A look inside Plaza Premium Lounge at YYZ T1
Natural light coming into the lounge is one of the major highlights of the renovated lounge in YYZ T1
As part of its Canadian expansion, Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) announced two updates to its hospitality airport services with the opening of newly renovated lounges in Terminal 1 Domestic Departures at Toronto Pearson International Airport and at Vancouver International Airport servicing US departures this week. The newly renovated lounges arrived just as PPL sees a 570 percent increase in its airport lounge services across its Canadian network as compared to November 2021, according to the November 24 release.
“We are excited to unveil these newly renovated lounges at a time when travelers need it the most,” said Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Operations for Plaza Premium Group, in the November 24 release. “The mission of Plaza Premium has always been to offer guests an elevated and comfortable airport experience no matter their ticket status and with the reopening of our T1 Domestic and US Transborder lounges, this will help us to further democratize the airport lounge experience for those traveling to and through Canada’s largest cities.”
A view from inside the renovated T1 Domestic Lounge at YYZ
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Renovated T1 Domestic Lounge has expanded to more than 4,900 square feet and can now seat up to 120 guests. Comfortable sofas and leather-covered swivel chairs provide a relaxing environment while plush carpeting, soft lighting and high-end design features present a warm and inviting environment. There are also Dyson air purifiers in the space.
“It’s always a pleasure to work with like-minded partners, and Plaza Premium’s focus on the passenger is on full display in its newly renovated lounge at Toronto Pearson,” said Ian Clarke, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Head of Commercial and Business Partnerships at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “Just in time for the traditionally busy holiday travel season, Plaza Premium’s new lounge is a welcomed addition to Toronto Pearson that will contribute strongly to our end goal of continually elevating the passenger experience.”
Ian Clarke, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Head of Commercial and Business Partnerships at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (left) and Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Operations for Plaza Premium Group (right). Photo credit: Stephanie Philp
Passengers visiting the lounge will receive premium hospitality services and amenities such as Wi-Fi, charging stations, flight information displays, television services, a shower room, baby changing stations and more. The T1 Domestic Lounge at YYZ is the first in the lounge network to offer travelers the opportunity to upgrade their entry fee to gain access to a newly added exclusive VIP area. This new service located in the lounge will provide guests with their very own private oasis by reserving a dedicated seating area that includes elevated privacy thanks to elegant partitions and dividers, special snacks, premium beverages selection, shower access and a dedicated bar. The new VIP service can be added to a guest’s entry fee for as little as CAD $19.99 (USD $14.95), the release said.
PAX International staff visited the lounge on November 23. In attendance were Spa Manager Meme Bounpraseuth, Plaza Premium Group’s Operations Manager Von Mabazza and Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Operations for Plaza Premium Group.
In a one-on-one interview with PAX International during the event, Bélanger said that the terminal one lounge is “a key lounge in the system” due to its prime location. “You turn right after security: and it’s right there,” he said.
During the interview, Bélanger mentioned that the windows in the T1 lounge were less of a feature before the refurbishment. Now, natural light coming into the lounge is one of the major highlights. There are many seats that face the tarmac directly.
“This is not an exclusive, invite-only lounge,” Bélanger says. No matter if guests enter as credit card holders or purchase a pass, every traveler will receive the same “friendly, premium service.”
Plaza Premium Group’s Operations Manager Von Mabazza. Photo credit: Stephanie Philp
At the launch event, Plaza Premium Group’s Operations Manager Von Mabazza told PAX International that “It’s nice to welcome people to a lounge you know you are proud of.”
Guests can now indulge in a wide variety of cuisines, from Asian to American, through dishes crafted to perfection. Plaza Premium Lounge offers all guests the experience to enjoy freshly made meals while catering to all dietary choices upon request such as vegetarian, gluten-free, a dedicated kids menu and more, according to the release. All guests visiting the lounge will receive complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks and have the opportunity to browse through a selection of house beer and wine. While visiting the full-service bar, travelers can also indulge with a Premium Pour menu that includes delicious signature cocktails.
Spa Manager, Meme Bounpraseuth. Photo credit: Stephanie Philp
YVR Vancouver Renovated US Transborder Lounge
The newly renovated lounge in the US Transborder Terminal has been expanded to accommodate 132 guests, double the amount based on its previous layout thanks to an additional 2,000 square feet.
A view of the entrance at the renovated lounge in the US Transborder Terminal
Upon entering, the new lounge offers a restorative environment with the help of a contemporary and refined design featuring clean-lined wood paneling, soft neutral tones, and forest green accents to reflect the natural environment of Vancouver. Unique screen partitions, a feature ceiling over the bar and unique light fixtures add a touch of brass, elevating the space to exude refined luxury. A thoughtful floor plan design of the main lounge has a variety of zones, including a dining area, as well as a lounge area and bar, creating a natural focal point for the space. Clusters of lounge seating are spaciously located, offering guests a non-intrusive atmosphere and a sense of privacy. New amenities include a nursing room along with added shower rooms, a full-service bar featuring premium drink offerings and an updated dining menu.
In keeping with Vancouver’s green initiatives, sustainability has been carefully woven throughout every aspect of the design approach. Locally sourced reclaimed and FSC-certified wood products are used throughout the space, as well as upholstery and solid surface countertop materials containing recycled materials, the release said.
Hours of operation:
YYZ Toronto Pearson Renovated T1 Domestic Lounge 5:30 am - 8:30 pm daily
YVR Vancouver Renovated US Departures Lounge 5:00 am - 8:00 pm daily
YVR Vancouver Root 98 Restaurant 5:00 am - 8:00 pm daily
A view of the bar at the YYZ T1 bar in the renovated lounge
The Plaza Premium Network in Canada
The new YYZ lounge joins the existing network of Plaza Premium Lounges in Ontario and is the 6th full-service lounge in Toronto. With additional lounges located across Canada in Vancouver (YVR), Edmonton (YEG), Montreal (YUL) and Winnipeg (YWG); Plaza Premium Lounge is continuing to serve its mission of “making travel better” with accessible airport lounges available to all types of travelers, regardless of flight class.
The brand has been awarded the “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” for five consecutive years from 2016 to 2021 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Travelers can save up to 50 percent off Canadian and global lounge access with PPL’s new collection of Holiday Passes.
