Guide: Kuala Lumpur Plaza Premium Lounge (Contact Pier, KLIA Terminal 1)
While jet‑setters flash their Priority Pass or Amex Platinum for free entry, this Plaza Premium Lounge in the Contact Pier of KLIA Terminal 1 welcomes everyone - your wallet is the only membership you need.
The lounge serves as a peaceful sanctuary before you hop onto your next flight and is an excellent option for passengers travelling on most airlines - read on to learn more.
Other Reviews
Curious what other travellers think? A quick look at travel blogs reveals mixed impressions. There are plenty of compliments for the modern design and friendly service, though some reviews highlight crowding during peak times.
Travel vlogger FlyKingsley and several FlyerTalk reviewers have posted videos of the space, which are worth checking out for an on‑the‑ground feel.
Lounge Location and Directions
You’ll find the Plaza Premium Lounge in the Contact Pier of Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Terminal 1, which is the main departures building.
After clearing immigration and security, follow the “Lounges” signs to the right towards Gate G. The lounge sits opposite the aerotrain station; take the escalators up to Level 2 and you’ll see the entrance. There’s a reception desk that splits access to the standard Plaza Premium Lounge and the pricier Plaza Premium First.
If you’re coming via the Satellite Terminal, you’ll instead turn left towards Gate G after using the aerotrain.
Opening Hours
The lounge operates 24 hours a day, so early morning or late‑night departures are well catered for.
Lounge Layout and Seating
Walking into the lounge, you’re greeted by a spacious, garden‑inspired interior. The design features lots of greenery, a large indoor tree as a centrepiece, and elegant touches of batik and rattan throughout.
Artworks and murals curated in partnership with The Art People Gallery add to the sense of place. The main seating area offers an array of options: two‑person tables, clusters of armchairs, booths with partial partitions for added privacy and high‑top communal tables with built‑in power points - perfect for getting work done. The décor mixes warm woods with woven panels and splashes of green, creating a calm ambience.
During busy bank‑holiday afternoons the lounge can feel crowded; Window Seat Preferred’s review notes that it “was slammed” and that finding seats required a bit of patience.
Early mornings and late evenings, however, tend to be quieter. Solo travellers might appreciate the bar‑height workbenches with plenty of charging outlets, while groups will favour the cosy booths tucked beside partitions. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows let in natural light, although views are mostly of the concourse rather than the runway.
Food and Drink
Plaza Premium prides itself on showcasing Malaysian flavours, and the buffet delivers on that promise. Expect local favourites like nasi lemak (coconut rice with sambal and condiments), fried noodles, curry laksa, satay and other curries.
There’s usually a small noodle station where cooks will blanch fresh noodles or prepare curry mee hoon to order. Cold options include salads, cut fruit and Malaysia’s colourful kuih sweets.
Western palates aren’t forgotten: pasta, roasted vegetables and pastries are also available.
For drinks, self‑serve stations dispense juices, soft drinks and filtered water. Barista‑made coffee and a selection of teas are offered at the counter. Draught beer is complimentary, but premium alcoholic beverages - wines and spirits - attract an extra charge.
Travellers flying with certain premium airlines sometimes receive free‑flow alcohol vouchers, but most walk-up and credit‑card guests should expect to pay for stronger tipples.
Overall, the dining area is compact yet efficient; replenishment is reasonably frequent during peak periods, though reviews have described the spread as decent rather than exceptional.
Amenities
Beyond food and seating, the Plaza Premium Lounge packs in useful amenities.
High‑speed Wi‑Fi and plentiful charging points make catching up on work easy, while flight information screens dotted around the lounge keep you updated on departures.
Shower rooms with toiletries are available - they’re complimentary for guests on eligible programs, pre-booked tickets and in premium cabins, but walk‑in visitors may need to pay a modest fee.
Newspapers and magazines are provided, and there’s a small quiet area for prayer or meditation. The lounge’s design highlights local culture; batik motifs, rattan textures and art installations give a distinctly Malaysian feel.
Lounge Access
There are several ways to gain entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge at KLIA Terminal 1:
Day Pass via LoungePair: Book a flexible three‑hour pass through LoungePair for US$35 (MYR ~148). You don’t need to select a specific time or date, and the pass is fully refundable for a small extra fee. You can even get a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Packages via Plaza Premium’s Website: The official site offers 10% off walk-in rates, and sells packages of 2, 5 and 10 hours; a five‑hour stay costs roughly US$77 (MYR ~325). You can also book 30-minutes of shower usage for US9 (MYR ~38), though the website suggests this is subject to availability - these are locatd in the adjacent Aerotel. All bookings must be made for a specific time and date.
Other Online Day Pass Options: A number of other websites also sell access to this lounge, including GetYourGuide, Klook, Viator and Lounge Pass. Prices will vary depending on stay duration and any promotions. These options require you to select a specific time and date of access, and cancellation policies may differ.
Priority Pass, LoungeKey or DragonPass: Members of these programs can enter according to their membership rules. Check your plan for guest allowances.
