Toronto Pearson Airport Lounges: The Ultimate Guide

There are quite a few Pearson airport lounges, as you'd expect from Canada's largest airport. Whether you’re looking for a casual pay-per-use lounge or a premium option with exclusive amenities, YYZ has you covered.

Here, we discuss the Pearson Airport lounge options and provide essential details, including hours, entry requirements, and costs. This way, you can maximize your downtime and minimize your travel stress.

Key Takeaways

• Pearson International Airport contains 10 lounges in Terminal 1 and 5 lounges in Terminal 3.
• Any traveller who pays the entrance fee can enter GoodLife Fitness, Plaza Premium Lounges, and the KLM Crown Lounge.
• Only certain airline passengers, credit cardholders, and organization members can access the American Admirals Club and the Air Canada Café, Maple Leaf Lounge, and Signature Suite.

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Pearson Airport Terminal 1 lounges

Spanning over 4 million square feet, it’s easy to get lost in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The terminals aren’t organized by arrival, departure, or flight destination, but by airline company.

If you’re flying on Air Canada, Air Emirates, or a Star Alliance member airline, your flight leaves from Terminal 1. Credit cardholders with lounge access are spoiled for choice with 11 lounges at their disposal.

From the limited to the luxurious, here’s where to put your feet up.

1. Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)

Location: Terminal 1, Level 3, after security desk

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR premium credit card OR DragonPass, LoungeKey, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

Plaza Premium Lounges emphasize refreshment, with food, beverages, snacks, and showers on demand. You’ll find comfortable leather seating and family friendly entertainment across 3 seating zones and a bookable private VIP Room.

While a boarding pass is required for entry, Plaza is one of the most accessible lounges via travel credit card. If you have a World Elite Mastercard, the American Express Platinum Card, or a card with the Visa Airport Companion program, you’re in (sometimes with a moderate fee).

Book online or call +1 416-776-2646 to reserve your spot.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Showers available for $22
• Accessible washrooms
• Baby changing station
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options
• VIP Room available

2. Air Canada Café

Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, near Gate D20, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Entry requirements: Air Canada boarding pass AND Business or Premium Rouge Class OR Aeroplan Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR eligible Aeroplan credit card OR Star Alliance Gold membership

The sleek, modern, and aptly-named Air Canada Café caters to the business travel crowd with specialty brews including nitro, espresso, and macchiato drinks. Make sure to check your wallet – if you have the CIBC or TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, or the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve, Corporate, or Reserve Card, you’re good to go.

What we love about it:

• Complimentary beverages, snacks, and specialty coffees
• Complimentary hot and cold plates
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers

3., 6., 7. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Domestic, US Transborder, International)

Entry requirements: Air Canada, Emirates, or Star Alliance member boarding pass AND Aeroplan Elite, Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR Aeroplan credit card OR Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class OR Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum membership OR Maple Leaf Club membership OR Star Alliance Gold membership

To summarize Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge entry requirements, most premium Aeroplan credit cards qualify, including Visa Business, Visa Infinite Privilege, and American Express Reserve cardholders. If you’re missing a premium credit card or membership (or you have a travel buddy), you can typically add lounge access to your Air Canada flight ticket for $49 – $79 per traveller.

As for the lounges, the Domestic Lounge takes after a business centre, with boxy leather armchairs spread across a spacious, carpeted floor. The Transborder Lounge is more family-friendly with a children’s room with games and activities, but adults will appreciate the panoramic view and quiet cubicles.

Meanwhile, the International Lounge follows the blueprint of a dining hall. The lighting is soft, there’s a table near every chair, and the windows offer an excellent view of the rest of the airport.

What we love about them:

• 7,000+ magazines and newspaper available via PressReader App
• Available up to 3 hours before qualifying flight
• Cell-free quiet zone
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Business centre with desktop PCs and colour printing
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers
• Showers with complimentary soap, shampoo, and towels

4. Rogers Passenger Pods

Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, near Gate D35, after security

Hours: 24/7

Entry requirements: Boarding pass

The 3 new Rogers Passenger Pods are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you can grab one, you’ll have access to a quiet table and 2 banquettes where you can get some work done.

