The Transborder Lounge in Terminal 3 is one of six Plaza Premium lounges in Toronto Pearson Airport. It's relatively small but still offers the basic amenities you'd expect, like hot food and comfortable seating. However, visitors may have to wait for a seat as it's often quite crowded.
You can enter any of the Plaza Premium Lounges with a same-day boarding pass from any airline and a paid entry fee, membership, or eligible credit card – like one of those on our list of the best lounge access card options.
The guide below provides further information on gaining access to this lounge, what to expect from visiting the space, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Travellers from any airline can enter the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge from 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM ET daily.
- You can buy a 2 – 6-hour lounge pass for $66.68 – $108.48 CAD per adult and $46.68 – $75.96 CAD per child (2 – 11).
- DragonPass and Priority Pass members can access the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge by using a complimentary pass or paying $32 – $35 USD.
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How to access the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 in Toronto
Image source: Plaza Premium Lounge
There are 6 Plaza Premium Lounges in Toronto Pearson Airport, one for each Domestic, International, and US Transborder zone in Terminals 1 and 3. If your flight departs from Terminal 3, you have a choice of 3 lounges after passing security:
- The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 is located on Level 2 near Gates B22 and B24 and is open Monday – Sunday from 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM ET.
- The International Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 is accessible by elevator on Level 2 near Gate C32 and is open every day from 5:30 AM – 12:59 AM ET.
- The US Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 (the subject of this article) is accessible by the elevator on Level 2 near Gate A10. It’s open every day from 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM ET.
Once you reach the front desk, you’ll need to present a valid, same-day boarding pass issued by any airline and one of the following.
Entry fee
Plaza Premium Lounge fees vary depending on the location, the length of your stay, and your age. To access the Transborder Lounge in Terminal 3, you’ll need to pay:
| Guest age | 2 hours | 3 hours | 6 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $66.68 CAD | $81.36 CAD | $108.48 CAD |
| Child (2 – 11) | $46.68 CAD | $56.94 CAD | $75.96 CAD |
| Child under 2 | Free | Free | Free |
Watch for deals that can help you save on entry fees to the lounge:
- 20% off with a Smart Traveller digital membership
- Up to 33% off with a Plaza Premium Lounge Pass Americas, which grants 2 3-hour visits at any lounge in North or South America for $80 USD
- Up to 50% off with a PPL Pass Canada, which grants 5 – 10 3-hour visits to any lounge in Canada for $157 – $300 USD
You can reserve your seat in a lounge up to a year in advance by using the online booking, or book entry for a group of 10 or more at least 1 week in advance. Make sure to bring a printed copy of your booking confirmation email to the lounge to smooth your entry.
Take note: PPL Passes are shareable, transferable, and valid for up to 12 months after purchase.
Membership
DragonPass members can access every Plaza Premium Lounge in Canada for free with unlimited or complimentary lounge visits. If you’re out of free passes, you’ll need to pay $31 – $35 USD for each 2-hour visit, which saves 37% off the admission price.
Priority Pass members can also access every Plaza Premium Lounge in Canada by using the unlimited or limited complimentary lounge access included in their membership. À la carte or guest lounge access costs $35 USD per 2-hour visit, saving you 28% on regular admission.
Credit cards with Plaza Premium Lounge access
Depending on the cards you have in your wallet, you might be able to get access to airport lounges with your credit card.
Flashing a card with the Amex Global Lounge Collection, Mastercard Travel Pass, or Visa Airport Companion Program might get you in for free depending on how many complimentary visits remain on your card.
Here are the premium credit cards in Canada that you can use to get into the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 for free:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Free Plaza Premium Lounge visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | $799 | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | Unlimited ($35 per additional guest) |
| Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card | $399 | Up to 60,000 80,000 bonus points (terms) | 10 ($35 USD per additional pass) |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | $150 |  $125 GeniusCash + Up to 90,000 100,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | 4 + 4 ($35 USD per additional pass) |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | $399 | Up to 70,000 bonus points (terms) | 6 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | $599 | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | 6 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | $150 | $100 GeniusCash + 35,000 bonus points (terms) | 6 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) | 4 (Canadian lounges only, $35 per additional pass) |
| CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card | $139 | Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year annual fee rebate (terms) | 4 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card | $139 | Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year annual fee waived† (terms) | 4 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
| Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege | $395 | None | 6 ($32 USD per additional pass) |
The best credit cards with lounge access tend to be more expensive. For example, a Visa Infinite Privilege or World Elite Mastercard credit card provides more free lounge passes per year than one from the Visa Infinite or World Mastercard lineup.
But even if you don’t get a free visit, there’s value to be had with cards like the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, and Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard. All of them include a free DragonPass membership, which you can use to enter the lounge for $32 USD – $35 USD per guest.
