Summary LoungeKey members have access to Plaza Premium "Their Patio" arrivals lounge at DXB Terminal 3 for up to 2 hours at a time. The lounge offers various seating options, cubicles for private calls, and conference rooms for business travelers. Food options in the lounge are limited, with some food and drink items from the menu being chargeable.
After a recent red-eye flight from London to Dubai on Emirates flight EK42, I had to wait at the airport for a few hours, and during that period, I had the chance to check out Plaza Premium's 'Their Patio' arrivals lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3. Like the other Plaza Premium lounges at DXB, this one is also accessible for Lounge-Key and Priority Pass members. Plaza Premium is one of the many lounges accessible to passengers in DXB Terminal 3.
They also have an arrivals lounge. LoungeKey is a program available with several banks around the world. It allows eligible cardholders various perks, one of which is access to various airport lounges worldwide.
Accessing the lounge This lounge is located on the landside of Terminal 3, just after exiting the customs declaration point after collecting the check-in bags. The sign for the lounge is located right in front of the customs exit point along with directions to Emirates' complimentary chauffeur services the airline offers for its First Class and Business Class passengers . Considering that Plaza Premium is known for its luxurious lounges at DXB and around the world, I went in with some expectations.
There are two front desks located at each end of the lounge for passengers coming in from either direction. I went to the one closest to mine, and the staff member present checked the boarding pass of my completed flight and access card before signing me in. If you wish to use this facility, make sure you save your boarding pass for your completed flight, as this is part of the mandatory check at the lounge.
Plenty of seating options While the airport was by no means empty at 05:30 in the morning, I was the only passenger in the arrivals lounge, which allowed me to stroll around and explore the enormous lounge in its entirety. The facility is open and has various seating options available in the different sections of the lounge. From comfortable couples seating areas to family areas, the lounge has you covered.
As for passengers wishing to have some more table space or those traveling alone, there are other open seatings available as well. Since I was the only passenger in the lounge, I decided to settle down for the next few hours in one of the more comfortable seats and relax. It is worth remembering that LoungeKey members can stay in the lounge for up to two hours at a time.
Depending on your bank card, you could be charged for extending your stay. Food and drinks Upon checking in, I was asked if I would like anything to drink and was given a few choices of fresh juices and hot beverages. However, that is when I noticed that, unlike other lounges I have been to, there weren't any food items or drinks placed around the lounge for self-service, except for a hot beverage machine and mini refrigerators full of soft drinks located behind the check-in desk.
Since I was looking forward to continuing my sleep once I was home, I decided to have a glass of fresh orange juice rather than coffee. It is, however, interesting that there was a menu with certain food items that could be ordered, but they were chargeable. However, other food items, such as sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more, are available free of charge.
Since I had dinner and a breakfast meal onboard my flight, I decided to go for just a mini sandwich and some water for the time being. Now, as far as sandwiches or a snack at 05:30 in the morning go, it was a great meal. Plus it is free, so really not complaining.
However, the meal part of the lounge experience was not up to the usual Plaza Premium Lounge expectations. It is possible that the services are dialed down in the early hours of the morning when there are hardly any passengers dropping by, and the services are better during other times of the day when there are loads more passengers arriving. Amenities available Apart from ample seating and resting areas, the lounge provides standard amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, flight information boards, and television screens.
It also offers tiny cubicles for passengers who wish to have private phone calls without being disturbed by the noises from the lounge or the surrounding terminal. Furthermore, there are also conference rooms that passengers can reserve and utilize if they wish to have private meetings or hold in-person or online discussions, which I think is a particularly useful amenity to have access to, especially for passengers traveling for work/business. The usefulness of the arrivals lounge! While many might wonder why anyone would want to spend hours in an airport lounge after landing (especially at odd times of the day), the answer is simply that there might be a need for it.
In my case, I flew in from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) onboard Emirates flight EK42 which arrived at 04:41 that morning, while my parents were onboard the following flight from LHR, EK4 (simply because the flights were full), which landed at 06:59. In such instances, this lounge is a great place to unwind and wait for other arriving passengers. Of the six daily Emirates A380 flights between Dubai and Heathrow, EK4 is one of the four services featuring new cabins and Premium Economy seats.
Alternatively, a passenger on a work trip whose flight was delayed can utilize the conference facility available at the lounge to attend a meeting right at the airport. Considering the large number of business travelers Dubai Airport handles, such a lounge facility is rather useful. Overall thoughts The lounge itself is a great facility and an excellent amenity for those wishing to relax and unwind while waiting at the airport.
With various seating options and useful amenities, it caters to leisure and business travelers. It is also incredibly easy to access, and it is located close to the terminal exit from where passengers can take taxis or the Dubai metro for their onward journeys. The only recommendation I have that would make the lounge perfect is to improve the meal and drink service and the options available.
But apart from that, Plaza Premium's 'Their Patio' arrivals lounge is a great space for any arriving passenger..
