The Transborder Lounge in Terminal 3 is one of 6 Plaza Premium Lounge locations at Toronto Pearson Airport. It's compact and tends to get busy, but still delivers the basics — hot food, comfortable seating, and a quieter alternative to the main terminal.
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.
This article provides details on how to access the lounge, what to expect when visiting the space, and other info to help you decide if it's worth a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Travellers from any airline can enter the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge from 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM ET daily.
- You can buy a 2 – 6-hour lounge pass for $65.70 – $107.14 CAD per adult and $111.71 – $182.20 CAD per child (2 – 11) with 1 adult pass.
- DragonPass and Priority Pass members can access the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge by using a complimentary pass or paying $32 – $35 USD.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
How to access the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 in Toronto
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 – 1:00 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 – 7:30 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 by location, length of stay, and age. To access the Transborder Lounge in Terminal 3, you'll need to pay:
| Guest age | 2 hours | 3 hours | 6 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $65.70 CAD | $80.14 CAD | $107.14 CAD |
| 1 adult and 1 child (2 – 11) | $111.71 CAD | $136.19 CAD | $182.20 CAD |
| Child under 2 | Free | Free | Free |
Unfortunately, the fee calculator doesn't allow you to book a child on their own – you have to book an adult with a child, so determining the fee for the child alone requires some math.
Watch for deals that can help you save on entry fees to the lounge:
- 20% off with a Smart Traveller digital membership
- Up to 50% off with a Plaza Premium Lounge Pass Americas, which grants 2 three-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 or 10 three-hour visits to any lounge in Canada for $155 – $295 USD
You can reserve your seat in a lounge up to a year in advance using the online booking system, 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 have access to all Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada — just use a complimentary pass from your account, or pay $31 – $35 USD for a 2-hour visit.
Priority Pass members can also access any Plaza Premium Lounge in Canada using their membership's complimentary visits, or pay $35 USD per 2-hour visit for à la carte or guest entry.
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 through these programs:
Here are the best – and most reasonably-priced – credit cards that you can use to get into the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 for free:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Free Plaza Premium Lounge visits | Price per additional pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | $150 |  $175 GeniusCash + Up to 115,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | 4 | $35 USD |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card | $150 | $150 GeniusCash + 50,000 bonus points (terms) | 6 | $32 USD |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) | 4 (Canadian lounges only) | $35 USD |
| CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card | $139 | Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year annual fee rebate (terms) | 4 | $32 USD |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card | $139 | Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year annual fee waived† (terms) | 4 | $32 USD |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | $139 | $40 GeniusCash + Up to 165,000 bonus points (terms) | 4 | $35 USD |
| Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | Up to 30,000 bonus points (terms) | 4 | $35 USD |
We chose these cards for their reasonable annual fees and modest lounge access. However, you'll notice that premium credit cards, like The Platinum Card and Visa Infinite Privilege cards, are missing from the list. Although these all offer free passes, their steep annual fees and stricter eligibility requirements make them harder to qualify for.
But even if you don't get a free visit with your credit card, there's value to be had with cards like these:
- Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard
- MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
- Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
Each of these includes a complimentary DragonPass membership, just no free passes. You'll just have to pay the usual $32 USD – $35 USD per guest to enter the lounge.
If you're in search of a business credit card with lounge access, consider these:
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express: Unlimited access
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card: 6 free annual visits
- BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard: 2 free annual visits
The Terminal 3, Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge experience
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:30 AM – 7:30 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. Yes, this lounge is a step above the main terminal, and certainly more peaceful, but its 52-seat capacity does make it feel a little cramped for the price.
"Nice lounge. Clean. Friendly staff. Good meal options, coffee station and drink options. I should know, I spent nearly 5 hours here due to a flight delay. Only comment for improvement, which I'll grant is not a minor improvement, is the capacity. This is one of the smaller YYZ lounges I have been in and at times a queuing system is needed at the door. Despite that, it has only hit capacity for about a third of the time I've been in here." – Bradley, 5-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 collection 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.
Dining
The hot food menu is on the smaller side, with 3 entrées, 4 sides, and a soup available for lounge visitors. You may find several empty trays if the lounge is especially busy, though reviewers note that staff are attentive and restock food options as they can.
The self-service bar is sparse, featuring 2 reds, 2 whites, a beer, and 5 spirits.
However, our team has had a great experience with the service.
Entertainment
Lacking windows, the entertainment options in the Transborder Lounge include a pair of TVs, charging stations, and Wi-Fi access.
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 leave minors unattended
- DON'T smoke
It's also a good idea to dress appropriately and put on headphones when you're watching videos or listening to music. While these aren't rules spelled out in the terms and conditions, being courteous to your fellow lounge-goers is appreciated.
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?
Previous reviews of the Transborder Plaza Premium Lounge emphasized long wait times for space, food, or washrooms, but it appears that management and staff have made great improvements over the last few months.
Dozens of 5-star Google reviews are sprinkled with the occasional 1-star dismal review that critiques the lack of space or food options.
To summarize, if the lounge doesn't appear crowded, and you'd like somewhere comfortable to grab a bite to eat or a drink, it can be nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the main terminal.
"A fine end to my visit to Canada. The lounge was smaller than others I've visited, but for what it lacked in size, it made up for in being clean, well-appointed, and amazing team members." – Standralyn, 5-star Google review
FAQ
Who can use Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto?
Anyone can use this Plaza Premium Lounge if they have a same-day boarding pass and pay the entry fee, show an eligible airport lounge membership, or present an eligible credit card. If you have a membership, you may have free entry passes. Otherwise, you'll pay $65.70 – $107.14, depending on how long you stay.
How much is Plaza Premium Lounge Toronto?
The entry fee for the Plaza Premium Transborder Lounge depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you're bringing children with you. For an adult, the cost ranges from $65.70 to $107.14 for 2 to 6 hours. Children under 2 are free. Older children are an exrra $46.01 – $75.06, depending on the length of stay.
Which lounge is better in Toronto Airport?
The most premium Plaza Lounge in Toronto, according to reviewers, is the Plaza Premium International Lounge in Terminal 3. As the newest lounge, it boasts wood accents, comfortable seating, and large bay windows, along with a full-service bar, showers, and a live cooking station.
Is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto worth it?
Yes, this lounge is worth a visit if your circumstances allow. You might be disheartened by the poor reviews from a few months ago, but it appears that management has responded to complaints about cleanliness, food quality, and wait times. Recent reviews suggest the lounge is comfortable and the staff is attentive.
What is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto's Terminal 1 like?
As another transborder lounge, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 1 of Pearson Airport in Toronto has a style similar to Terminal 3. That said, it's slightly larger – accommodating up to 66 guests at a time. This lounge also has shower facilities with complimentary shampoo, towels, and hair dryers.
What is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto's Terminal 3 like?
At only 2,000 square feet, the lounge in Terminal 3 is certainly snug. As you walk in, you'll see the dining area to your right, flanked by marble counters and metal dining tables. On your left is a seating area with soft chairs, tables, and lamps. There are only 2 washrooms.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 257 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 257 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.