Roberta Aguirre
Air Canada has its own network of 26 airport lounges called Maple Leaf, located in 19 airports across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Access to these lounges is restricted to eligible travellers flying with Air Canada or its affiliates. Travellers can also gain access to airport lounges through credit cards that offer lounge memberships or passes. Some of the popular airport lounge networks include Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines with lounges | Air Canada, United Airlines, WestJet, Delta |
| Air Canada lounge locations | Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport |
| Air Canada lounge amenities | Cell-free quiet zone, complimentary light snacks and beverages, news and entertainment, high-speed Wi-Fi, showers, business centres with desktop PCs and printers |
| Ways to access Air Canada lounges | Flying business or first class, Star Alliance Gold member, purchasing a day pass, Aeroplan Elite Status Member, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmember |
| United Airlines lounge access | Flying internationally with the airline |
| WestJet lounge access | Platinum Rewards members, guests seated in Business on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, purchasing a discounted walk-in rate |
| Delta lounge access | Delta One business class, Amex Platinum cardholders |
| Credit cards with lounge access | American Express, CIBC, TD, BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, ATB World Elite Mastercard, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card, NBC World & World Elite Mastercards, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege, RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege |
| Credit card lounge networks | LoungeKey, DragonPass, Priority Pass, Mastercard Travel Pass |
| Lounge access cost | Typically $40-$80 CAD for pay-as-you-go access, $35 USD per person per visit for Priority Pass standard membership |
Explore related products
$25.99 $54.99
$29.39 $36.99
$36.54 $45.99
What You'll Learn
Credit cards
Some credit cards offer membership to lounge programs, an allotment of passes, and the option to purchase additional passes at a discount. It is worth noting that each person needs a pass to enter the lounge, so the cost for a family or group can quickly add up.
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: This card offers six complimentary lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program. It is one of the few cards in Canada that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, saving you 2.5% on foreign currency purchases. The card's $150 annual fee is often waived for the first year, making it a great option for travellers new to lounge access.
- American Express Platinum Card: This card offers unlimited access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. It comes with a $200 annual travel credit and a $200 dining credit, along with top-tier travel insurance. The $799 annual fee may be justifiable for frequent flyers who can take advantage of these benefits.
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege: This card provides unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café locations in North America when flying on a same-day Air Canada ticket. It also includes complimentary access for one guest, making it ideal for couples or companions travelling together. Additionally, you'll get six complimentary lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program.
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: This card is ideal for frequent travellers to the US, as it includes membership in the Visa Airport Companion Program and four free lounge visits per year. Every four years, you'll receive a statement credit of $160 towards a Nexus application fee.
- RBC Luxury Travel Credit Card: This card may offer flexible options to access airport lounges with DragonPass, which includes over 1,200 global airport lounges, including 21 lounges in Canada and Plaza Premium Lounges. You can enjoy up to six lounge passes per year and purchase additional passes at a discount.
When considering a credit card for airport lounge access, it is important to review the mix of perks offered and choose one that suits your travel needs and budget. Lounge access can enhance your travel experience, providing comfortable seating, refreshments, and reliable Wi-Fi during layovers.
JFK Airport: Power Banks – Allowed or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$33.98 $54.99
$42.99 $46.99
$26.96 $35.99
$48.99
Business class tickets
If you are a business class traveller, you can almost always guarantee access to business class lounges at airports across Canada and the world. Here are some ways to gain access to business class lounges at airports in Canada with a business class ticket:
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
Air Canada offers its business class customers access to its Maple Leaf Lounges at various airports across Canada, the U.S., and international airports. To access the lounge, you can present your valid same-day ticket or boarding pass. Your partner, one guest, and up to five dependent children can join you for free. Additional guests are welcome for a fee.
Air Canada Signature Suite
The Air Canada Signature Suite is a luxurious offering from Air Canada, located at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. It is designed exclusively for Air Canada Signature Class customers travelling internationally. To access the Signature Suite, you must be an Air Canada Signature Class customer with an eligible booking class (J, C, D, Z, P). Access is not available to customers travelling on promotional tickets or employees.
Star Alliance Lounges
If you are travelling with a Star Alliance member airline, you may have access to their business class lounges. As an international business class customer, you can access any Star Alliance member carrier's business class lounge at the airport where your flight departs by presenting your international business class boarding pass.
Plaza Premium Lounges
Plaza Premium Lounges offer a loyalty program called Smart Traveller that awards points for each visit, even if you are using an airline's business-class ticket. You can earn anywhere from 100 to 300 points per lounge visit and redeem them for lounge access or other options like food and drinks.
Credit Cards
Certain credit cards can provide you with lounge access at airports in Canada. For example, the ATB World Elite Mastercard offers free membership in Mastercard Travel Pass, which provides discounted access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, including those in Canada.
Dallas Airport: A Place to Sleep or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$36.99 $39.99
Pay-as-you-go
If you're looking for pay-as-you-go airport lounge access in Canada, you're in luck! There are several options available to you.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is one of the largest lounge programs, offering access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide, including several in Canada. You can purchase a Priority Pass membership directly from their website, which costs around USD$99 per year. This membership grants you access to participating lounges for a discounted rate of USD$27 per visit, per visitor.
