Guide to W Lounge: Ushuaia International Airport (USH)
Ushuaia- Malvinas Argentinas International Airport sits at Argentina's southern tip, serving as the world's southernmost international gateway. This single terminal airport handles 1.1 million passengers yearly, with numbers jumping during Antarctic cruise season from November to March.
The airport added its first lounge in September 2024 when the W Lounge opened near Gate 6. Before this, USH operated without any lounge facilities.
Discover everything you need to know about Ushuaia airport and the W Lounge in this guide, designed to help you make the most of your travel experience.
Aerial Image of Ushuaia Airport
Entrance
Terminal Information
Ushuaia International Airport has one terminal building covering 9,700 square meters across two floors. The facility handles domestic and international flights, though international services are limited. Peak December traffic brings 125 weekly flights versus the usual 80.
Aerolíneas Argentinas (SkyTeam) operates the most flights from USH. Low-cost carriers Flybondi and JetSmart also serve the airport on a regular basis. LATAM runs some seasonal routes, while regional operators DAP Airlines and LADE connect smaller Patagonian towns. The terminal's small size keeps all gates within a short walk.
W Lounge
The W Lounge Ushuaia opened as the airport's first lounge in September 2024. As weather delays happen often in Patagonia, the lounge is useful during extended waits. The space fits around 40 guests, but business travellers should note there are no dedicated work areas or meeting rooms.
The W lounge has a cozy alpine cabin vibe, with angled windows and exposed wooden beams. Seating ranges from leather sling chairs to wooden armchairs and dining tables.
Location:
You will find the lounge near Gate 6 after passing security control. The entrance faces the main departure area. Signs point the way from security, though the terminal's small layout makes it hard to miss. Remember this lounge serves domestic flights only. International passengers cannot access it.
Opening Hours:
Daily operations run from 06:30-22:00 (6:30am-10pm).
Amenities:
This lounge offers a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience, including a buffet with a variety of food options, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. Additional conveniences include luggage storage, power outlets for charging your devices, and flight monitors to keep you updated on your departure status.
Food & Drink:
There’s a modest selection of items to choose from at the self-serve buffet. Expect light snacks like empanadas, sandwiches, potato chips, and peanuts, or sweets like alfajores, brownies, and cookies. Beverages include coffee, soft drinks, water, plus alcoholic drinks at the bar such as wines, beers, and spirits.
Access Duration:
You can stay for a maximum of 3 hours at this lounge - given some of the views, you may just want to!
Children Policy:
Children under 2 years of age are granted complimentary access when accompanied by an adult.
Access Options:
The following are your options for getting access to the W Lounge at Ushuaia Airport:
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 from $35 USD a fully refundable pass for an additional $5 USD, or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Other Advance Purchase Options: MileOneAir is also a listed partner for this lounge, and is a lounge product offered in some markets, predominately Russia and Eastern Europe. They sell a 3 hour access pass to this lounge for 3 500 ₽, which is approximately $44 USD.
Memberships:
A DragonPass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3 hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for $55 USD, without a membership.
Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.
Complimentary guest entitlements for either program will depend on how you have obtained your membership.
Cardholders:
Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships. Examples include:
Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum (+ 2 guests), and Diners Club
LoungeKey via eligible Mastercard World Elite or Mastercard Black cards
DragonPass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)
Mastercard Travel Pass
Walk-Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly.
Note that no domestic airline based at Ushuaia (USH) offers automatic or contractual access to the W Lounge; entry is limited to pay-per-use and third-party membership schemes such as those listed above.
Which Lounge is Best?
Only one lounge operates at USH, so the choice becomes whether paying for access makes sense for you. Here’s some things to consider:
Morning flights: The 06:30 opening covers early departures. Breakfast in the lounge beats terminal options.
Weather delays: Patagonia sees frequent weather problems. The lounge provides food, drinks, and comfortable seating during long waits, and you’ll usually get an extended stay if your flight is delayed.
Antarctic connections: Cruise passengers often transit through USH. A quiet lounge helps before weeks-long expeditions.
Credit card perks: Free entry through various card programs makes visits worthwhile for eligible travellers.
Quick connections might not need lounge time. The terminal stays small enough for comfort during short waits. Restaurants and shops in public areas work fine for travellers with fast turnarounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ushuaia airport have a lounge?
Yes, Ushuaia International Airport has one lounge: the W Lounge, which opened in September 2024. It's located airside near Gate 6 and serves domestic flights only.
Can we get free lounge access at the airport?
Free access depends on your credit cards or membership programs. Cards like American Express Platinum or Mastercard Black include complimentary W Lounge access. Priority Pass members also enter free, though annual membership fees apply.
What airlines fly out of Ushuaia?
Ushuaia-Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) is served primarily by Aerolíneas Argentinas, JetSmart Argentina, and Flybondi, which operate regular domestic flights connecting the city to major destinations such as Buenos Aires (via both Aeroparque and Ezeiza), El Calafate, Córdoba, and Trelew.
Practical Airport Information
Airport Transportation
The airport is situated 5 kilometers from Ushuaia's centre. No public buses serve the route, leaving taxis and private transfers as the main options.
City centre trips cost around 600-700 ARS ($7 USD) for taxis and take 7-15 minutes. Taxis wait outside arrivals during operating hours.
Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo runs shuttles every 30 minutes at peak times. Shuttles cost less than taxis but stop at multiple hotels.
Car rental desks include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Localiza. Book ahead during cruise season when demand spikes. Route 3 leads straight to town with clear signs.
Terminal Navigation
The single terminal keeps things simple. Check-in fills the ground floor. Security leads up to departures. Four of the gates are close together, which eliminates long walks between them.
There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as power outlets and USB ports in the waiting areas, though the gates have fewer options.
TROCAR currency exchange opens 09:00-18:00 daily in Local 18A. One ATM from Banco Provincia is situated before security. Get cash here if needed.
The upper level has a restaurant and a confectionery operates on ground level. Duty-free sells regional items and Antarctic cruise supplies. Shops match flight times and close overnight.
Summing Up
Ushuaia International Airport offers just one lounge option, but the W Lounge fills an important gap.
The September 2024 opening brought modern facilities to an airport that previously lacked any lounge space, and adds a sense of comfort to this unique and beautiful location.