Heathrow 4 Terminal Lounge – Plaza Premium Lounge

When traveling abroad, airport lounges have become an essential part of the experience for many of us. They provide a calm environment to relax, enjoy some refreshments, and prepare for the journey ahead. Recently, I visited the Plaza Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, marking my fifth lounge experience at Heathrow. In this blog, I’ll provide an in-depth review of this lounge, covering everything from access, amenities, food options, and my overall impression.

For those of you traveling through different terminals at Heathrow or planning a stopover, this guide should help you make an informed decision about where to unwind before your flight.

The 2nd in My Lounge Series

쉬운 목차

Before diving into the review of the Plaza Premium Lounge, here’s a quick rundown of my previous lounge reviews, in case you’re looking for recommendations at other airports:

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Aspire Lounge 41 _
[Review] Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Aspire Lounge 41 (PP Card)
London Heathrow Airport – Plaza Premium Lounge (this post)

Heathrow Terminal Lounges at a Glance

Before we dive into Terminal 4, let’s first look at what lounges are available across different terminals at Heathrow. If you’re flying through other terminals, here’s a quick breakdown of lounges by terminal:

Terminal 1: No lounge
Terminal 2: Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 3: No1 Lounge Heathrow
Terminal 4: Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group, Plaza Premium Lounge (This Review)
Terminal 5: Plaza Premium Lounge

Although both Blush Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge are available in Terminal 4, the general consensus is that the Blush Lounge offers a subpar experience. Most travelers, including myself, recommend opting for the Plaza Premium Lounge if you can. It’s not exceptional, but it’s a safer bet compared to its competitor in this terminal.

Access – Who Can Enter the Plaza Premium Lounge?

One of the most critical factors when choosing an airport lounge is how to gain access, and the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 has some specific policies regarding entry.

Priority Pass – Not Accepted

First and foremost, Priority Pass holders, take note: this lounge does not accept Priority Pass for free access. This may come as a surprise to frequent travelers who are used to entering various lounges worldwide using this card, but unfortunately, Plaza Premium Lounge operates separately from the Priority Pass network.

DragonPass and American Express Platinum – Accepted

If you’re a holder of a DragonPass membership or an American Express Platinum card, you’re in luck! These two memberships provide complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge. This makes the lounge a decent option for those with these cards, allowing you to enjoy the lounge’s amenities without any additional cost.

Paid Entry

For travelers who don’t have the aforementioned memberships, there’s always the option to pay for entry. However, based on my personal experience, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have no other choice. While the lounge provides a quiet space, the crowded environment, limited food options, and high shower fees make it less than ideal, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. There are better ways to spend your money at Heathrow.

Location – Plaza Premium Lounge, Terminal 4

One of the first things you want to know about a lounge is its location. For those unfamiliar with Heathrow Terminal 4, finding the Plaza Premium Lounge is relatively straightforward. It’s located opposite Gate 10b, nestled between two retail stores. Signage is clear, and you shouldn’t have much trouble spotting it.

When I arrived, the lounge was bustling with activity. Despite its popularity, I was fortunate enough to be allowed entry. However, I noticed that shortly after my arrival, the lounge had reached full capacity, and people were being redirected to the Blush Lounge. If you’re traveling during peak hours, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot.

Another note: this lounge is frequented by Korean Air passengers, as Terminal 4 is their departure hub at Heathrow. You might find yourself in the company of many fellow travelers from Korea.

First Impressions – Crowded but Functional

Once inside, it was immediately clear that this lounge was crowded. Almost every seat was occupied, making it difficult to find a quiet spot. If you value peace and personal space, you might be a bit disappointed. While the Plaza Premium Lounge offers a refuge from the main terminal, it doesn’t provide much in terms of a tranquil atmosphere due to the sheer number of people.

The layout of the lounge is quite open, which unfortunately exacerbates the noise levels. Despite the crowd, the staff was courteous, and the check-in process was smooth.

Food and Beverage Options – Could Be Better

Now, onto one of the more important aspects – food and drinks. Like many airport lounges, the food options at Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 4 are quite limited. There’s a small buffet featuring cold snacks, finger foods, and a few hot items, but nothing substantial enough to fill you up.

I noticed many people, particularly Korean travelers, expressing disappointment about the lack of food. While there are some snacks to tide you over, don’t expect to have a full meal here. If you’re truly hungry, I would suggest eating at one of the restaurants outside the lounge – you’ll find a much better selection.

On a brighter note, the beverage options are more respectable. Alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and whiskey, are complimentary, and they’re readily available. This is a small victory, considering that in some other lounges, including Blush Lounge, alcohol is charged extra. While it’s nice to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer while waiting for your flight, I wouldn’t say it makes up for the lack of decent food.

Shower and Bathroom Facilities – At a Price

One of the perks I usually look for in a lounge is access to a shower. After a long journey, or before a long-haul flight, being able to freshen up can make a world of difference. While the Plaza Premium Lounge does offer shower facilities, they come with a hefty price tag.

To my surprise, a shower here costs a staggering £45! This is far more than I’ve paid at other lounges around the world, and in my opinion, it’s simply not worth it. The showers themselves looked clean and functional, but unless you’re absolutely desperate, I’d recommend passing on this service.

On the plus side, the bathrooms were well-maintained and easily accessible, which is always a nice touch in a busy lounge.

Final Thoughts – Manage Expectations

In conclusion, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 offers a mixed bag. While it’s certainly not the worst lounge I’ve experienced, it doesn’t reach the high standards you might expect from a premium lounge at one of the world’s busiest airports.

If you have access through DragonPass or an American Express Platinum card, it’s a decent spot to relax, have a drink, and wait for your flight. However, I would strongly advise against paying for entry, especially if you’re expecting a high-end experience. The food is lacking, the showers are overpriced, and the crowded atmosphere can be overwhelming.

If you do visit, go in with tempered expectations and plan on grabbing a more substantial meal outside the lounge. In the grand scheme of things, London is a fantastic city, but when it comes to its airport lounges, there’s room for improvement.

I hope this detailed review helps you make a more informed decision when choosing a lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4. Safe travels, and I’ll be back soon with more reviews from my ongoing travel adventures!

Key Takeaways

Location: Opposite Gate 10b in Terminal 4
Access: Available with DragonPass, Amex Platinum, or paid entry. Not supported by Priority Pass.
Food: Minimal and underwhelming
Drinks: Complimentary alcohol, but nothing spectacular
Shower: Available but costly at £45
Recommendation: Use only if you have complimentary access and manage your expectations