Review: Plaza Premium and Air Canada Lounges at Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
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During our stopover in Toronto, we were able to visit the two lounges in the domestic terminal: the Air Canada lounge and the Plaza premium American Express lounge.
It is very early, a little after 5am, when we access terminal 1 directly from our hotel, the Sheraton Gateway, which we will review soon. The hotel is located in Terminal 3 and an automated train shuttle takes a few minutes to reach Terminal 1. The passage to the security posts is very fast. We arrive in front of the screen which confirms us that our flight is on time.
Both lounges are located in the same area at the exit of the security posts. Plaza Premium, which is also an American Express lounge, is on the 3rd floor.
American Express Toronto Pearson Plaza Premium Lounge
As Jean-Maximilien points out in his review of the lounges at Vancouver airport, the American Express Platinum card allows access to the Plaza Premium lounges also found at Pearson. It is also a Priority Pass lounge. The entry formalities are done in a few minutes. I had already visited this lounge during a stopover on my way back from Cuba with Air Canada.
This living room is divided into several rooms, which avoids the “hangar” side that some places can have. It has an “office” corner which is surprisingly close to the buffet. We would have imagined a place a little more isolated.
On the left a first room with some chairs,
At the back of the main hall there is a buffet with a classic offer but also some hot dishes. We were just passing through and did not eat anything, but on my previous visit in October the food was satisfactory.
The third and largest room in the lounge is a lounge area with chairs overlooking the terminal.
There is another office area at the back which is more isolated and therefore quieter from the rest of the living room.
There is also a secondary kiosk with some food and a coffee machine.
Here are some pictures of the main room.
Air Canada Toronto Pearson Lounge
After this visit, we go to the 4th floor which hosts the Air Canada lounge. This is the first time this has happened to us but we had to wait in line in the elevator with two other travelers! 2 minutes later, it is 5:15, the opening time of the show.
Being the main hub of Air Canada the lounge has a good surface. It is also very well exposed with large windows and a beautiful view of the tarmac. A warm welcome in French and we are admitted.
We go to the buffet to take a light breakfast, we keep some place for the meal during the flight.
The buffet is also quite classic although with a more diversified offer than at the Plaza Premium.
Unlike the Plaza Premium Lounge, the Air Canada Lounge is larger but without much separation.
On the opposite side of the main buffet there is a dining area with tables.
But also high tables. At this time of the day there is hardly anyone in the living room.
After a small moment of rest in the lounge to finish our lunch we go to the boarding gate of our flight. A second flight in 787-9 after the one of the day before but this one will be longer. So you can enjoy it a lot more!
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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.
