- Mr Plane Guy
- Feb 9, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Plaza Premium Lounge Edinburgh Airport Review, 2026 Update (Now Turkish Airlines Lounge)
By Travel Expert and airport lounge champagne tester Mr Plane Guy
If you’ve ever found yourself at Edinburgh Airport wondering whether an airport lounge is worth the splurge, let me introduce you to the Plaza Premium Lounge. With its stylish decor, comfy seating, and even an exclusive gin bar (yes, please!), it promises to be a relaxing pre-flight experience. But is it worth paying for lounge access? Let's jet straight into it!
First Impressions of the Plaza Premium Lounge Edinburgh:
The Plaza Premium Lounge is located on Level 2 of Edinburgh Airport, near Gate 16. Just take the staircase or lift from Level 1 and you’ll find yourself at the entrance.
I visited on a Saturday at around 5 PM, and check-in was smooth and hassle-free. The lounge wasn’t overcrowded, which was a pleasant surprise. The staff? Well, let’s just say they seemed like they’d had a long, busy day. Not particularly friendly or unfriendly, just efficient. No complaints, but no warm fuzzy welcome either.
Edinburgh Airport Lounge Atmosphere & Design
First impressions? Top-notch decor! The lounge is decked out with Scottish accents, featuring tartan fabrics, wooden details, and artwork inspired by Scotland’s landmarks. It has a contemporary yet cosy feel, making it a great place to unwind before a flight.
There’s a “quiet zone” by the bar with lovely runway views, perfect for those who want to relax without the airport chaos. If you need to get some work done, there are charging stations and fast Wi-Fi (which, thankfully, worked without issues!). It also has a sectioned off family, childrens play area.
What’s Included at Plaza Premium Edinburgh ?
Here’s what you can expect when you visit the Plaza Premium Lounge Edinburgh Airport:
Comfy seating areas – Plenty of space to chill, work, or have a pre-flight drink.
Gin bar – A collaboration with Edinburgh Gin, featuring three exclusive gin cocktails (I obviously had to try one!).
Self-service food & drinks – A selection of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and beverages.
Wi-Fi – Decent speed, no connectivity issues during my visit.
Charging stations – Ideal for getting that last-minute phone charge in.
Flight information screens – No need to keep checking your phone.
Plaza Premium Edinburgh Food & Drinks: Hit or Miss?
Now, let’s talk about the food. The buffet was well-stocked, but if I’m honest, it leaned towards the stodgy side. Think pasta, curry dishes, and some hot options that had been sitting out for a while like cauliflower cheese. Nothing inedible, but don’t expect a gourmet experience.
On the plus side, the gin bar was a highlight! The exclusive Edinburgh Gin cocktails were a nice touch, adding a bit of luxury to the experience. They do serve a range of beers, wines, and spirits as well, some included, but premium drinks cost extra.
Plaza Premium Edinburgh, How Much Does It Cost?
The Edinburgh Airport lounge cost varies depending on how you book:
Walk-in price: Around £40 per person. Pre-booked online: Prices start from £30-£35. I paid £24 with my Priority Pass card.
Is It Worth Paying for an Airport Lounge?
So, the big question: is the lounge at Edinburgh Airport worth it?
If you’re someone who likes a quieter, more comfortable airport experience, then yes! Especially if you can get an Edinburgh Airport lounge discount! The Plaza Premium Lounge offers a much-needed escape from the busy terminal, decent amenities, and a relaxed vibe.
If, however, you’re only after a quick snack and a coffee, you might not get your money’s worth. The food wasn’t anything special, and you could easily grab something in the terminal for less.
Can I Get Airport Lounge Access for Free?
Yes, there are ways to get into the Plaza Premium Lounge (or other Edinburgh Airport lounges) without paying full price:
Credit Cards: Some premium credit cards like Amex Platinum and HSBC Premier World Elite offer lounge access as a perk. Priority Pass & LoungeKey: If you fly frequently, investing in a membership can save you money on lounge visits worldwide.
The Best Airport Lounge in Edinburgh?
If you’re looking for the cheapest airport lounge in Edinburgh, Plaza Premium isn’t necessarily it, but it does deliver on style, comfort, and exclusivity. If you can snag a discounted entry, it’s 100% worth it. The lounge wasn’t crowded, the gin bar was a highlight, and the overall vibe was relaxed.
Would I pay full price for it every time? Probably not. But with a good Edinburgh Airport lounge deal, I’d happily return!
You can prebook or pay full price on entrance, but don’t worry if you’re not keen on paying full price, I’ve got you covered! Thanks to my friends at Priority Pass, you can snag a 30% discount on an annual membership. This brings the cost down to just £48 for the year, giving you access to over 1,800 lounges worldwide! For this lounge you would just pay £24 (prices can change)
If you travel with your friend, partner, mother, brother from another mother etc, If one of you has the Priority Pass then you can both use it for the reduced entrance fee! YAY!
Click here for your discounted Priority Pass and start enjoying lounges like this one.
2026 Update: Plaza Premium Edinburgh Is Now the Turkish Airlines Lounge
The former Plaza Premium Lounge at Edinburgh Airport has now transitioned into the Turkish Airlines Lounge Edinburgh the airline’s first branded lounge in Europe outside of Turkey. Plaza Premium continues to manage the operation, but the space is fully rebranded as Turkish Airlines throughout the terminal.
Priority Pass Still Accepted
Travellers can continue to access the lounge using Priority Pass, DragonPass and similar lounge memberships, making it one of the most versatile options at Edinburgh Airport for anyone looking for a comfortable pre-flight experience.
Star Alliance Access Now Applies
The lounge now officially serves premium passengers across Star Alliance. Access includes:
Business Class passengers on any Star Alliance airline
Star Alliance Gold members
Airlines currently directing eligible passengers here include Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways now sends its Edinburgh premium and status passengers to the Turkish Airlines Lounge, although travellers still retain the option to use the British Airways Lounge if preferred.
If you're flying Qatar and want a feel for the onboard experience, you can read my Qatar Airways Business Class review here
Food & Dining: A Major Upgrade With a Turkish Menu
One of the standout improvements is the refreshed catering, now offering a noticeably stronger and more diverse buffet. Expect dishes such as:
Turkish red lentil soup
Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs)
Chicken sausages & turkey rashers
Fresh salads, pastries, cereals
A fully halal offering with bilingual labels
The upgrade brings the lounge back to the standard travellers loved in the early Plaza Premium days.
Edinburgh Airport Lounge FAQs
Is the lounge at Edinburgh Airport worth it?
Yes, especially if you can get a discounted rate! It’s a comfortable space with a good selection of drinks and a relaxing atmosphere.
How much is a lounge at Edinburgh Airport?
Walk-in prices are around £40 per person, but you can find deals for £30-£35 if you pre-book. I paid £24 with my Priority Pass!
Is it worth paying for an airport lounge?
It depends! If you like peace, comfy seating, and free drinks, then yes. If you’re only after a quick snack, maybe not.
Can I get airport lounge access for free?
Yes! Some premium credit cards, airline status perks, and memberships like Priority Pass can get you in for free or at a discount.
See you in the Lounge!
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
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