Edinburgh Airport to get a Plaza Premium lounge this Summer

Scotland's busiest airport has just provided travelers with an extra reason to fly from the 'Athens of the North' on the back of news that a new Plaza Premium lounge is imminent at Edinburgh (EDI).

In addition to the airport's two existing lounges (those belonging to British Airways and Aspire, respectfully), the 2,198 sq ft. space will be the group's first operation in Scotland and join a global portfolio of over 180 lounges when it opens its doors this July.

Located next to gates 13 and 14, it will have a capacity for 165 customers and offer far more than just a tidy buffet and free WiFi, with plans also afoot for an 'interactive' big screen area for live sport and entertainment, table football, shuffleboard tables and even a small climbing wall for kids.

When not drinking in the views that take in the runway and the rolling countryside, guests can also enjoy the perks of a cocktail bar built in collaboration with Edinburgh Gin, featuring special concoctions from the local distillery. And that's just the tip of the ice tray...

There will be lots more local inspiration at play, including the interior, which, according to the designers, will feature "subtle Scottish elements woven into the interior design, from tartan upholstery to carefully selected local artwork referencing key Scottish landmarks and iconic imagery".

Related: First impressions of Finnairs' brand new 'non-reclining' business class seat

"We are pleased to offer all these unique features to our travelers at our first Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport," said Okan Kufeci, a regional general manager of Plaza Premium Group. "Our latest offerings prove that we are constantly improving our products and services to cater to the different market needs whilst incorporating local touches to the experience.

"We are excited to be able to provide our award-winning, best-in-class signature hospitality in our third location in the UK and to introduce more travelers to the Plaza Premium Group. We look forward to expanding to more locations at major airports in Europe and in the UK in the months to follow."

But why now, you may ask? The smart money is on the fact Virgin Atlantic now flies direct from Edinburgh to the Caribbean and Florida. It may not have escaped your attention that Plaza Premium currently run all of Virgin Atlantic's lounges outside of London Heathrow.

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Still, with no official link between Virgin Atlantic's new operations as yet, the new lounge will cater for all air passengers regardless of airline or class. You can even show up on the day, and it couldn't be better timed for passengers who'll be looking to avoid the incoming hubbub of summer as a raft of cancelations and delays are expected.

Ferrying 14.7 million passengers per year, and hitting 158 destinations across 37 airlines, Edinburgh remains the 6th busiest airport in the U.K.

Related: How airline companion tickets can save you serious money on your summer trip

For now, there's no way of booking into the lounge but expect costs to be around the $37 (£30)- $49 (£40) mark for a two-hour visit. Using Gatwick North Terminal's Premier Plaza lounge as an example, two hours can be booked in midweek for $44.50 (£36).

Premium Plaza's in-house points program is Smart Traveller, which offers plenty of benefits and rewards for customers. Right now, travelers at Edinburgh can enjoy an opening offer of 10% for walk-in and 20% discount with their Smart Traveller membership.

We'll see you there.

Image courtesy of Plaza Premium Lounge.