Guide to Plaza Premium Lounges at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG)
Plaza Premium operates three lounges at Rio de Janeiro's Galeão/Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG), making it the dominant independent lounge network at this major Brazilian gateway.
All three lounges are located in Terminal 2. Each lounge serves a different purpose: one for international departures, one for domestic departures, and one for arrivals.
This guide features everything you need to know about the lounges, from access options and amenities to insider tips for making the most of your visit at each location.
Galeão International Airport
Plaza Premium (International Departures)
With round-the-clock operations, this Plaza Premium Lounge is designed to handle the demands of long-haul international travellers. The space spans 14,000 square feet across Terminal 2’s South Pier extension and features unique art created exclusively by local graffiti artists.
Location: This international lounge sits airside on Level 3 of Terminal 2's South Pier extension. After clearing immigration and security, look for escalators immediately after the duty-free shops. Take these up to Level 3 and follow signs for ‘Salas VIP.’ The Plaza Premium entrance is clearly marked in the South Pier area.
The walk from security takes approximately 5-8 minutes depending on immigration queues. The lounge is well positioned for gates in the South Pier, though allow extra time if your gate is in another section of the terminal.
Map of GIG airport, the International Plaza Premium Lounge is located on level 3 (the top far left Plaza Premium icon).
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily. This makes it particularly valuable for early morning departures to Europe (typically 6:00-8:00) or late evening flights to North America.
Amenities: Buffet, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, shower facility, washroom, baby changing station, electronic newspapers and magazines, flight monitors, printers, photocopiers, private rooms, Wi-Fi, charging stations, TVs, bar.
Note: the shower facilities are complimentary for those who purchase a pass to the lounge (may incur charges for those using a lounge membership), and reservations are available on first come-first served basis at the reception. Free items include shower gel, shampoo with conditioner, bath towel, dental kit, hair dryer, comb, shower cap, vanity kit, and shaving kit.
Food & Drink: The Plaza Premium Lounge for international departures offers the most extensive dining options among their three lounges in Rio. Hot food includes made-to-order pasta during peak mealtimes, Brazilian specialties like feijoada (black bean pork and beef stew), and pão de queijo (cheese balls or rolls), plus international options to suit global tastes. The buffet rotates dishes throughout the day, with breakfast items available during morning hours.
Cold selections feature a salad bar, sandwiches, seasonal fruits, and Brazilian desserts. The quality and variety exceed what you'll find in the domestic lounge.
The bar operates 24 hours and may offer premium spirits, wines, and Rio's signature caipirinhas. Local beers like Brahma and international options like Heineken flow on tap. There appears to be some inconsistency in the information available regarding the beverage offerings at the lounge.
Note that while house wine and beer are complimentary, premium drinks are subject to an additional charge in the lounge.
Access Duration: Maximum stay for most access methods is 3 hours.
Children Policy: Children under the age of 2 years old are granted complimentary access when accompanied by an adult.
Access Options:
The International Plaza Premium Lounge can be accessed through the following methods:
LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from $43 USD, a fully refundable pass for an additional $5 USD, or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Other Advance Online Access Methods: Purchase a 3 hour pass on the Plaza Premium Website for $48 USD. You can also purchase standalone shower usage for 30-minutes for around $14 USD. Booking direct with Plaza Premium requires you to select a fixed date and time of access.
Memberships: A DragonPass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 2 hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for $55 USD, without a membership.
Cardholders:
American Express Platinum/Centurion: Free access + between 1-2 guests, depending on the market in which your card is issued (e.g. US-issued versus international).
Visa Airport Companion.
Mastercard Travel Pass.
Travel Class or Airline Status:
SkyTeam reserves lounge access for international first or business class ticket holders, or SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers travelling on a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member airline (Air France, KLM, Delta).
ITA Airways: Access is available to various passengers traveling on an ITA Airways operated flight. Specific rules are as follows:
Business Class Passengers: Passengers holding a Business or Superior Class ticket for an ITA Airways flight have access. No guests are permitted with this entry method.
