Plaza Premium opens a new lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4

Just over a month ago, Plaza Premium opened a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4, replacing its existing offering. We covered it at the time but we didn’t have any photographs – until now.

Plaza Premium has taken over the old SkyTeam lounge, which has been empty since it closed during the pandemic.

At more than 1,600 square meters, the SkyTeam lounge was more than twice the size of the old Plaza Premium lounge so it appeared to be a big upgrade in capacity.

So I was surprised to see that the new Plaza Premium space is only 766 square meters – slightly smaller, in fact, than the previous lounge at 790 sq m, although it doesn’t feel that way.

After asking the Plaza Premium team I was told that the new Plaza Premium lounge is only on the first level of the old SkyTeam space, with the second level “reserved for other development at a later stage.”

Whilst no details have so far been revealed, perhaps Plaza will bring its new lower-cost Plaza Premium Express or the upgraded Plaza Premium First lounge concept to Heathrow? Only time will tell.

Anyway, back to the new Plaza Premium lounge. As it’s the same size it doesn’t seem like it will solve issues of overcrowding reported at the old lounge, which is unfortunate. As one of the main contract lounges at Terminal 4 it welcomes a high volume of business class passengers from Air France, KLM and other airlines before it can start to accept Priority Pass members.

In total, the Plaza Premium Heathrow T4 has capacity for 147 guests.

The lounge is opposite gates 10a and 10b. As you can see from the photos in this article, the space has had a total refurbishment with design inspiration taken from the London Underground in particular as you can see in the patterns of this banquette:

The lounge also presents Plaza Premium’s 4th UK Spotlight Art exhibition, in partnership with London-based artist Lauren Baker.

“The Ascending Horizons exhibition invites travellers on a spiritual journey through an oeuvre of artwork inspired by nature, symbolism, the higher realms of consciousness, mysticism and an exploration of our connection to the universe. Baker is currently featured as part of the Venice Biennale, previously having exhibited at the V&A, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, she is respected for her contribution to public art both in the UK and worldwide.”

Like other brands, Plaza Premium wants to reflect the local culture in its lounges and the Plaza Premium Heathrow T4 is the first to showcase the ‘Proudly Local’ theme in the UK. When it comes to food and drink, that means:

“Travellers can savour authentic British classics including ‘Victoria Sponge’, ‘Cottage Pie’, ‘Pimm’s’ and Gin & Tonic made with locally-distilled Bombay Sapphire and London Essence.”

Don’t worry if none of that appeals to you though, because “An array of international cuisines and complimentary drinks are also available at the buffet station”.

The lounge also features a multifaith prayer room, shower facilities (it’s unclear if these cost extra, although I would expect them to) and a quiet zone.

To be fair to Plaza, the lounge does look and feel larger than the old lounge because it is open plan rather than the odd shaped space it was using previously.

Plaza Premium Heathrow T4 access

The new lounge is open now from 5am until 10pm daily and welcomes Priority Pass holders as well as walk-ins and online bookings. The old lounge has closed, whilst the Blush Lounge remains open (review here).

A 2-hour slot costs £47.52 on the Plaza Premium website, or you can get in for free with a paid-for Priority Pass, your Amex Platinum-issued free Priority Pass or one of the four lounge passes that come with the (free for a year) American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card. DragonPass is also accepted.

Airlines that send their premium customers to the Plaza Premium lounge include:

• Air Algeria
• Air Astana
• Air Bulgaria
• Air France
• Air Serbia
• Biman Air
• China Eastern
• China Southern
• KLM
• Kenya Airways
• Korean Air
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Brunei
• RwandAir
• Saudia Airlines
• TAROM
• TunisAir
• WestJet

…. so Priority Pass customers are well down the list unfortunately.

Royal Air Maroc customers can also use the Qatar Airways Frequent Flyer lounge as RAM is a partner oneworld alliance airline.

Now that Plaza Premium has found a new home in the old SkyTeam lounge, the question is what will happen to the old space. Its smaller size might be more suitable for an airline hoping to pick up its own space – although realistically only Air France KLM would have the passenger volume to make it work – or we might see a competing contract lounge brand open such as No1 or Aspire.

We will, of course, try and get a full review of the space the next time we fly from Terminal 4 – stay tuned.

You can book the new Plaza Premium Terminal 4 lounge for cash on their website here.

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How to get FREE airport lounge access via UK credit cards (December 2024)

Here are the four options to get FREE airport lounge access via a UK credit card.

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with two free Priority Pass cards, one for you and one for a supplementary cardholder. Each card admits two so a family of four gets in free. You get access to all 1,500 lounges in the Priority Pass network – search it here.

You also get access to Eurostar, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines lounges.  Our American Express Platinum review is here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 80,000 Avios! The spend requirement is changed to £10,000 in six months for this offer. Click here to apply.

You can apply here.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for the first year. It comes with a Priority Pass card loaded with four free visits to any Priority Pass lounge – see the list here.

Additional lounge visits are charged at £24.  You get four more free visits for every year you keep the card.  

There is no annual fee for Amex Gold in Year 1 and you get a 20,000 points sign-up bonus.  Full details are in our American Express Preferred Rewards Gold review here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th January 2025, the sign-up bonus on ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is increased to 30,000 Membership Rewards points. This converts into 30,000 Avios. Click here to apply.

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard gets you get a free Priority Pass card, allowing you access to the Priority Pass network.  Guests are charged at £24 although it may be cheaper to pay £60 for a supplementary credit card for your partner.

The card has a fee of £290 and there are strict financial requirements to become a HSBC Premier customer.  Full details are in my HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard review.

Got a small business?

If you have a small business, consider American Express Business Platinum which has the same lounge benefits as the personal Platinum card:

You should also consider the Capital on Tap Pro Visa credit card, which has a lower fee and also comes with Radison Rewards VIP status:

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 9th December 2024, there are EXCLUSIVE sign-up offers for our readers on the two Capital on Tap small business Visa cards. You can earn 20,000 points on the Business Rewards card and 30,000 points on the new Pro card. Click here to apply.

PS. You can find all of HfP’s UK airport lounge reviews – and we’ve been to most of them – indexed here.