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Fukuoka Airport Domestic Terminal Lounge Guide: Lounge TIME North vs South Compared
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Hi everyone! I’m Yagi, a traveling angler!
This time, I’ll introduce the lounges available in Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal. I hope this helps anyone using Fukuoka Airport.
In this article, I’ll clearly break down the differences between Lounge TIME/North and Lounge TIME/South at Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal, in a way that’s easy to understand even for first-time users.
This is useful whether you’re on a business trip, a family vacation, a solo trip, a fishing trip, flying domestically with ANA or JAL, or adjusting your schedule around a domestic-to-international transfer.
目次
- The Bottom Line First: North Is Before Security Screening, South Is After
- Comparing Lounge TIME/North and South
- Facility Differences Between North and South
- Lounge TIME/North: Usable Before Security Screening
- Lounge TIME/South: Usable After Security Screening
- Which One Should You Use?
- About Eligible Credit Cards
- Things to Know Before You Use the Lounge
- If You Use Airport Lounges Often, Choosing the Right Card Matters Too
The Bottom Line First: North Is Before Security Screening, South Is After
The easiest way to choose between the Lounge TIME options at Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal is by timing.
Eligible card companies, companion conditions, and whether you need to show your boarding pass all vary by card company.
Comparing Lounge TIME/North and South
Compare the differences between Lounge TIME North and South
| Item | Lounge TIME/North | Lounge TIME/South |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 1F, Domestic Terminal Building | 2F, Domestic Terminal Building (inside the boarding area) |
| Area | Before security screening | After security screening |
| Hours | 6:00–20:30 | 6:00–21:00 |
| Seats | 132 seats (122 non-smoking, 10 smoking) | 167 seats (159 non-smoking, 8 smoking) |
| Free services | With an eligible card: choice of a free soft drink or one beer, Wi-Fi, newspapers/magazines, restrooms, etc. | With an eligible card: choice of a free soft drink or one beer, Wi-Fi, newspapers/magazines, restrooms, etc. |
| Paid add-ons | Beer, light snacks | Beer, reclining chairs, light snacks |
| Smoking | Smoking seats available (hip-bar style) | Smoking seats available (hip-bar style) |
| Shower | None | None |
| Recommended for | Those who want to rest after arrival, meet someone, see someone off, or adjust their time before security screening | Those who want to rest near the gate before departure, get security screening done first, or feel settled before boarding |
*For general paid use, the official rates are ¥1,100 for adults, ¥550 for children, and free for children under 3. Details and rates are subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Facility Differences Between North and South
See the full item-by-item comparison of Lounge TIME North and South
| Item | North | South |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Domestic terminal 1F | Domestic terminal 2F, inside the boarding area |
| Area | Before security screening | After security screening |
| Seats | 132 seats | 167 seats |
| Smoking seats | Available | Available |
| Business corner | Available | Available |
| Wi-Fi | Available | Available |
| Newspapers/magazines | Available | Available |
| Restrooms | Available | Available |
| Flight information | Available | Available |
| Boarding announcements | None | None |
| Shower | None | None |
| Paid add-ons | Beer, light snacks | Beer, reclining chairs, light snacks |
Looking at facilities alone, North and South are quite similar.
Both offer soft drinks, Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, a business corner, restrooms, and flight information.
My Personal Recommendation
Whenever I come here, I always have a beer! North in particular can be used right after arrival, so that first drink after a tiring flight, in a relaxed moment, is something special!
Maybe it’s a Fukuoka Airport thing, but you can choose between Asahi Super Dry or Kirin Ichiban Shibori.
My personal recommendation: arrive with plenty of time to spare, start with a toast at North, take a break, then move over to South for another toast and some relaxed work time.
You can enjoy a relaxed stretch of time before your flight. It turns the airport from just a place to catch a plane into a wonderful spot for meaningful time.
Lounge TIME/North: Usable Before Security Screening
Lounge TIME/North is located on the 1st floor of Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal building.
If you use an eligible card, you can choose between a free soft drink or one beer.
