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Category: Lounge

  • Plaza Premium lounges part ways with Priority Pass from 1 July; launches own PPL Pass

    Plaza Premium lounges part ways with Priority Pass from 1 July; launches own PPL Pass

    Plaza Premium has announced that it will stop accepting Priority Pass entries at most of its lounges worldwide from 1 Jul 2021, and will be introducing its own PPL Pass

    Why this matters?

    Priority Pass is the world’s largest network of independent airport lounges, with over 1,300 lounges around the world. All kinds of premium credit cards offer a Priority Pass membership, which is a great way to get lounge access when traveling. Priority Pass doesn’t operate lounges as such, but rather has partner lounges that it pays when a member visits.

    Plaza Premium operates the world’s largest collection of independent airport lounges, with 180 locations across nearly 50 airports. You can’t directly buy a Plaza Premium lounge membership, but rather Plaza Premium acts as a contract lounge provider for premium airline passengers, and for other lounge access programs.

    Historically you’ve been able to visit virtually all Plaza Premium lounges with a Priority Pass membership, but that will soon be changing.

    There will be a handful of lounges that will continue to accept Priority Pass entries, but these will be announced only in the months ahead.

    Other credit cards that have partnered Plaza Premium directly for complimentary entries will not be affected by this change.

    Possibly the best third party lounge network

    While Plaza Premium lounges cannot compare with top airline-operated lounges, they are still rather popular because they have worked on improving their offerings in recent years, offering quality lounges that are well decorated and carrying very decent offerings.

    In recent years, Plaza Premium also upped the ante with its new first class lounges called Plaza Premium First, available in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports. These are a step up from its regular Plaza Premium lounges and require an added fee for those who are using free lounge passes.

    Plaza Premium First Hong Kong (photo: Plaza Premium)

    Who is affected?

    Most people with a miles-earning credit card will be familiar with Priority Pass, which usually comes as part of their credit card perks. In Singapore alone, those holding the Citi PremierMiles card and DBS Altitude Visa card will have one that offers two complimentary visits a year, while the fee-paying Citi Prestige card offers a souped up version that offers unlimited entries. Unfortunately, such Priority Pass members will definitely be affected by this change.

    For customers holding the American Express Platinum Charge card and the OCBC Voyage card, lounge access to Plaza Premium facility will continue to be available, though they may or may not be able to bring guests for free.

    Plaza Premium’s partnership with DragonPass will continue, so those holding some ICBC and CIMB cards, plus UOB Visa Infinite Metal cardholders, will still be able to use the lounges within their annual entitlements.

    The Maybank Horizon Visa Signature card also retains access to the Plaza Premium lounges, but only at Changi Airport.

    Which lounges are affected?

    Of the 66 participating Plaza Premium lounges, 59 will be leaving Priority Pass. Most of them will discontinue from 1 July 2021, but there is a small handful that have differing end dates so check the details here.

    In Singapore, there used to be three Plaza Premium facilities:

    • Terminal 1: Plaza Premium lounge
    • Terminal 2: TGM (currently closed)
    • Terminal 4: Blossoms Lounge

    With the change, Plaza Premium has confirmed that

    From 1 Jul 2021, only the Terminal 4 facility will remain accessible by Priority Pass members. This is not unexpected, given that the lounge is a joint venture between SATS and Plaza Premium and the role it plays as the only pay-per-use lounge in the terminal.

    With Terminal 2 closed for refurbishment, it’s unclear if TGM will make a return, so that’s a question when it’s ready a few years down the road.

    Terminal 1’s lounge will be unavailable to Priority Pass members from 1 July, but there are plenty of other options in the terminal, including dnata lounge and SATS lounge.

    PPL Pass

    In a follow up to Plaza Premium’s departure from Priority Pass, Plaza Premium Group has also introduced its own PPL Pass, a new membership programme providing access to the Plaza Premium lounges for an annual fee, based on your usage.

    Similar to Priority Pass, PPL Pass is a membership programme where you can pre-load your account with either 2, 4 or 6 visits per year. The per visit cost ranges from USD33 to USD37.5 depending on the number of passes you buy.

    If you purchase the passes through the Smart Traveller app, you can shave a few more dollars off the passes, so your cost per visit goes down to USD29.83 to USD34, again depending on the number of passes you buy.

    All passes are valid for 12 months from the day of purchase.

    Where it differs from Priority Pass is that there is no unlimited option, so you will have to reload with more passes if you run out.

    Final thoughts

    Plaza Premium ending its contract with Priority Pass will definitely affect many travellers and how they value certain credit cards, when travel resumes in time to come.

    Effectively, for Singapore-based travellers, the options available at Changi Airport will be reduced to either the Ambassador transit lounge at Terminal 3, SATS lounge at Terminal 1 or the Changi Lounge located in the public areas at Jewel.

    With most third party lounge options gone from the Priority Pass list, this can swing in one of the following ways: Credit card companies will move towards partnering Plaza Premium on its PPL Pass, or throw in other perks to make the annual fee worth paying.

  • Cathay Pacific to close three Hong Kong lounges temporarily

    Cathay Pacific to close three Hong Kong lounges temporarily

    Customers will still have access to two business class and one first class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

    Cathay Pacific has taken yet another measure in the face of Covid-19: lounge closure of half its lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.

    This came not too long after it announced that it will be reducing flights worldwide.

    The lounges that will be closed until further notice are:

    • The Deck (near Gate 6)
    • The Bridge (near Gate 35)
    • The Pier First Class Lounge (near Gate 63)

    Customers, Marco Polo Silver members and above, as well as oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members can still access the remaining three lounges:

    • The Wing business and first class lounges (near Gate 2)
    • The Pier business class lounge (near Gate 65)

    First Class passengers now have only one lounge – The Wing, located near Gate 2. This is directly accessible right after immigration, on the left side.

    Map of Cathay Pacific lounges at Hong Kong International Airport

    Cathay Pacific is one of the few airlines that offer an excellent lounge experience in their home port. For First Class passengers and Oneworld Emerald members, they had the option of two lounges, one nearer to the immigration counters (The Wing) and one that’s at the other end of the terminal (The Pier).

    With the closure of The Pier first class lounge, these top tier passengers can only use The Wing, which means a very long trek to the other end of the terminal if their flight departs from there.

    Changes to lounge operations

    Along with the closure of the three lounges, there will also be slight changes to the operations at the other three lounges, as well as lounges in Shanghai and Beijing.

    While the noodle bar will continue to serve cooked-to-order meals, the buffet spread will now be replaced with disposable food packs. This is obviously not the most environmentally friendly option, but given the current climate this is probably the best way forward.

    Final thoughts

    Well, given the increasing number of countries that does not even want to admit passengers who transit through Hong Kong, it’s no wonder their passenger numbers are plummeting, so closing some of the lounges is definitely a right move.

    I’m just wondering what does this mean for the number of staff employed at these lounges, given that the lounge operations is outsourced to SATS.

    This is definitely a bummer for elite Oneworld members and premium cabin customers, but even with the reduced number of options, I would certainly expect significantly less people in the remaining lounges.

  • LOUNGE REVIEW: Plaza Premium Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, Terminal 3

    LOUNGE REVIEW: Plaza Premium Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, Terminal 3

    I had a late night flight out of Rome’s Fiumicino airport, and after spending an entire week in the city I was pretty happy to head to the airport early for a leisurely check-in, and then check out the lounges.

    As I was travelling with friends, it was not possible for me to use the airline’s lounge, given that I could only guest one other person. That would have been rather anti-social (and I don’t really want to have to choose my favourite friend). So instead, we all went to the Plaza Premium lounge, since most of us had a Priority Pass card.

    Plaza Premium Rome Lounge, Terminal 3, E Gates

    Plaza Premium is a very familiar name to many seasoned travellers. With a network of over 100 lounges across 44 airports, you will be bound to find one everywhere.

    A little more about the Rome Plaza Premium lounge. This is a relatively new lounge, having opened back in April 2018. With a capacity to hold over 300 people, the 100 square metres lounge is also a pay-per-use lounge that any travelling passenger can use for a fee.

    In this review:
    Access
    Location
    The space
    Food & beverages
    Other facilities
    Final thoughts

    Access

    I got access to the lounge with my Priority Pass membership, which came complimentary with the Citi Prestige Mastercard. Unlike many other Singapore-issued credit cards that comes with a Priority Pass membership offering 2 to 4 complimentary visits a year, Citi Prestige’s card comes with unlimited entries for the member plus two guests.

    If you don’t have Priority Pass, you can also purchase lounge access at the door at the following rates:

    • 2 hours for EUR 40 (SGD60)
    • 5 hours for EUR 75 (SGD112)
    • 10 hours for EUR 120 (SGD180)

    Also, the lounge offers a shower package at EUR 18 (SGD27), which can be pretty precious if you are going on a long-haul flight.

    These are pretty hefty fees for lounge access, and as with many other reviews it’s really quite hard to tell how they enforce the time limits. Also, for EUR40, you can get a really decent meal at any other restaurants rather than the lounge (more on that later).

    If you really want to check out the lounge and is willing to pay for it, you can also get a cheaper rate by purchasing them online on the airport’s website. You can also book it via Plaza Premium’s but it’s actually more expensive than the door rates, so please don’t.

    Location

    The Plaza Premium Lounge is located at Terminal 3 at the E gates, which serves the international (non-Schengen) destinations. Located on the upper floor, the lounge is next to the British Airways lounge.

    To find it, simply take the first escalator you find after walking through the first Aelia duty free section. At the top of the escalator, do a u-turn and you will see it.

    Note that the lounge is located quite a distance from the gates, so be sure to cater sufficient time to walk to your gate. In particular, gates E30+ to 40+ require a monorail ride, so you will need at least 15 to 20 minutes.

    The space

    Dining section

    When you first walk into the lounge after checking in, the first impression of Plaza Premium Lounge was pretty good: the lounge has a really beautiful space. Encased with a high ceiling, the lounge overlooks part of the tarmac which I presume will give it ample natural light during daytime.

    The first area to greet you is a central dining area, with dining tables set up in either pairs or fours.

    In case those are full, you can always seat yourself at the bar, which features ample space for dining as well.

    Bar seating

    If you prefer a more comfortable seat such as an armchair, there are plenty further in. These are perfect for groups, and each pair comes with a side table for your drink or a small plate of bites.

    Armchairs which are suitable for groups as well

    There are also suite-like armchairs at both corners of the lounge, which I think are perfect for solo travellers.

    High privacy ‘suites’ suitable for solo travellers

    For those who need to get some last minute work done, there are several options. There are the individual cubicles that provide some level of privacy if you need to work on something confidential.

    Honeycomb work suites

    Alternatively, you can also perch on the communal tables with power sockets and USB charging ports at every seat.

    Communal tables suitable for both dine and work

    While the lounge doesn’t offer nap rooms, you can always rest at some of these seats below nearer to the windows. They come with an ottoman, and I’ve seen people resting their legs on them and taking a nap. I would presume these are not great for naps during the daytime, though.

    Window-facing armchairs with ottoman, suitable for a nap

    Food & beverages

    Unlike some of the other Plaza Premium lounges I’ve visited, this particular lounge only offers a self-service buffet, and no cooked-to-order options. There is a pretty big range of cold foods, including an assortment of salads and pastries.

    Salad bar
    Other cold foods, including sweet treats

    In terms hot food, there are some pasta dishes available, meatballs, lentils and a soup. There’s also some mini-pizzas available.

    Selection of hot food

    I tried the meatballs and lasagne, both of them were nowhere near great. The food looked like it has been put out for a while. The meatballs were a little too hard, and the lasagne was a little cold despite being under a warmer and somewhat mushy. I certainly didn’t return for seconds.

    The bar

    As for drinks, Plaza Premium Lounge offers a range of self dispensed soft drinks (they serve Pepsi Co products), as well as still and sparkling water. Complimentary alcohol is limited to beer and house wines (red, white and prosecco), which can be requested at the bar.

    Unfortunately spirits and better wines are only available for purchase, starting from EUR 5 for an aperol spritz, to EUR 45 and upwards for a bottle of premium wine.

    Other facilities

    There are a couple of shower rooms available for use in the lounge, which you can request access for at the reception desk. When I visited at 7pm, there were no lines at all for showers.

    A meeting room is also available at the lounge, although this was closed up when I was there. I cannot imagine why you will want to hold a meeting at the airport lounge, but just in case you are travelling on a company trip and you need an emergency private working space, why not?

    Unfortunately the lounge doesn’t offer any nap rooms or sleeping pods, so if you are looking to take a nap or use the lounge overnight for an early morning start, you are left with the recliners.

    Final thoughts

    Plaza Premium has really upped the game in the area of pay-per-use lounges, with more of more new lounges popping up not just in Asia, but across the world.

    More seating options in the lounge

    The lounge is beautifully furnished and is indeed a comfortable place for passengers to rest in, with one of the widest assortment of seating types for every kind of lounge user. The attention to detail when the lounge was built was also there, with power sockets available virtually everywhere.

    However, what makes a perfect lounge experience is also the quality of the soft offerings.

    Service standards are acceptable, but what I found lacking was in terms of the catering. While I don’t think it’s necessary to have cooked-to-order items, what I would have loved is for the lounge to have a better understanding of how some food items, particularly pasta, don’t stay very well if they are put out for too long. They would have done better offering cold foods, such as panini sandwiches that is pretty much ubiquitous in Italy. This is particularly true if customers are paying or lounge access, given that they can possibly spend their EUR 40 somewhere else and get a very decent meal.

    Nonetheless, Plaza Premium Rome lounge is still a pretty solid offering for an independent lounge. I really like the space, and having a full bar is also a plus for me.

    one of the vast expansion Plaza Premium has done in the last two years and the momentum is only going up. Most recently it has announced that it will invest US$100m in the coming years to enter new markets, including the US and a brand new 1260 square metres lounge in Dubai Terminal 3.

  • LOUNGE REVIEW: Qantas Singapore First Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

    LOUNGE REVIEW: Qantas Singapore First Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

    Qantas has spared no effort in publicising its plans to open a new first class lounge in Singapore since last year, and finally, it’s here.

    Since last week, Qantas has quietly opened the first class lounge before the official opening gala slated to happen next week. I was travelling out and was fortunate enough to be guested into the lounge. I have tried Qantas’ first class last year when it resumed the A380 service to Singapore, and was looking forward to see what the lounge here in Singapore will offer.

    Qantas A380 first class seat (photo credit: Qantas)

    Location of the Qantas Singapore First Lounge

    The brand new lounge is located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, where Qantas and Jetstar operates.

    For those who are familiar with the existing Qantas Singapore Lounge (which have since been rebranded as the Qantas Singapore Business Lounge), the Qantas Singapore First Lounge is located on the opposite end of the terminal, closer to the D gates. While the terminal is not huge, it will still take about a 7 to 10-minute hike to traverse between both lounges.

    For those entering from immigration, turn right immediately after immigration and head up the first escalator you see, and the lounge can be seen.

    Qantas First Lounge signage

    Once you are at the top of the escalator, turn right. A marble facade will greet you even before you step into the lounge, with the Qantas First Lounge plated smartly in brass accents.

    Lounge design

    This facade, along with several other recent Qantas lounges are proudly designed by David Caon, a close partner of Qantas.

    Entrance to the Qantas first class lounge

    As with the business class lounge, the first class lounge is managed and staffed by the hospitality folks from Accor’s Sofitel.

    A bit more about the design background to the lounge. The entire space is designed by David Caon in collaboration with Kelvin Ho of design firm Akin Atelier.

    The space

    Once you step into the lounge, you will realise that the space is essentially a long strip stretching from the entrance all the way to the kitchen and broken up into several spaces for work, rest and dining.

    Qantas First Singapore Lounge is a long strip (photo: Qantas)

    The showers and toilets are located to the left once you enter the lounge, while the first section of seating is a relaxation area, complete with an assortment of sofas, armchairs and coffee tables if you simply fancy sitting back and sinking into the comfortable seats.

    Assortment of seating options in the Qantas first class lounge
    Lounge area with LED artificial skylight

    There are even these individual stall-seats for those who want to be alone, similar to a business class suite you find on some airlines. Interestingly this looked similar to some of the lounge seats available in Cathay Pacific’s lounges in Hong Kong.

    Privacy armchair seats

    There are power sockets and USB charging ports at every seat, so there’s no need to fight for one.

    If you need to get some work done, there’s even a printer that you can connect to and get some papers printed to work on your next flight.

    Working space with printing facility

    There are ten shower rooms, all of which are standard fitted except that it has an extra feature: a LED-light panel that mimics natural lighting. There’s a light panel near the door that allows the user to switch to either dusk, dawn or daylight so that they can adjust to a timezone of their choice.

    Qantas Singapore First Lounge shower rooms

    The new shower rooms are also decked out with amenities from LaGaia Unedited, Qantas’ latest spa partner announced just months ago.

    LaGaia Unedited amenities

    The small number of shower rooms would be a bit tight during the relatively short layovers for QF1 and QF2. As Executive Traveller has pointed out, the 90-minute layovers for each of these flights effectively meant that you get only 60 minutes in the lounge, so trying to allocate shower time for every first class passenger and a handful of platinum members and above will pose a major problem.

    Moving down you will find the dining area of the lounge.

    Qantas first lounge dining area
    More dining area

    Almost half the lounge’s space is dedicated to the dining area, with many two-seater tables available. Of course, if you are in well-heeled company of more than two people, the team will be more than happy to join tables for you.

    For single travellers, there’s always the option of taking a table, or dining at the bar counters.

    Bar table dining space facing the kitchen (Photo: Qantas)
    Bar counter dining is available as well

    What I really liked about the lounge is the attention to details. There are even bag hooks under the bar tables for your bags, as well as charging sockets for each seat.

    Bag hooks and power sockets

    How does the lounge fare in terms of dining?

    Similar to the other first class lounges that Qantas operates in Australia, Qantas Singapore First Lounge offers an a la carte dining experience. The menu is designed by a team under Neil Perry, Qantas’ creative director for food and beverage, who has a longstanding partnership with Qantas.

    Given the lounge is only open from afternoon, the menu tended towards heavier mains, although all-day breakfast items such as eggs benedict were also available for those who were jetlagged.

    The full menu running now can be found here. Note that the lounge rotates its menu every three months.

    Qantas Singapore First Lounge menu (as provided by Qantas)

    Of course, no Qantas First Lounge is complete without its signature salt and pepper squid.

    Salt and pepper squid

    We also tried the signature crayfish laksa.

    Crayfish laksa

    And the chicken didn’t disappoint too, with a perfectly made eggplant salad as a bed.

    Chicken with crispy eggplant salad

    What was most impressive was the dessert – the coconut and mango sorbet with toasted coconut flakes. While the description leaves much to be desired, the actual taste of it was amazing, although it’s a little too big to be finished by a single person.

    Coconut and mango sorbet with toasted coconut flakes

    The lounge is also equally impressive in terms of its drinks list. Apart from champagne, there are also an assortment of wines and cocktails available, worthy of the clientele. There is a tended bar from which you can order, but feel free to order from any of the well-trained Sofitel team members anywhere in the lounge.

    One of the two bars

    What’s pretty amazing is the selection of beverages, apart from Qantas’ signature range of Aussie wines, there’s also some well-known Australian beers such as James Squire 150 Lashes pale ale, Little Creatures Bright Ale and Hahn Ultra available in the lounge.

    For a little surprise, be sure to check out the special Qantas x Four Pillars gin too!

    Final thoughts

    More seating area

    The lounge definitely packed a punch for the footprint that it occupies. The decor and fittings are an amazing piece of art by David Caon, which is certainly the standard Qantas holds itself to when decking out new lounges these days.

    While some may observe that the lounge is a little too small and seem a little too crowded for a first class lounge, particularly around the QF1 and QF2 transit times, the impeccable service by the lounge team makes up for it.

    With the Qantas Singapore First Lounge opening, this is definitely a win for Qantas’ own platinum (and above) loyalists, as well as its own first class passengers given the upgrade in the lounge experience. The opening of this lounge will also ease the capacity off the existing business lounge, who have seen a fair share of overcrowding in the last year.

    The first class lounge clearly leads in terms of its beverage offerings with a solid list of wines, spirits and cocktails. In terms of food, some Singapore Airlines loyalists may argue that the menu here in the Qantas First Lounge may not be fitting of the fare one pays for the pointed end of the plane. In my view, the menu, while simple, is sophisticated enough for those who need a quality bite before they head onto the plane.

    And to top it all off, what matters is how all of this comes together: the ambience, food, beverage, and most importantly, the impeccable service, in this case all come in together to form the first class service that paying customers deserve.

    Location and operating details

    Location: Changi Airport Terminal 1, Transit area (after immigration), Level 3 (closer to D pier)
    Hours: 2.30pm to midnight daily
    Food and beverages: Yes, a la carte dining
    Alcoholic beverages: Yes (complimentary)
    Showers: Yes
    Business Centre: Yes
    Meeting facilities:     No

    Access eligibility:
    – Qantas first class passengers (departing)
    – Emirates first class passengers (departing)
    – Oneworld first class passengers (departing)
    – Oneworld first class passengers connecting from a first class flight (longer than five hours) to another oneworld-marketed flight in any class
    – Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One & Platinum members travelling on a oneworld-marketed, Emirates or Jetstar flight
    – Oneworld emerald members travelling on a oneworld-marketed flight

    *Passengers can bring a guest who must be travelling on the same flight.

  • Qantas Singapore First Lounge to open doors in late November

    Qantas Singapore First Lounge to open doors in late November

    The much awaited first class lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 1 should open from the week of 18 November 2019

    Finally we are very near to the fanfare: the Qantas Singapore First Lounge is expected to open this month, in November.

    The airline has earlier said that the lounge will be opened in mid to late November. Based on sources, the lounge should be opened from 18 November 2019 if there are no hiccups.

    Official opening on 2 December

    Based on a report by Executive Traveller, the official opening date of the lounge is set to be on 2 December 2019, and Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce will be present to officiate the opening.

    ET’s invite to the lounge opening (source: ET)

    However, according to some sources, there seems to be a staff event over the weekend of 16 & 17 November as a trial before the doors are opened to customers on 18 November, Monday.

    Long awaited development

    As early as mid-2018, Qantas announced that it will be building a separate First class lounge for its topmost tier members, a nod to Singapore’s role as a hub for the Australian carrier.

    Ever since Changi welcomed the Kangaroo route back to hop via Singapore, the existing Qantas business lounge in Singapore has been perpetually crowded, which was a vast difference from its previously serene and peaceful existence.

    First forward a year later, the lounge is almost ready to welcome guests. The 240-seater lounge will feature a restaurant-style dining area, a cocktail bar, showers and plenty of seating. Unlike the Sydney and Melbourne lounges, there will however not be a spa.

    Seating area – Qantas Singapore First Lounge

    Here are some things you might want to know:

    Who can access the lounge?

    Apart from First class passengers travelling on Qantas, Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum, Platinum One members can also gain access to the exclusive lounge when travelling on Qantas or Jetstar. Fellow oneworld Emerald-grade members can also use the lounge as long as they are flying on a oneworld flight.

    Where is the lounge located?

    The lounge is located near the D gates, which is on the opposite side of the terminal from the existing Business class lounge. For reference, it is located near the dnata lounge and Peach Garden restaurant.

    What are the lounge’s hours?

    The current Business lounge operates from 3.30pm till midnight, so we expect that the First class lounge will follow a similar operating hours.