Almost all airports have VIP lounges. They are real havens of peace for the most part, in which you will be able to relax:
In short, airport lounges represent an attractive advantage in the traveler’s experience. They are often reserved for a certain clientele:
In short, airport lounges represent an attractive advantage in the traveler’s experience. But they are often reserved for some customers:
However, most of these lounges are franchisees. To increase their revenue, they sell access rights to lounge networks such as DragonPass and Priority Pass. A single airport lounge can even be a member of several networks.
These networks then partner with credit card issuers to offer access to airport lounges as a “travel benefit” for cardholders.
So, by choosing the right credit card according to YOUR travel profile, you too can access the unknown world of airport lounge!
Also, use the LoungeBuddy app to help track all the airport lounge access available to you!
Here, you will have to establish your traveler’s profile. For example, a card with unlimited access to airport lounges for two people is not relevant when you only travel solo once or twice a year.
In Canada, there are two main airport lounge programs:
Certain Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued in Canada are part of the DragonPass network.
Some American Express cards, such as the American ExpressMD Gold Rewards Card, are part of the Priority Pass network.
In addition to credit card , it is also possible to purchase a subscription to Priority Pass. The more visits included, the more expensive it is.
Airport lounge benefits for credit cards may vary. A distinction must be made between a program subscription (Right to enter the Lounge) and visits (to enter the lounges).
Many cards offer both. A subscription to a lounge program AND the ability to access.
Many credit cards offer free or paid access to airport lounges.
Some will only offer you a Priority Pass or DragonPass membership, but you will have to pay for each visit.
For others, they will include between 4 and 10 visits per year. Want unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges? Subscribe to the Platinum CardMD from American Express or the Business Platinum CardMD from American Express.
Visa Infinite Privilege cards offered by CIBC / Desjardins / TD / RBC all include 6 annual visits to DragonPass lounges. Our favorite is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card since you’ll also get access to numerous Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, free baggage and other Air Canada travel benefits.
If you plan to use airport lounges less than 6 times a year, there’s no need to go for expensive cards.
Our best choices are:
One free visit = one free entry (adult or child over 2, depending on the lounge).
If the number of travellers exceeds the number of free visits on the credit card, you will have to pay for entry. So if the credit card gives 4 free visits and you’re a family of 5, the fifth person will cost US$32.
If you plan to access airport lounges more than 6 times a year, you’ll have to apply for high-end cards.
If you travel regularly with Air Canada in North America, choose one of the premium Aeroplan cards such as :
With these cards, you will gain unlimited access for you and one guest to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America.
See our guide to accessing Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges.
If you regularly travel to the United States, and especially to the cities where American Express Centurion lounges are located (Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, New York LGA, etc.), it is best to have one of these 2 cards:
They will give you unlimited access to American Express’ exclusive Centurion Lounges.
As well as over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide that are members of the Priority Pass network.
This strategy for accessing airport lounges should make your travel more comfortable!
Remember, you can apply for two different cards to get more access to suit YOUR needs!
Our 7 recommended cards in this game plan are :
Have you just started with points and credit cards? Here are our strategies to save money on your travels!
There are several options:
The following cards give access to airport lounges:
Check in this article whether your credit card gives you access to the Montréal-Trudeau airport lounges.
At Quebec City airport, there’s just one lounge: the VIP Lounge by Club Med. Here’s our article on the subject, with photos and information.
There are three Maple Leaf lounges in Montreal, one in each airport zone (domestic, transborder and international).
There are many ways to enter an Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge. Read our article on How to access these lounges here.
Savings are here:
