Members of the global Priority Pass airport lounge scheme can now access the Plaza Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport’s international terminal.
Opened in March 2018, the lounge is divided into a range of zones, including a dedicated dining area…
… a relaxation zone with natural light and airport tarmac views…
… a cocktail area, better-suited to shorter stays…
… and a working space, but which is quite dark and secluded from the rest of the lounge:
On the food and beverage front, an egg chef is on standby for cooked-to-order omelettes before morning flights…
… with a ‘dish of the day’ served later in the day – fettuccine pasta with arrabiata sauce during our last visit.
Other options are available from the buffet, nearby a tended bar for a pre-flight nip.
AusBT review: Plaza Premium Lounge, Melbourne Airport
Guests can visit the lounge when departing from Melbourne Airport’s international terminal (T2) aboard any airline to any destination – including QF9 from Melbourne to London via Perth, which departs from T2, on which passengers can also travel solely from Melbourne to Perth.
Priority Pass members can remain in this lounge for up to three hours, with the traveller’s membership plan determining the cost of access (if applicable) and any charge for bringing additional guests into the lounge.
Many Australian credit cards include complimentary Priority Pass membership as part of their perks, often with two inclusive lounge visits per year, with higher-end cards such as the AMEX Platinum Charge Card throwing in an unlimited lounge membership.
(However, it’s worth noting that AMEX Platinum Charge Card customers have had access to this lounge since it opened in March, simply by showing their AMEX Platinum card. This arrangement continues – Priority Pass is simply a new option for entry.)
This update comes just two weeks after Priority Pass also signed the Rex Lounge at Sydney Airport, which members can now access prior to flights with any airline.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2017
Total posts 84
I wonder why the marhaba lounge isnt part of PP?
I still like the idea of a $36 food voucher - especially when coupled with guest passes too.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jun 2011
Total posts 70
Priority Pass also list the Rex lounge in Melbourne as being available.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Mar 2011
Total posts 270
Thanks for the tip Chris.
Might join PP after the "(Air)NZ and VFF divorce".
Usually fly (Air)NZ premY to NZ once or twice a year, in which case the premY does not allow lounge access.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Jan 2011
Total posts 13
Any word on Diners Club access to Plaza Premium lounges in Aus? I see that the SYD Rex lounge is now accessible via Diners.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Diners Club cardholders can access the Plaza Premium Lounge in Brisbane, but the Melbourne lounge isn't currently part of the Diners Club Lounge scheme. Keep your eyes on the Diners Club Lounge directory for any changes.
20 Jun 2014
Total posts 59
Visited recently; I am lucky enough to have an overseas issued Amex so was able to use that for free entry. I thought it was very good, a decent choice of food that rivals the Qantas lounge, very attentive staff (because there were so few people in the lounge) and the seating options are probably the best I've seen in a PP lounge.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Jan 2011
Total posts 13
Good news: the Diners website now shows the MEL Plaza Premium lounge as accessible!
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
Ditto Melbourne's Rex Lounge. Wouldn't be surprised to see Adelaide's Rex Lounge follow suit, now that it's also part of the Priority Pass network.
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