This is a rather special contract lounge review! I got the chance to visit the Plaza Premium First Lounge in KLIA. This is one of the newest concepts of Plaza Premium offspring where they offer a more bespoke offering to target mainly airline customers who do not operate their lounges. It aims to offer an elevated lounge experience. There are currently 4 locations with a Plaza Premium First Lounge. Besides this KL one, you can find it in Hong Kong, Macau and Jakarta. I am very keen to see how different it will be from the usual Plaza Premium or contract lounges that we can access for around 50 bucks or so. With the cost, it takes to enter one of them. I am looking for something special and have high standards. More on this later on. This will be my first time at a Plaza Premium First Lounge.

Access Requirements

The Plaza Premium First Lounge KL is open 24 hours daily. Despite it being a Plaza Premium, you can’t access this lounge via a lounge program membership like Priority Pass. You can only pay for entrance or get access if your airline is paying for it. This might come in the form of being a premium cabin passenger or holding elite status. I got access to the virtue of flying Singapore Airlines Business Class. I also hold KF Elite Gold status. You can bring in a guest. From what it seems on the SQ website, I would say that they are offering PPS and Business Class passengers the Plaza Premium First and the normal Plaza Premium for KF gold. If you would like to pay out of pocket for an entrance, you can book it on the Plaza Premium website or at the counter. I will not recommend this as the rates are high. This is what they quoted me. You will be better off at a bar, a restaurant or Starbucks.

Lounge Use – 2 hours – MYR 286.00

Lounge Use – 5 hours – MYR 382.00

Lounge Use – 10 hours – MYR 430.00

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located in the main terminal and near Gate G. You can find the lounge easily in the main departure hall with clear signage. It is a level above and you can just take the escalator to the lounge. The Plaza Premium First Lounge and the regular Plaza Premium Lounge are in the same location. I was immediately helped to the desk by the host. I was offered access to the Plaza Premium First area since I am flying on a business class ticket on SQ. I am unsure if this is for all business class passengers of all airlines using the Plaza Premium Lounge. They also chopped on my boarding pass to specify that we qualified for unlimited beers, wines and spirits.

Plaza Premium First KLIA

The entrance to the Plaza Premium First is located on the right of the host desks. Upon entering the lounge, you will be right in the lounging area which is known as the living room. It is designed in a residential layout with sofa seating and lounging space. It is very gorgeous.

There are also some cubicles by the side of the wall.

Heading in towards the inner parts, you will find the Aero Bar and the refreshment area. This is also where the dining area is with more traditional tables that are better suitable for dining. I love the ceiling fan on the top which adds up a lot of flair to the place. It goes well with the wood and green finishing of the furniture. The huge window panels offer a view of the tarmac.

Towards the far end, there are more seating and lounging areas. Power outlets are readily available and the wifi works well in the lounge.

Toilets and Showers

The lounge comes with showers but I did not get to check them out since they were in use or locked at the time of my visit. They are exclusively for the use of the First Lounge so that is very nice since you don’t have to share with more people from the regular Plaza Premium. This will cut down on waiting time. They also have toilets dedicated to this part of the lounge. It is well-maintained and clean. A staff is on hand to constantly refresh the area.

Food and Drinks

I was here in the morning and they were having breakfast service. Drinks are mainly served at the Aero Bar where staff are on hand to help you with it. You can find the inclusive drinks menu below. I would say that it is slightly better than the usual Plaza Premium but there are some dodgy ones too. What on earth is a “No Regrets” red and white wine? Ok, it goes for around 50 SGD!

There are tea, juices and a soda fountain in the buffet area. You can find one of those perfect beer machine.

My favourite thing has to be barista-made coffee! I appreciate this in the lounge. I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino, which was perfect.

Let me share about the food aspect. While I have heard about some ala carte-to-order dishes, I was not presented with such an option. Everything is self-served. There are some cheese, pastries, fruits, salads, dim sum, western breakfast items, rice, chicken rendang and continental options.

Conclusion

This is slightly better than the usual contract and Plaza Premium lounges. Is it worth the premium? Not! I expect a lot more for the prices that they are charging. I wish there were some ala carte options and perhaps even a flute of champagne for that price. The concept is nice and I am glad that SQ is splurging on the premium for this for their business-class customers instead of the basic contract lounge. The Plaza Premium First Lounge bridges the difference between airline-run and contract lounges. I look forward to checking out the Hong Kong outlet as I have heard good things about it previously.