Then to check in, it was quiet anyway and we were checked in by a rather dapper-looking agent. Had there been a queue we would have pushed to the front. All checked in and then to the immigration desk.  

We were taken to the flight crew and diplomatic desk. We waited whilst several crew were processed and then we were processed – other queues were far longer.  

Then to the second X-ray and security check. Long queue lines had been set up, but it was very quiet. Queue line barriers were dropped, so we did not have to snake around the full queue. We got to the X-ray machine and again awkwardly pushed to the front. 

Now, remember it was not peak season – had it been peak season, I would definitely recommend spending the 35 USD to fast-track through all of this. This airport was fairly chaotic and even though off peak, it could be confusing and frustrating to navigate.  

The Pearl attendant then took us through to the Pearl lounge. We walk through the terminal, shops selling tourist tat at various points.  

We wait for a lift- the lift is located by a smoking lounge. The Irishman and I comment that it’s been a while since we have seen one of these. Having both been smokers in the past, we comment on how there would have been a day when that’s where we would have been. The stench that billows out makes us comment on what we would have smelled like being there for just a quick smoke. 

We wait for the lift, looking at the VIP lounge sign which is on top of the Burger King sign.  

The lift doors open and we step into a lift that has wooden panelling finishings, which in its day would have been luxurious. We go up to the second floor, and the doors open straight into the lounge.  

I take a look around and am sure that the lounge is not what I have researched online. I ask the Pearl attendant if this is the only lounge in the terminal, and if there is a different one for BA customers. This is the only lounge I am told.  

We grab some seats.  

We try to get on WiFi- the airport gives free 15 minutes. After about 45 mins of me being in the lounge and having a look around, I find a QR code at the Pearl desk, next to a ‘No Alcohol’ sign. Scan it and free Wifi. Ah that’s good to know. It wasn’t showing as Pearl Lounge when you were looking for WiFi options. So how would you know? 

I take a scoot around. The food and beverage offering is pitiful.  

Now, I like to think that I am a seasoned traveller. I was fairly sure that I had googled the lounge and looked at images, but the images I saw were encouraging.  

However, while writing this, I have just looked at TripAdvisor. 1.5 stars, not sure I have ever seen anything rated this poorly.  

‘Avoid for everyone in the world’  

‘This lounge was ugly’

‘The ladies’ toilet…is always foul’

‘I began a terrible bout of gastroenteritis 2 hours after being in this place’  

‘a Barbie pink revolting toilet brush tucked in the corner and god knows what was lurking in that’

‘..made it to the lounge and it was rank’

‘Abandon all hope, all who enter here!’

‘Open bar as advertised? This lounge is drier than Gandhi’s flip-flop.’ Yes, it was. Bone dry.

‘Bad, bad, bad.’ Yes. It. Was

‘Perfect way to get sick’

Andy H from Oxford gave 5 stars and said, ‘I had read some reviews before travelling and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. We have been in many lounges all over the world and this one is a solid 7/10’ 

Andy H from Oxford, not sure what planet you were travelling back to. 

I go to find the toilet. One single cubicle for the ladies. No toilet roll and grotty with a matching stench. And…..the pink toilet brush. 

With airport lounges, you hope for some decent plug sockets and charging areas. This facility was equally as poor as everything else. A few extension leads daisy changed together on the floor.  

With Pearl, you can buy Fast Track on its own. Or you can purchase with the lounge access. You don’t need me to spell it out. Save your pennies.  

I went for a scoot around the airport. If you get there and are hungry the best food offering I saw was Negroni. They had some pizzas that you could buy by the slice and from what I could see looked fairly fresh. They also sold beers, wine and spirits.  

However, if you are fancying a drink, just to point out that any spirits, such as Smirnoff, a single shot was 25 USD. So, you can either stick to local beers or you are allowed to purchase or if your tipple is a Vodka and Tonic, you can buy miniatures in duty-free and drink with mixers from any of the food outlets, which I was really surprised about. A miniature of Grey Goose was 8 USD- I know this as I asked a friend.….. 

Boarding was called, and off we went to our gate. We had seen BA2814 arrive so we were surprised to see that the board was saying boarding when the plane had not even disembarked- you could see from the lounge.

As stated in by LGW to SSH review, ‘Club Europe operates economy seating in narrow-body aircraft mostly with a 3-3 configuration with the middle seat not being used, often with a tray table covering the seat. Not very popular but always argued it is similar to many European airlines short haul offering. I hate to think of anyone that is not a frequent traveller that books business class and expects the flat bed and in flight entertainment system and instead gets Club Europe. ‘

There is no group boarding, so if you are biz class or a silver or gold BA club member, prepare to wait with everyone else.  

The plane was old on the way back and no charger sockets, just like our inbound flight. Just can’t wrap my head around this being one of the longest Club Europe flights and BA using an aircraft with no sockets. No inflight entertainment and my phone died halfway through the flight and then had nothing to watch and became very restless and the flight dragged. 

However, food was good! Enjoyed a four-cheese ravioli – don’t think you can usually go wrong with a veggie pasta dish on a BA flight! The Irishman enjoyed braised beef, roasted pots, carrots and broccoli with no complaints. The desert was a Rhubarb custard. The Irishman said there was no resemblance of any taste of rhubarb but he ate his and then mine so what did that matter? 

The Irishman had an Italian red wine, and I have the Wild Shore Sauv Blanc, which was lovely but didn’t finish- the cheese and biscuits, however, I did finish.  

The Irishman went on to have a Jonnie Walker.  

Flight crew marginally better on this flight than the inbound one – service quick, drinks plentiful. Crisps on tap.  

We landed back at a very dreary LGW. Holiday well and truly over, we all know that feeling right? It sucks.  

Tips for travelling through Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) Airport

As I have mentioned, booking Fast Track through Pearl is worthwhile if in peak season or if you have very limited patience with queues- just don’t expect it to feel smooth or VIP like. 
The Pearl Lounge is not worth paying for- grab a slice of pizza instead.  

Don’t expect to do any great deal of Duty-Free shopping here- the selection of alcohol, cigarettes and beauty products is limited.  

Ensure that you take power banks with you for all of your devices for this flight. You do not want to get caught short on this length of flight with nothing to keep you entertained.  

Become a BA Club member, it’s free and you get free WiFi onboard – if available.