Lounge Pass
Lounge Pass is run by the same company as Priority Pass but offers single-entry options to over 600 lounges in more than 100 countries. In Canada, Lounge Pass provides access to lounges in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
WestJet Lounges
WestJet operates a lounge program that provides access to select lounges across Canada and internationally. You can book single-entry visits online or pay at the lounge by presenting your WestJet boarding pass along with payment. Prices vary depending on the lounge and the time of day you visit.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
Air Canada operates a network of Maple Leaf Lounges, with 23 locations in Canada, the United States, and Europe. While membership is typically reserved for elite status members or credit cardholders, you can purchase a one-time guest pass to access these lounges.
Credit Cards
Some credit cards offer pay-as-you-go lounge access without requiring an annual membership. For example, the American Express Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card from American Express offer unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest to Priority Pass airport lounges.
Additionally, certain Visa and Mastercard credit cards provide access to lounges in the DragonPass network. For instance, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard offers both a DragonPass subscription and four free annual accesses.
When considering pay-as-you-go lounge access, it's important to remember that entry is not always guaranteed, especially during busy times. Business class passengers and credit cardholders may take priority. However, with some planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy the comfort and amenities of airport lounges in Canada through these various options.
How to Get to Santa Rosa Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$52.99 $55.99
$26.99 $29.99
$29.99 $37.99
Lounge membership
Credit Cards
American Express, Visa, and Mastercard holders can access airport lounges in Canada. American Express cardholders can access the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Plaza Premium lounge and Swissport Executive lounge. Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders can access lounges through the Visa Airport Companion, powered by DragonPass.
Flying Business Class
Flying business class is another way to gain access to airport lounges. For example, Air Canada offers access to its Maple Leaf Lounges for those flying business class, but only before their flight and not upon arrival. United Airlines provides access to United Clubs for those flying internationally, including to Canada. WestJet offers lounge access only on their 787 Dreamliner long-haul flights. Delta provides lounge access exclusively to its Delta One business class, but Amex Platinum holders can access Delta Sky Clubs even when flying economy.
Pay-As-You-Go Lounge Access
If you don't have a fancy credit card or a business class ticket, you can often pay for lounge access. Prices typically range from $40 to $80 CAD, offering an escape from the terminal chaos, especially during long layovers. For example, Air Canada sells day passes for its lounges, with prices varying based on the type of ticket.
Priority Pass offers three levels of membership: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. Standard Membership provides access at a cost of US$35 per person per visit, with guests charged the same amount. Standard Plus Membership includes 10 free visits for the member, with additional visits and guests charged at US$35 each. Prestige Membership includes unlimited lounge visits for the member.
Incheon Airport: Book Tours on Arrival
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.98 $27.99
Airline partnerships
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
Air Canada operates a network of Maple Leaf Lounges in 18 airports across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Access to these lounges is typically available for customers departing on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express, or a Star Alliance member airline. Certain Aeroplan members and Star Alliance Gold members may also access domestic Maple Leaf Lounges upon arrival at eligible airports. Additionally, Air Canada offers the option to purchase lounge access when booking or updating your reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Partnership
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can access most Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in the United States and Canada. This partnership extends to select international departures as well. Cardmembers can bring one complimentary guest, and additional guests are allowed at a specified rate. To enter, simply present your eligible card and a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by Air Canada or a Star Alliance member airline.
Credit Card Partnerships
Various credit cards in Canada offer lounge access through partnerships. Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards provide complimentary visits to airport lounges, including the National Bank Lounge and Desjardins Odyssey Lounge. Mastercard also offers lounge access through its partnership with DragonPass, with the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard being the only card to offer both a DragonPass subscription and free accesses. American Express Platinum cards provide direct access to several airport lounges, including the Plaza Premium lounge and Swissport Executive lounge.
Virgin Australia Partnership
Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum, and Beyond VIP members can access Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada, the United States, and international airports when departing on eligible flights. Virgin Australia's Business class customers also have access to these lounges.
By leveraging these airline partnerships and credit card programs, travellers can gain access to airport lounges in Canada and enhance their travel experience.
Companion Pass: Can I Fly from Another Airport?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several credit cards that offer free access to airport lounges in Canada. These include:
- BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard (4 free annual accesses)
- Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Card (6 free annual accesses)
- American Express Gold Rewards Card (4 free Plaza Premium lounge visits)
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card (6 free Desjardins Odyssey Lounge visits)
- National Bank World Mastercard (free access to National Bank World Mastercard Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau airport)
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege (free membership to Mastercard Travel Pass)
Credit cards that offer lounge access in Canada include the DragonPass network, which has partnered with Visa and Mastercard, and the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
DragonPass provides access to lounges such as the Plaza Premium Lounge, Swissport Executive Lounge, and the VIP Lounge by Club Med de Québec.
American Express provides access to the Plaza Premium Lounge and Swissport Executive Lounge.
You can access airport lounges in Canada by flying business class or first class. For example, Air Canada offers access to its Maple Leaf Lounges for those flying business class, and Emirates offers access to its International Maple Leaf Lounges at Toronto Pearson and Montréal-Trudeau airports for those flying business or first class.
You can also pay for lounge access, which typically costs between $40 and $80 CAD.
