What Are Plaza Premium Lounges and How Do You Get Access?

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Most travelers know Priority Pass, the largest global airport lounge program, but few are familiar with Plaza Premium Group (PPG), which operates the world’s biggest network of owned airport lounges. Unlike Priority Pass, which gives access to third-party lounges, PPG owns and manages its branded lounges and also operates others like Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in the U.S., Capital One Lounge in Dallas, and several Avianca Lounges in Colombia. PPG’s network spans 70 major airports worldwide and also includes hotels (Aerotel), meet-and-assist services, and more.

In terms of quality, PPG’s lounges offer a luxurious space for travelers to relax before or between flights, proving that air travel can still be glamorous. Free access to Plaza Premium lounges is a perk of high-tier American Express and Capital One cards. Plus, since June 2023, Priority Pass members can once again enter Plaza Premium lounges, and anyone can purchase a day pass on-site.

Here's everything you need to know about Plaza Premium lounges.

Plaza Premium lounge locations and what to expect

Plaza Premium lounges and services are available in 70 airports across 30 countries on six continents. While not all major airports have a Plaza Premium lounge, several do, including Hong Kong International (HKG), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and London Heathrow (LHR). One of PPG’s latest—and top-rated—lounges is located in the new Terminal C at Orlando International (MCO). While PPG lacks a mobile app, its website makes lounge searching simple.

There are nearly 100 Plaza Premium lounges worldwide, each maintaining high quality standards, as all are owned and operated by Plaza Premium Group.

“We oversee every detail of design, amenities, and the guest experience,” says Bora Isbulan, Deputy CEO of Plaza Premium Group. “This control is key to providing the exceptional hospitality Plaza Premium is known for. Our mission is to ‘Make Travel Better’ by enhancing the airport journey. We aim to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for all travelers, no matter their airline or class.”

At a minimum, travelers can expect comfortable seating (with sleek design in newer lounges), free Wi-Fi, private workstations, premium food and drink (including alcoholic options), and unique amenities that reflect local culture. For example, the flagship lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport celebrates Malaysian heritage with food, service, and design. The lounge also functions as an art gallery, showcasing work from emerging Malaysian artists in collaboration with Art People Gallery.

How to gain access to Plaza Premium lounges

Travelers can access Plaza Premium lounges on their day of travel, regardless of airline or class. Business or first class passengers may find themselves in a PPG lounge through their airline or ticket benefits, as many PPG lounges serve as contract lounges. Economy and business travelers without lounge access can still enter for free if they hold a Priority Pass membership. These three credit cards also provide direct access to Plaza Premium lounges:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (annual fee: $395)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (annual fee: $695—see rates and fees)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (annual fee: $695—see rates and fees)

Presenting any of the above credit cards grants cardholders lounge entry without the need for enrollment. Amex Platinum members can bring one guest for free, while Capital One Venture X cardholders can bring up to two guests for free. Additionally, authorized users of these cards also enjoy lounge access and the same guest privileges as the primary cardholder.

Travelers without premium credit cards can still access Plaza Premium lounges for a fee. They can purchase access online up to one hour in advance or pay upon arrival. Prices vary by lounge and duration. For instance, as of this writing, two hours at the Plaza Premium lounge in London Heathrow costs £48 (US$60), while three hours at the Orlando lounge is priced at $69.

In addition to its own branded lounges, Plaza Premium also manages lounges for various airlines and credit card companies. Since these lounges aren't Plaza Premium branded, the typical access rules don't apply.

Launch of Orlando lounge and Plaza Premium's U.S. expansion

A major reason many U.S. travelers aren't familiar with Plaza Premium lounges is because, until 2020, they were located exclusively abroad. Plaza Premium opened its first U.S. lounge at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) in 2020, followed by the Orlando International Airport lounge, which launched in December 2022.

During a layover in Orlando in April 2023, the writer personally explored the new lounge and was thrilled with what he discovered. Situated in Terminal C, this stylish, high-ceiling lounge perfectly aligns with modern traveler expectations: a dedicated space for families and kids, a spacious bar ideal for relaxing with a few drinks, a selection of delicious hot and cold food, ample lighting, power outlets, comfortable seating, and great views of the runway. The lounge is adorned with artwork and photography borrowed from the Orlando Museum of Art, and the children's area includes an oversized interactive screen for games and storytelling. Additionally, there are three pristine, roomy showers available for travelers who need to freshen up between flights.

If visiting a Plaza Premium lounge is on your list, but you’re not flying through Orlando or Dallas in the near future, you might still be in luck. Isbulan shared that “Plaza Premium Group is expanding rapidly in the U.S. and will soon operate in six to seven more airports over the next two years.” We're eager to see this growth!

This article was last updated on September 5, 2023. The offers mentioned were valid at the time of publication, but they may change or no longer be available at any moment.