travel club lounge terminal 4 chennai

TFS Travel Club Lounge at Chennai Airport Review (Domestic)

The Chennai Airport domestic departures has 2 lounges, one being the TFS lounge which everyone might be aware of. Other one is the new lounge, which is less known to many and so less crowded comparatively. This review is about the new TFS lounge (Near Gate 1) which also accepts all cards, just like the other.

Table of Contents

Seating & interiors

Food & service, filter coffee.

This is the best airport lounge at Chennai Airport domestic terminal. If you find this lounge crowded, you may also explore the other TFS lounge (Near Gate 5, 3rd floor) which also has same food menu but relatively average interiors.

I’ve been to this lounge multiple times, got access once using the Business class ticket issued by Vistara and other time using an American Express Credit Card. Checkin was smooth and fast. I also saw an old lady get-in using Digital Priority Pass on her iPhone, which was validated in a blink of an eye.

The lounge has one of the best modern interiors with variety of seating options spread across the lounge. Its typically divided into 3 sections,

• As you enter, you see a straight comfy lounging area to sit and relax, with some drink by side.
• The middle area is primarily for dining and has dining tables and chairs spread across.
• The last area contains high stools which can also be used for dining and it overlooks the departure gates.

You would be lucky if your gate is nearby. So you can see when they start boarding and leave the lounge accordingly. The lounge anyways has the display if you want to know the flight status. It also has a silent TV with News being played on it. Have a look at the wonderful interiors:

I had been to this lounge both during breakfast and lunch hours. Breakfast options are decent, can have more options though and for lunch I was impressed to see soft chapattis and tasty curry.

The service is also good whenever you want it. That being said, expect some lounge guys to approach you for an Amex airport offer. They also have a bar area and you’ve an option to avail the alcoholic drinks on paid basis.

If you’re visiting the lounge, you shouldn’t miss the filter coffee served here. As Chennai and the nearby  Kumbakonam is famous for the filter coffee, its good to see it in the lounge – an idea that needs great appreciation.

The taste is 10X better than the one we get from coffee machine, even the Starbucks coffee stands nowhere to this taste. I wish there is filter coffee in every lounge around the world. It just needs some marketing 🙂

• Wifi:  Yes
• Food:  Yes, decent spread
• Recharge Station:  Yes
• Dining : Separate dining area available
• Cardexpert Rating: 4.7/5

Overall, its a very nice lounge to spend your free time at Chennai airport to have a tasty filter coffee apart from decent food spread. I would rate it as one of the best airport lounge in the country, next to  080 lounge at Bangalore .

I fly in and out of Chennai quite often and this lounge helps me very much during my transit.

Have you been to this TFS Travel Club lounge and tried the Filter Coffee? Feel free to share your experiences in comments below.

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60 thoughts on “ TFS Travel Club Lounge at Chennai Airport Review (Domestic) ”

Hi Siddharth, I used to take my flights from Chennai Every Month, but I did not know about this lounge till now. Once a lounge executive told me abou a separate lounge for mastercard holders on the right side of the airport. But i did not want to go there since i thought it wouldn’t be a great lounge since he told it was specifically for all mastercard holders. Now i will try this out on my next visit to the airport.

Yes, they initially used to accept only Mastercard but now they accept all.

Hi Siddharth,

Do they charge for kids and children

Lounge food. Is it chargeable

Gorgeous lounge . 1. Is it bigger than Bangalore’s Above Ground Level lounge ? 2. You said ” expect some lounge guys to approach you for an Amex airport offer . ” So amex is also selling cards in lounges ?

1. No 2. Yes, Amex Airport offer is there for past many years. Usually they’ve a stall, though this is the first time i saw lounge staff sell the cards.

thats good. i have my travel plan this month. let me try this lounge.

Hi Siddharth, is Mastercard cutting down on their lounge access programme in terms of number of lounges you can access. The new T&C in HDFC Regalia, effective April 2018 seems to suggest so. Will this affect other bank partnerships as well?

The said changes doesn’t seem to be live yet. Let me explore it this week and update if i notice any changes.

It is indeed true. ABL denied entry to Regalia on 31st March stating, from that day its effective. The HDFC terms and conditions say specific to Regalia. Dont know if it is common for all mastercard variants. The new list of mastercard lounges for Regalia includes only Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Only Plaza premium lounge, just lie Visa

Ok, will make a point to visit this lounge – if nothing else, just for the filter coffee.

Nice review, and great snaps.

Thanks! Happy lounging with filter coffee. 🙂

I will visit this week and share my experience about Coffee.

