Here’s a First Look at the New Miami Lounge From Avianca and TAP Air Portugal

Miami International Airport (MIA), noted for ranking among the top 5 airports in terms of international flights from the U.S., has seen a notable rise in the number of travelers passing through.

As the primary gateway between the U.S. and Latin America, Avianca, the Colombian flagship carrier, regards MIA as its most important destination in the U.S. This significance has led to a partnership with TAP Air Portugal to debut a new lounge for passengers flying through MIA, marking the first time the 2 Star Alliance carriers have collaborated to bring an airport lounge to the market.

Upgraded Points received an invitation to a special event alongside select media outlets prior to the official March 21, 2025, opening of the 7,000-square-foot, 158-seat Avianca VIP Lounge at Miami International Airport.

Let’s walk through the new space to see what it offers.

Avianca-TAP Portugal VIP Lounge Location

The Avianca VIP Lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA) is located in South Terminal J, close to gate J6. After passing through the security checkpoint, you can head toward gate J6; the lounge entrance will be to your right. You’ll also see signage for the LATAM VIP Lounge, which is located in the same area.

Following the escalators up, you’ll notice signage for both partners — Avianca and TAP Air Portugal — on the wall and against the glass windows.

Once you reach the LATAM VIP Lounge check-in desk, turn left and go down the corridor to the Avianca VIP Lounge check-in counter.

Hot Tip:

Terminal J at Miami International Airport primarily serves international airlines, including LATAM, Emirates, Avianca, and several other Star Alliance carriers.

How To Access the TAP Portugal and Avianca VIP Lounge at MIA

Given that most of Terminal J at MIA is occupied by Star Alliance carriers, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself at the Avianca VIP Lounge if you’re traveling with one of its partner airlines. With terminal J having limited lounge options, the launch of the Avianca VIP Lounge provides a comfortable space for eligible passengers to relax before their next flight.

The Avianca VIP Lounge at MIA’s Terminal J is now open. It welcomes Star Alliance Gold members, Star Alliance business- and first-class passengers, and travelers with a Priority Pass membership. Eligible passengers are permitted to bring 1 guest with them.

The fact that this lounge participates in Priority Pass makes it easy for those with a premium travel credit card that provides a Priority Pass Select membership to access the space. These include:

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express (enrollment required)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (activation required)

It should be noted that those who access the lounge via their Priority Pass memberships can visit the lounge for a maximum of 3 hours. On the other hand, Star Alliance Gold members and eligible premium passengers flying with Star Alliance do not have any time restrictions.

Finally, if you don’t have a Priority Pass membership or aren’t eligible to enter based on your ticket, you can purchase a day pass for $48. The lounge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Amenities

Seating

The primary section of the lounge includes several distinct seating areas.

The first area is ideal for planespotting and features small round tables accompanied by plush chairs.

The seating areas are all designed to promote both comfort and productivity, with power outlets and USB ports strategically positioned, ideal for travelers who require a quick charge before departure.

A particular touch I appreciate is that every table has a placard providing the Wi-Fi password, eliminating the need to roam around to find it or to ask someone for it.

Sleek high-top chairs positioned along the counters provide an element of privacy by facing the walls. I could see these chairs being great for solo travelers who need to get some work done before a flight.

There’s a small row of small dining tables flanked by bench seating on one side and plush leather chairs on the other.

Finally, there are several bistro tables with chairs spread throughout, spaced in a way that promotes privacy.

Food and Beverage

Guests can expect buffet-style food options throughout the day. Menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available via the QR code on each table, but there are no servers to take orders. Instead, you’re welcome to help yourself to the buffet, which operates 24 hours daily.

During my breakfast visit, I found many options to satisfy the appetite.

While I was visiting the lounge, oatmeal, chicken soup, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, and baked goods were available.

If you’re visiting during lunch or dinner hours, you can expect treats such as Colombian arepas and Portuguese pastel de nata, as one might expect from a Colombian/Portuguese joint venture. Lunch and dinner options will also include pasta, salad, and other options.

While there isn’t a traditional bar, guests are welcome to enjoy the self-service bar that offers a selection of wine, spirits, and various other refreshments.

Next to the self-service bar, there’s a counter featuring 2 coffee machines where guests can prepare a cappuccino or latte.

On the opposite end is a refrigerator stocked with refreshments, including both domestic and imported beers, as well as sodas, juices, and water.

Quiet Room

If you seek additional privacy, a quiet room is available immediately to the left upon entering the lounge.

This space includes 2 large screen TVs and ample seating, each with electrical outlets beside the chairs.

Rest Area

Situated at one end of the lounge, the rest area provides a serene escape for tired travelers.

Plush, oversized chairs and matching ottomans invite guests to relax. The dark-gray walls foster a calming atmosphere, ideal for relaxing during layovers.

The restrooms are conveniently situated near the rest area; however, due to the space’s cocoon-like design, guests wanting a bit of tranquility before their flight will experience minimal foot traffic disruption from the restrooms.

Business Center

The business center isn’t what you’d expect it to be, like those found in hotels, with printers and computers. Instead, this area features additional lounge seating, and the cubicle-like layout of some of it provides some more privacy.

If you need to get some work done, this space is perfect.

This location of the business center brings in a lot of natural light from the floor-to-glass windows on the exterior of the lounge, and it provides a pleasant respite from the main seating area of the lounge.

Kids Room

Families visiting the lounge will find a dedicated room with children and their parents in mind.

The kids room includes ottoman seating paired with circular wooden tables, while the wall-mounted TV showcases cartoons and kid-friendly content to keep young ones entertained.

Final Thoughts

The joint TAP Portugal-Avianca VIP Lounge at Miami International Airport is now open. It welcomes Star Alliance Gold members, Star Alliance business- and first-class passengers, and travelers with a Priority Pass membership.

With MIA’s Terminal J offering limited lounge options, the Avianca VIP Lounge is a welcome addition to the network. It provides a cozy spot for eligible passengers to unwind before their next flight.