While details remain limited as of now, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is expected to get two new lounges in 2026, contributing to what’s arguably becoming the best terminal in the United States for lounge quality.
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Plaza Premium First Lounge coming to DFW (and more)!
In early 2026, Plaza Premium is planning on opening two lounges at DFW Airport Terminal D. The lounges are expected to be located near gate D17, and the facility will include both a standard Plaza Premium Lounge, plus a Plaza Premium First Lounge. I find that Plaza Premium’s lounge facilities are among the best “contract” lounges you’ll find, though admittedly that’s not a very high bar.
I’d expect the standard Plaza Premium Lounge to have all the features you’d expect, like a buffet, open bar, etc. Meanwhile Plaza Premium First is the lounge operator’s premium lounge concept, which usually has much nicer decor, a la carte dining, barista coffee, and more.
You can expect the standard Plaza Premium Lounge will likely be accessible by those with the Amex Platinum Card (along with some other premium cards), and as a contract lounge for select airlines. Meanwhile the Plaza Premium First Lounge may be contracted by some premium airlines as well, and otherwise, will likely be available for a co-pay beyond access to the standard lounge.
This will be the first Plaza Premium First Lounge in the United States, so that’s pretty exciting. The only other one in North America is in Vancouver (YVR), and that recently opened. I’ll be sure to report back when we learn more.
Interestingly, Plaza Premium’s first-ever lounge in the United States is also at DFW (though in Terminal E), and that opened in 2020. However, at just 1,400 square feet, it has to be among the smallest airport lounges you’ll find anywhere in the United States.
DFW Terminal D is becoming a lounge powerhouse
You can’t help but appreciate what a lounge powerhouse Terminal D at DFW is becoming. On the credit card front, the lounge has an Amex Centurion Lounge, a Capital One Lounge, and soon it’ll have a Chase Sapphire Lounge. Then it has an American Flagship Lounge and American Admirals Club, plus The Club at DFW. And now it’ll have a Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First Lounge.
That’s a really impressive lounge footprint, and I can’t think of many airport terminals in the United States with such an impressive lounge footprint. I guess maybe New York (JFK) Terminal 4, and Los Angeles (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal? But even that’s questionable…
Bottom line
Lounge operator Plaza Premium plans to open two lounges in DFW Terminal D, including the country’s first Plaza Premium First Lounge. It’s lovely to see Terminal D get even more lounge options, not that there was any shortage of lounges as is. I can’t wait to learn more details, but it sounds like we won’t have to wait much longer.
What do you make of Plaza Premium’s plans for DFW?
I didn’t realize until recently that there was such a thing as Plaza Premium First. An article explaining the difference would be neat!
What airlines would use the First lounge?
Given the number of Delta elites in DFW, which back in the day was a Delta hub, it would be nice if the small Sky Club was expanded.
Ben, the two flavors of lounge present an interesting concept. What would you say to two flavors of Priority Pass lounge? One that accepts all Priority Pass members and the other for Priority Pass members traveling in a premium cabin irrespective of airline. A little different take on the concept in your article.
Dallas is on its way to becoming the 4th largest city in the US, so it makes sense to have all these lounges.
That being said I don't find the First lounge concept to be all that "swanky" or impressive.
My experiences at them like at KUL or HKG have been mid (at least for Asia lounge standards). They're fine in terms of food/drink, but nothing I'd ever go out of my way for. I...
Dallas is on its way to becoming the 4th largest city in the US, so it makes sense to have all these lounges.
That being said I don't find the First lounge concept to be all that "swanky" or impressive.
My experiences at them like at KUL or HKG have been mid (at least for Asia lounge standards). They're fine in terms of food/drink, but nothing I'd ever go out of my way for. I think SGN is an airport that could really use a Plaza Premium First lounge though given how large of an outstation it is for a lot of non SkyTeam airlines.
JFK T4 edges out perhaps terminal v terminal, but given that all of the DFW terminals are connected airside, overall much more access to the DFW lounges. What a treat.
I think JFK T4 still is number 1 with Capital One, Amex, Chase, Delta One and Sky Club, as well as several priority pass lounges and Emirates. DFW D is very close though.
The Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Terminal E isn't really a lounge, it's more of a shop with only tables and limited drinks, a very small selection of snacks, and a bar. It's pretty sad compared to the quality Plaza Premium is known for.
Montreal (YUL) has a Plaza Premium lounge in the transborder terminal (can't remember if it's operated by PP, or if it's in conjunction with another operator/brand). That one is a similar...
The Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Terminal E isn't really a lounge, it's more of a shop with only tables and limited drinks, a very small selection of snacks, and a bar. It's pretty sad compared to the quality Plaza Premium is known for.
Montreal (YUL) has a Plaza Premium lounge in the transborder terminal (can't remember if it's operated by PP, or if it's in conjunction with another operator/brand). That one is a similar concept to the current DFW one, but much better in my opinion (and a bit bigger, though it is open air to the rest of the terminal).
The Plaza Premium lounge in Terminal E is pretty sad. Hopefully the new locations in Terminal D will be better.