Airport Lounges: How to Access Lounges at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport?

Updated Nov 5, 2025
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Caroline Tremblay
Caroline Tremblay Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
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Une femme avec une valise attend devant un panneau d'affichage des départs à l'aéroport
To the point Find out how to access the lounges at Montreal-Trudeau international airport.

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport has 4 distinct sections:

  1. Domestic (flights within Canada)
  2. International (all international flights except USA and Canada)
  3. Cross-border (flights to the United States)
  4. Public (before security)

The separation is at the border of the green and orange zones. This has an impact on access to the Montreal-Trudeau airport lounges, as travellers cannot move from one area to another.

Access to airport lounges at Montréal-Trudeau Airport is divided based on your destination. For example, it is not possible to use the lounges in the International zone when you have a flight within Canada in the Domestic zone.

Zone Access only to
Domestic (flights within Canada)

Maple Leaf Lounge (Gates 1 and 3)

Air Canada Café (Gates 1 and 3)

Aspire AMEX Lounge (Gates 1 and 2)

Cross border (flights to the United States)

Maple Leaf Lounge (Gates 72-73)

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge (Gate 76)

International

Maple Leaf Lounge (Gate 52)

Desjardins Odyssey Lounge (Gate 63)

National Bank Lounge (Gate 53)

Air France KLM Lounge (Gates 55-57)

Aspire Lounge (gate 52)

You can see these 4 zones on the diagram below.

Map-salons-zone-YUL

Airport Lounges - Domestic Zone at Montreal Airport

In the domestic departures area (flights within Canada only) at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, there are two lounges and one café: the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, the Aspire AMEX Lounge, and the Air Canada Café, all located near gates 1 and 3.

Salon feuille erable cafe air canada

Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café

The Air Canada Café is located on the main floor, while the Maple Leaf Lounge is upstairs, directly above.

Yul Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge

There are several ways to access both the Lounge and the Café, and the options are similar. Read all the details in our article on how to access an Air Canada lounge Maple Leaf.

You need a Business Class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite Status, or a specific Aeroplan credit card. Check for a lounge seat icon at the top right of the QR code on your boarding pass.

acces salon ybg

At the lounge entrance, a person simply needs to scan their paper or mobile boarding pass at the lounge reception or at the digital kiosks at the entrance of the Café.

To access this Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge and Air Canada Café with a credit card, you have several options.

The American Express, CIBC Aeroplan, and TD Aeroplan cards listed below offer unlimited access to all Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés at Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Your flight can be either an Aeroplan award ticket or a paid ticket on Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners. In addition, the primary or secondary cardholder can bring one guest into the lounge at no charge. For a second guest or more, the fee is $59 per person.

Before you travel, make sure your credit card is linked to your Aeroplan profile.

Card Condition of access Number of annual annual pass
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card Flights
Air Canada
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Express
or partners
Unlimited access
for the primary or secondary cardholder and one guest
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card Air Canada
Flight Ticket
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Express
or partners
Unlimited access
for the primary or secondary cardholder and one guest
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card Flights
Air Canada
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Express
or partners
Unlimited access
for the primary or secondary cardholder and one guest
CIBC® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Air Canada
Flight Ticket
Air Canada Rouge
Air Canada Express
or partners
Unlimited access
for the primary or secondary cardholder and one guest

Airport Lounges - Access for Children to the Maple Leaf Lounge

For Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite members, up to 5 of the member’s children under the age of 24 may enter free of charge.

Otherwise, children aged 0 to 1 have free access. For 2 years and over, they are considered guests. If the number of guests is more than one, there will be a $59 charge for each child entering lounge.

Aspire AMEX Lounge at YUL in the Domestic Zone

This Aspire AMEX airport lounge, opened in July 2025, is located between Gates 1 and 2.

It is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM, and to access it, you must have an airline ticket for a flight within Canada and access to an airport lounge network such as Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion, or Mastercard Travel Pass.

