Our Guide To The Plaza Premium Lounge In Vancouver (Domestic)

There are four Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver International Airport (YYZ), two of which are located in the Domestic Concourse. Although the lounge in Pier B boasts more amenities, you’ll probably be more comfortable at the café in Pier C, especially if you have a short layover.

To access the lounges, you’ll need a valid same-day boarding pass from any airline and a paid entry fee, membership, or premium credit card – preferably one of Canada's top cards for lounge access.

The article below serves as a guide, describing what this premium lounge is like, the best ways to access it, and whether it's the right choice for you as you travel.

To access the lounges, you’ll need a valid same-day boarding pass from any airline and a paid entry fee, membership, or premium credit card.

How to access the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver

^{The reception desk of the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier B. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge.}

There are 4 Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver International Airport. If your flight departs from the Domestic Concourse, you have a choice of 2 lounges:

• The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier B is located on Level 3 near Gate B15 and is open Monday – Sunday from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM PT.
• The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier C is located on Level 3 near Gate C29 and is open from Monday – Sunday from 6:45 AM – 8:30 PM PT.

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 Domestic Lounges in Piers B and C, you’ll need to pay:

You can save money by taking advantage of deals like:

• 20% off with a Smart Traveller digital membership
• Up to 40% 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 $155 – $295 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.

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 up to 44% 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. Once out of passes, lounge access costs $35 USD per 2-hour visit, saving you 38% on regular admission.

Credit cards with Plaza Premium Lounge access

Whether you prefer American Express, Mastercard, or Visa, you have several options for getting access to airport lounges with your credit card.

The easiest method is to flash a card with the Amex Global Lounge Collection, the Mastercard Travel Pass, or the Visa Airport Companion Program. Depending on how many complimentary visits remain on your card, you could get in for free.

Here are the premium credit cards in Canada you can use to get into the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver 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 USD 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 USD 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		6 ($32 USD per additional pass)

But even if you don’t get a free visit, cards like the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, and the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard have their place. All 3 include a free DragonPass membership, which you can use to enter the lounge for $32 USD – $35 USD per guest.

If you need a business credit card, check out The Business Platinum Card from American Express for unlimited access to Plaza Premium lounges, 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 Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge experience in Vancouver

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM PT (Pier B) OR Monday – Sunday from 6:45 AM – 8:30 PM PT (Pier C)

Location: Domestic Concourse, Pier B, Level 3, near Gate B15 OR Pier C, Level 3, near Gate C29

Maximum stay: 6 hours (Pier B) OR 2 hours (Pier C)

Payment forms accepted: Alipay, American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, WeChat Pay, Visa

Amenities:

• Accessible facilities and washrooms (Pier B only)
• Complimentary food and drink
• Complimentary house beer, wine, and liquor (hours vary; see dining section)
• Computer station (Pier B only)
• Fax machine, printer, and photocopier*
• Flight monitors
• Premium bar service*
• Public washroom (Pier C only)
• Shower* (Pier B only)
• Televisions with satellite broadcasts
• Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options available upon request
• Wi-Fi and charging stations

* Available at additional cost.

Atmosphere

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier B. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

There’s no way around it – the décor of the lounge in Pier B isn’t just dated, it’s worn out. Travellers complain of frequent over-crowding, noise, and a "pub-like" atmosphere, which isn’t helped by the prevalence of dark brown upholstery.

"Always extremely crowded and somewhat uncomfortable. Furniture needs to be replaced. Decent variety of food options though. The other Plaza Premium Lounge, a few minutes walk away, is much more comfortable and less crowded albeit very limited food options.” – 3-star Google review by Matt B.

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier C. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

The Plaza Premium location in Pier C is more current, but it’s less of a lounge and more of a café. Up to 36 guests can visit for up to 2 hours each, seated on the same level as the rest of the concourse and separated from general foot traffic by only a railing. On the plus side, there are plenty of opportunities for people-watching.

"Decent enough. Quiet space to relax and sufficient food and drink options. Nothing great but good enough. This Plaza Premium location is much more comfortable than the other one, a few minutes walk away; albeit with fewer food options.
Fantastic staff though. Very nice and always have a smile." – 3-Star Google review by Matt B.