What we love about it:

• No entry requirements
• Quiet glass booth
• Wheelchair-accessible pod

5. Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder)

Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, near Gate F53/F55, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion premium credit card OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

The US Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge seats up to 66 guests in comfortable sofa chairs with a variety of reading materials within easy reach. Book online or call +1 (416) 776-2648 to grab a seat.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Showers available for $22
• Accessible washrooms
• Baby-changing station
• Complimentary newspapers and magazines
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Premium drinks available
• Printing and photocopying services available
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options

8. Air Canada Signature Suite

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 1, Level 2, near Gate E77, after security

Entry requirements: Air Canada Signature Class international boarding pass or select Business or First Class boarding pass

Hours: Tuesday, Saturday, 2:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Monday, Wednesday – Friday, Sunday, 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Refined, elegant, and zen, the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite offers a premium luxury experience unlike the rest. It may lack showers and business amenities, but those are just distractions – the biggest draw is the atmosphere, amplified by architecture by Heekyung Duquette and a menu designed by chef David Hawksworth.

What we love about it:

• No reservations necessary
• 1 complimentary sit-down meal
• All-day hot buffet
• Complimentary signature cocktails
• Flight monitors
• Personalized concierge service
• Premium skincare products by Molton Brown available for purchase
• Premium spirits available

9. Plaza Premium Lounge (International)

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 1, Level 2, near Gate E77, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion premium credit card OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

The International Plaza Premium Lounge seats the same number of guests as the Domestic Lounge in a cafeteria-style space half as big. Book online or call +1 (416) 776-2648 before visiting to see if it’s busy.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Showers available for $22
• Accessible washrooms
• Baby-changing station
• Complimentary newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Premium drinks available
• Printing and photocopying services available
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options

10. GoodLife Fitness

Location: Terminal 1, Level 1, near Arrivals, before security

Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry requirements: GoodLife gym membership OR $25 day pass

For anyone who needs to blow off pre- or post-flight stress, the Pearson GoodLife gym is happy to oblige. Gym rats can find cardio equipment, free weights, and a Fit Fix 20-minute training circuit spread over 10,000 square feet.

What we love about it:

• Changing rooms with showers and hair dryers
• Reebok shoes and clothing available to rent for $20
• Secure luggage storage
• Towel service

11. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Express)

Location: Terminal 1, Level 1, near Gate F84 – F99

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Entry requirements: Air Canada, Emirates, or Star Alliance member boarding pass AND Aeroplan Elite, Super Elite, 75K, or 50K membership OR Aeroplan credit card OR Business, First, or Premium Rouge Class OR Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum membership OR Maple Leaf Club membership OR Star Alliance Gold membership

The Express Lounge offers light snacks and beverages in a casual, cafeteria setting. If it’s your first time visiting the award-winning line of Maple Leaf Lounges, you may want to try one of the larger, more impressive entries above.

What we love about it:

• 7,000+ magazines and newspapers available via PressReader App
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Complimentary light snacks and beverages
• Business centre with desktop PCs and colour printing
• Live news and sports television broadcasts
• Pets allowed in carriers

Pearson Airport Terminal 3 lounges

Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 3 houses SkyTeam, Oneworld, and unaffiliated airlines. There are just 5 lounges to choose from.

1. American Admirals Club

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 3, Level 2, near Gate A10, after security

Hours: Sunday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday – 5:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Entry requirements: Aer Lingus, American, or Oneworld boarding pass AND Business or First Class OR AAdvantage Executive Platinum or Platinum Pro membership OR Admirals Club, AirPass, or ConciergeKey membership OR Cit or AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard OR military ID

With a svelte but cozy design – and a generous guest policy – the American Admirals Club is one of the most welcoming lounges at Pearson. Just make sure to set a timer before drifting off in one of the club chairs.

Be aware that the club reserves the right to limit or pause one-day passes based on lounge capacity.

What we love about it:

• Complimentary access for immediate family members – including partner/spouse and children under 18 – plus 2 guests
• Complimentary food and drinks
• Made-to-order specialties
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Full-service bar

2. Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder)

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 3, Level 2, near Gate A10, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion premium credit card with reduced fee OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

Built for just over 50 guests, the best feature of the US Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge is undoubtedly the live cooking station. Book online or call +1 (416) 776-2648 to enjoy made-to-order Asian and American cuisine.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Complimentary newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Live cooking station
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options

3. Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)

Location: Terminal 3, Level 3, near Gates B22/B24, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion premium credit card with reduced fee OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

With space for 90 guests, most of the seating in the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 is split between banquettes and club chairs. Book online or call +1 (416) 776-2648 if you need to grab a bite before your flight.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Complimentary newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options

4. Air France/KLM Crown Lounge

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 3, Level 2, near Gate C32, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND Business or First Class on Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam partner airline OR Dragon Pass, Dreamfolks, Priority Pass, SkyTeam Elite Plus membership OR $50 entry fee

Chic, private, and spacious, the KLM Crown Lounge is open to travellers on any airline. If you’re a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you can even bring a guest for free.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Admission within 24 hours of departure
• Complimentary table service
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers, magazines, and television broadcasts
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
• Printers and copiers available
• Wheelchair accessible

5. Plaza Premium Lounge (International)

Location: Elevator access via Terminal 3, Level 2, near Gate C32, after security

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM

Entry requirements: Boarding pass AND entry fee ($59 – $96 per adult traveller for 2 – 6 hours, 30% off for children ages 2 – 11, and free for children under 2) OR American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion premium credit card with reduced fee OR DragonPass, Lounge Key, Plaza Premium Lounge Pass, or Priority Pass membership

The largest and newest Plaza Premium Lounge in Pearson offers sofa chairs, loungers, bar seating, and bistro tables spread across two floors. On Level 6, there’s a full-service Aero bar and made-to-order live cooking – and on Level 8, massages and manicures.

Go online or call +1 (416) 776-2648 to book up to 6 hours of access.

What we love about it:

• No membership required
• Online advance booking discount
• Showers available for $22
• Bar service and premium drinks available
• Children’s play area
• Complimentary newspapers and magazines
• Complimentary self-serve beverages and food
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Flight monitors
• Live cooking station
• Massages and manicures available
• Nursery room
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options

7 tips for getting the most out of an airport lounge

Ideally, visiting an airport lounge should be the least stressful part of your journey. Here’s the 7-step process that veteran travellers use to relax:

• Research airport lounges in advance so you can find the entrance, enter confidently, and enjoy all the amenities you need.
• Ask the concierge about extras, recommendations, and popular items or services.
• Tour the whole lounge, note what you’d like to do, and set a timer so you don’t miss your flight.
• Put your cellphone away – premium lounges aim to create a relaxing environment full of interesting views and artwork.
• Take a moment to pay attention to your body’s needs and eat, hydrate, sleep, shower, or stretch as needed.
• Make friends with fellow travellers who seem alert and unoccupied.
• Follow lounge etiquette and try to be quiet, tidy, and respectful of fellow travellers. Don’t shove food in your bag, take more space than you need, or bother people who are sleeping, working, or listening to music.

It’s easy to get lost in Pearson, so don’t hesitate to ask for directions at an information kiosk or use the airport’s online interactive map.

Credit cards to access lounges for free

We've mentioned several credit card programs to get you free access to some of these lounges.

Here's a summary of some of the credit cards you can use – which lounges in this list you can access, how many free visits you get, and what they cost per year.

How to access airport lounges without elite status or a premium credit card

If you don’t have elite status or a top-of-the-line credit card, don’t worry. You can still experience an airport lounge, you’ll just have to try a different strategy.

You might get access by:

• Purchasing a day pass: Remember, you can purchase a pass to a Plaza Premium Lounge for $59 – $96 per adult traveller, add an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge pass to your AC flight for $49 – $79, a GoodLife Fitness pass for $25, or a KLM Crown Lounge pass for $50.
• Using an app that has day-pass features: Download an app like Priority Pass, which includes day-pass features. Keep in mind that Priority Pass costs $99 to $469 USD annually.
• Learning about airline partnerships and lounge networks: Check to see if the airline you’re flying with is a member of an alliance. For instance, if your airline is a member of Star Alliance, you have access to the Maple Leaf Lounge.
• Watching for promotions or one-time offers: Keep an eye out for YYZ or specific airline promotions that give you the chance to use an airport lounge for free.
• Booking business class using points: Check how many miles or points you’ve accumulated if you participate in a loyalty program. You may be able to use your points to upgrade to a higher fare (and gain lounge access).

FAQ

Does WestJet have a lounge at Pearson airport?

WestJet doesn’t have a lounge at Pearson airport but you can access Plaza Premium Lounges and the Air France/KLM Crown Lounge with a boarding pass on any airline for a fee.

How can you get free lounge access in Toronto airport?

You may be able to get free lounge access in Toronto airport if you have a premium Aeroplan credit card, or DragonPass or Priority Pass benefits through the American Express Platinum, World Elite Mastercard, or Visa Airport Companion program. Note that not all cards include free lounge passes.

How much is premium lounge access at Pearson airport?

You can purchase premium lounge access for $59 – $96 from Plaza Premium Lounges or $50 from the Air France/KLM Crown Lounge at Pearson airport.