Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge

Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge: A Practical Review

When your flight’s waiting time stretches out, a lounge can be a welcome retreat. For travelers departing from Edmonton International Airport, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers a chance to unwind, enjoy some food and drinks, and maybe catch up on work. Priced at around $60.01 per person, with booking typically made 106 days in advance, this experience lasts 3 to 6 hours—a generous window to relax before your flight.

What we like most about this lounge is its hot buffet and high-speed internet, perfect for those wanting a quiet spot away from crowded gate areas. We also appreciate the option to choose between a three-hour or six-hour package—giving you control over how long you want to indulge in comfort. On the downside, some reviews suggest that the overall experience can be inconsistent, with some travelers feeling the food and ambiance fall short of expectations. It’s best suited for frequent flyers, those with extra time, or anyone seeking a bit of peace before a flight.

Key Points

• Location & Access: Located in the restricted departure area, requiring passing through security and immigration.
• Comfort & Amenities: Offers comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, TV, newspapers, magazines, and shower facilities (except some international and US departures).
• Food & Drinks: Features a hot buffet, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages—though reviews vary on quality.
• Value & Booking: Costs about $60 per visit, with options for 3 or 6 hours; bookings are usually made months in advance.
• User Experience: Some guests rave about helpful staff and cleanliness, while others find the food lacking and the lounge outdated.
• Ideal For: Travelers seeking a peaceful, private space with basic amenities before their flight, especially if they value internet access or need to freshen up.

An In-Depth Look at Edmonton’s Plaza Premium Lounge

Location and Accessibility

Positioned within the departure level of Edmonton International Airport, the lounge is in the restricted area. This means you’ll need to pass through security and immigration first—something to keep in mind when planning your timing. Once inside, the lounge offers a quiet oasis, away from the hustle of the main terminal. However, since it’s tucked behind security, access is limited to ticketed passengers with a valid boarding pass.

Opening Hours and Suitability

The lounge operates daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM for domestic and international departures. Unfortunately, the U.S. departures section is temporarily closed at the time of review, which could be a drawback for those heading south. If you’re on an early or late flight, this operating window should be sufficient, but be aware that during busy times, access might be crowded or limited.

Booking and Cost Analysis

At $60.01 per person, the lounge might seem a bit pricey—especially compared to the free amenities in the terminal. But for travelers who value a bit of comfort, the cost could be justified. You’re paying for a dedicated space with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and the option to shower and work. Many travelers book their lounge access about 106 days in advance, indicating it’s a popular option for those planning ahead.

What to Expect Inside

Once inside, guests can expect high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the lounge, making it ideal for catching up on emails or streaming shows. The seating is generally comfortable, and TVs, newspapers, and magazines add to the relaxing atmosphere. Shower facilities are available, which can be a real perk after a long flight or before an onward journey—though some international and U.S. departures do not include showers.

Food and Beverage Offerings

The hot buffet is a central feature; however, reviews vary widely. Some guests enjoy the delicious food and tapas, while others find it lacking in variety and flavor. The beverages include both hot drinks and alcoholic options, but a few reviews mention that liquor is sometimes charged separately, which can be disappointing for those expecting all-inclusive service.

Service and Staff

Guests often comment on helpful and friendly staff who keep the lounge clean and attend to needs. Naomi, mentioned in one review, was praised for her friendly service, making some visitors feel truly welcomed. On the other hand, some reviews mention poor greeting or food that’s not served hot, so experiences can be inconsistent.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Comfortable seating and a peaceful environment
– Wi-Fi and workstations for those needing to stay connected
– Shower facilities available (except some departures)
– An option to pre-book for convenience

Cons:
– Some visitors find the food and drinks underwhelming, especially vegetarians or those expecting gourmet options
– The outdated ambiance and limited US departure access may disappoint frequent travelers
– Potentially crowded during peak times, reducing the sense of exclusivity

What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews paint a mixed picture. A few travelers praise the lounge for its cleanliness, helpful staff, and value for money—highlighting Naomi’s attentive service and the quiet atmosphere as major pluses. For example, one reviewer stated, “Naomi was great and made sure we had everything we needed,” which shows the importance of friendly staff in the experience.

Conversely, others felt the lounge had become “cheap” with less appealing food, especially on the domestic side, where some describe the offerings as “horrible” and “the same every time.” Some guests are also critical of the overall ambiance, describing it as old and dated, which can diminish the sense of luxury or modern comfort that many expect.

Final Thoughts on Value

Considering the price point, the value of this lounge hinges heavily on your expectations. If you’re looking for a quiet space with internet and a hot meal, you might find it adequate but not extraordinary. For travelers who prioritize good food and ambiance, it might be worth exploring alternative options or simply sticking with the terminal amenities.

Who Should Consider This Lounge?

This lounge is well-suited for business travelers, long-haul passengers, or those with early or late flights who want a peaceful, private space to relax or work. It’s a practical choice if you appreciate internet access and shower facilities and don’t mind the occasionally lackluster food offerings. If you’re looking for a luxury experience or gourmet dining, this probably isn’t the right spot.

In summary, if you value quiet, internet, and a shower, and you’re okay with the expense and potential inconsistencies, it can be a helpful addition to your Edmonton airport experience. But if you’re after a gourmet buffet or a modern, stylish environment, you might want to explore other options or enjoy the terminal’s restaurants instead.

FAQs

Is the Edmonton Plaza Premium Lounge accessible to all travelers?
No, access requires passing through security and immigration, and you need a valid boarding pass, making it mainly suitable for ticketed passengers.

Can I book the lounge in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 106 days in advance, which helps secure your spot and plan your travel schedule better.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers entry for 3 or 6 hours, with Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, hot buffet, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Shower facilities are available, but not on all departure types.

Are the food and drinks good?
Reviews are mixed—some guests enjoy the decent food and attentive service, while others find the offerings lacking flavor or variety and describe the ambiance as outdated.

What amenities are available?
Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, TV, magazines, newspapers, and shower facilities (except some international and US departures).

Is it worth the price?
It depends on your priorities. If a quiet space with internet and shower access is what you want, it can be worth the cost. For those expecting gourmet food or a modern setting, it might fall short.

In the end, the Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge offers a functional and quiet oasis for a select group of travelers. While it has its inconsistencies and some dated features, it can be a practical stop for those who value peace and amenities over luxury. We recommend weighing your own preferences against the reviews and considering whether the lounge’s strengths align with what you need for your journey.