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 lounge network not run by an airline or credit card company (though I’d say the world’s single best lounge not run by an airline or credit card network is the Encalm Xenia Lounge Delhi, which is on par with some of the world’s best first class lounges).
Most frequent travelers are probably familiar with Plaza Premium Lounges, but what are Plaza Premium First Lounges? Let’s go over all the details, including where they’re located, and who is eligible to access them…
What makes Plaza Premium First Lounges special?
Plaza Premium Group is one of the largest operators of independent airport lounges, and the company is most commonly known for its standard Plaza Premium Lounges, which are pretty average contract lounges. They typically have a self-serve buffet, self-serve drinks (and sometimes a bar), and they can get pretty crowded.
Nearly a decade ago, the new Plaza Premium First Lounge concept was launched, though it has expanded slowly. The idea is that these lounges offer an elevated experience over a standard Plaza Premium Lounge. So if you wanted to compare it to airline operated lounges, think of Plaza Premium Lounges as being like business class lounges, and Plaza Premium First Lounges as being like first class lounges.
Each Plaza Premium First Lounge is different, though here’s what stands out to me most consistently about them:
- Plaza Premium First Lounges are typically less crowded than Plaza Premium Lounges, since fewer people generally have access to them, so you can expect them to not be overcrowded
- Plaza Premium First Lounges have a la carte dining, a proper cocktail selection with drinks prepared by bartenders, barista coffee, and more partnerships with premium brands; manage your expectations when it comes to food, though, as we’re mostly talking about ordering via QR codes, and the quality isn’t necessarily amazing
- Plaza Premium First Lounges generally have elevated decor, and feel more premium than standard Plaza Premium Lounges
I’ve visited several of these lounges over time, and I do find them to be noticeably nicer than standard Plaza Premium Lounges.
Where are Plaza Premium First Lounges located?
Currently, you’ll find Plaza Premium First Lounges at the following nine airports:
- Bangkok (BKK)
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- Jakarta (CGK)
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
- Macau (MFM)
- Phnom Penh Techo (KTI)
- Rome (FCO)
- Vancouver (YVR)
The Plaza Premium First Lounge concept only recently debuted in the United States, with the opening of a lounge at Dallas Fort Worth Terminal D (DFW), and soon we’ll see the opening of a lounge at New York Kennedy Terminal One (JFK).
Some of the airports that have these lounges might seem pretty random. For example, I recently traveled through Phnom Penh’s Techo Airport, and that’s not exactly a place where you’d necessarily expect to find a Plaza Premium First Lounge.
I suspect the decision regarding where to open these lounges largely just comes down to available real estate at airports. For example, Techo Airport is brand new, and the Plaza Premium and Plaza Premium First Lounges are located in slightly different parts of the terminal, so I suspect Plaza Premium Group decided it made sense to pick up both lounges spaces, and brand them a little differently.
Who gets access to Plaza Premium First Lounges?
How do you get access to Plaza Premium First Lounges? There’s not necessarily one easy answer, though you can primarily get access in one of three ways:
- You can buy access directly, regardless of the airline or class you’re flying; the cost varies based on the exact lounge and how long you plan to stay, but most locations seem to charge around $70-80 for a visit of two hours
- Some airlines will send their premium passengers to the Plaza Premium First Lounge; it’s most commonly available to first class passengers, but some premium airlines even give their business class passengers access to Plaza Premium First Lounges (for example, Qatar Airways sends its premium passengers to the Plaza Premium First Lounge Kuala Lumpur)
- If you have access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, you can typically pay a reasonable upcharge to instead use the Plaza Premium First Lounge; the cost varies based on the exact lounge or how long you’re staying, but typically you can expect for the cost to be somewhere around $25-45 or so for a visit of two hours (the closer to the United States you are, the more expensive it is)
Keep in mind that when it comes to accessing standard Plaza Premium Lounges, those can typically be accessed with select credit cards, including the Amex Platinum Card, and in some cases, with Priority Pass.
Personally, I’ve found the upcharge from the standard Plaza Premium Lounge to the Plaza Premium First Lounge to be well worth it at airports where it’s available, thanks to the improved food and drinks, nicer ambiance, etc. That of course assumes that you’re looking to eat and drink, rather than just lounge around.
Bottom line
Plaza Premium First Lounges are Plaza Premium Group’s most premium branded lounges. They offer nicer decor, a calmer vibe, and much improved food and drinks. They’re only available at nine airports, and they’re among the most premium contract lounges that you’ll find.
If you have access to a Plaza Premium Lounge, you typically have the option of paying a premium to instead access a Plaza Premium First Lounge. At airports where that’s available, I find it to be well worth it, assuming you value the added perks.
If you’ve visited a Plaza Premium First Lounge, what was your experience like?
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