Hi , I’m traveling to Chennai tomorrow. Could you tell me whether the lounge accepts debit cards as well or only credit cards?

Do they accept Rupay platinum still as the offer seems to have ended on 31st march and via helpline it is still not clear if they are renewing it, can you please confirm the same

Will be travelling this week. Will keep you posted, meanwhile, you may call to lounge directly for current scenario.

Hello.. I am going to travel from chennai airport. I just have my debit card. Is that okay? Is that accepted now?

I visited this lounge last Friday and they compared my name in Credit Card and Boarding pass, First time I am seeing this comparison in Domestic Lounge. Menu is same in both the lounges near Gate 3 and this one

Nice! You finally made it to this lounge.

Yes,Courtesy Sid

Cool. My pleasure.

Siddharth, In the Gate 3 TFS Lounge also they market Amex cards. One lounge staff approached me by asking which Airline am i taking and he proceeded by informing me about Jet Platinum and Platinum Travel Card.

Yes, they do in intl terminal too.

Siddharth, I travelled to Chennai extensively for past 7 months (every week in and out of Chennai) and I was one of the few customers who visited this Lounge from its opening. However, my experience regarding this Lounge is far from pleasant as described by you, mostly related to food and service. The food was pathetic and the spread was minimal at the most. Hence I used to always go to the TFS Lounge on the left as it had delicious food (although they don’t change the menu for 15 days!). Last month I visited this lounge (TFS Right) and was pleasantly surprised to see the same quality of food being served has matched its sister concern. The TFS Left has become so congested, it was a breath of fresh air when the TFS Right has matched it in terms of space and food quality

Thanks for sharing your experience with this lounge. Yes, the food spread is the only thing they need to focus on, to get 5/5 rating 🙂

And this is the only less crowded lounge i’ve seen in recent times.

I have visited on last week, It was less crowded (visited @ 6AM) when compare with plaza premium lounge t3 delhi (visited last Sunday @5PM).

Both tfs and plaza premium lounge are just OK in terms of food option and taste. I had pan to go AMEX lounge in t3 delhi but no time.

Yes, plaza premium lounge t3 is more crowded/noisy than airport area itself. Bad for lounging. Just good if you wanna have some snacks, then leave.

Important Update:

Now they started comparing the name in the credit card and boarding pass in domestic lounge also , only if it matches they are allowing inside the lounge for free access

When I visited the new TFS lounge last time (April 6th) they did this check for the first time in Domestic lounge Yesterday my friend visited the lounge in Chennai and they did the check and denied access to his wife and he finally paid to his wife

This check is implemented recently (within a month) so now domestic lounge is like a international lounge and henceforth you cant use Friends , Family members card for lounge access.

Plz update regarding other domestic lounge regarding the same

Will they accept Amex Travel Platinum Card?

HDFC Regalia First and Regalia card Master card variants can now access only lounges in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad only. This is updated in the List of lounges in HDFC website, respective card details

Hi guys Does anyone know the Timings of this lounge. Have a flight out at 7am coming up. Will reach airport around 5am.. Was hoping to get some rest and food…

Visited this lounge in the morning couple of days ago and it was a pleasant experience. Breakfast was nice with plenty of options, and yes, the filter coffee was amazing. Thanks Siddharth for writing the review.

A good post as always. I recently had a chance to fly out of Chennai and used this lounge. I think the elevator to this lounge is closer to gate 3 than it is to gate 1. But that been said, this is definitely better than the old lounge opposite gate 5.The lounge functions 24 hours a day. It costs around 1000 rupees if you don’t have access through your cards. They check for the name in the card . You cannot use one of your cards to give access to other guests. The food was decent but the filter coffee that I badly wanted to taste wasn’t available. Maybe I went in the wrong time. Overall, it was a great experience.Also, if you get in using your card, you are allowed to use the lounge for a maximum of 2 hours instead of 3.

Hi Siddharth, Milind here from Pune We had RBL signature world mastercard card…how this card is operated in Chennai airport lounge….is it really complementary ? Is snacks free at lounge and how many of us can enter on single card please be kind to reply…is it really Free of cost?

I dont have any credit cards with me , but I want to access this lounge, to try it and see….May i know what will be the price to be paid per person for entry..??

Can somebody let me know about the price info..!!

I am now writing this message sitting at this lounge. Really enjoying the food here. All thanks to Siddharth for the info 🙂

Cool. Visited this lounge again a week back. Its still good with less crowd!

Yeah. Less crowd even in peak time and I was also approached by 3 amex guys! Missed the filter coffee though 🙁 it wasn’t available during my visit.

What kind of offers do the amex guys provide in airport? is it LTF cards?

Offer varies from time to time. FYF for those who’re new to Amex. LTF (sometimes) for 12L+ income criteria.

Yes. I have been to this lounge last month and i have been approached by an AMEX guy for CC.

He has mentioned the Amex Rewards Card is LTF i believe and its an exclusive offer, If we sign at the Airport Lounge.

For Amex Plat Travel Card , he mentioned Flight Vouchers can be redeemed for any Flight not Just Indigo.

Hi, Just wanted to Know that for icici and hdfc credit/debit card access is free ? and the food inside is chargeable or not? since I have 14hrs of layover in chennai for my upcoming journey.

What Variant of ICICI/HDFC card you have? Food is free if your card is giving you complimentary lounge access

Did you say 14 hrs? Lounges I think allow a stay of 4hrs.

14 hrs in the lounge may be possible if you have multiple cards and swipe it after every 4 hours With one card,you wont be allowed to stay in the lounge for 14 hours

Hi it’s nice lounge, i have been 3 times.

I would like to know which all card is accepted here.

Regards, Dhivansh

Dear Friends,

Can we use our multiple credit cards to give access to our friends?

I am flying tomorrow 9th nov with 2 Friends from chennai to bangaluru. I have regalia visa sig, indusind legend visa sig and flipkart axis mastercard cc. As my friends doesnt have any credit cards Can i use those cards to give them access.

Frequent users pls reply.

Thanks, Bala

What is the cover charge at Chennai domestic airport TFS lounge for people who do not have a valid card ?

Hi Is it possible to access this lounge with HDFC Bank Millennia Debit Card?? My card has 4 lounge access every year….

Hdfc Dinner club privilege credit card accepted lounge service on travel club lounge

I have to travel to Chennai every month back and forth, is there a way I can get access to Lounge access for free? I am ready to have new credit card if required? or any other ways to get it for the least possible price? Thanks for the thorough review.

Hi good morning,

My name is ARUNKESAVAKUMAR.what type debit card i have to use this lounge. I have sbi and union Bank depit cards.it is possible to use that cards. Thankyou

SBI Platinum Debit Card and Above Variant Accepted

Hi , I have my domestic arrival at MAA at 10pm . Can I use the Lounge for Retiring purpose only for 4-5hrs to catch up with my other frnds in morning. I do have debit as well credit cards but don’t have connecting flight. Please tell if it’s free or if not then the charges for the same.

Accessible only for departures.

Hi, is it for 24/7… ?? I early morning flight actually..

The temporary Travel Club Lounge at T2 Terminal of Chennai Intl Airport is a relief to passengers who await the finished and final product. However, the Lounge is lit up by staff like Ms Sanjana Kumari who give an exceptionally hospitable and warm service to all passengers, with a smile always. Kudos to the spirit of such staff members

Lounge experience for me has been very bad chennai domestic airport rs 2006 even after paying there was nothing except idli and sambhar I felt like I feeling better eating steet food better then chennai domestic airport launge 09 sep early morning 2:00

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Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Travel club lounge international, travel club lounge – international: .

The Travel Club Lounge at Chennai Airport aims to add a new and premium dimension to the lounge experience at Chennai’s  International(Gate 11 & 16,17) terminal .

Opening Hours: 18:00 – 11:00 daily

Facilities:  • Beverages (Charges for alcoholic drinks)  • Digital Card Accepted  • Disabled Access  • Flight Information Monitor  • Internet / Wi-Fi  • Newspapers / Magazines  • TV  • Separate smoking area outside the lounge

Main Features: Drinks, Food (Buffet), Wi-Fi, Comfy seats.

Access to the lounge and its exclusive benefits is limited to guests entitled for complimentary access on certain credit and debit cards, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club and etc. Paid access to the lounge according to preference.

Location: International Terminal Chennai International Airport. After Security Checks, turn right towards Gate 11. The Lounge is located on the 1st Floor.

Travel Club Chennai Airport

For a break from the usual airport hustle and bustle, check out the Travel Club at Chennai Airport. Entrance here gets you access to drinks, WiFi, newspapers and TV, all in a comfortable, air conditioned spaces. No matter the class of service you’re flying—looking at you, fellow economy class travellers—you can access the Travel Club by purchasing a lounge and/or through a lounge membership program. Below, you’ll find helpful details such as lounge locations, hours, services, and lounge access for economy class travellers.

