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 Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app