Dubai International Airport (DXB) Plaza Premium Lounge Review
Experience the pleasant Plaza Premium Lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This space captures the dynamic spirit of Dubai, while providing you with a comfortable, modern and relaxing stay.
This guide is based on our firsthand experience with the Plaza Premium Lounge during a recent transit through Dubai. We spent several hours exploring the lounge's amenities and services to bring you this comprehensive review.
Lounge Location and Details
The Plaza Premium Lounge is located in International Departures, Terminal 3, Concourse A. This concourse is in a separate building from Concourse B, but they are connected by a train running every few minutes. Plan for at least 20-30 minutes to travel between the two concourses. If you are already airside (having cleared Dubai immigration or in transit), no additional security checks are required.
Follow the signs in the T3 Departures Area for Gates A2 and A3. The lounge entrance is shared with the marhaba Lounge and accessed from the Duty Free area (which runs down the middle of the Terminal). Go up the elevator or stairs by Flour + Stone bakery café.
Our welcome at the lounge was efficient. The greeter stressed to us that the 3-hour pass would only allow us 3 hours (having noted that our boarding pass showed a later departure time).
Opening Hours
The lounge is open 24 hours daily.
Lounge Layout and Seating
Upon entering the Plaza Premium Lounge from the front desk, you'll find the main seating area to your right, followed by the bar, the dining space, and a glass-enclosed children's play area.
On the left side of the entrance, there are 8-10 private one-person cubicles for a quieter experience, along with access to the showers.
The lounge offers a variety of seating options to cater to different needs. While the main seating area features comfortable armchairs, they may not be ideal for extended sleep. However, we found that with a bit of creativity (like using our carry-on as a footrest), we could relax quite comfortably.
If you're planning on catching some serious shuteye, we recommend bringing an eye mask and earplugs, as lighting remains consistent regardless of the time of day.
For those seeking more privacy or a cozier spot, the lounge also offers cubicles equipped with chairs and ottomans. These semi-private spaces provide an excellent option for work or rest, striking a balance between openness and seclusion.
Some areas of the lounge, including the carpet and some seating, show signs of wear. However, this didn't significantly impact the functionality of the space.
A private seating cubicle
The showers are superb, we found them very spacious and clean. They are included free in your lounge visit but can be booked at a lesser charge if you won’t otherwise use the lounge. Book the time you want as soon as you arrive because there are not many, and they are allocated in 15-minute time periods. At busy times you should expect to wait.
Amenities
The following is a full list of amenities available at the Plaza Premium Lounge at DXB:
Food and beverages
Bar
Smoking Area
Dry Cleaners
Charging Stations
TV Channels
Shower Facilities
Playroom and baby changing station
Prayer Room
Wi-Fi
Flight Monitors
Electronic Newspapers & Magazines
Printers and Photocopiers
Family Suites
Food & Drink
The lounge menu offers a delightful selection of freshly prepared Arabic, Asian, and International dishes, with vegetarian options available upon request. Guests can also enjoy brewed tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a variety of alcoholic beverages from the well-stocked Aerobar, available throughout the day.
We enjoyed the food, which catered to a variety of tastes, and the salad bar featured some delicious hummus along with a selection of cold and hot beverages.
If you’re after a beer (or juice) from the bar, there is a charge for more upmarket drinks. The bar itself was pretty quiet and you could easily work or read at a table at such times. It is tucked away from the main seating area.
How to Access
Here are your options for gaining access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai (DXB):
Book Through LoungePair: Purchase a single-use access pass via LoungePair from US$71.00 (AED 261). The pass is flexible and has no fixed time or date of access, allowing you to book without worrying about potential flight or schedule changes.
Book Through Other Single Use Pass Websites: Other single use day pass websites include Lounge Pass, LoungeBuddy, and Plaza Premium. Each of these options require you to input a fixed time and date of access.
Through Lounge Membership Programs: If you already have a Priority Pass, DragonPass or Lounge Key membership, then you’re in luck, as access to this lounge is included in all of these programs. Your guest privileges will depend on how you have acquired your access.
With Your Credit Card: Certain high-end credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, CapitalOne and Diners Club will have access to this lounge included. There are also locally issued Middle Eastern and UAE credit cards that also have access benefits, we recommend checking with your card issuer.
As a Walk-in: This lounge does accept walk-ins, subject to capacity at the time (Hint: Purchasing with LoungePair in advance is a much better value option, and you can pay in your preferred currency).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plaza Premium accept LoungeKey?
Yes, Plaza Premium accepts Lounge Key members and has accessible lounges across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
Is Food and Drink free in the Plaza Premium Lounge?
Food or snack buffets and beverages such as water, coffee and tea are included in your access pass at the Plaza Premium Lounge. Alcoholic beverages or premium selections may be chargeable or complimentary, depending on the item. Speak to lounge staff for more information.
How early should I get to Dubai airport for an international flight?
Airlines typically recommend arriving at the airport three hours before your international flight. This time frame generally allows enough time for all essential steps, including checking in, going through passport control and security, and ensuring you reach your gate with plenty of time to board.
Is DXB a big airport?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main international gateway to Dubai, UAE, and, as of 2024, holds the title of the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic. Located in the Al Garhoud district, just 4.7 km (2.92 mi) east of Dubai's city center, the airport covers 7,200 acres. Its Terminal 3 is the second-largest building globally by floor space and the largest airport Terminal in the world.
Overall
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Dubai International Airport is a fine place to spend a few hours, although when busy it may be less relaxing as there aren’t many quiet corners. You know that you are ‘in’ the Terminal, as you look out upon the departures area, but there was no intrusive noise as DXB is a ‘Silent Airport’ and does not have any boarding announcements.
We would visit again. There are quality food and beverage offerings and a comfortable ambiance.
Next time we would try to get a cubicle and with the help of a decent eye mask, some quality rest would likely ensue.