Lounge Locations & Hours

• Domestic Terminal, Airside, 3rd Floor.  Take elevator opposite Gate 5 to the 3rd floor.  Hours: open 24 hours.
• Domestic Terminal, Airside, 3rd Floor, across from Gates 1-3.  Hours: open 24 hours.
• International Terminal, Airside, 1st Floor, near Gate 11.  Hours: 8:00PM – 3:00AM (Daily).
• International Terminal, Airside, 1st Floor, near Gate 16.  Hours: 8:00PM – 10:00AM (Daily).
• International Terminal, Airside, 3rd Floor.  Take the elevator opposite Gate 17 to the 3rd Floor. Hours: open 24 hours.

Services & Facilities

• Air Conditioning
• Beverages (Alcohol) ($)(1)
• Beverages (Soft Drinks)
• Disabled Access
• Flight Information Monitor
• Internet / WiFi
• Newspapers / Magazines

This lounge does not have any sleep facilities.

Lounge Access & Rates

Pay at the door.

At the time of this update, we did not have any information about the availability of walk-in rates.  If you know, click here to update this lounge profile .

Lounge Passes

Lounge passes can be purchased by any traveller regardless of airline or class of service. »  Benefits : Guarantees a seat in the lounge for your desired time period  • Changes & Refunds up until 24 hours prior to arrival. »  Disadvantages : Non-refundable within 24 hours of arrival. The online rate is GBP 14.00 (Domestic) per person. » Buy a lounge pass

Passes are handled through our third party partners. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before purchasing your pass.  For changes and cancellations, contact the email on your pass confirmation at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival.

More ways to enter

• Oneworld – First and Business class ticketholders on member airlines; Sapphire and Emerald Tier frequent flyer status
• SkyTeam – First and Business class ticketholders on member airlines; SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers
• Star Alliance – First and Business class ticketholders on member airlines; Star Alliance Gold customers travelling in any class

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  We are not representatives of the lounge featured on this page.  Fees for some lounge services and facilities may apply.  All information, including amenities, hours and access information, are subject to change at any time without notice.   To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide, click here .

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Travel Club

Chennai International Airport, International Terminal

Whether you're travelling on business or pleasure the Travel Club offers a haven of peace from Chennai International Airport. Treat yourself to the VIP lifestyle!

Travel Club serves International Terminal. Airside - International Departures. After Security Checks, proceed through the Security Hold Area, turn right towards the old International Terminal and take the elevator to the 1st Floor. The lounge is located near Gate 11.

opening hours

• Monday 00:00 - 23:59
• Tuesday 00:00 - 23:59
• Wednesday 00:00 - 23:59
• Thursday 00:00 - 23:59
• Friday 00:00 - 23:59
• Saturday 00:00 - 23:59
• Sunday 00:00 - 23:59

why choose us?

• guaranteed lounge access
• escape the airport crowds
• recommended by "The New York Times"
• find the cheapest Chennai International Airport lounge prices from £18.50 *

lounges at this airport

• Travel Club New International Terminal
• Travel Club International Terminal
• Travel Club Domestic Terminal

*Price based on adult lounge pass for Travel Club as at January 17, 2016

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Travel Club

Chennai international, terminal 1, opening hours.

24 hours daily.

Airside - Domestic Departures. After Security Checks, turn right towards Gate 1. The lounge is located on the 3rd Floor.

Maximum 3 hour stay - Children under 4 years are admitted free - Separate smoking area outside the lounge.

Chennai International Airport lounges

Travel club lounge.

Alcoholic drinks are only available to passengers aged 21 years and over.

Exclusive lounge features

Food and drink.

A selection of food

Drinks (alcoholic / non-alcoholic)

Productivity

Printers and photocopiers

Additional features

Newspapers and magazines

Wheelchair / disabled access

Lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport

Our home city has some of the finest lounges for our passengers to enjoy. Take a look to see where you could relax on your next trip.

Discover our Hong Kong lounges

Travel extras

Redeem lounge access

Airport information

Find out what facilities, lounges and transport options are available to you when you fly with Cathay Pacific to this airport.

Lounge pass

Lounge etiquette

To ensure an enjoyable lounge experience for all, please take a moment to read through our etiquette guidelines.

PressReader

Terminal 2 of Chennai airport gets new travel club lounge

CHENNAI:  Chennai airport director CV Deepak on Friday inaugurated the Travel Club Lounge located at Terminal 2. Travel Food Services (TFS) will operate the lounge facility.