At all times, American Express cardholders have priority access to the lounge. The best way to get free and unlimited access to the Aspire AMEX lounge in Montreal for you and a guest is to hold one of these cards:

If there is availability, you may be able to access the lounge with select credit cards, as well as through their partnership with Visa Airport Companion, such as:

Airport Lounges - Access for Children to the Aspire AMEX Lounge

Children aged 0 to 1 year have free access. Children aged 2 and up are considered as guests.

If you have more than one guest, there will be a fee of USD 35 or more for each additional child entering the lounge with an American Express card or Priority Pass.

If you have a child aged 2 and over and enter with Mastercard Travel Pass or Visa Airport Companion, they will count as a free entry/visit (if you have one) or you will have to pay USD 32 per additional person.

Airport Lounges - Transborder Zone of Montreal Airport

In the transborder section (flights to the United States), there are:

Airport Lounges - Maple Leaf Lounge in the Transborder Zone

Access to the Maple Leaf Lounge in the transborder zone is exactly the same as for the Maple Leaf Lounge in the domestic zone. Click here to explore your entry options with Aeroplan credit cards, as described above. Additionally, read all the details in our article on how to access an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge.

You need a Business Class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite Status, or a specific Aeroplan credit card. Check for a lounge seat icon at the top right of the QR code on your boarding pass.

ord transfrontalier

When entering a lounge, passengers simply scan their paper or mobile boarding pass at reception.

Airport Lounges - Access for Children to the Transborder Maple Leaf Lounge

For Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite members, up to 5 of the member’s children under the age of 24 may enter free of charge.

Otherwise, children aged 0 to 1 have free access. For 2 years and over, they are considered guests. If the number of guests is more than one, there will be a $59 charge for each child entering lounge.

Airport Lounges - Desjardins Odyssey Lounge in the Transborder Zone

The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is open at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and is located near Gate 76.

It is available to holders of the following Desjardins credit cards:

Card Condition of access Number of annual annual pass
The Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege card Flights
to the United States
12 accesses
per year, then 50% off starting from the 13th visit
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard Flights
to the United States
8 accesses
per year, then 50% off starting from the 9th visit

The Odyssey Gold Visa card

The Prestige Platinum Card

The Platinum Visa card

Flights
to the United States
50% discount
on the entry fee ($42)

*The Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege and Desjardins Odyssey Visa Platinum cards are no longer available for new applications, but some existing cardholders may still have them.

There are other credit cards that provide access to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge! Since it comes under the DragonPass banner, members and holders of certain credit cards can access it, for example:

Airport Lounges - Access for Children at the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge

Children aged 0 to 2 are admitted free of charge to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge.

Between ages 3 and 11, they count as one admission and the cost is $26, if you no longer have free access. For those aged 12 and over, the cost is $42.

Airport Lounges - International Zone of Montreal Airport

In the International section (for flights outside Canada and the United States), you have plenty of options!

Airport Lounges - Maple Leaf Lounge in the International Zone

Access to the Maple Leaf Lounge in the international zone is exactly the same as access to the Maple Leaf Lounge in the domestic and transborder zones mentioned above. Read all the details in our article on how to access an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge.

You need a Business Class ticket, a high Aeroplan Elite Status, or a specific Aeroplan credit card. Check for a lounge seat icon at the top right of the QR code on your boarding pass.

cdg salon feuille erable

When entering a lounge, passengers simply scan their paper or mobile boarding pass at reception.

Airport Lounges - Access for Children at the International Maple Leaf Lounge

For Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite members, up to 5 of the member’s children under the age of 24 may enter free of charge.

Otherwise, children aged 0 to 1 have free access. For 2 years and over, they are considered guests. If the number of guests is more than one, there will be a $59 charge for each child entering lounge.

Airport Lounges - National Bank Lounge in the International Zone

The National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport can be accessed in a variety of ways with:

Simply present the National Bank World Elite Mastercard at the entrance or the QR code of your subscription (DragonPass, Priority Pass) to gain direct access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.

Please note that if the lounge is very busy, priority entry will be given to National Bank World Elite Mastercard holders.