For general paid use, a free soft drink is included in the admission fee as a listed service, while alcoholic drinks cost extra.
The key point is that it’s located in the area before you go through security screening.
North is located in the area you haven’t gone through security screening yet, so it’s easy to use after arrival or when meeting someone!
Since North is before security screening, it’s a lounge that’s easy to use not just before departure but also for adjusting your schedule after arrival.
For example,
- You arrived at Fukuoka Airport too early
- You want to meet family or friends at the airport
- You want to sit and rest a bit before seeing someone off
- You want to get some work done after arrival before your next plan
- You want to catch your breath after a domestic arrival before heading to the international terminal
North is convenient in situations like these.
If you’re moving from the domestic to the international terminal at Fukuoka Airport, check out this article too.
あわせて読みたい
【Fukuoka Airport FUK】How to Transfer from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal｜Easy Guide Using the Free Shuttle Bus
A note of caution if you use North before departure!
North is before security screening, so you’ll need to head to the security checkpoint after leaving the lounge!
During busy times, security can take a while, so I’d recommend leaving the lounge a little early~!
Lounge TIME/South: Usable After Security Screening
Lounge TIME/South is located on the 2nd floor of Fukuoka Airport’s domestic terminal building, inside the boarding area.
If you use an eligible card, just like North, you can choose between a free soft drink or one beer.
For general paid use, a free soft drink is included in the admission fee as a listed service, while alcoholic drinks cost extra.
In other words, it’s a lounge you can use after passing through security screening.
If you’re using it before boarding, personally I find South more reassuring. You can relax knowing you’ve already cleared security, so you can rest easy!
The good thing about South is that you can rest after having already cleared security screening.
The less used to airports you are, the more you might worry before departure — “I wonder if security is crowded” or “will I make it to the gate in time?”
In that sense, since South is in the area after security screening, it’s easier to relax before boarding.
Before departure,
・You want to relax with a cup of coffee
・You want to wait while charging your phone
・You want to get a bit of work done before boarding
・You want the peace of mind of clearing security first
・You want to stay as relaxed as possible until boarding time
South is a good fit for people like that.
Also, boarding announcements aren’t made inside the lounge, so be sure to check your departure time, gate, and boarding status yourself.
Which One Should You Use?
By Purpose: Check the North vs. South Recommendation in Text
| Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| You want to rest after arrival | North |
| You want to meet family or friends | North |
| You want to rest a bit before seeing someone off | North |
| You want to adjust your time before moving from domestic to international | North |
| You want to rest near the gate before departure | South |
| You want the peace of mind of clearing security first | South |
| You want to relax right up until boarding time | South |
| First-timers who aren’t sure | South when departing, North when arriving |
North and South aren’t really a matter of one being better — the difference comes down to timing of use and which credit card is eligible.
About Eligible Credit Cards
If you use airports often, keep this in mind when considering which credit card to get.
Make good use of perks like point-return rates and lounge access to enjoy a worthwhile time!
See the Eligible Card Companies/Services Confirmed from Logos on the Official Site
*Eligible card companies and services are subject to change. Before your visit, please check both the official Fukuoka Airport website and your card company’s terms of use.
| Card Company/Service | North | South |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | Yes | Yes |
| JCB | Yes | Yes |
| VJA Group | Yes | Yes |
| Diners Club International | Yes | Yes |
| JACCS | Yes | Yes |
| MICARD | Yes | Yes |
| Orico | Yes | Yes |
| Aplus | Yes | Yes |
| Rakuten Card | Yes | Yes |
| TS3 | Yes | Yes |
| SAISON CARD | Yes | Yes |
| UC | Yes | Yes |
| OCS | Yes | Yes |
| d CARD | Yes | Yes |
| au PAY Card | Yes | Yes |
| PayPay Card | Yes | Yes |
| VIEW CARD | Yes | Yes |
| Dragonpass | Yes | Yes |
| STARFLYER | Yes | Yes |
| MUFG CARD | Yes | No |
| DC | Yes | No |
| NICOS | Yes | No |
| MC Card | Yes | No |
| EPOS CARD | Yes | No |
| AEON Financial | Yes | No |
| LIFE CARD | No | Yes |
A Card in Your Own Name Is Required
Even if you have an eligible card, as a rule you need a card in your own name.
