fluffy-airy pancakes?

Toast

so i was at this SanDiego fancy hotel and the pancakes were like i never had - they were light, airy (with small holes), and fluffy- thick in size

i am not a baking expert, i tried an internet 'fluffy' pancake recipe with baking soda+powder , sure it made it somewhat fluffy, but it was not airy or light ... 

any suggestions what to try ?

and beating the egg whites to soft peaks before folding into the finished batter.  No change in recipe, just the method of combining.