Until recently, Bangalore Airport offered two domestic-departures lounges: Plaza Premium and the much-loved Above Ground Levell lounge, which many considered the best card-accessible airport lounge in India. In February 2021 the Above Ground Levell closed (it may return in a different form), leaving a single lounge now operating under the name BLR Domestic Lounge.
The BLR Domestic Lounge is essentially the Plaza Premium Lounge rebranded. You’ll see the signage as soon as you pass through security. The space is large enough to cope with Bangalore Airport’s passenger traffic, and the lounge now includes a separate business class section. Below is a concise look at the lounge and what to expect.
Common Area
Accessible via: most credit/debit cards
The common area provides a good spread of seating throughout the lounge. In line with COVID-19 protocols, some seats are kept empty to maintain distancing. If the main area becomes busy, the staff typically opens the adjacent section for additional seating, which is quieter and useful if you want a peaceful spot without food service.
The interior remains largely unchanged from the former Plaza Premium setup. Lighting, seating layout and general decor feel familiar to anyone who used the earlier lounge.
Business Class Section
Accessible via: Business Class tickets only
There is a dedicated business class section at one end of the lounge, conveniently close to the buffet area. I visited this section while flying Vistara Business Class from Bangalore to Delhi in early February 2021.
The business area is compact but well-finished, designed to handle around 12–15 guests at a time. During my visit its occupancy was low, around a third full. The space offers the quiet, privacy and reduced crowd levels a business class traveler expects—comfortable, functional, and purpose-built rather than extravagant.
The business section doesn’t offer extravagant amenities, but delivers what matters: a quieter environment, more privacy and fewer people. For many business travelers, that is exactly what they need before a flight.
Bottomline
Overall, the BLR Domestic Lounge performs well for the passenger volumes it serves. It can get busy at times; I observed a queue of more than ten people at the front desk when leaving, but that’s not excessive compared to some other airports. The lounge now includes a dedicated business section, which is a welcome addition.
- Cardexpert Rating: 4.2/5
In earlier years (2016–2018) I rarely used this lounge when it operated solely as Plaza Premium because the Above Ground Levell was the obvious choice for its spacious interiors, recliners and extensive food selection. While I miss those features, the BLR Domestic Lounge in its current form is a solid, practical option—especially with the added business class area.
Have you visited the BLR Domestic Lounge recently? Share your experience in the comments.