If you’re in search of a business credit card with lounge access, consider The Business Platinum Card from American Express for unlimited access, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card for 6 annual free visits, or the BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard for 2 annual free visits.
The Terminal 3, Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge experience
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM ET
Location: Elevator access in Terminal 3, Level 2, near Gate A10
Maximum stay: 6 hours
Payment forms accepted: Alipay, American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, WeChat Pay, Visa
Amenities:
- Complimentary food and drink
- Flight monitors
- Televisions with satellite broadcasts
- Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options available upon request
- Wi-Fi and charging stations
Atmosphere
Image source: Plaza Premium Lounge
While its black-and-white panels and green and wood accents are passably chic, the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge spans only 2,000 square feet. Any admiration you feel for the aesthetic will disappear once you remember you’ve been charged full price for a lounge that only offers 52 seats, 2 washrooms, and no showers.
"Decent lounge for a quick bite and somewhere to relax before your flight. But that’s all it is. Set your expectations super low. Super crowded and there’s usually a wait. I liked that they have a waitlist and they call you when it’s your turn." —Ibrahim, 3-star Google review
Comfort
Image source: Plaza Premium Lounge
It’s easy to get the entire lay of the lounge by standing in the doorway. To the right is the dining area, with about 30 seats at marble counters and metal cafeteria tables. To the left is a score of sofa chairs with lamps, side tables, outlets, and charging stations.
Unless your flight is at the crack of dawn, your first challenge will be finding a seat. Your second will be waiting patiently for one of 2 washroom stalls – the more traffic, the longer your wait, and the greater your chances of finding a dirty mess.
"Just like other reviewers, 5 stars for the staff who are always courteous and try hard. Unfortunately, they can’t really make lemonade when the lounge is too small and outdated to even be considered a lemon." —Paul, 3-star Google review
Dining
Image source: Plaza Premium Lounge
What you see in the picture above is what you get – 3 hot entrées, 4 hot sides, and a hot tureen – and if the lounge is busy, you may find several empty trays. The self-service bar is equally spartan, featuring only 2 reds, 2 whites, a beer, and 5 spirits.
As with the washroom, expect a lineup for alcohol, coffee, food, and everything in between – and for quality to drop during rush hour.
"Always full, food is shockingly bad. I come to this lounge at least once a month. The food selection is always like they are cleaning out their freezer or a bad school cafeteria. Options are usually some sort of pork, fried samosas, coleslaw and rice." —Ann, 1-star Google review
Entertainment
Lacking windows, the entertainment options in the Transborder Lounge include a pair of TVs and a usually-empty magazine rack at the back of the room.
Rules and restrictions
There’s a short list of DON’Ts to remember while visiting the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 in Toronto:
- DON’T bring outside food or beverages
- DON’T carry food or beverages outside
- DON’T dress inappropriately
- DON’T leave minors unattended
- DON’T smoke
- DON’T watch videos or listen to music without a pair of headphones
The admission of pets and service animals is subject to the lounge’s discretion so call ahead if you’re travelling with a furry friend.
Is the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 in Toronto worth it?
Waiting defines the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge experience: waiting for food, waiting for seating, waiting for coffee, and waiting for the washroom, followed by sharp disappointment.
In our opinion, this lounge isn’t worth a free visit, much less a paid one. It’s probably best to wait it out in the main terminal – especially if you’re claustrophobic.
"I wish I read the reviews before booking! Save your money and eat in the terminal rather than the lounge.... Not worth the money. Extremely small and cramped, you will have more space to stretch your legs in the regular terminal. Food is basic and service is minimal!" —Kyle, 1-star Google review
FAQ
How do I get into the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto?
To enter the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto Pearson, you’ll need to present a boarding pass and pay an entry fee ($66.68 – $108.48 CAD per adult and $46.68 – $75.96 CAD per child), flash your DragonPass or Priority Pass membership, and/or present a premium credit card with free passes.
What’s included in the Plaza Premium Lounge?
Plaza Premium Lounges include unlimited hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks; self-serve coffee, soft drinks, and tea; plus a selection of house beer, spirits, and wine.
How many Plaza Premium Lounges are in Toronto airport?
There are 6 Plaza Premium Lounges in Toronto airport, one in each of the Domestic, US Transborder, and US Transborder departure zones in Terminals 1 and 3.
Is the Plaza Premium Lounge free for Amex cardholders?
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum credit cardholders enjoy free, unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges, while Scotiabank Amex cardholders get 10 free visits per year.
What’s the best lounge at Toronto Pearson?
The best lounge in YYZ is the über-exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, where premium flyers enjoy fine dining, svelte interior décor, and a rarefied atmosphere.
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