Credit Card Programmes:
Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships. Examples include:
Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Centurion, Diners Club, and Capital One Venture X
LoungeKey via eligible Mastercard World/World Elite cards
DragonPass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature) and Mastercard Travel Pass in certain markets
Select UnionPay Diamond Prestige cards and various regional cards (Maybank, CIMB, UOB, etc.) include Plaza Premium access. Always confirm with your issuer.
Airline Partnerships: Singapoe Airlines passengers flying business or first class, as well as Star Alliance Gold members travelling in economy, may access the lounge. Note that EVA Air and Qatar Airways passengers are entitled to access the swankier Plaza Premium First Lounge.
Walk‑In: Travellers without memberships can pay at the reception desk. Rates typically range from MYR 200–400 (about US$50–95) depending on duration and availability.
Children under two years enter free when accompanied by an adult. The standard stay is three hours, and the lounge occasionally enforces capacity restrictions during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Plaza Premium Lounge in the Contact Pier open 24 hours a day?
Yes. The lounge operates around the clock, seven days a week. Whether you’re departing on an early‑morning regional flight or arriving from a long‑haul trip, you’ll find it open.
Who can access Plaza Premium Lounge Klia?
Access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA’s Contact Pier is available to almost anyone with a same‑day international boarding pass.
You can book a three‑hour pass through LoungePair, the Plaza Premium website or app, or buy access on the spot.
Membership programmes such as Priority Pass, DragonPass and LoungeKey include this lounge in their extensive listings, and many premium credit cards (American Express Platinum or Centurion, Diners Club, selected MasterCard cards with LoungeKey, Capital One Venture X, CIMB Travel cards etc.) offer complimentary entry through their included lounge membership benefits. Some regional card programmes like UnionPay’s Diamond Prestige also grant access.
Passengers flying business or first class on Singapore Airlines, or holding Star Alliance Gold status, can also use the lounge.
Children under two years old enter free when accompanied by an adult.
How do I get to the lounge?
After clearing immigration and security in Terminal 1, follow the signs to the Contact Pier. The lounge is opposite the aerotrain station near Gate G; take the escalator up to Level 2. An onward boarding pass is required to access this airside facility. If you are coming to the lounge from the Satellite Terminal (e.g. connecting from a long-haul to short-haul international flight), then you will turn left towards Gate G after you arrive on the train.
Does the lounge serve hot food and local dishes?
Yes. The buffet features freshly prepared hot meals, including Malaysian specialities such as nasi lemak, fried noodles and curries. You’ll also find salads, fruit, pastries and a noodle station during peak meal times.
Are showers available and are they free?
Shower rooms with amenities are available. They’re complimentary for passengers accessing the lounge through certain memberships, pre-booked passes or premium airline tickets, but walk‑in guests may need to pay a small fee.
How do I get lounge access at Kuala Lumpur airport?
There are several ways to relax in a lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Independent lounges like Plaza Premium (in the Contact Pier) sell day passes through LoungePair, Klook, GetYourGuide and other platforms, and you can also pay at the lounge reception if space allows.
Holding a Priority Pass, DragonPass or LoungeKey membership will grant you access to multiple lounges, including Plaza Premium and Travel Club.
Some premium credit cards bundle lounge access - check if your Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or American Express card includes lounge privileges.
Flying business or first class on Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines or other carriers will grant entry to airline‑operated lounges or their contract lounge (Plaza Premium).
For travellers without status or cards, day passes remain the easiest option; simply pre‑book or walk up and pay the fee.
What is the difference between Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First?
At KLIA there are two adjacent lounges: the standard Plaza Premium Lounge and the more exclusive Plaza Premium First. Both share a reception desk, but they offer different experiences. The regular Plaza Premium Lounge is open to Priority Pass, DragonPass and LoungeKey members, walk‑in guests and most premium credit‑card holders. It features buffet‑style dining, a self‑service bar (premium drinks cost extra), showers and plenty of seating. Because of its wide accessibility, it can get busy at peak times.
Plaza Premium First, by contrast, is a boutique lounge with a smaller guest list. Priority Pass and LoungeKey memberships are not accepted here. Entry is reserved for passengers travelling on certain partner airlines or holders of select high‑tier credit cards (such as CIMB Travel Platinum and World Elite MasterCards or Maybank American Express Platinum). Access can also be purchased, but it’s more expensive than the standard lounge pass - you can also buy direct with Plaza Premium, or through their partners like LoungePair and GetYourGuide.
Once inside, you’ll find a more luxurious environment with table service, an à la carte menu and a broader selection of complimentary premium wines and spirits. Seating is more spacious, there’s natural light and the lounge tends to be quiet even when the main lounge next door might be busy.
Summing Up
The Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA’s Contact Pier is a solid choice for travellers seeking a comfortable escape from the busy terminal.
Its garden‑inspired design, batik and rattan accents and Malaysian art pieces give the space a warm, local flavour. Local dishes and a decent selection of Western options make for satisfying pre‑flight dining, and the array of seating caters to both relaxation and work.
While the lounge can feel crowded during peak times and premium drinks come with a cost, the 24‑hour opening and wide range of access methods make it a reliable option.
Whether you hold an elite credit card or simply want to purchase a pass, this lounge offers a taste of Malaysia’s hospitality before you take to the skies.