Heroica VIP Lounge

Priority Pass access near Gate 9 now funnels into Heroica VIP

Heroica VIP Lounge in T1 sits airside on the 1st floor near Gate 9 and has effectively replaced the old Sala VIP for international departures. Access runs through Priority Pass, day passes at about $33, and premium cabins on Avianca, KLM, Edelweiss, Plus Ultra, Neos, and Aeromexico. Only international passengers can enter, so you need an outbound international boarding pass in hand before trying to check in.

Hours run from 05:30 to 23:00, covering the morning Medellín/Bogotá connections and the late‑afternoon US bank. Staff enforce a 3‑hour maximum stay, so it is not a place to camp all workday before an evening flight. Think of it as a pre‑departure pit stop in T1 rather than a destination for a long layover.

Food sits in the “snacks, not full meal” category, with light bites that match reports from 2022 of “very simple facilities.” You will usually see basics like pastries or chips and some cold items, but nothing like a full buffet you might expect in Bogotá or Panama City. Regulars eat properly in Cartagena, then hit Heroica for Wi‑Fi and a drink during the last 60–90 minutes before boarding.

Drinks policy is specific: complimentary alcoholic drinks are capped at two per person, after which everything is chargeable. That rule applies even to Priority Pass and business‑class guests. Soft drinks, coffee and tea run freely from self‑serve stations, which is enough for a quick reset between immigration and boarding.

Wi‑Fi is free but mirrors the rest of CTG: reviews describe it as “slightly slow but usable,” fine for email or messaging but not for big uploads or long video calls. Because Heroica is now the main contract lounge after Sala VIP’s permanent closure, late‑afternoon flights to the US and Panama can leave the small space close to full, with people hunting for a single spare seat around 16:00–19:00.

Regulars watch the departure board and time their visit outside the peak US departure bank, often popping in for a 30‑minute email check when the main concourse goes standing‑room‑only. One practical tip: clear security for T1’s international side early, head straight to Gate 9 to see how crowded the lounge looks through the door, and only burn your 3‑hour clock once seating actually opens up.