Several months ago, we learned how Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is getting a couple of new lounges, contributing to what’s arguably becoming the best terminal in the United States for lounge quality. There’s now an exciting update, as these lounges are expected to open within the coming week.
In this post:
Plaza Premium First Lounge coming to DFW (and more)!
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Plaza Premium is planning on opening two lounges at DFW Airport Terminal D. The lounges are located near gate D15, and the facility includes both a standard Plaza Premium Lounge (open daily from 7AM until 11PM), plus a Plaza Premium First Lounge (open daily from 7AM until 10PM).
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. The standard Plaza Premium Lounge will boast 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, bartender cocktails, and more.
You can expect the standard Plaza Premium Lounge to be accessible with Priority Pass and/or the Amex Platinum. Meanwhile the Plaza Premium First Lounge will be available for a $45 co-pay for those who have access to the standard Plaza Premium Lounge. The Plaza Premium First Lounge will also directly act as a contract lounge for those flying in first or business class on Air France, EVA Air, Finnair, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.
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. There’s also one planned for New York (JFK), which should open later this year at the new Terminal One.
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 terminal 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 selection of lounges. I guess maybe New York (JFK) Terminal 4, and Los Angeles (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal? But even that’s questionable…
Bottom line
On March 9, 2026, lounge operator Plaza Premium is opening two new facilities 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.
Plaza Premium First Lounges are excellent, so it’s nice to see one of those added. Admittedly the $45 co-pay is steep, but perhaps that means lounge crowding won’t be a huge issue, at least for the periods where the lounge isn’t being used as a contract facility?
What do you make of Plaza Premium’s new DFW lounges?
This lounge need to pay for “premium food”
Will they keep the plaza premium lounge in terminal E open?
Hopefully this means DFW C1 Lounge will not take airline contract anymore
Seems odd to me that FinnAir would be using this new "First" lounge when they could presumably, as OneWorld members, use the AA Flagship lounge?
Was going to post the same thing. Agree 100%.
Only thing that comes to mind is that Finnair negotiated a lower entry cost than at AA Flagship, and will try to shunt their passengers there for cost savings....?
Finnair has historically directed biz class passengers to the Capital One lounge @ DFW rather than the Flagship Lounge.
So with a Cap1 Venture X Business card I have Priority Pass access. Something changed recently about it though and I do not recall what it was. Can I get in either of these Plaze lounges with my Priority Pass membership?
"...Meanwhile the Plaza Premium First Lounge will be available for a $45 co-pay..."
"Copay?"
It's an entrance fee.
Do you feel "copay" is somehow misleading?
Presumably it's phrased this way as it is a fee in addition to counting as a visit against a Priority Pass membership.
It makes sense because they are ALSO receiving payment from Priority Pass or whatever other form of membership you're using.
Final lounge in new jfk terminal one not yet announced right? And AF lounge not announced yet? Is it possible that apparently like at DFW, AF sends business folks to plaza premium first at jfk and does a la premiere lounge at jfk? Any idea how big the remaining lounge space is?
I think they'll use the Korean lounge which is under refurbishment
I wasn't too impressed by the Plaza Premium First lounge at KUL, I'd set expectations way lower, considering this is a US one, in DFW no less.
At KUL, they limited you to one food item of average quality, the bar drinks weren't particularly great, and various machines were broken, so you could only get lukewarm soft drinks without ice. The space itself was somewhat cramped honestly too.
" in DFW no less."
Alas... those uncultured yokels in dfw... how could they possible know anything about a decent first class lounge...
DFW famous for their first class and premium product offerings. LAX or JFK could never.
With Cap1 lounge no longer allowing guests in, this is a great addition for those of us who travel as a family.
I’m curious to know if this initiative has a positive impact on American Airlines. As someone residing in the Midwest, I would prefer flying through Dallas as my preferred route over Chicago, particularly because I can access the credit card lounge there.
Do you think the $45 upcharge to “F” will even be available during peak periods? I could easily see this being like AA or UA lounge day passes which are often not accepted.