Volare Elite Members:
Executive and Premium members of the Volare program have access when traveling on any flight operated by ITA Airways. They may bring one guest.
Miles & More Elite Members:
HON Circle and Senator members of the Miles & More program have access when traveling on any flight operated by ITA Airways. They may bring one guest.
Charter Flights: For charter flights operated by ITA Airways, access is granted to Executive/Premium Volare members and HON Circle/Senator Miles & More members. However, passengers traveling in Business Class on a charter flight do not have lounge access.
Walk-Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)
The Domestic Plaza Premium lounge features over 220 seats and spans across 10,000 square feet, creating a more intimate atmosphere than its international counterpart.
Seating includes booths for privacy, work pods, and a central bar area with a curved design. While the space lacks windows, the Copacabana carpet (inspired by Rio’s Copacabana sidewalk patterns) brings a touch of the city’s beach culture indoors.
Location: The lounge is situated in Level 1 of Terminal 2, airside in the domestic restricted area. After checking in for your domestic flight and clearing security, look for the duty-free shops and take the escalators down to Level 1. The lounge entrance sits on the main passenger route toward the boarding gates.
The location is convenient for all domestic gates, with most just a 2-5-minute walk from the lounge entrance. This makes it ideal for quick visits.
Map of GIG Airport, the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge is located on Level one (the far-right Plaza Premium icon)
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily, , accommodating Brazil's busy domestic flight schedule including early morning business shuttles to São Paulo and late evening returns. Always verify current hours when booking, as they may vary during holidays or low season.
Amenities: Buffet, bar, charging stations, flight monitors, TVs, Wi-Fi, shower facilities, washroom, baby changing station, electronic newspapers and magazines, printers, photocopiers, private room.
Note: the shower facilities are complimentary for those who purchase a pass to the lounge (may incur charges for those using a lounge membership), and reservations are available on first come-first served basis at the reception. Free items include shower gel, shampoo with conditioner, bath towel, dental kit, hair dryer, comb, shower cap, vanity kit, and shaving kit.
Food & Drink: The domestic lounge offers a scaled-down version of the international menu. Hot buffet includes rotating items such as empanadas (baked or fried pastries) and a pasta station.
Cold options include a fresh salad bar, small sandwiches, tropical fruits, and desserts.
The self-service bar includes wine, beer, and spirits, plus an espresso machine. Soft drinks, juices, and basic coffee are reliably available. Unlike the international lounge, bar service is primarily self-service.
Note that while house wine and beer are complimentary, premium drinks are subject to an additional charge in the lounge.
Access Duration: Maximum stay for most access methods is 3 hours.
Children Policy: Children under the age of 2 years old are granted complimentary access when accompanied by an adult.
Access Options:
LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from $36 USD, a fully refundable pass for an additional $5 USD, or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Other Advance Online Access Methods: Purchase a pass on the Plaza Premium Website. Booking direct with Plaza Premium requires you to select a fixed date and time of access. Options and pricing include:
Standalone shower usage for 30-minutes for around $14 USD.
1-hour pass from $22 USD.
3-hour pass from $33 USD.
Memberships: A DragonPass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 2 hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for $55 USD, without a membership.
Cardholders:
American Express Platinum/Centurion: Free access + between 1-2 guests, depending on the market in which your card is issued (e.g. US-issued versus international).
Visa Airport Companion.
Mastercard Travel Pass.
Walk-Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals)
The most unique of the three locations, Plaza Premium's arrivals lounge occupies 4,700 square feet on Level 2 of the Terminal 2 parking garage. This facility serves arriving passengers and those waiting for flights.
Location: This arrivals lounge is actually situated on level 2 of the car parking building that is connected to Terminal 2. It is the only landside (outside of the secure area) Plaza Premium Lounge at Galeão Airport. For arriving passengers, exit immigration and customs to Level 1 of the arrivals hall, then follow ‘Salas VIP’ signs through the underground walkway connecting to the parking structure.
The tunnel takes about 3-5 minutes to walk from the arrivals hall. Departing passengers can access it from the departures level (Level 2) by crossing the airport access road to enter the parking garage, then take the stairs or elevator down to the lounge level.
