The Plaza Premium Lounge Hong Kong is the main lounge at this bustling metropolis of an airport for those of us with Priority Pass. Now if you are used to sitting in the cheap seats you might be wondering what on earth we are on about!
Fear not dear Muggles, as we will deal with both the Plaza Premium and what exactly Priority Pass is in this article.
Do you take Priority Pass?
The Amex Platinum card offers access to Priority Pass, which grants entry to over 1,300 lounges in 600+ cities worldwide, making it a top choice for frequent travelers. The card, priced at $700 annually, includes additional perks like a metal card, extensive travel insurance, and more.
However, since COVID-19, the landscape has shifted significantly. While lounges once represented a more exclusive, VIP experience, that’s no longer the case. Due to the pandemic, many airport lounges reduced services or closed entirely. In addition, more travelers now have lounge access through credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Prestige, and airline-specific memberships. As a result, lounges that were once quiet refuges are now more crowded, especially in major international airports.
Priority Pass remains one of the most widespread lounge networks, but it’s important to note that while the number of people accessing lounges has increased, the availability of lounges has decreased in some regions. This has made finding a seat at a lounge more difficult, particularly during peak travel times.
Yes that is right we are just not the spacial anymore and worse still is that not all lounges are created equally. For example domestic lounges in China look great, but have zero food while lounge in Fiji offer Champagne. It is a truly a mixed bag of tricks and this includes the Plaza Premium….
What the Plaza Premium?
Plaza Premium Lounges are a bit of a mixed bag. With over 30 locations across the globe, they provide a decent escape from the chaos of airport terminals, but the quality varies significantly depending on where you’re flying. In some airports, these lounges are a solid option, offering a comfortable space, food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. In others, they’re nothing more than a basic holding pen, lacking decent food options or a pleasant atmosphere.
Take Singapore Changi Airport, for example. While it’s a major hub, the Plaza Premium Lounge here isn’t exactly what you’d call a luxurious experience. The lounge can get packed, and the food selection is nothing special. It’s functional, but not a place you’d go to unwind in style.
On the flip side, London Heathrow can offer a slightly better experience, but again, it depends on the time of day and the crowd. Some days, the lounge feels comfortable and quiet, with decent food and enough space to relax, while on busier days, it can feel cramped and overcrowded.
Phnom Penh International Plaza Premium is probably my favorite as although the food is so so at best that do have a great bar which has overserved me many a time on departure from the Kingdom.
Generally speaking, Plaza Premium Lounges are good when you need a place to sit and escape the terminal. They’re not luxury lounges, though—expect basic amenities and services that can vary depending on the location. It’s a gamble whether you’ll get a decent lounge experience or one that’s more functional than pleasant. Still it could worse, you could be in China.
And Plaza Premium Hong Kong?
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is a bit of a mixed bag, and getting in can be a real struggle. These days, it’s so packed that you often can’t even find a seat. With a surge in lounge access from credit cards, it’s become a game of luck to get in, and the lounge’s capacity just hasn’t caught up.
When you do finally manage to slip in, don’t expect much in terms of variety. The food is predominantly Chinese—not exactly what you’d call international. You’re looking at things like congee and rice porridge rather than the usual buffet spread with options from around the world. If you’re after something diverse, you won’t find it here. Drinks are equally lackluster, and the fountain cola? Well, that’s there to prevent anyone from taking too much.
That said, if you can get in, it’s a step up from being stuck in the chaos of the terminal. It’s not a luxury experience, but it’s far cheaper than grabbing overpriced food at the food court or paying ridiculous prices on a budget airline like AirAsia. So, it’s better than nothing, but don’t expect to be wowed.