Plaza Premium Founder Song Hoi See with PR Manager Mei Mei Song
Marilyn Shalma, New Wave Travel;
Judy Chuntz, Now Destinations; &
Helen Awakimiam, Sahara Travel
Mayor Hazel McCallion
A bubbly reception
It was so, so tempting. After all, you had to go through airport security. Then enter the calm elegance of the newest Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 3. It was almost enough to tempt you to hop on a plane and actually go somewhere.
Alas, it was not to be. An impressive swathe of the industry’s movers and shakers were there, and all in the same boat - so to speak - as we helped Song Hoi See, the company’s founder and CEO, inaugurate his newest upscale airport lounge. The 6th at YYZ (1 each at Terminal One’s international, transborder and domestic areas and now one in T3’s domestic and 2 in the international area), it’s also the largest airport lounge in Canada at an impressive 6,200 sq. ft. In Canada, Plaza Premium also operates at YVR and YEG.
The company has an interesting history. As Mr. Song explained to us, he used to be a banker, travelling the world business class. When he left that world behind and started travelling in lowly Y class, “stealing electricity in public areas” was the only way he could keep his laptop fired up. “I thought this isn’t right! Travel should be a lifestyle!” And, former banker that he is, he crunched the numbers and concluded that if 15% of the world flyers are in the business class lounges, that left 85% who aren’t.
The company started with their 1st pay-as-you-go lounge at HKG and have not looked back: today there are 102 lounges worldwide and some airlines such as CX “farm out” their Biz class pax to Plaza Premium. Rates start at $35 for a 2 hr. stay.
Included are services such as hot and cold light food; beer, wine and liquor; a generous magazine rack; shower facilities and private meeting areas. And a million dollar view of the runway.
Guest speakers for the opening ceremonies included the ever-feisty Mayor of Mississauga, 92 yr. old Hazel McCallion who got a round of friendly applause when she welcomed us to “Mississauga International Airport”.
Next up? There are 13 more lounges in the pipeline. I plan to visit as many as possible to relax in style before an actual flight!
