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.
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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.
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.
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| 5X | Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com |
| 1.5X | Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year |
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Why We Chose It
It's hard to find a card that competes with the mile-long list of benefits that come with the Amex Business Platinum. While it's certainly not the card for the average consumer, a business owner with tons of expenses -- especially related to travel -- will find this card incredibly valuable. This card is similar to the consumer version that Amex offers, but with more business-oriented perks around statement credits and earning rates that are a better fit for business owners.Pros
- An up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years
- Up to $400 annual credit for eligible U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
- Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels (enrollment required)
- Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection
- Extended warranty protection
- International Airline Program and Cruise Privileges Program
Cons
- Steep annual fee
- Difficulty meeting $15,000 welcome offer for smaller businesses
- Limited high-bonus categories outside of travel
- The Points Guy Exclusive Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for checked baggage fees, lounge day passes, and more at one selected airline.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at more than 50 U.S. airports and stadiums.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.