Keep in mind that borrowing a family member’s card, or entering with a friend’s card, generally isn’t allowed.
Companion Conditions Vary by Card Company
Even when admission is free for the cardholder, companions may be charged a fee at card lounges.
The conditions and number of companions allowed for free vary by card company and card type.
If you’re traveling with family, it’s reassuring to check this in advance.
Things to Know Before You Use the Lounge
Before using Lounge TIME/North or South, here are some points worth checking.
You May Need to Show Your Boarding Pass
Depending on the card company or airline, you may need to show your boarding pass or ticket stub at the reception desk.
These days, more people don’t carry a paper boarding pass, using mobile boarding passes or touch-and-go instead.
Even in that case, they’ll check your flight number, destination, and departure time for the day, so showing the screen with your ticket is fine.
If you want to use North after arrival, some card companies’ conditions may require you to show your ticket stub, so don’t throw away your boarding pass yet!
General Paid Admission Is Also Available
Even if you don’t have an eligible card, you may be able to use the lounge with general paid admission.
According to official information, the general paid rates are as follows.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥1,100 (tax included) |
| Child | ¥550 (tax included) · Ages 3 to under 12 |
| Under 3 | Free |
Before actually using the lounge, please always check the official Fukuoka Airport website for the latest information.
Be Careful About Bringing Food/Drinks In or Out
Inside the lounge, avoid eating or drinking anything other than what’s served or sold there.
You should also avoid taking food or drinks served or sold in the lounge outside of it.
If you’re planning to eat bread you bought elsewhere at the airport inside the lounge, be careful.
There’s No Shower
Neither North nor South has a shower room.
They’re not suited for washing off sweat, changing clothes, or refreshing yourself during a long layover.
If you’re connecting from domestic to international, or if you’re curious about the international lounge too, check this out as well.
あわせて読みたい
Fukuoka Airport International Lounge Guide: Lounge Fukuoka Review
There Are No Boarding Announcements
Neither North nor South makes boarding announcements inside the lounge.
If you relax too much in the lounge, time can slip away before you know it.
Especially when you’re tired from a fishing trip or a business trip, it’s reassuring to set an alarm on your phone.
Other Points to Note
Here’s a summary of the points worth knowing before you use the lounge.
・Children under 3 are said to be free, but check the official website for the latest conditions
・Pets are not allowed
・Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian
・Seat reservations are not available
・Avoid phone calls or web meetings in the seating area
・Use the phone booth if you need to make a call
・Alcohol is not allowed for minors
・Details and rates are subject to change
If You Use Airport Lounges Often, Choosing the Right Card Matters Too
Fukuoka Airport’s Lounge TIME can be used for free if you have an eligible card.
If you use airports often for business or travel, it’s handy to carry at least one card that gives you lounge access.
Also, as long-distance travel increases, Priority Pass and airline lounges become worth considering too.
If you’re going to get a Priority Pass, my recommendation is the Saison Platinum Business American Express. I’ve summarized my impressions from actually using lounges 19 times across 6 countries in this article.
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【海外出張・旅行で6カ国19回使った】セゾンプラチナ・ビジネス・アメックスのプライオリティパスが想像以上だった話
Rather than forcing yourself to get an expensive card right away, it’s important to first check whether it fits your travel style.
If you fly ANA often in particular, it’s worth thinking about how it fits together with the ANA Card, ANA Mileage Club, and ANA Pay.
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ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Yagi, an outdoor enthusiast from Japan who loves trout fishing and travel. I share firsthand fishing reports, local rules and licenses, destination guides, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures from across Japan and beyond. Whether you are planning a fishing trip to Japan or simply enjoy exploring nature, I hope these guides help you travel with confidence and discover something new.
