I had the opportunity to visit the relatively new Toronto YYZ Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3) before embarking on my eight day three country tour. As I was flying Etihad Airways in Business Class, I was delighted to receive complimentary 3-hour access to the lounge which is located near Gate C32 on the AT level.
Additional posts from my whirlwind 8 day tour of Asia:
- Redemption Stories: Maximizing Aeroplan Points and Marriott Bonvoy Rewards for Luxury Travel to Three Countries in Asia
- Flight Review: Etihad Airways Business Class – Toronto (YYZ) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
I took the elevator up to the lounge floor and when I entered the lounge, I was greeted by two courteous desk attendants who scanned my boarding pass and directed me toward the left side of the lounge. This Plaza Premium Lounge is separated into two lounges, one that is specific for British Airways Business Class passengers to the right (further reading: The new Toronto Plaza Premium lounge has a dedicated area for British Airways) and the other, to the left, for passengers flying with all other airlines.
Entrance
As I was flying with Etihad Airways, I received access to the part of the lounge for all the other airlines. Stepping into the lounge, I was welcomed into a spacious and inviting area. The bar was conveniently positioned near the entrance, while the food section was in towards the back. The lounge boasted an open layout, with large windows providing captivating views of planes taking off and landing — a delightful sight!
View from the lounge
At first glance, the lounge appears to be quite spacious. However, there was a section of the lounge that is blocked off by barriers, making it feel considerably smaller.
British Airways Section
It is worth noting that finding available seating in the lounge can be challenging during busier periods. The limited seating options may become fully occupied as the lounge fills up, leaving guests with limited room to sit and relax. However, despite this potential inconvenience, the lounge caters to different needs with designated dining and relaxation areas.
An aspect of this lounge that particularly stood out to me, and one that more lounges should consider, especially with the increasing number of leisure travelers accompanied by their families, is a dedicated space for children. In this lounge, located towards the back, is an area specifically designed to entertain and engage kids. It provides them the freedom to play, offering a variety of toys, a television, and engaging activities to keep them occupied and entertained throughout their time in the lounge. This thoughtful inclusion ensures families have a more enjoyable and relaxing experience while travelling.
Kids Playroom
Regarding the food offerings, this lounge’s food surpasses the standards other Canadian lounges have set. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the meals provided. The lounge presented an impressive selection of hot dishes, including a made-to-order grilled cheese sandwich, flavourful soups, fresh salads, and a delicious dessert bar. The overall quality of the food was notably higher than what I experienced at the Vancouver Plaza Premium Lounge (US Departures).
In addition to the tasty food options, the lounge excelled in its beverage offerings. Many self-serve drink options were available, ranging from refreshing sodas to various juices and teas. Guests could help themselves and enjoy their preferred beverage in the lounge.
The bar area in the lounge was efficiently staffed with knowledgeable bartenders who skillfully crafted specialty alcoholic drinks. These drinks were complimentary for guests, although there were additional charges for certain specialty beverages*. The staff working at the bar were friendly and attentive, even during the busier periods when I visited the lounge. They efficiently catered to the guests’ needs, ensuring a pleasant experience while enjoying their preferred drinks.
* You can use points earned from Plaza Premium’s Smart Traveller loyalty program (Free to join) to redeem for those specialty beverages: Loyalty Lesson: Earn points on your airport lounge visits – even if they’re free from your credit card
Bar Area
Drink Menu
There was an optional paid shower facility, but what sets the Plaza washroom apart from other lounges is its remarkable cleanliness and bright ambiance.
Men’s Washroom
Wrapping it up
Overall, my visit to the lounge was pleasant. However, during peak hours, the place was overcrowded and finding a seat to relax was challenging. At one point, they restricted entry to only business class passengers, and the entrance fee can be quite expensive without complimentary or discounted lounge access with your credit card.
Click here to learn more about the Toronto YYZ Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3)