I was transiting at IAD earlier this year and had the opportunity to check out the Ethad Airways Lounge here at Dulles. There are several priority pass lounges here at IAD, all of them are crap. Yes, even the Turkish Lounge(review here) that so many people love. We’ll now I’m happy to say, the Ethad Lounge here at IAD is fantastic. I’d go as far as saying the Ethad Lounge at Dulles is the best Priority Pass Lounge in the US.
Bottom Line: If you have the opportunity and access, visit the Ethad Lounge here at IAD, it’s a great lounge. With made to order meals, comfortable seats, and clean bathrooms, this is a great Priority Pass lounge.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Location and Access
The IAD Ethad Lounge is located in the A Concourse here at Dulles. This is all the way at the end of the A Concourse just next to gate A14. If you’re flying with United on a United Express flight from the AXn Gates, you’re very close to the Ethad Lounge.
Access to the IAD Ethad Lounge is a little different from most. For Ethad passengers in First or Business Class, you have access. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve, you get unlimited access via Priorty Pass. Finally if you’re accessing using Priority Pass(not from a CSR card), you only get one complementary visit per year.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Space
The Ethad lounge is not a huge space, but it’s divided into 5 main areas. The first area when you walk in is the bar area. this part of the lounge has seating at the bar along with bistro tables.
Behind my back(while facing the bar) is a small sitting area. I don’t feel like this area is super functional, maybe when it’s very crowded.
This area seems more decoration than function. Perhaps one big table would be a better fit than the smaller lounge chairs.
The next area is upstairs.
This area is upstairs and would be the most cozy part of the Ethad Lounge. Lots of sofas and lounge chairs. One thing I did notice is the plethora of charging outlets available.
The fourth area is the window seating. This would be a great place to sit in the evening. But now, in the mid morning, there’s a lot of sunlight in those seats.
Finally the last area is the table seating next to the buffet. This is where I settled as I was hungry for lunch and wanted to sit at a table.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Buffet
The buffet is somewhat limited in size, but the quality is solid. There are small hot plates along with some cold salad options.
On the opposite wall there is a selection of drinks like coffee and tea. The end also has some deserts like small cakes and cookies.
One thing I was very impress with the Ethad Lounge is how clean and well kept everything is. They staff does a good job and deserves praise.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Cooked to Order Meals
Ok, here’s where the Ethad Lounge at Dulles really stands out, they have cooked to order meal options. I wouldn’t call it fancy, but I appreciated the option. I went for the burger and fries. This wasn’t the best burger I’ve ever had, but for a free option in a lounge, it was great. This is all ordered via a QR code.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD View
From pretty much everywhere in the Ethad Lounge there’s a great view outside. Would be a nice closeup of any plane sitting at gate A14.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Bathroom
The Ethad Lounge isn’t huge, so it has a couple of unisex bathrooms. They are very clean and much larger than I was expecting.
Ethad Airways Lounge IAD Final Thoughts
I’ve long said that Priority Pass is useless in the US. The Ethad Lounge at Dulles has proved me wrong, this is a great lounge. While not huge, I was able to relax as the lounge was not busy. I really liked the different types of seating. Bar area, window seating, restaurant style tables, and comfy lounge sofas, there’s something for everyone. As I said before, the real standout is how clean and well cared for the Ethad Lounge is, the staff does a great job.
The biggest differentiation of the Ethad Lounge at IAD is the cooked to order meal menu. Things like that are usually reserved for the top tier Business Class lounges like United’s Polaris Lounge (Full Review). At the end of the day, I really like the IAD Ethad Lounge, it’s a great spot, especially if you’re already in the A Concourse.