Varun Kapoor, director of TFS, told TNIE, “We are witnessing a steady rise in passenger footfall at Chennai airport. As a result, we are committed to enhancing facilities and dining options. We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Travel Club Lounge’, a premium lounge and restaurant.

With a seating capacity of around 450, the lounge offers diverse culinary options, including Indian, Western, and Chinese cuisines.” “The Travel Club Lounge will remain operational round the clock. The business class luxury lounges will be accessible free of charge.

For other categories, passengers have the option to make payments via debit or credit cards,” he added. Regional Executive Director SG Panickar, General Managers KK Shobhy and SS Raju and other officials participated in the event.

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Now Arriving at an Airport Lounge Near You: Peloton Bikes, Nap Pods and Caviar Service

In recent months, a handful of exclusive credit card lounges have opened in airports in the United States. More are coming this year.

By Christine Chung

A handful of new lounges opened by credit card issuers, including Capital One and American Express, have recently landed in airports across the United States, promising posh spots of refuge for select travelers awaiting their flights. At La Guardia Airport, caviar service will be available for pre-order. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, travelers can get complimentary massages, and at Denver International Airport, there are nap pods. In addition to amenities, the new lounges provide an ambience reminiscent of a luxury hotel lobby, both in interior design and scale, and fit several hundred people at a time.

“Lounges have certainly gotten busier, so we’ve expanded our footprint,” said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, which in February opened its largest Centurion lounge, at 26,000 square feet at Hartsfield-Jackson , bringing its total number of lounges in the United States to 14.

Broadly, there are three types of airport lounges available to travelers: airline operated; shared-use spaces that aren’t limited to one airline or frequent flier status (think Priority Pass); and credit card lounges. Many are operated in partnership with lounge development companies.

For more than a decade, American Express was the only credit card issuer with lounges in the United States. That changed last year, when Chase Sapphire and Capital One each opened locations at major airports across the country, with plans to unveil a handful more in the coming years.

The proliferation is driven in part by changing demographics and travel patterns of fliers today. This year may set a record for the number of air travelers, with an estimated 4.7 billion people expected to fly globally. According to a survey published last May by the polling firm Morning Consult, younger travelers are more inclined than older generations to book travel with credit card loyalty programs, and those in the Gen Z age group, in particular, have signaled a declining loyalty to airline frequent flier programs.

While credit card companies saw opportunities to expand their brand awareness with lounges, the facilities also provide additional benefits to card members who pay hundreds of dollars in annual membership fees. Card fees range from $395 a year for a Capital One Venture X to $695 for an American Express Platinum.

Here are the latest highlights of new credit card lounges from around the country.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Domestic locations: John F. Kennedy Airport’s Terminal 4, La Guardia Airport’s Terminal B, Boston Logan International Airport by Gate B40.

Forthcoming locations: San Diego International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Philadelphia International Airport.

Who can use: Travelers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve or Ritz-Carlton credit cards who have activated their Priority Pass memberships. Those without these cards but who have Priority Pass can enter once a year. Chase Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders can bring up to two guests per visit for free, and additional guests cost $27. Those with the Ritz-Carlton card can bring unlimited guests at no extra cost.

What’s on offer: Locally made draft beers and coffee, menus designed by local restaurants, private bathrooms with showers and, at La Guardia Airport’s 16,200-square-foot space spanning two floors, three suites with caviar service that can be reserved up to 72 hours before a flight ($2,200 to book).

American Express Centurion

Domestic locations: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Los Angeles International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, Kennedy Airport, La Guardia Airport, Philadelphia Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Forthcoming locations: Reagan National Airport later this year, Newark Liberty International Airport in 2026.

Who can use: Eligible American Express cardholders, and those with Delta’s SkyMiles Reserve Card or Reserve Business Card; details vary based on the card. Complimentary guest access depends on credit card use; American Express Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members who spend $75,000 or more a year can bring up to two guests in free per visit.

What’s on offer: A whiskey bar, phone booths and work stations, wellness rooms, food by local celebrity chefs, complimentary massages, game rooms and wine tastings

Capital One

Domestic locations: Dallas-Fort Worth Airport’s Terminal D, Denver Airport’s Concourse A, Dulles International Airport’s Main Terminal.

Forthcoming locations: Harry Reid International Airport.

Welcomed travelers: Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders, who can bring up to two guests per visit. Additional guests cost $45. All other travelers can pay $65 per visit to enter.

What’s on offer: A fitness room with Peloton bikes, nap pods, shower suites, small plate dining options and grab-and-go food, luggage lockers, coffee bars.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .