Adelaide’s Plaza Premium Lounge now open for pre-flight relaxation

Jetsetters clearing customs and security at Adelaide Airport will discover a freshly-opened Plaza Premium Lounge waiting for them on the other side from today, with the new pay-per-use space unlocking its doors to travellers on any airline or class.

While not tied to any specific airline or alliance, it’s likely to be adopted as the default business class and frequent flyer lounge for many airlines, given it now holds the illustrious honour of being Adelaide Airport’s only international lounge.

This is despite the presence of carriers such as Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Vietjet has also signalled it could be bound for Adelaide soon. 

Located in the international wing of T1, the lounge – described by Plaza Premium as “inspired by the Australian way of life” – is now open seven days a week for the morning rush from 7:30am to 12pm, except Mondays and Thursdays when it stays open until 1pm.

Lounge access can be pre-booked in two or five hour blocks via the Plaza Premium website.

Inside, those who’ve purchased two hours entry online for $63.90, or five hours for $76.50, will be able to get their caffeine fix at the barista coffee station, as well as peruse a mix of local and international dishes (vegan and vegetarian options are included).

As is the case at Plaza Premium lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, American Express Platinum card-holders enjoy complimentary entry to the new pre-flight hangout.

It’s worth noting, however, that alcohol is currently not being served in the lounge. Instead, those in need of hydration will find a selection of teas and soft drinks, as well as non-alcoholic beers, wine and mocktails.

An artist's impression of the lounge shows a mix of seating options, in addition to a sleek bar.

High-speed WiFi and power outlets are supplied for those needing to do work or spool up a few movies before their trip, while a quick shower can also be arranged for an additional fee (with the relevant amenities provided, of course).

Other notable changes to Adelaide Airport’s loungescape included the opening of Virgin Australia’s first new-look lounge in early 2021, with work on a new Qantas Business Lounge and invitation-only Chairman’s Lounge slated to begin in the second half of 2023.

Plaza Premium Group, which also manages Sydney’s new-look SkyTeam lounge and the American Express Centurion lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, is the world’s first and largest independent airport lounge network, with a footprint spanning over 70 international airports around the world.