The Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is a convenient resting area located in the Domestic/International Departure zone, near Gate 5.
While it's certainly a comfortable spot, we recommend skipping this lounge unless you have free access. Even if you have a top-tier lounge access credit card and free entry to this area, you'll be disappointed if you're there for food. It isn't worth the price of admission, whatever that price may be.
The following guide explains our reasons for saying this and can help you decide whether membership and/or entry is worth it for you.
Key Takeaways
- Travellers from any airline may enter the Plaza Premium Lounge in the Departure Zone from 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM CT daily.
- You can buy a 2 – 6-hour lounge pass for $65 – $118 CAD per adult and $46 – $83 CAD per child (2 – 11).
- DragonPass and Priority Pass members can access the Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge by using a complimentary visit or paying $32 – $35 USD.
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How to access the Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg
There’s just one Plaza Premium Lounge in the Winnipeg Richardson Airport (YWG), located in the Domestic/International Departure zone near Gate 5. Unfortunately, travellers flying to the US are not permitted to enter.
You’ll need to present a valid, same-day domestic or international boarding pass issued by any airline at the front desk 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 lounge, you’ll need to pay:
| Guest age | 2 hours | 3 hours | 6 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $65.42 CAD | $79.84 CAD | $118.27 CAD |
| Child (2 – 11) | $45.78 CAD | $55.83 CAD | $82.77 CAD |
| Child under 2 | Free | Free | Free |
But you can save money with deals like:
- 10% off online bookings
- 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 form, 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 $32 – $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
No matter your preferred credit card issuer, you have several options for getting access to airport lounges with your credit card.
The cheapest method is to flash a card with the Amex Global Lounge Collection, 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 that you can use to get into the Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg at no cost:
| 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 |  $150 GeniusCash + Up to 100,000 115,000 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 | $80 GeniusCash + 50,000 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 | None | 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, 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 Winnipeg Plaza Premium Lounge experience
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM CT
Location: Domestic/International Departures, near Gate 5
Maximum stay: 6 hours
Payment forms accepted: Alipay, American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, WeChat Pay, Visa
Amenities:
- Accessible facilities
- Complimentary food and drink
- Complimentary beer and wine from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM CT
- Flight monitors
- Full-service bar and premium drinks*
- Newspapers and magazines
- PC Workstations
- Printing and photocopying services*
- Televisions with satellite broadcasts
- Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options available upon request
- Wi-Fi and charging stations
* Available at an extra charge
Atmosphere
The recently renovated Winnipeg Plaza Premium Lounge accommodates up to 100 guests in a small but warm and comfortable space. Patrons can take a seat on the sofa furniture and look out over the rest of the terminal through the windows lining the far wall. We wouldn’t call the design inspired, but it’s certainly not dated.
"Very small with few food options. Worth it maybe if you have a pass. Very clean." —Varun, 3-star Google review
Comfort
The Winnipeg lounge is open-concept; you can see everything on offer just by craning your neck around the doorway. Pass the reception desk and you’ll find:
- Reception tables: A few 4-seater dining tables with an integrated overhead light and electrical outlets provide guests with a flexible seating area near reception.
- Cubicles: Catch up on some work in one of 6 hexagonal, semi-private cubicles each with a small table, light, seat, and electrical outlet inside.
- Bar: The focal point of the lounge is a long grey marble bar with counter seating for 6.
- Dining tables: A series of 3-seater tables near the bar and self-serve buffet provide guests a space to dine.
- Terminal view lounge area: About 10 rows of brown sofa lounge chairs with lamps, side tables, and integrated electrical outlets command the glass wall at the back of the lounge.
- PC workstations: Follow the glass wall to the right to find a small desk with 2 PC workstations.
Unfortunately, the Winnipeg Plaza Premium Lounge is too small to have its own washroom so make sure to visit the airport facilities before entering.
"Really good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport(s) and comfortable seating and lighting… I don’t go to WestJet or AirCanada lounges anymore, Plaza Premium is the way to go… It’s worth the cost, especially if it’s a long trip." —Rita, 4-star Google review
Dining
The lounge’s best feature is a long marble bar stocked with complimentary house beer and wine and premium drinks and spirits at a cost. Be warned: alcohol service doesn’t start until 9:00 AM CT.
To the right of the bar is a self-serve buffet outlined in white subway tile. "Buffet" might be an overly generous term as there’s little room for anything else than a couple of hot dishes, a few salad bowls over ice, and a coffee and soda machine.
It’s fortunate the Winnipeg lounge is rarely busy or its service might suffer as much as its selection.
"Pretty good customer service but the food option is limited, especially after the pandemic. Not recommended unless you have unlimited access." —Jasper, 3-star Google review
Entertainment
Guests can watch 3 TVs behind the bar and 1 TV in the terminal view lounge area, plus enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines during their visit. If you brought your own device, you should have no trouble finding an outlet or charging station.
Rules and restrictions
The Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg advises guests to remember the following rules:
- 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 be sure to call ahead if you’re travelling with a furry friend.
Is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg worth it?
The Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg can satisfy the weary traveller’s need for quiet, cleanliness, and relaxation but you can chalk that up to the lack of traffic in the terminal rather than the lounge’s design. The quantity and quality of food in the lounge is particularly disappointing – guests who pay the admission fee are receiving little more than a rented armchair for a few hours.
We recommend skipping the lounge unless you can visit for free or you desperately need a sofa chair.
"Typical Plaza Premium Lounge. Nothing special: the typical bland food Plaza has become known for over the past few years. The bar had run out of liquor when I was there, forcing you to pay for premium drinks if you wanted anything. It's a small space with no bathroom, but it didn't seem cramped." —Bobby, 2-star Google review
FAQ
Can anyone access Plaza Premium Lounges?
Plaza Premium Lounges are open to travellers from any airline and with any class of airfare. Guests must present a boarding pass and either an entry fee, premium credit card, or DragonPass or Priority Pass membership to enter.
Does the Winnipeg airport have a lounge?
The Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) has two lounges: a Plaza Premium Lounge near Gate 5 and a Maple Leaf Lounge near Gate 9.
Do you get free drinks in the Plaza Premium Lounge?
Plaza Premium Lounges provide guests with unlimited hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks; self-serve coffee, soft drinks, and tea; and a selection of house beer, spirits, and wine. Some locations also offer premium drinks and spirits for sale.
Is there a dress code for Plaza Premium Lounge?
There is no official dress code in Plaza Premium Lounge, but guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for a public and family-friendly space.
How long can I sit in the airport lounge?
Some airport lounges restrict guests to a 3-hour visit before their flight, but you can buy a 2, 3, or 6-hour pass to any Plaza Premium Lounge.
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