The Plaza Premium Lounge network comprises over 250 airport lounges across 47 countries and territories worldwide, offering travellers relaxation and refreshment regardless of their chosen airline.
All you need to access a Plaza Premium Lounge is to pair your boarding pass with an entry fee, a membership card, or the right credit card – going with one from our list of the best airport lounge cards is the best way to maximize your experience.
Here, we review all the details of this lounge network, including what they offer, how to access them, and the pros and cons to consider before paying for a membership.
Key Takeaways
- There are over 250 Plaza Premium Lounges in airports across 47 countries worldwide, including 14 locations in Canada.
- All Plaza Premium Lounges offer complimentary beverages, food, entertainment, and seating.
- Plaza Premium Lounge admission fees in Canada range from $62 – $110 per adult traveller, $43 – $77 per child from 2 – 11, and $0 for children under 2.
- You can enter a Plaza Premium Lounge for free or at a reduced cost with a qualifying membership or credit card.
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What are Plaza Premium Lounges?
Plaza Premium Lounges are airport lounges owned and operated by the Plaza Premium Group (PPG). The PPG also runs the Plaza Premium First lounge network, the Aerotel hotel brand, various airport dining facilities, and the ALLWAYS VIP meet-and-greet service.
Altogether, the PPG provides airline-related services to over 20 million travellers each year.
Plaza Premium Lounge pros and cons
The Plaza Premium Lounge franchise boasts a 3-year winning streak at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in the "World's Best Independent Airport Lounge" category. Established in 1998, the PPG has had plenty of time to perfect the premium lounge experience.
The full list of Plaza Premium Lounge amenities in Canada includes:
| Common lounge amenities | Rarer lounge amenities |
|---|---|
| * Accessible washrooms * Baby changing stations * Business centres with desktop PCs, faxing, colour printing, and photocopying services * Complimentary newspapers, magazines, and live television broadcasts * Complimentary self-serve beverages and food * Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations * Dedicated luggage storage areas * Exit and re-entry privileges * Premium drink selections * Flight monitors * Vegetarian and gluten-free dining options | * Full-service bars * Family rooms with children's activities and play areas * Live cooking stations * Massages and manicures * Nursery rooms * VIP Rooms |
In addition, Plaza Premium Lounges have the following advantages:
- Accessibility: Plaza Premium Lounges are located worldwide and in every major airport in Canada.
- Affordability: Plaza Premium Lounge entry fees undercut the costs of booking a first-class ticket or qualifying for frequent flyer benefits programs.
- Family friendly: As long as they're accompanied by an adult, children enjoy discounted admission fees.
- Flexibility: Visitors can book a 2- to 6-hour visit ahead of time or walk in, no reservations required.
- Independence: Most lounges don't require a boarding pass from a specific airline to enter.
- Partnerships: From lounge passes to credit cards, there are plenty of ways to enjoy exclusive deals, discounts, and savings.
Of course, if the Plaza Premium Lounge collection were perfect, then you wouldn't need a guide. Here's how to deal with the disadvantages of visiting a Plaza Premium Lounge:
- Book ahead because the non-exclusive, first-come, first-served admission policy sometimes leads to crowds.
- Check the entry fees because not all locations cost the same.
- Hold onto your receipt because smoking isn't permitted in the lounge, so you'll need the receipt for re-entry.
- Leave your pets behind because Plaza Premium Lounges may not accept pets.
- Research the amenities because not every lounge offers the same services.
- Time your visit because every lounge has different opening hours, and the maximum stay is typically 3 hours with passes or up to 6 if you reserve online.
- Mind the small print because some Plaza Premium Lounges in association with airlines may have reserved times specific to airlines.
Which airports have a Plaza Premium Lounge?
There are over 250 Plaza Premium Lounges in airports in 47 countries and territories across the globe.
All 5 major international airports in Canada have at least 1 Plaza Premium Lounge, with adult admission prices starting at around $55 CAD for a 2-hour stay.
| Airport | Locations | Entry fees (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton (YEG) | * Domestic and International * US Transborder | * Adults (12+): Starting at $55.80 * Children (2 – 11): Starting at: $39.06 * Children under 2: Free |
| Montreal (YUL) | * International | * Adults (12+): Starting at $61.20 * Children (2 – 11): Starting at $42.84 * Children under 2: Free |
| Toronto (YYZ) | * Terminal 1 (Domestic, International, and US Transborder) * Terminal 3 (Domestic, International, and US Transborder) | * Adults (12+): Starting at $60.01 * Children (2 – 11): Starting at $42.01 * Children under 2: Free * Shower: $24.68 |
| Vancouver (YVR) | * Domestic Departures * Domestic Departures, Pier C * International * US Transborder | * Adults (12+): Starting at $55.72 * Children (2 – 11): Starting at $39 * Children under 2: Free |
| Winnipeg (YWG) | * Departures | * Adults (12+): Starting at $66.00 * Children (2 – 11): Starting at $46 * Children under 2: Free |
How to access Plaza Premium Lounges
Every Plaza Premium Lounge in Canada is located after airport security, which means you must have a same-day boarding pass to enter the appropriate terminal.