Map of GIG Airport, the Arrivals Premium Lounge is located on Level 2 of Terminal 2’s parking garage (the central Plaza Premium icon)
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily.
Amenities: Bar, food (non-buffet), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, charging stations, meeting room, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, shower facilities, TVs, washroom, baby changing station, electronic newspapers and magazines, luggage storage, private relaxation rooms, printers and photocopiers.
Note: the shower facilities are complimentary for those who purchase a pass to the lounge (may incur charges for those using a lounge membership), and reservations are available on first come-first served basis at the reception. Free items include shower gel, shampoo with conditioner, towel, dental kit, hair dryer, comb, shower cap, vanity kit, and shaving kit.
Food & Drink: The arrivals lounge operates differently from the departure lounges with made-to-order service at the bar rather than a traditional buffet. Menu items include items such as pizza, sandwiches, and light meals prepared upon request.
Beverage service includes fresh orange juice, handcrafted espresso drinks, and a selection of alcoholic beverages (e.g. house beer).
Note: All food and drinks incur charges. This lounge focuses on quick refreshment rather than full dining.
Above: Bed in one of the relaxation suites
Access Duration: Maximum stay for most access methods is 3 hours. However, the relaxation suites offer extended options.
Children Policy: Children under the age of 2 years old are granted complimentary access when accompanied by an adult.
Access Options:
Here are your options for getting into the Arrivals Plaza Premium Lounge:
LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from $35 USD, a fully refundable pass for an additional $5 USD, or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.
Other Advance Online Access Methods: Purchase a pass on the Plaza Premium Website. Booking direct with Plaza Premium requires you to select a fixed date and time of access. Options and pricing include:
Standalone shower usage for 30-minutes for around $14 USD.
1-hour pass from $21 USD.
3-hour pass from $32 USD.
Memberships: A DragonPass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 2 hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for $55 USD, without a membership.
Cardholders:
American Express Platinum/Centurion: Free access + between 1-2 guests, depending on the market in which your card is issued (e.g. US-issued, versus international).
Visa Airport Companion.
Mastercard Travel Pass.
Walk-Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly.
Private Relaxation Suite Services:
Private suite (3 hours): 155 BRL (~$28 USD) per person (double occupancy)
Private suite + meal (3 hours): 224 BRL (~$41 USD) per person (double occupancy)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everything free in Plaza Premium Lounge?
Once you're inside, most things are free -Wi-Fi, buffet food, standard drinks, and showers. Premium spirits also cost extra. The relaxation suites at the Arrivals Plaza Premium lounge are subject to payment, however. The arrivals lounge is also different in that food and drinks there work like a regular restaurant with charges.
Which terminal is the Plaza Premium Lounge?
All three are in Terminal 2: International (Level 3), Domestic (Level 1), and Arrivals (Car Park Building). There are no Plaza Premium Lounges in terminal 1.
Can I enter Plaza Premium Lounge without a boarding pass?
Only the arrivals lounge lets you in without a departing boarding pass since it is located landside. The other two Plaza Premium lounges (International and Domestic) require a valid boarding pass.
Can I use Priority Pass at Plaza Premium GIG?
Priority Pass currently no longer offers access to any Plaza Premium lounge at Galeão Airport. This service was removed in 2021. Despite maintaining a partnership in other countries, Priority Pass cannot be used for access to any Plaza Premium Lounge at GIG.
Summing Up
With three options throughout Terminal 2, Plaza Premium ensures quality lounge access is always available depending on your specific travel needs.
The International lounge delivers the full Plaza Premium experience with its extensive dining options, and 24-hour professional bar service. The Domestic lounge provides convenient Level 1 access with distinctive Copacabana flair, perfect for quick visits before Brazilian flights. The arrivals facility is ideal for recovery after a flight or for killing time before one, and uniquely offers relaxation suites at extra charge.
Book ahead for the best rates, pick the lounge that matches your specific needs, and enjoy a comfortable airport experience in Rio.