Does PE Airport Have a Slow Lounge? The Real Answer

If you’re a frequent FlySafair or Airlink passenger, you’ve probably wondered: can I use my Slow Lounge membership at Port Elizabeth Airport? The short answer is no — there is no Slow Lounge at PLZ Airport. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get lounge access. In this article, I’ll explain exactly what lounges are available at PLZ, who can access them, and how to get in even if you’re flying economy on a budget ticket.

The Slow Lounge Situation

Slow Lounges are the premium airport lounges operated by South African bank partners (Discovery Bank, Investec, RMB, etc.) and are mainly found at OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), and Lanseria (HLA). Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) is not currently on the list. The airport’s passenger volume doesn’t yet justify a dedicated Slow Lounge, and there are no plans publicly announced for one.

So if you’re a Discovery Bank Platinum cardholder or you have a Slow Lounge membership, unfortunately, you cannot use it at PLZ.

What Lounges Are at Port Elizabeth Airport?

There are two lounges at PLZ, both airside, after security. They’re located next to each other in the departure lounge, near Gate 1.

1. Bidvest Premier Lounge

This is the main contract lounge and the one most economy passengers can access via lounge membership programs or by paying at the door.

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Diners Club, and walk-in payment. Also accessible to business class passengers from certain airlines.

• Cost for walk-ins: Approximately R330 per person (subject to change) for a 2-hour stay.

• Opening hours: Typically from 05:30 to the last departure (around 20:00).

• Facilities: Small but comfortable seating, a small buffet with hot snacks (think mini pies, samoosas, sandwiches), a self-service bar with wine, beer, and spirits, a coffee machine, and a few newspapers/magazines. There’s also a small business corner with a PC and printer.

• Atmosphere: Quieter than the main terminal, but not as luxurious as a Slow Lounge. It’s functional, clean, and a decent place to spend 40 minutes before boarding. The staff are friendly and keep the space tidy.

Verdict: If you have a Priority Pass (which comes with many South African credit cards, including some Discovery and Standard Bank cards), you can get in for free. It’s a solid option to escape the cramped gate area and grab a free drink and snack.

2. SAA Domestic Lounge (Now Limited)

Historically, South African Airways operated a lounge at PLZ for its premium passengers. Since SAA’s restructuring and route reductions, the SAA lounge is no longer a full-time operation. It may open occasionally for specific flights, but generally, eligible SAA passengers and Star Alliance Gold members are now directed to the Bidvest Premier Lounge instead.

Bottom line: At PLZ, the Bidvest lounge is effectively the only option for most travellers.

How to Access the Bidvest Lounge Without a Business Class Ticket

You don’t need to fly business. Here are three ways to get in:

1. Priority Pass / LoungeKey / DragonPass
If your credit card includes airport lounge access, check your benefits. Many South African cards (like the Discovery Bank Platinum, Standard Bank World Citizen, or RMB Private Bank cards) come with Priority Pass. Simply present your digital or physical card at the Bidvest lounge reception. Your guest may be charged or covered depending on your membership tier.

2. Pay at the Door
Anyone can walk up to the Bidvest Premier Lounge and pay the entrance fee. It’s around R330 for two hours, which may be worth it if you have a long wait and would otherwise spend money on food and drinks in the terminal. Given that a coffee and a toasted sandwich at the airport can easily hit R150, the lounge can represent good value if you plan to have a meal and a couple of drinks.

3. Pre-Book a Lounge Pass
You can sometimes pre-book lounge entry through third-party platforms, securing a small discount. This is especially useful during busy periods (December holidays, Ironman week) when the lounge can reach capacity. Pre-booking guarantees your spot.

Is the Bidvest Lounge Worth It?

Yes, if:

• You have a Priority Pass or free access via your credit card — it’s a no-brainer.

• You’ve got a 60+ minute wait and you want a quiet seat, a drink, and a snack.

• The terminal is crowded, and you just want peace and a charging point.

No, if:

• You only have 20 minutes before boarding — the lounge is small and not an “experience.”

• You’re looking for a Slow Lounge-level hot meal buffet. The food is light snacks, not a full meal.

• You’re on a strict budget and can just sit at the gate with your own coffee.

PLZ Terminal Comfort Without a Lounge

Even if you don’t do the lounge, PLZ is a compact, well-maintained airport with a small Mugg & Bean airside (past security) where you can sit down with a decent coffee and a muffin. There are also charging stations near the gates, and the free airport Wi-Fi is reliable. The terminal rarely feels overwhelmingly busy, except around 06:00–07:30 when the Joburg and Cape Town flights cluster.

The Future: Will PLZ Ever Get a Slow Lounge?

Given that the airport is undergoing gradual upgrades under its new name and management structure, it’s possible that a Slow Lounge could be added in the future if passenger numbers grow. For now, the Bidvest Premier Lounge is perfectly adequate for the current flight schedule, which is dominated by narrow-body domestic hops.

FAQ: PLZ Airport Lounges

1. Is there a Slow Lounge at Port Elizabeth Airport?
   No. The nearest Slow Lounges are at Cape Town, Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Durban, and Lanseria.

2. What lounges are available at PLZ?
   The Bidvest Premier Lounge is the main airside lounge, accessible by Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and walk-in payment.

3. Can I use my Discovery Bank card to access a lounge at PLZ?
   If your Discovery card includes Priority Pass, yes — you can access the Bidvest Premier Lounge with that.

4. How much does the PLZ lounge cost for walk-ins?
   Approximately R330 per person for a 2-hour stay.

5. Is there an SAA lounge at Port Elizabeth Airport?
   There used to be, but it’s largely inactive. SAA business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers are typically directed to the Bidvest lounge.

6. Can I pre-book lounge access for PLZ Airport?
   Yes, some third-party services allow you to pre-book the Bidvest Premier Lounge, sometimes at a discount.

7. Does the lounge have hot food?
   Yes, there are usually hot snacks like pies, samoosas, and sandwiches, but it’s not a full hot meal buffet.

8. Is there a smoking area in the lounge?
   No. There is a designated smoking area in the terminal outside the lounge.

9. What’s the minimum connection time to use the lounge?
   At PLZ, if you have a 50-minute or longer wait after security, you’ll have time to use the lounge comfortably.

10. Will PLZ get a Slow Lounge in the future?
    No plans have been announced, but it’s not impossible as the airport grows.