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Review: Plaza Premium Lounge & Cathay Pacific – Vancouver YVR

Review: Plaza Premium Lounge & Cathay Pacific – Vancouver YVR

Note9/10

Lounge
Plaza Premium lounge and Cathay Pacific
Airport
Vancouver International Airport
Country
Canada
City
Vancouver
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As part of our #avgeeks trip celebrating milesopedia’s 2 year anniversary, we visited two of the lounges at Vancouver International Airport (YVR): the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Cathay Pacific airline lounge.

After returning our rental car, we quickly enter the airport. No need for a shuttle to the car rental center: it is connected to the terminal. Much appreciated!

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Vancouver International Airport – YVR

This Saturday at 6 pm, the international hall is rather deserted. Only the queue for a Sunwing flight to the South is very crowded.

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Vancouver International Airport – YVR

We love theold school billboards:

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Vancouver International Airport – YVR

Few people at the security which will be passed in 2 minutes. We can see that part of the Air Canada lounge is shown as being under renovation with a planned opening in the summer of 2017.

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Vancouver International Airport – YVR

We arrive in front of the Plaza Premium Lounge.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Vancouver Airport

This lounge is located in Hall D, after the security passage. It is accessible for holders of:

As anAmerican Express Platinum cardholder, I have a Priority Pass with a membership that offers unlimited entry for the cardholder AND one guest. My guest tonight will be Matthew! To see the other benefits of the Platinum card, please refer to this article!

Right next to the entrance, a small area is open to the terminal hall.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

Open from 8:00 am to 1:30 am (except Saturday: until midnight), this lounge can accommodate up to 180 people on a surface of 6,800 square feet.

This lounge has 4 seating areas, one of which is exclusively reserved for Air France KLM passengers.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

A nice view of the tarmac… and in particular the freight containers.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

There are 2 counters dedicated to food so you don’t have to walk through the living room to serve yourself. Several hot and cold choices are offered.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver
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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver
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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver
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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

The business center offers 4 computers and of course the lounge offers free WI-FI and magazines.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

What we particularly appreciated: the showers. These are located in the middle of the lounge and you must reserve your turn at the reception desk. There are also 3 rooms for resting opposite the showers.

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver
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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver
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Plaza Premium Lounge – Vancouver

This Plaza Premium lounge was only a short stop for us, the time to take a shower and a coffee! Indeed, we absolutely wanted to test the Cathay Pacific lounge which opens its doors at 8 pm.

We pass over the customs area fully equipped with machines. Something we would like to see more of in Montreal!

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The Cathay Pacific Lounge at Vancouver Airport

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

Access to the lounge is by elevator. To have access to it, you have to travel in business or first class cabin, which is our case today. The receptionist also makes sure that your reservation is correct (in this case she basically checks if the customs formalities for the United States have been completed).

We are the first to enter the Cathay Pacific lounge this evening. First impression: a really beautiful living room, whose materials make the space particularly warm. A series of photos to prove it to you:

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

Very appreciated: the seats facing the track, enough to satisfy our avgeek / spotter desires.

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

By the way, a small picture of Matthieu admiring Dreamliners and other British Airways A380s.

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Matthieu… and spotting with a glass of champagne in hand.

These green cube chairs also provide privacy.

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

I think you now understand our desire to « stay » in this lounge rather than the previous Plaza Premium.

Also, 3 Mac workstations are available:

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

It doesn’t stop there. A small buffet of cold dishes (mainly cold cuts / cheeses / raw vegetables):

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

But what makes this show different from the others is its catering part, with the « Noodle Bar ».

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

A small restaurant integrated into the lounge, you can help yourself to strong alcohols (including champagne).

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

And ask for Asian dishes:

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

After dinner, we watched the landing of our flight from Hong Kong HKG to New York JFK.

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR
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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

All this accompanied, of course… a glass of champagne!

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Cathay Pacific Lounge – Vancouver YVR

These cards provide access to Priority Pass. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of each card, as the American Express Platinum card – the most expensive – is the only card that offers unlimited Priority Pass lounge access to the cardholder AND a guest.

Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

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Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$921
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$771Annual fee rebated$150Total$921Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 115,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Ends Nov 30, 2026
Apply Now

on BMO's website

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is one of the best World Elite Mastercard travel rewards credit cards in Canada. With our welcome offer, you can get up to 115,000 BMO Rewards points, for a total value of up to $1,900, including up to $200 in Instacart benefits.

Plus, there’s no annual fee in the first year for the primary cardholder and additional cardholders, and you benefit from a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% balance transfer fee).

With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you get:

  • 5 points per dollar on eligible travel*
  • 3 points per dollar on eligible dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments*
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases*

The card also offers:

  • 4 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass*
  • comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage up to $5 million for 21 days*
  • A NEXUS statement credit in the first year*
  • Up to $200 in Instacart benefits*
  • Six months of Instacart+ membership plus a monthly $10 Instacart credit with an eligible card*

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xTravel
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xBills & recurring payments
  • 3xEntertainment
  • 3xTelecom
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,249
2nd Year Value$289

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Go further with airport VIP lounges

To access VIP lounges without paying $50 each time, check our complete guide on free airport lounge access and our best credit cards for airport VIP lounges ranking, updated monthly by the Milesopedia team.

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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