Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone B)
Any traveler with an eligible credit card, a PPL pass, Dragon Pass or cash to pay are welcome at Plaza Premium lounges. This one near gate B12 is a smaller hidden location for domestic travellers in zone B of the terminal. Its awkward triangular shape gives it a long ribbon of windows, but the toilets are small. The bar isn’t staffed as often as I’d like, but the food is among the best among lounges in this terminal.
British Airways, operated by Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone C)
All the lounges in international departures zone C are located one level above gate C36. I recommend spending most of your time in this flagship PPL. Even the company claims this is the largest and most well-equipped lounge it has in the country. I recommend weary traveler book the shower at the reception upon checking in, there is only one shower stall. The toilets have en-suite sinks in them and doors that actually offer privacy instead of that North American cubicle with panel gaps you could squeeze a cat through.
The food, being in a larger lounge, isn’t as fresh and tasty as the PPL in zone B, but the menu is pretty similar. I think the issue is in the attention to detail in the sauces, they’re too starchy here, but it could be just down to who was on staff the day I visited. The availability of a soda fountain means you won’t get canned drinks like in zone B. If you prefer the lighter consistency of bubbles in your soft drinks, use the zone B PPL.
There is a good mix of seating with family-friendly couches, sturdy tables to work on you laptop, and comfortable armchairs by the airside windows. I spotted a massage room, but it didn’t seem to be in service the day I visited. Drinkers, the bar here is always staffed, but there is a four-drink limit.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone C)
PPL operates two lounges next to each other and this smaller one isn’t open when the British Airways Lounge is. The only time I’ve used it was late at night when the large one was closed, I surmise this could be for to save costs operating a smaller space while still providing extended hours. When I visited at 9pm I was the only one there, the staff dutifully kept changing to food to keep it fresh, so I’m not sure if it’s profitable in the later hours.
The booth seating is quite comfortable, but there are no windows. It does have everything else you need; a departure information board, clean toilets (albeit sans suites), and decent food offers. One perk of being the only person there means the chef preps just for you, the janitorial staff picks up just after you, and the receptionist mans the bar just for you.
KLM Air France (Zone C)
Right across the corridor from the pair of PPLs is the KLM Air France lounge with access for eligible Skyteam members and PriorityPass holders. You’d expect the food in the lounge of a European airline to be pretty good, but the hot food offerings are disappointing. The cold food is fine, but even the hot food is cold. If I wanted cold pepperoni pizza, I would’ve stayed home and ordered Domino’s.
The major upsides are the trendy furniture, TVs with international news, and free flow drinks without needing to go through a bartender. These three factors make it feel premium enough if you’re not too hungry and just want a place to catch up on work or relax between flights.
