Everything you need to know about Plaza Premium lounges
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:
- 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 ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees) and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees) include unlimited complimentary access for you and up to two guests to all Plaza Premium lounge locations.
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, 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
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees