Toronto Pearson Lounges: Air Canada vs Plaza Premium

During a recent stopover at Toronto Pearson Airport, a writer had the opportunity to visit two lounges in the domestic terminal. The Air Canada lounge and the Plaza Premium American Express lounge are both located on the same floor, just after clearing security. The writer accessed the airport directly from their hotel, the Sheraton Gateway.

At around 5am, the writer arrived at the Terminal 1 exit, where both lounges are situated. The Plaza Premium lounge is located on the third floor and had a relatively small number of people present. Upon entering, the writer noted that the lounge has several rooms to avoid the feeling of being in a 'hangar'.

The main room features an office corner close to the buffet, which was unexpected. The lounge offers a classic spread with hot dishes, although the writer did not eat during their visit. There's also a secondary kiosk with additional food options and a coffee machine. A third room in the lounge is a seating area overlooking the terminal.

After visiting the Plaza Premium lounge, the writer headed to the Air Canada lounge on the fourth floor. Due to some congestion in the elevator, they had to wait a few minutes for access. Once inside, the writer was greeted warmly by staff and appreciated the spacious atmosphere with large windows offering a view of the tarmac.

The buffet at the Air Canada lounge is similar to the Plaza Premium's but has a more diverse spread. Unlike the smaller lounge, there's no separation in the main room, which can make it feel less intimate. However, the writer noted that there are several areas within the lounge where one can find some quiet time.