On a recent trip through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) I had the chance to stop by the Plaza Premium Lounge located in Terminal E. I used to visit this lounge weekly when I lived in Dallas and commuted to Denver on United Airlines so I was interested to see how it was holding up.
Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Location
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) is located in Terminal E, near Gate E31. Terminal E is the home of most non-international carriers as well as some American Eagle regional flights.
All terminals at DFW are connected airside and you can use the SkyLink train to make your way over to Terminal E if you’re looking for the lounge. The lounge branding is easy to spot near the security checkpoint and SkyLink station.
Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Hours of Operation
The Plaza Premium Lounge DFW is open between 6:00a and 8:00p daily.
Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Entry Requirements
There are plenty of ways to enter the Plaza Premium Lounge. The one that will be utilized by most is via a premium travel credit card. American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders as well as Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can access the lounge free of charge. Smart Traveler, Dragon Pass, and Priority Pass members can also access the lounge.
Travelers that don’t otherwise have access can purchase a one-time entry pass. A single hour pass is available for $30 while a three hour pass can be purchased for $50.
I accessed the lounge via my AmEx Platinum card though there was a fairly long line outside, especially given the size of the lounge. It took roughly 10 minutes before I made it to the front of the lounge and, after a quick scan of my AmEx, I was invited inside.
Layout
The Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Airport Terminal E is one of the smallest lounges I’ve ever been in. At only 1400 square feet it is basically the size of an airport newsstand. On the right side of the lounge you’ll find a couple of booths with some tables and chairs. Flat screen TVs are mounted on the walls above.
In the middle of the lounge you’ll find 3-4 two top cafe tables along with a few more at the rear of the lounge. On the left side you’ll find the bar area along with the small buffet and the check-in desk.
The photos above were taken right at lounge opening on a previous visit. Until my most recent trip all of my visits to the lounge had been early in the morning. My last visit was at 6:00p on a Thursday and the place was packed. I got lucky and was shown to a solo bar seat upon entry to the lounge.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage selection in the lounge is pretty mediocre, you certainly aren’t coming here for the food and I even saw passengers eating outside food in the lounge. Two wraps were available during my visit, a turkey wrap and a veggie wrap.
One hot main dish, one side, and two soups were available. Chicken thighs, mashed potatoes, chicken Thai rice soup and tomato basil soup rounded out the menu during my visit.
While the wraps were self service, the remaining items were served by a lounge attendant and passed under the glass.
A full service bar is also located in the lounge. While the selection isn’t massive, it covers the bases. Coors Light was the complimentary beer on draft as well as well liquors. Drinks “off the shelf” were an additional charge. The full beverage menu for the lounge, with pricing, can be found here.
I only had a few minutes before I needed to head to my gate so I just grabbed a quick bite to eat.
While most of the food and beverage options aren’t anything special, the lounge does have LavAzza coffee available. I always grab a cup during my visit.
Atmosphere
As you may have inferred from the information above, the Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Airport is really a tale of two lounges. In the mornings it’s a nice, peaceful place to grab a quick bite to eat and a cup of coffee before a flight. Later in the day, the place becomes packed to the gills and is arguably like sitting at the gate but with free food and drinks.
The lounge is one of four in Terminal E and it is the only non-airline specific lounge in the terminal. If you have access to the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, or the United Club, I’d recommend heading there. Otherwise, it would depend on the time of day as to whether I’d recommend visiting this lounge. If you’re coming through in the morning, stop by, otherwise this one may be worth skipping.
Summary
The Plaza Premium Lounge DFW Airport Terminal E can be worth a visit, depending on the time of day. While the staff is friendly, I’d stop by any other lounge before visiting this one. There isn’t much space and, unless you’re flying out of Terminal E, it’s off the beaten path.
