Bill W returns as a contributor to Rewards Canada today with his review of the Plaza Premium Lounge in Winnipeg! Bill is a true road warrior, his work has him driving and flying
across Western and Central Canada every week while staying in a variety
hotels from a variety of chains. Bill has been reading, following and
even giving Rewards Canada tips and updates for a very long time so let’s welcome him back with this contribution!
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) is very pleasant with a seating capacity of 110 persons. It is open air, meaning not totally secluded from the rest of the airport. You are able to hear the sounds from the Departures area, but it is quite muted and not at all disturbing to the relaxing atmosphere. Soft music plays in the background, and the level is just right, it does not interfere with conversations.
Related: Rewards Canada’s Guide to Business Class Lounge Access
Operating hours are 4:00 am – 10:00 pm Monday to Friday and 4:00 am -8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. The charge to enter the lounge varies with the length of time you will be staying. Cost per person is: 2 hours for $40.00, 3 hours for $50.00 and 6 hours for $70.00. You can also join Priority Pass for discounted Lounge access. They have 3 levels of membership that allow for different access privileges. Full information can be found on their website (link includes an exclusive Rewards Canada discount). In addition, various AMEX cards come with complimentary Priority Pass membership, though these can carry a substantial annual fee. The AMEX Aeroplan Reserve Card includes a complimentary Priority Plus membership (as well as worldwide Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge membership), with an annual fee of $899.00. The Platinum Card from American Express is another option which includes Priority Pass membership, the annual fee is $699. The Platinum Card has the Canadian Platinum Lounge benefit which grants complimentary access for the cardholder, spouse and two children under the age of 21, or one travel companion.
The food selection is respectable, this visit included butter chicken along with steamed vegetables and rice. They have also had meatballs in a mushroom sauce that is quite delicious. A good salad variety is available; coleslaw, potato salad, and Caesar salad along with beets and small buns. Soup is offered; the current selections were Clam Chowder and Chicken Noodle. In addition, they have an assortment of dessert items including Chococcino Mousse, Mangoccino Mousse and cookies. The self-serve fridge has a good choice of soft drinks, along with yogurt and sandwiches.
There are three TV’s above the bar showing News, Sports & Weather. The bar area is very well-stocked and the Bartender will be able to make virtually any drink that you may desire. There is also an Espresso machine where you can request your favorite coffee beverage.
While all food and drink is complimentary, there is a limit on alcoholic beverages. The allocation is 4 for a 2-hour stay and 6 for a 3-hour stay. If you wish to extend your stay, there is a $10.00 charge for a 1-hour extension.
The Business Centre is small (there are 2 computers available), but they also have five 4-seat tables (complete with electrical outlets) along the outside perimeter that are well-suited for use of personal laptops. In addition, there are 6 small cubicles (also with electrical outlets) if you would like some privacy while using your electronic devices. The majority of the seating area has access to electrical outlets so that you can be well-charged for your flight.
A selection of reading material is available, including The Winnipeg Free Press and the Globe & Mail along with half a dozen assorted magazines.
There is a Departures screen so that you can check the status of your flight, but no announcements are made in the lounge.
Washroom facilities are not provided, it is necessary to exit the lounge and use the public washrooms in the airport. These are located reasonably close by.
Overall, this is a very comfortable lounge. There did seem to be a bit of a wait to have used dishes cleared from the tables, but they also have an area where people can deposit the used dishes if they wish to clear the table themselves. It was about 50%-60% full on this visit, but it didn’t seem at all crowded. The lounge itself overlooks the arrivals area. I would recommend the Plaza Premium Lounge for anyone travelling through the Winnipeg airport. Unfortunately, it is not available for Transborder flights.
It is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and relax before taking to the skies once again. Bon Voyage!