Plaza Premium Lounge, London Heathrow T2: Better than the rest?

In the middle of a pandemic, I have to organize an impromptu trip to Poland for a client. In view of the COVID-19 crisis and the fall in passenger numbers, all airlines have sharply reduced their overall frequencies. From London, the options for reaching Warsaw are slim. At LH Group, very convoluted connections in Brussels and Zurich. Nothing at BA, and few options at AFKL.

Then there’s LOT by direct flight, which was tempting after the excellent experience I had between Munich and Warsaw in early 2020.

So off we go on a (not so) simple itinerary:

#TypeReview
1LoungePlaza Premium Lounge, London Heathrow T2
2FlightLOT Business, London – Warsaw, Embraer 195
3HotelSheraton Warsaw
4FlightLOT Business, Warsaw – Vilnius, Embraer 170
5FlightLOT Business Vilnius – London, Embraer 195
Today’s itinerary

Location

The lounge is located just after the border police checkpoint in the connections circuit. And not exactly in a convenient location for passengers departing from London.

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Access to terminal 2 is reserved for passengers since the COVID crisis.
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.
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The terminal is not so deserted in this early morning
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Even if the FIDS represents only a small fraction of the normal program

And above all, why use this lounge. Firstly, because this is the lounge chosen by LOT for its Business passengers.

Secondly, because all of LHR’s lounges that can accommodate Star Gold passengers are closed: UA has not reopened, SQ closed following the cancellation of Emirates flights that filled its lounge, and LH recently closed (after the holidays).

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All lounges in the second peninsula are closed
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Lufthansa lounge remains closed.
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For the Plaza Premium lounge, go down to the boarding gates.

The Plaza Premium lounge, also accessible via Priority Pass and part of the American Express Lounge Collection, was the only option available at all.

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The lounge is located just after the connecting circuit.

I was greeted courteously and directed to the lounge after an eligibility check with my LOT boarding pass.

Lounge design

I really like the design of the Plaza Premium lounges: dark materials, quality armchairs, everything is done to give a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

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The lounging areas are very elegant
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Workspaces with high tables are available
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Social distancing is respected

Numerous lounging areas are available, as is a dining area with tables and chairs, and a work area with small private armchairs and desks.

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The area around the bar is elegant
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Simple but effective catering areas

I’ll be sitting in one of his offices for a long meeting before my flight.

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The individual offices are very convenient
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Sanitary facilities will be impeccably cleaned

Catering

The catering offer has apparently been kept as normal, the only change being that someone now serves you.

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Juices remain self-service

The menu is short, but the service is fast.

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The buffet is replaced by manual service
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The bread will be mediocre
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The route is signposted
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Hot beverages remain self-service

I won’t be impressed by the quality, especially of the scrambled eggs.

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Quality will be average, too bad

Bottom line

A lounge with an excellent design with a decent catering offer, it’s Byzantium in the midst of a pandemic!

Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier has been into airline blogging since 2010. First a major contributor to the FlyerTalk forum, he created the FlyerPlan website in July 2012, and writes articles with a major echo among airline specialists. He now co-runs the TravelGuys blog with Bertrand, focusing on travel experience and loyalty programs.
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