Whether you need a place to knock out some work or want to freshen up and enjoy an adult beverage while you wait for a flight, an airport lounge can provide a welcome retreat in a chaotic day of travel.
But if you're new to the world of lounge access or just looking more into the access you have through your credit cards, learning about the different types of lounges can feel overwhelming.
So, let's explore Plaza Premium lounges by breaking down what they are, where they are located and how you can get in.
What are Plaza Premium lounges?
In short, Plaza Premium is a global network of more than 250 airport lounges. They're independently owned and contracted rather than owned by a specific airline, so access to them isn't dependent upon the airline you're flying.
Most Plaza Premium lounges carry the same Plaza Premium Lounge name, but the operator also manages some other lounges, such as Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses outside the United Kingdom and some Avianca lounges.
TPG staffers have found their Plaza Premium lounge experiences to vary based on the location. While most of these lounges fall below the gold standard of American Express Centurion lounges, they're a good option for a place to grab a snack, unwind in one of many seating options and get some work done. Some locations even go the extra mile, providing food and decor that impress even our most experienced lounge visitors.
Related: 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
Where are Plaza Premium lounges located?
Plaza Premium's 250-plus lounges are located across all six inhabited continents.
If your travels keep you within the U.S., your Plaza Premium options are limited to seven locations. There are Plaza Premium-branded lounges in two airports:
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- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Additionally, Plaza Premium manages the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in five other U.S. airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
However, if you frequently travel to or within Asia, you're more likely to be impressed with the 50-plus Plaza Premium location options available to you.
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is great for sports enthusiasts, as it has an interactive big-screen area for live sport and entertainment, foosball and shuffleboard tables, and even a small climbing wall for kids.
You can find a full list of lounge locations on the Plaza Premium website.
How do I get Plaza Premium Lounge access?
Purchase a Plaza Premium pass
You can pay for a one-time lounge pass, with prices varying depending on the location. You can also purchase a lounge pass through Plaza Premium's website, where your options range from $80 for a two-visit pass within the Americas to $379 for a 10-visit global pass.
Cards that include Plaza Premium access
Before you pay for a Plaza Premium lounge pass, check your wallet to see if you already have access through one of your cards. Even if you don't yet, you're probably better off putting your money toward the annual fee of a card with complimentary access instead of paying for a lounge pass.
The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) include unlimited complimentary access for you and up to two guests to all Plaza Premium lounge locations. Terms apply.
Additionally, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes complimentary Plaza Premium lounge access at select locations for the cardholder and up to two guests. This card's $395 annual fee is just a few dollars more than the Plaza Premium 10-visit global pass, so this perk alone is well worth the annual fee if you use this access more than 10 times per year.
Is Plaza Premium access included in Priority Pass?
Priority Pass members can access over 60 Plaza Premium lounges around the world.
Unlike Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass is a type of membership access that grants members access to a variety of contracted airport lounges rather than a type of lounge itself. Some cards, like the Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X, come with both Priority Pass and Plaza Premium access but keep in mind that they're not connected. Enrollment is required.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Priority Pass airport lounge program
Bottom line
Plaza Premium lounges are airport lounges you can find across the globe, and the right credit card is all you need to access them. With 250-plus locations, they're less common than airline-branded lounges and those part of the Priority Pass program. Still, should you find yourself in need of a place to break a sweat in London or a spot for your kids to play in Orlando, Plaza Premium lounges have your back.
Learn more: Best credit cards for lounge access
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
