Plaza Premium continues rapid expansion; new lounge at LHR T4

Plaza Premium, the world’s first and largest pay-in lounge operator — the company currently operates 120 locations in 35 international airports — is continuing to expand beyond its original focus on Asia. Plaza Premium is expanding at the bustling London Heathrow airport: after recently opening two locations at London Heathrow’s new Terminal 2, “The Queen’s Terminal”, the lounge operator is preparing to launch a new club in Terminal 4 in two weeks.

Plaza Premium LHR Terminal 2 lounges

London Heathrow Terminal 2, “The Queen’s Terminal”, opened to great fanfare in 2014, as the new home of Star Alliance. While Star Alliance has a strong lounge offering, with clubs operated by Air Canada, Lufthansa, United, and Singapore Airlines, Terminal 2 also serves other airlines such as Virgin Atlantic Little Red, Aer Lingus, and Germanwings, and most passengers don’t have access to the swanky airline clubs. Plaza Premium is plugging this gap by offering all travelers a pay-in lounge in the heart of Terminal 2, which features a stunning lobby and bar, comfortable seating, and a full complimentary hot buffet. Read our review for additional details.

Plaza Premium Lounge – London Heathrow Terminal 2 (LHR)

In an innovative move, Plaza Premium has also opened an Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 2, which offers all passengers, regardless of airline and class of service, the ability to shower, enjoy a hot breakfast, and – a rare feature of arrivals lounges – alcoholic beverages. The facility has been well received – while United operates an adjacent Arrivals Lounge, access is restricted to United’s, Air Canada’s and South African’s premium passengers only, and the club closes at 2pm, while the Plaza Premium Arrivals lounge is open to all and closes as late as 10pm. Read our review for additional details.

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow Terminal 2 (LHR)

Both lounges welcome Priority Pass and Lounge Club members, making them accessible at a low cost for many premium credit card holders.

Plaza Premium LHR Terminal 4 lounge – opening June 5th, 2015

Terminal 4 serves an eclectic mix of airlines, including SkyTeam members, Middle East carriers such as Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Qatar, and for the time being, Air India (which, as a new Star Alliance member, will eventually move to Terminal 2.) On June 5th, 2015, Plaza Premium will open their Terminal 4 lounge, which they describe as follows:

The new Plaza Premium Lounge is light, airy and spacious. Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and skylight, making it a relaxing place to rest or work. The black and white tiled kitchen area with live cooking station and buffet is at the centre of the lounge, offering a selection of Asian and European inspired dishes. Plaza Premium Lounge is also the only lounge in the terminal that offers halal prepared food. There are productivity pods for those looking for peace and quiet to work, Skype family and friends or watch a film on their tablet. A separate bar area, elegantly designed with hues of yellow and grey acts as the lounge’s social hub.

Plaza Premium Lounge – London Heathrow Terminal 4 (LHR)

The first pictures reveal that the lounge adopts Plaza Premium‘s signature design language, with a cozy vibe, recessed lighting, designer features, and comfortable seating. We’re especially happy to note that unlike the Plaza Premium Terminal 2 lounge, the new Terminal 4 facility benefits from windows and daylight. The live cooking station is a nice touch, which helps Plaza Premium distinguish themselves from airline operated lounges.

Access to the Plaza Premium Lounge starts at £35 per person for two hours. Wi-Fi, shower, and food and drinks are all included. A special opening rate of £30 per person will be available throughout June.

Worldwide developments

Plaza Premium is investing over USD $40 million over the next three years. Projects include: