At Vancouver International Airport, there are only two options for lounges in the domestic terminal. If you're not flying on Air Canada then you really only have one option: The Plaza Premium Lounge. For anyone interested in checking it out, here's a review!

Arrival and reception

For most people arriving at the airport, you'll be directed to the appropriate security check-point for your non-Air Canada domestic flight. The lounge is conveniently located immediately after that checkpoint.

Lounge entry is standard. You'll need to show your boarding pass and have a method of payment or Priority Pass in my case. If you have an American Express Platinum card (but didn't enroll in the Priority Pass benefit it comes with) then you can still get in with your Amex card.

Being an early Tuesday morning there wasn't a line-up and I made it in fairly quickly.

Looking down on to the lounge reception desk. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

Seating and space

It's not the largest lounge nor does it feel too small. I'm sure at a peak travel time the place would be quite full. In the space, there are several seating options including restaurant-style tables and chairs, lounge seating, workstations as well as bar-height tables and chairs. Charging ports/electrical outlets are installed throughout the lounge, in between the chairs and tables.

The main seating area. Plenty of seats on a Tuesday morning. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
Computer workstations are available for guests. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
The separate bar area of the lounge. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

The food

Food and beverages are pretty good. On this particular trip, it was breakfast time and the hot food options were as follows:

  • Cheese omelet
  • Sausage
  • Pancakes
  • Chicken noodle soup
  • Cream of broccoli soup

It's been awhile since I was in this lounge at other times of the day. However, I recall that pasta and rice have been served for other meals.

A plate of the hot meal options. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
Cream of Broccoli soup. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
Chicken Noodle soup. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

For cold options, there was yogurt, cereal, fruit (apples, oranges, bananas), snack vegetables, and a salad bar.

Cereal and toast - the staples of a western breakfast. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
Fresh vegetables for snacking. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying
The salad bar options. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

Beverages

Alcohol is only available after 11 am. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

You won't be able to get any alcohol before 11 AM, but outside of that, there are a few options available. Not being much of a drinker I can't really comment on how good or bad the alcoholic beverage selection is. You can see it below:

The alcohol list. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

As for non-alcoholic beverages, there is the standard coffee machine and selection of teas. There is also a juice machine dispensing apple, orange, or cranberry juice. For canned drinks, it's a Pepsi Co. selection - 7-Up, Pepsi, etc..

Canned beverages. Sorry Coke fans - it's a Pepsi lounge! Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

Conclusion

The main seating area. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

I went to the YVR Domestic Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge once. During that one visit, it was quite busy, but I imagine most major businesses choose Air Canada to fly their employees, which can really fill up their lounge at peak periods. I think a great advantage of the Plaza Premium lounge is that it's generally quieter.

The lounge is comfortable, well-designed, and provides a fairly decent selection of food and beverages. If you have a Priority Pass, a Westjet voucher, or just want to treat yourself, you should definitely check this place out!

A wide shot of the food and beverage counter. Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying