Vancouver Welcomes North America’s First Plaza Premium First Lounge

Travelers passing through Vancouver International Airport (YVR) now have access to an elevated pre-flight experience with the unveiling of Plaza Premium Group‘s (PPG) latest creation: a dual-concept lounge facility.

The newly launched space includes North America’s first Plaza Premium First (PPF) and a reimagined Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL), offering separate experiences tailored to a variety of travelers.

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

This new flagship facility in Vancouver marks a significant milestone for PPG, hoping to set a new standard for luxury and comfort in airport lounges.

First Dual-Concept Lounge in North America

Situated in YVR’s International Terminal, the lounge spans nearly 1,000 square meters and accommodates up to 251 guests. Travelers can choose between the exclusive Plaza Premium First, designed for privacy and luxury, or the Plaza Premium Lounge, which caters to families, business travelers, and leisure passengers.

Photo: Vancouver International Airport. Courtesy of Tomas Williams / Unsplash

“The launch of our new flagship lounge at Vancouver International Airport marks a significant milestone for Plaza Premium Group,” said Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of the Americas at PPG. “We are thrilled to introduce Plaza Premium First to North America, offering travelers an unparalleled level of luxury and personalized service that sets a new standard in airport hospitality.”

This facility is the third dual-concept lounge PPG has introduced, following successful launches in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

Inside the Lounge

The renewed Plaza Premium Lounge comes with an array of features designed to enhance the passenger experience.

Taking inspiration from British Columbia’s natural beauty, the lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views, intricate wallpaper, and a calming color palette.

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

Artwork by local artist Ken Prescott adds a cultural touch, and the culinary offerings celebrate the region’s flavors through PPG’s Global Proudly Local initiative.

“Vancouver is a city rich in culture and natural beauty, and we are proud to reflect that in our new lounge,” added Bélanger. “By integrating local art, cuisine, and design elements, we offer our guests a true taste of what makes this city unique.”

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

At the heart of the lounge, travelers can find interactive live cooking stations that showcase seasonal menus, ranging from a noodle bar, a pasta bar brimming with fresh ingredients, and a unique signature poutine station.

Photo: Poutine Station. Courtesy of PPG

For families traveling together, the lounge offers a welcoming and comfortable environment, similar to the dedicated family area found in its flagship lounge at Orlando International Airport. This family-friendly space allows parents and children to relax and enjoy their time together.

Passengers may request board games for quality family interaction, while a private “Mama’s Room” is thoughtfully designed to accommodate nursing mothers, offering them privacy and comfort.

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

The self-service bar is a highlight, featuring a carefully curated selection of locally sourced wines, craft beer from British Columbia, refreshing soft drinks, and various spirits.

Additionally, the lounge offers shower facilities for those wishing to freshen up before or after their flights. For a fee of CAD $25, passengers can enjoy a revitalizing shower experience, perfect for reenergizing during travel.

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

The PPG lounge in Vancouver also comes with sustainability-focused initiatives integrating Ocean Wise-certified seafood into its offerings, reduces single-use plastics, and includes a range of vegetarian and vegan options.

This approach ensures that while passengers indulge in comfort and luxury, you are also making eco-conscious choices.

Plaza Premium First

Officially opening on December 2, 2024, this brand-new space — and a first for the North American market — aims to cater to premium travelers who value luxury and privacy.

Photo: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

The new PPG First provides an intimate and upscale experience for travelers seeking of exclusivity. With seating for 115 guests, the lounge features a gourmet menu that includes à la carte options such as Crab Omelette and Vegan Thai Curry, complemented by a premium buffet.

Photo: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

Guests can also enjoy a full-service bar offering a curated selection of fine wines, champagne, and handcrafted zero-waste cocktails.

Photo: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

The lounge boasts spa-like amenities to enhance comfort and rejuvenation, including complimentary showers and private relaxation areas where travelers can recharge before their flights.

Photo: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

“I am pleased to welcome the first North American location of the Plaza Premium First lounge – the fifth of its kind globally, and a great addition to the travel experience at YVR,” said Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancouver International Airport.

Access and Availability

Both lounges are accessible to all travelers, regardless of airline or class. Prices start at CAD $69 for a two-hour visit to PPL and CAD $110 for PPF (tax excluded).

Guests can book in advance online or walk in. A limited-time promotion offers a 30 percent discount for companions booking PPF access online.

Photo: Plaza Premium First, YVR. Courtesy of PPG

Nestled in the International Terminal, the lounge is located between Gate D67 and D68 on Level 4. Open seven days a week, it welcomes travelers from 6:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. PST.

Growth Opportunity in North America

With over 100 accolades, including eight consecutive wins for “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” by Skytrax, Plaza Premium Group continues to set benchmarks for airport hospitality. However, its footprint in the U.S. continues to be small.

While PPG boasts a robust global presence with over 1,400 lounges, the group operates only two lounges in the United States: Dallas/Ft. Worth and Orlando International, leaving significant room for growth in this competitive market.

Photo: Plaza Premium Lounge, Orlando. Courtesy of Plaza Premium Group

Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice President of the Americas at PPG, shared with Business Traveler in 2023: “We’re actively seeking opportunities in airports where demand aligns with our customer base,” he said, highlighting PPG’s focus on entering key U.S. markets where its innovative offerings can thrive.

In the meantime, with the opening of its dual-concept lounge in Vancouver, PPG sets a new standard for airport hospitality in North America. As it seeks to expand its presence in the United States and beyond, the group remains committed to delivering unparalleled luxury, sustainability, and local flavor to travelers around the globe.