How to Get Free Airport Lounge Access?
- The strategies
Getting free airport lounge access is possible with the right credit cards. In this guide, discover the different lounge programs, airport lounge offers, and the essential credit cards you need to enjoy free access, as of June 2026. For a shortcut, also see our ranking of the best credit cards for airport lounge access.
Airport Lounge – A Premium Travel Experience
In almost every international airport, airport lounges are true havens of peace. These exclusive spaces let you:
- Eat and drink for free with premium buffets
- Relax comfortably before your flight
- Work in a quiet environment with high-speed WiFi
- Celebrate your departure with champagne and cocktails
- Take a refreshing shower after a long flight
- Enjoy newspapers, magazines, and sometimes spas
Airport lounges turn waiting at the airport into a relaxing experience. Whether you’re travelling from Montréal-Trudeau or anywhere else in the world, these spaces offer unmatched comfort and enhance your airport experience.
How to Get Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access was traditionally reserved for an exclusive clientele:
- Frequent travellers with elite status (such as Aeroplan and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges)
- Business class or first class passengers
- Preferred clients of certain financial institutions
- Members of prestigious loyalty programs
- Premium clients of a financial institution (such as the National Bank Lounge or the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montreal Trudeau YUL)
Fortunately, credit cards have made access to these spaces more accessible. Most lounges are part of networks like Priority Pass and DragonPass. To increase their revenue, they partner with credit card issuers to offer complimentary access to cardholders.
By choosing your card wisely according to your travel profile, you can enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges around the world. Simply present your boarding pass along with your Priority Pass or DragonPass at the entrance, and you’re all set!
By choosing the right credit card based on YOUR travel profile, you too can gain access to the exclusive world of airport lounges!
Here, it’s important to determine your traveller profile. For example, a card that offers unlimited airport lounge access for two people isn’t relevant if you only travel solo once or twice a year.
Programs for Airport Lounge Access – Priority Pass and DragonPass
In Canada, two main networks offer airport VIP lounge access:
Some Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued in Canada are part of the DragonPass network.
Some American Express cards, such as the American Express® Gold Rewards Card are part of the Priority Pass network.
Priority Pass
- Over 1,900 lounges and experiences in 600 cities
- Available in more than 140 countries
- Accepted in most international airports
- Offered primarily with premium American Express cards
DragonPass
- Over 1,400 partner lounges in more than 140 countries
- Rapidly growing network
- Popular in Asia and expanding globally
- Included with several Visa Infinite and Mastercard World Elite cards
To activate DragonPass, you first register your eligible card on Visa Airport Companion (Visa cards) or on Mastercard Travel Pass (Mastercard cards). You then present the QR code from the app at the lounge entrance. Beyond the included visits, each entry costs US$32 per person (as of June 2026).
Credit card airport lounge benefits can vary. A distinction must be made between a lounge program membership (right to access the lounge) and visits (to enter it).
Canadian credit cards offer different levels of access. Many cards offer both. A subscription to a lounge program AND the possibility of free access or not.
Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access – Fewer Than 6 Visits Per Year
If you travel occasionally, here are the best credit cards to get free access:
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card
- 6 free annual visits to airport VIP lounges
- Annual fee of only $139
- Great value
- Access to the DragonPass network and Visa Airport Companion
Aventura CIBC Visa Infinite
- 4 free annual visits
- DragonPass network included
- Flexible travel points
- Comprehensive travel protection
- Alternative: CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card available for lower incomes
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
- 4 free visits per year
- Worldwide access via DragonPass
- Generous welcome offer
- $100 TD Annual Travel Credit
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
- 4 free visits per year
- Worldwide access via DragonPass
- Generous travel insurance
- Flexible rewards program
For these cards, each complimentary visit allows entry for one person. If you’re travelling with your family and exceed the included number of visits, additional guests will pay about USD 32 each.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access – More Than 6 Visits Per Year
Frequent travellers should consider these premium credit cards:
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal Trudeau
- Free for you, one guest, and up to 2 children
- Ideal for international flights from YUL
- Full buffet, premium bar, showers
American Express Platinum Card® and American Express Business Platinum Card
- Unlimited access to 1,900+ airport lounges and experiences worldwide
- Includes exclusive Centurion lounges
- Free entry for you and one guest
- The ultimate card for free access
- Unlimited Priority Pass included
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- 10 free annual visits
- Full DragonPass network
- Premium travel protection
- $250 Annual Travel Credit
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
- 10 free visits per year
- Priority Pass and Plaza Premium combination
- Earn Scene+ points quickly
- Exclusive hotel benefits
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $399 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $799 |
Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
To access Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges, these credit cards are essential:
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
- Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges
- 6 international DragonPass visits included
- Free entry for you and one guest
- First checked bag free on Air Canada
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
- Full access to Maple Leaf Lounges
- Priority check-in area
- First checked bag free on Air Canada
- Present your credit card and boarding pass for all Air Canada benefits
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
Strategies to Maximize Your Airport Lounge Access
To make the most of your airport lounge access, consider these strategies:
- Combine Multiple Cards: Holding two complementary cards can double your complimentary lounge visits
- Travel as a Pair: Some cards offer access for two people, maximizing the value
- Plan Your Layovers: Choose airports with multiple accessible lounges
- Use arrival lounges: Several lounges accept passengers after their flight
- Check Partnerships: Some lounges accept multiple networks
Access to Airport VIP Lounges – Bottom Line
Airport lounge access can completely transform your travel experience. With the right credit cards, you can enjoy complimentary entry to these exclusive spaces around the world. Whether you travel occasionally or frequently, from Montréal-Trudeau or elsewhere, there is a card that fits your needs.
Complimentary lounge visits range from 4 annual visits with entry-level cards to unlimited access with premium cards. The annual fee pays for itself quickly, as a single paid visit typically costs between USD 30 and USD 60.
Our recommended cards for this game plan are:
| Card | Number of Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits | Details |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | 4 visits per year | DragonPass lounges |
| TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card | 4 visits per year | DragonPass Lounges |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card | 4 visits per year | DragonPass lounges |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card | 6 visits per year | DragonPass lounges |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 6 visits per year | DragonPass lounges |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | 6 visits per year + Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges | DragonPass lounges Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card | 10 visits per year | DragonPass lounges |
| American Express Platinum Card | Unlimited access for 2 people | 1,900 lounges worldwide |
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | Unlimited access for 2 people and 2 children | National Bank Lounge at Montreal Trudeau |
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $150 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $399 | |||
| $599 |
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Lounge Access
Which credit card provides access to airport lounges?
The best credit cards with airport lounge access (airport lounge access credit card) include the American Express Platinum Card® (unlimited worldwide access), the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (6 annual visits), and the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card (4 annual visits). Each lounge program, Priority Pass and DragonPass, offers different lounge options according to your needs.
How to get free access to airport lounges?
To get free access to airport lounges, the simplest method is to apply for a credit card that includes this benefit. Premium credit cards offer the best value for regularly accessing airport lounges for free.
Can everyone access airport lounges?
Yes, airport lounges are no longer reserved for an elite few. Thanks to credit cards with airport lounge access and programs like Priority Pass and DragonPass, any traveller can enhance their airport experience. Simply present your eligible card or purchase a day pass for lounge access.
Can you purchase airport lounge access?
In most cases, yes. You can purchase airport lounge access directly at the entrance (usually USD 30-60), through the Priority Pass lounge program app, or by subscribing to an annual membership. Lounge offerings vary depending on the airport. However, with the right credit card, you get complimentary access, making individual purchases less appealing.
How can I access Air Canada’s VIP lounges at Montreal?
There are three Maple Leaf lounges at Montreal, one in each of the airport’s zones (domestic, transborder and international).
There are several ways to enter an Air Canada lounge Maple Leaf Lounge. Read our article on How to access these lounges here.
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