Once inside, there are 3 ways to enter a Plaza Premium Lounge:
- Pay the entry fee
- Present a valid membership card
- Present a premium credit card with lounge access
Method 1: Entry fee
If you travel regularly, Plaza Premium Lounge passes are sold in packages for varying numbers of visits, typically starting at 2 visits per pass, but there are also passes with up to 10 visits. Each visit is good for a maximum of 3 hours and the passes are valid for a period of 12 months.
Otherwise, you can book a single stay online or pay at the door – no reservations required. (However, keep in mind that it may be busy or full!)
But by taking the time to plan ahead, you could save up to 50% per visit. You can spend a pre-purchased pack of Plaza Premium Lounge Passes on visits for yourself, your family, or your fellow travellers in any combination and on any date. PPL passes are accepted at nearly every location and don't require a membership to purchase.
Method 2: Membership
There are 4 major airport lounge membership programs in Canada that offer discounted or free admission to the Plaza Premium Lounge network:
| Program | Annual fees | Benefits | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonpass | * Classic: $99 USD * Preferential: $259 USD * Prestige: $429 USD | * 1 free member pass * 8 free member passes * Unlimited member passes * Guests $35 USD each | All locations |
| LoungeKey | N/A – only offered through select payment cards | * Free member and guest passes depend on payment card | 63 (including all Canada and US locations) |
| Priority Pass | * Standard: $99 USD * Standard Plus: $329 USD * Prestige: $469 USD | * 0 free member passes * 10 free member passes * Unlimited member passes * Guests $35 USD each | 63 (including all Canada and US locations) |
| SmartTraveller | * Free | * 20% Off Plaza Premium Lounge admission | All locations |
Method 3: Credit card
The best credit cards with lounge access tend to be travel, business, or premium credit cards that offer tons of perks and benefits in exchange for high annual fees.
For example, World Elite Mastercards and Visa Infinite credit cards both include select benefits from DragonPass.
Every credit payment network in Canada offers a card that lets you enter the Plaza Premium Lounge of your choice at least once for free:
| Best Lounge Access Credit Cards | Pass Program | Free PPL Passes | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | Visa Airport Companion | Unlimited | $599 |
| The Platinum Card | Amex Global Lounge Collection | Unlimited | $799 |
| Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard | Mastercard Travel Pass | 6 | $495 |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | Mastercard Travel Pass | 4 | $150 |
FAQ
What is a Plaza Premium Lounge?
A Plaza Premium Lounge is a chain of lounges that can be found globally in 47 countries. Unlike some other airport lounges, you do not have to be flying with a specific airline to be able to use these lounges. You do, however, need a Lounge Pass to enter.
Who can use the Plaza Premium Lounge?
To use the lounge, you will need to have a Lounge Pass. Passes are included in some credit cards, but you can also buy passes online or even in person at the lounge, assuming there is room.
How much does access to a Plaza Premium Lounge cost?
Costs vary depending on the lounge and airport. In Canada, an adult pass starts at about $55 CAD for 2 hours. That said, be sure to check your desired lounge location to see an accurate price for entry.
How much is the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto?
Toronto has multiple Plaza Premium Lounges, with most starting at around $60 CAD per adult for 2 hours. Again, this price may vary.
Do you get free drinks in the Plaza Premium Lounge?
Yes – all Plaza Premium Lounges provide complimentary coffee, soft drinks, and tea, plus basic wine, beer, and spirits. Premium drinks are available at certain locations for an extra fee. Also, note that alcoholic beverages may only be available at certain hours.
Are Plaza Premium Lounges worth it?
Plaza Premium Lounges might be worth it depending on how you use them. If you are looking for a place to just sit and have a drink, then maybe not. But if you need a quiet place to do some work and have a meal, then lounge access could be a worthwhile option.
Can you tell me how to get complimentary lounge access?
There are several Canadian credit cards that offer complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge access. These include the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card, The Platinum Card, Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard, and BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.
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