Several months ago, we learned how Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is getting a couple of new lounges, contributing to what’s arguably becoming the best terminal in the United States for lounge quality. There’s now an exciting update, as these lounges are expected to open within the coming week.
Plaza Premium First Lounge coming to DFW (and more)!
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Plaza Premium is planning on opening two lounges at DFW Airport Terminal D. The lounges are located near gate D15, and the facility includes both a standard Plaza Premium Lounge (open daily from 7AM until 11PM), plus a Plaza Premium First Lounge (open daily from 7AM until 10PM).
I find that Plaza Premium’s lounge facilities are among the best “contract” lounges you’ll find, though admittedly that’s not a very high bar. The standard Plaza Premium Lounge will boast all the features you’d expect, like a buffet, open bar, etc. Meanwhile Plaza Premium First is the lounge operator’s premium lounge concept, which usually has much nicer decor, a la carte dining, barista coffee, bartender cocktails, and more.
You can expect the standard Plaza Premium Lounge to be accessible with Priority Pass and/or the Amex Platinum. Meanwhile the Plaza Premium First Lounge will be available for a $45 co-pay for those who have access to the standard Plaza Premium Lounge. The Plaza Premium First Lounge will also directly act as a contract lounge for those flying in first or business class on Air France, EVA Air, Finnair, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines.
This will be the first Plaza Premium First Lounge in the United States, so that’s pretty exciting. The only other one in North America is in Vancouver (YVR), and that recently opened. There’s also one planned for New York (JFK), which should open later this year at the new Terminal One.
Interestingly, Plaza Premium’s first-ever lounge in the United States is also at DFW (though in Terminal E), and that opened in 2020. However, at just 1,400 square feet, it has to be among the smallest airport lounges you’ll find anywhere in the United States.
DFW Terminal D is becoming a lounge powerhouse
You can’t help but appreciate what a lounge powerhouse Terminal D at DFW is becoming. On the credit card front, the terminal has an Amex Centurion Lounge, a Capital One Lounge, and soon it’ll have a Chase Sapphire Lounge. Then it has an American Flagship Lounge and American Admirals Club, plus The Club at DFW. And now it’ll have a Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First Lounge.
That’s a really impressive lounge footprint, and I can’t think of many airport terminals in the United States with such an impressive selection of lounges. I guess maybe New York (JFK) Terminal 4, and Los Angeles (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal? But even that’s questionable…
Bottom line
On March 9, 2026, lounge operator Plaza Premium is opening two new facilities in DFW Terminal D, including the country’s first Plaza Premium First Lounge. It’s lovely to see Terminal D get even more lounge options, not that there was any shortage of lounges as is.
Plaza Premium First Lounges are excellent, so it’s nice to see one of those added. Admittedly the $45 co-pay is steep, but perhaps that means lounge crowding won’t be a huge issue, at least for the periods where the lounge isn’t being used as a contract facility?
What do you make of Plaza Premium’s new DFW lounges?
