Chinggis Khan International Airport (UBN): Business Link Lounge
Most airport lounges are tucked away behind security, offering a quiet place to relax before your flight. The Link Lounge at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar does things differently - because the lounge is located before security, it offers you a fast-track processing for immigration, customs and security screening.
Quick Info
Location: Landside before security and immigration, adjacent to the Korean Air check-in counters
Access Included With: Korean Air, Air China, and Asiana Airliens Business Class tickets; Partner Bank Cards and Partner Company Customer’s as well
Paid Access: Available for purchase
Amenities: WiFi, private rooms available for a fee, children’s playroom, light snacks, premium alcohol available for an extra fee
Hours: 24/7 according to their website
Location & Access
The Link Lounge is located landside, adjacent to the Korean Air check-in counters at Chinggis Khan International Airport (UBN). Access is available to eligible premium passengers traveling on Korean Air, Air China and Asiana Airlines Business Class tickets.
According to their website, you can pay for access as well. Prices are 90,000MNT for ages 13+, 45,000MNT for ages 4-12, and infants are free of charge. Paid access allows you entry for 3 hours. That’s roughly $25USD for an adult and while it’s not a large sum of money, in my opinion, I don’t think this is a place to spend your money.
Upon entering, I handed over my passport and boarding pass, which were passed to an immigration officer located behind the lounge. When it was time to leave, I simply walked to the immigration room at the back of the lounge, collected my documents, and proceeded directly to security.
This type of personalized immigration handling is something usually associated with ultra-premium First Class lounges, so it was surprising to find it available in such a small airport. In theory, the service allows you to bypass immigration lines and enjoy a more seamless departure process.
Here is where I exited the Link Lounge into the airport terminal
During my visit, there were virtually no lines at either immigration or security, both of which are located immediately outside the lounge. The entire process took place within what felt like a ten-foot stretch of airport space. While the expedited processing is certainly a unique perk, maybe I just wasn’t there on a day to see the benefit of it.
Seating & Atmosphere
Literally all of the seating that is in the public space of the Link Lounge
The lounge itself is modern, clean, and quiet. A few large windows provide natural light, and the space feels welcoming upon arrival.
That said, the seating is limited to the space available, and there’s not a lot of that. It did seem that everyone here was able to grab a spot without someone immediately nearby, but I can imagine how tight it would feel if the lounge was at full capacity.
If you need additional privacy or a meeting room, several private rooms are available for reservation at an additional cost of 35,000MNT.
The kids room at the Link Lounge in Chinggis Khan International Airport (UBN)
Families will likely appreciate one of the lounge's best features: a dedicated children's playroom. I peeked in and thought the play area was decently stocked with clean toys, a kids table and a tv. As a parent, I always appreciate lounges that make a genuine effort to accommodate families, and this area felt thoughtfully maintained rather than added as an afterthought.
Food & Beverage Selection
The food offering is fine, but the beverage selection is one of the lounge's weaker points, in my opinion.
Unlike many international lounges that feature hot buffets, the Link Lounge primarily offers pre-packaged light fare. During my visit, the selection consisted of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and snack items that were regularly replenished as people were grabbing them.
While the selection is sufficient for a snack before boarding, do not expect a meal substantial enough to replace lunch or dinner.
There are plenty of complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and other beverages available.
However, premium beverages require an additional purchase through a QR-code ordering system. While the lounge provides plenty of drink options, not everything is included and I don’t like that. Just don’t offer it if it’s not going to be complimentary.
Amenities
The Link Lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, private rooms available for reservation, and a dedicated children's playroom.
There are bathrooms located in the lounge, however, there are no shower facilities. For travelers arriving from long journeys across Mongolia, showers would have been a welcome addition. They’ve also become pretty standard in lounges around the world.
Security Screening
Despite the lounge's personalized immigration process, passengers are still required to remove their shoes at security, carry-on bags are thoroughly screened, and all liquids are prohibited beyond the checkpoint. Given the otherwise premium handling, the strict screening procedures felt somewhat at odds with the expedited experience offered inside the lounge.
It also made me wonder whether the expedited immigration process is less of a luxury benefit and more of a practical necessity created by the lounge's unusual location. Since the lounge sits before immigration and security, processing immigration directly through the lounge may simply be the airport's way of preventing travelers from backtracking and creating additional congestion rather than providing a truly premium service.
The Link Lounge provides a comfortable and convenient place to wait before departure from Chinggis Khan International Airport, but it is not a premium international lounge.
If you have complimentary access through Korean Air Business Class or another eligible program, the Link Lounge is certainly worth visiting for a drink, a snack, and a comfortable place to relax before your flight. Just don't plan on arriving extra early specifically for the lounge experience.
