in advance through LoungePair, or using lounge membership benefits, you'll find a comfortable space to work, refresh, or simply relax before your flight.
Just arrive early during peak morning hours and head to the quieter right section if you prefer a more peaceful experience.
