One of the hidden gems of Toronto Pearson Airport’s lounge world is the KLM Crown Lounge and I recently got to spend some time enjoying its facilities. Here is the Midlifer’s Review of the KLM Crown Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Table of Contents
Background to my KLM Crown Lounge in Toronto Visit
I was travelling to Asia on a work trip and I was flying with Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong based carrier flies out of terminal 3 in Toronto Pearson and I was taking the afternoon flight out. I had booked a premium economy ticket using 88,000 Avios points and CAD 335.
Lounge Search
I usually end up in the Plaza Premium Lounge (or the Maple Leaf Lounge if I am travelling by Air Canada business class or I have passes to the lounge).
I am not a Priority Pass member anymore, but I recently got a CIBC Aventura card and that came with four passes to the Priority Pass lounges.
Here at Terminal 3, I had access to the KLM Crown Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge. Since I have always used the Plaza Premium (my review from December 2023), I decided to go for the KLM Crown Lounge.
The Visa Airport Companion App
To see which lounges are available at an airport, one has to install the Visa Airport Companion app. Based on one’s location, the app can find the available lounges.
The KLM Crown Lounge at Pearson Airport
The Lounge is located on the 2nd floor next to the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Check in was a breeze. All I needed was the membership number or the QR code which the associate scanned along with my boarding pass.
And I was in.
Right at the outset, I noticed the chic nature of this lounge. And it is a fairly large one – according to the KLM Crown Lounge website, this can host more than 150 people at a time.
The Food at KLM Crown Lounge in Toronto
The food section is the centerpiece of the lounge, and it is separated into two – a long table with a number of cold snacks and then another one with hot food. I was there around lunch time and interestingly, I found that a significant number of items were vegetarian. There were vegetarian samosas, vegetarian Bolognese, and seasonal vegetables stir-fry.
The halal chicken stir-fry was the only non-vegetarian item. There were soups as well.
For snacks, there was, among other items, quinoa salad, potato salad, Greek feta pasta, tuna salad and Turkey rolls. Of course, there were desserts as well.
There were cold drinks and pops as well as a café machine. There were different types of wines and alcohol.
It was lunch time, so I just had a beer to go with my food.
Seating at KLM Crown Lounge at Pearson Airport in Toronto
The lounge is separated into different sections. In the main area, the dining area, there are comfortable cushion chairs with square tables in a curvy L shape. And then there are highchairs and tables as well.
There is more seating around the dining area, excluding the entrance and reception. By the large windows there are comfortable rest and work sofas. On the other side of the aisle there are elegant wooden separators behind which there are even more work and rest spots.
A small section towards the large windows is allocated for the FlyingBlue Ultimate Members.
Other Facilities
The lounge has no shower facilities but it has the needed toilets.
What I liked was that this has sufficient power outlets for charging. And there was free wifi.
To add depth to its elegance, there is a curated display of KLM’s miniature Delft blue houses on exhibit.
Final Comments on the KLM Crown Lounge in Toronto
This is a very comfortable lounge with a modern look. And the staff were friendly and professional.
When & How to Access KLM Crown Lounge at Pearson Airport in Toronto
- The lounge is open from 9 am to 10.30 pm every day.
- ‘Qualifying’ passengers (business class and other eligible passengers) from KLM, Air France and other SkyTeam partner carriers.
- Priority Pass, dragon Pass and DreamFolks card holders
- Additionally, one can purchase access for a nominal fee of CAD50.
Any thoughts on which one your prefer (PP vs KLM)?
The KLM Lounge was less crowded and, at least in my opinion, has a better vibe to it. Foodwise, the KLM has more options, particularly when it comes to salad types.