Comfort

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier B. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

If you decide to visit, look for the large glass cylinder labelled "Plaza Premium Lounge" near Gate B15. After visiting the reception desk, take the spiral staircase or elevator upstairs to find a:

• Bar: The counter facing the entrance serves house beer, liquor, and wine, as well as premium spirits for a price, but you’ll probably have to enjoy your drink in another area.
• Dining Area: The largest section of the lounge is dominated by a food counter on one side and half-booth seating on the other. Longer tables in the middle bring the total count to 30-40 seats.
• Window seating area: About 30 sofa chairs with charging ports and overhead lamps overlook the rest of the airport.
• Work area: At the back of the lounge, workers will find a handful of semi-private cubicles just big enough to provide seating, table space, and power for one.

The washrooms are located in a hallway just off the dining area, while the showers are at the far end of the lounge. As previously mentioned, many traveller reviews warn the furniture is in bad repair.

"With a name like ‘Premium Lounges,’ one would expect good quality everything. These lounges are outdated and dirty. They need to be upgraded. Does not feel premium." – 3-Star Google review by Janette E.

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier C. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

You can see everything the café in Pier C has to offer from the doorway, including a:

• Dining area: Several pairs of grey chairs near the railing offer a noisy dining experience, but you can move to a 4-seater dining table in the middle if you’re lucky.
• Seating area: The "quietest" part of the café overlooks an entrance from a dozen sofa chairs with charging ports and lamps.

Despite the lack of a private washroom or shower, many reviewers enjoyed their experience due to the high quality of customer service.

"Very good express style lounge. Not a fancy operation but they're quick and friendly." – 5-Star Google review by Chris P.

Dining

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier B. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

Although the lounge in Pier B has a wider selection of food, it’s not much, consisting of 3 hot dishes, 2 soup tureens, and a small bar for cold dishes and salad. You can find desserts and fruit in a narrow fridge at the end of the counter, and self-serve drinks in the cabinet next to the hallway. The quality is average at best.

Keep in mind that alcohol is only served from 9:00 AM to close from Monday – Saturday, and 11:00 AM to close on Sunday. Depending on how many people are busy at the bar (and buffet), you may have difficulty making a request, especially if you require allergy-friendly food.

"Food was warm and that's about it, nothing special." – 3-Star Google review by David M.

^{The Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in Pier C. Image credit: Plaza Premium Lounge}

Although the food selection in the café in Pier C is smaller, many guests voiced their appreciation for the excellent staff. Considering its admission fee is the same as the larger lounge and alcohol service only begins at 9:00 AM, we can’t help but feel a little ripped-off.

"Lovisa was very pleasant and helpful in the lounge. I asked her if they had any more tiramisu. Other staff said no but she went out of her way checking every fridge and got some for my husband and me. So kind." – 5-Star Google review by Rebecca V.

Entertainment

There are TVs, public Wi-Fi, and a selection of e-newspapers available in both lounges. Neither one offers a children’s play area, which adds to the general noise.

Rules and restrictions

There’s a short list of DON’Ts to remember while visiting the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver:

• 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; make sure to call ahead if you’re travelling with a furry friend.

Are the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver worth it?

Neither of the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounges in Vancouver offers great value for money. If you must make a pit stop, it’s up to you to decide which downsides you can tolerate.

The lounge in Pier B has a larger floorplan and selection of food, but it’s frequently crowded and its worn furnishings negatively impact its comfort, to say nothing of hygiene. While the location in Pier C is little more than a café, it seems to offer friendlier service.

Unfortunately, the only other lounge in the Domestic Concourse – the Maple Leaf Lounge – is only open to customers of Air Canada. If you absolutely must make a stop, make it quick, make it at the café, and see if you can make it for free.

FAQ

Can anyone access the Plaza Premium Lounge?

To enter a Plaza Premium Lounge in Vancouver, you’ll need to present a boarding pass and an entry fee, a lounge membership, or a premium credit card.

Can you use the Plaza Premium Lounge on arrival?

Plaza Premium Lounges are only open to guests departing on a flight within 6 hours.

Which airlines are using Plaza Premium Lounge?

You can enter every Plaza Premium Lounge in Canada with a same-day boarding pass from any airline, plus an entry fee, lounge membership, or premium credit card.

Is Plaza Premium Lounge free for Amex?

Plaza Premium Lounge access is free and unlimited for American Express Platinum and Business Platinum credit cardholders. Scotiabank Amex cardholders can visit for free up to 10 times per year.

Can you shower at Vancouver airport?

There are 7 places to shower at Vancouver airport: the Pier B Plaza Premium and Maple Leaf lounges in the Domestic Concourse; the Cathay Pacific, SkyTeam, and Maple Leaf lounges in the International Concourse; and the Plaza Premium and Maple Leaf lounges in the US Transborder Concourse.