The second half of the year is heating up with competitive travel perks from both UOB and CIMB. As we continue to see new offerings from these banks, CIMB’s latest move stands out. Let's explore this exciting new benefit.
Before we jump into the shuttle, CIMB has also announced a partnership with Plaza Premium Group, granting exclusive access to the Flight Club Signature at KLIA Terminal 1's Satellite Terminal for its cardholders.
For those unfamiliar, the Flight Club brand is a chain of airport restaurants operated by Plaza Premium Group. I’ve previously covered the new Flight Club located in the Main Terminal of KLIA, just below the Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First.
However, the Flight Club Signature we’re discussing here is a separate venue, situated in the Satellite Terminal of KLIA, which currently requires a bus transfer due to the ongoing closure of the aerotrains as of September 2024.
According to the announcement, CIMB will have a dedicated area within the Flight Club Signature, exclusively for its cardholders. This arrangement is similar to UOB’s Private Lounge at the Plaza Premium Lounge in the Main Terminal.
Early reports indicate that the menu offers a good variety, though a more comprehensive selection may be available on-site. It's still unclear whether the lounge operates on a single-order basis or allows unlimited orders from the menu. If it is indeed restricted to a one-time order, I would recommend reconsidering a visit—continue reading, and you’ll understand why.
Beyond the exclusive access to the Flight Club Signature, perhaps the most exciting perk of this collaboration is the complimentary premium shuttle service between KLIA Terminal 1 Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Terminal.
As a reminder, with the aerotrains out of service, the only current transport option between the terminals is by bus, unless you’re traveling in business or first class, which comes with access to private buses.
This new shuttle service offers CIMB cardholders traveling in economy a convenient and exclusive alternative—especially valuable if you’re departing from the Satellite Terminal's Gate C1-C37.
CIMB remains the only bank in Malaysia providing access to the Plaza Premium First lounge. While this is a well-known benefit, the challenge for travelers flying out of the Satellite Terminal was the time it took to leave the lounge, board the buses, and make their way to the departure gate—often a 20-30 minute ordeal, depending on foot traffic.
With this new premium shuttle service, CIMB cardholders can now enjoy more time relaxing at the Plaza Premium First lounge, and then hop on the shuttle to the Satellite Terminal in comfort. For those who might underestimate the value of this perk, you’ve probably never experienced being packed into a crowded bus during peak travel hours!
Of course, you might argue that if you're flying out from the Satellite Terminal, perhaps it would be a good idea to simply take the shuttle and spend the rest of the time waiting at the Flight Club Signature. This would be a splendid option if unlimited food and drinks were part of the package, similar to what you get at the Plaza Premium First.
Access to Plaza Premium First/Flight Club Signature
The list of CIMB credit cards that offer access to the Plaza Premium First remain unchanged:
This means that the CIMB Visa Infinite, CIMB Visa Signature and CIMB Petronas Visa credit cards do not offer access to the lounge.
However, access to the Flight Club Signature and the ordinary Plaza Premium Lounge is across the board:
CIMB Preferred Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite-i
CIMB Petronas Visa Infinite-i
CIMB Visa Signature
Final Thoughts
CIMB’s latest collaboration with Plaza Premium Group is a noteworthy enhancement for its cardholders, especially for those frequently traveling through KLIA Terminal 1's Satellite Building.
The addition of the premium shuttle service elevates the overall experience, offering a seamless and more convenient way to move between terminals while enjoying exclusive lounge access.
In an increasingly competitive space for travel perks, this move by CIMB sets a high bar and provides tangible value for its premium cardholders. Personally, this is a much better perk than UOB's Private Lounge, which is just essentially a tinier version of the Plaza Premium First without a shuttle.
If you're looking for a stress-free travel experience through KLIA, this new perk is certainly one to take advantage of.
The full announcement can be found here.
