Typically when you think of contract (non-airline and non-credit card lounges), a high quality experience isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. So in this post, I’d like to talk a bit about Plaza Premium First Lounges, which might just be the highest quality lounges not run by an airline or credit card company.
Continue reading: What Are Plaza Premium First Lounges, And How Can They Be Accessed?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Does anyone know if China Airlines sends their premium pax to the First lounge in HKG? Flying them next month and read conflicting info
I was recently sent to Kyra Lounge when flying China Airlines J out of HK. There was a separate part of the lounge dedicated for China Airlines customers with made-to-order food.
You mean the lounge operator in collusion with AOT to get rid of airline Priority Pass access?
Ask yourself who gains when your Priority Pass cannot access much better airline lounges.
You missed one. There is one at Rome Fiumicino T1 upstairs. My party stumbled upon it in December when looking for the regular Plaza Premium Lounge and the staff kindly pointed us in the right direction. We got settled in and an Italian celebrity sat down next to us!
This doesn’t align with my experience. I flew Emirates first class from Jakarta. First class passengers get access to the standard plaza lounge, not the first section. When I inquired about the cost to upgrade I was told $95 for 2 hours. As I only had 1 hour until my flight I obviously turned them down. So not sure where the $25 is coming from in your article.
@Edd Maybe what Voian wrote is the most recent change and that sounds like a good change. When I flew CI back in late June of 2025 out of HKIA, I was given a list which had access to all of the standard plaza premium lounges as well as the plaza premium first lounge. The transit agent mentioned that I could select any of the lounge from the list. I accessed the plaza premium first lounge without issue.
Interesting. Just flew EK F from CGK, and we were granted access to the F section (1 of the three airlines granted access). Flew from CGK before in Jan with CX J and the upcharge is 500,000 IDR. It's fixed for all passengers.
Thanks both! An area in the Kyra lounge with upgraded food options sounds lovely. Equally, I wouldn’t mind checking out the PP First lounge.
Long story short it is a pay to play kind of thing which diminishes what they are offering. It is not like premium passengers or elite members agan go. Interesting that you said the price was worth it. ...... I guess it depends on what you are looking for in the lounge.
Sorry I couldn't respond but the Comments section isn't working, at least not from Italy with/without VPN.
We were in the Plaza Premium (non-First) Lounge at FCO, which we were directed to from the Plaza Premium First Lounge. (It does exist! Here's the link -> https://www.plazapremiumfirst.com/ppf-fco.)
The celebrity who sat next to us is a famous singer-songwriter in France and Italy from the 1970's and 80's. He was a coach on the local version of The Voice in the past. It seemed to me it was job for the person accompanying him to escort him to the lounge, but nevertheless she seemed to be a fan so maybe she volunteered at the opportunity? Another fan stopped to talk to him, and he responded very kindly.
Sorry yes, you did. I wasn't able to read other comments completely before until I found a navigation workaround.
I went to the P P First lounge in Vancouver on 28 March 2026. I usually do not drink but this time I ordered a cocktail. In the made to order menu, I do not find any Chinese dishes so I end up ordering Italian dishes. They are good but not as good as I expect. I enjoy lobsters.