Here are the eligible cards:

Card Condition of access Number of annual annual pass
National Bank World Elite Mastercard Flights
international
Unlimited access
for the cardholder
& one guest & 2 children 12 years old and under
American Express Platinum Card® Flights
international
Unlimited access
for the cardholder
& a guest
& 2 children under 2 years old
Business Platinum Card® from American Express Flights
international
Unlimited access
for the cardholder
& a guest
& 2 children under 2 years old
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card Flights
international
6 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card Flights
international
10 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Visa Infinite Privilege card
(CIBC, BMO, Desjardins, RBC, TD…)
Flights
international
6 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card Flights
international
10 free annual visits
with the Priority Pass network

Once you’ve exceeded the number of free annual accesses, you can still enter an airport lounge, but at a cost of USD 32 per person.

Airport Lounges - Children's Access to the NBC Lounge

Children aged 0 and 1 are admitted free of charge to the National Bank Lounge. Starting at age 2, they count as an entry and require a DragonPass or Priority Pass access from your credit card.

If the number of guests is exceeded, or if you no longer have free access, admission for children aged 2 to 12 costs $40.24 plus tax. For those aged 13 and over, the cost is $63.24 plus tax. If you’re a National Bank customer, you’ll receive a 25% discount on these rates.

Airport Lounges - Aspire Lounge in the International Zone

The Montreal Aspire International Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau is open to all travellers with a boarding pass for an international flight (outside of Canada and the United States) from all airlines, and is free for Air Canada Business Class travellers.

It is open to everyone by paying $60 per adult and $40 per child.

But if you have access to an airport lounge network such as Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion, and Mastercard Travel Pass, it can be free!

The best way for you and a guest to gain free access to the Aspire lounge at YUL is to hold one of these cards:

These cards give you unlimited access to airport lounges in the Priority Pass network (including Aspire airport lounges in Montreal’s domestic and international zones), and the American Express Worldwide Lounge Collection, including Plaza Premium lounges.

It is also possible to access this Aspire lounge with other Visa and Mastercard credit cards, thanks to the Visa Airport Companion program, as well as Mastercard Travel Pass, with the DragonPass network.

Airport Lounges - Children's Access to the Aspire Lounge in the International Zone

Children aged 0 to 1 have free access. For 2 years and older, they count as paid ($40) or as a guest (if you have free access).

If the number of guests is more than one, there will be a cost of $40 or more for each additional child who enters the lounge with an American Express card and Priority Pass.

If you have a child aged 2 or older and enter with Mastercard Travel Pass or Visa Airport Companion, they will count as a free visit or entry (if you have any available). Otherwise, you will need to pay $40 for each additional person.

Airport Lounges - Desjardins Odyssey Lounge in the International Zone

The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is accessible to holders of the following Desjardins credit cards:

Card Condition of access Number of annual annual pass
The Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege card Flights
to international destinations
12 accesses
per year, then 50% off starting from the 13th visit
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard Flights
to international destinations
8 accesses
per year, then 50% off starting from the 9th visit

The Odyssey Gold Visa card

The Prestige Platinum Card

The Platinum Visa card

Flights
to international destinations
50% discount
on the entry fee ($42)

*The Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege and Desjardins Odyssey Visa Platinum cards are no longer available for new applications, but some existing cardholders may still have them.

Airport Lounges - Access for Children at the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge

Children aged 0 to 2 are admitted free of charge to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge.

Between ages 3 and 11, they count as one admission and the cost is $26, if you no longer have free access. For those aged 12 and over, the cost is $42.

Airport Lounges - Air France KLM Lounge in the International Zone

Available to passengers travelling in business class with Air France-KLM on international flights, you can also enter with certain credit cards available in Canada. According to travellers, the Air France-KLM lounge at YUL is one of the best lounges at the airport.

Attention: In this Air FranceKLM lounge, priority entry is given to Air France Business Class ticket holders. Even if there is space in the lounge, entry may be denied if you wish to enter only with a DragonPass, Priority Pass, or Plaza Premium access.

With a credit card, this very modern lounge airport is accessible with:

The following credit cards are eligible for admission to the Air France KLM lounge:

Card Condition of access Number of annual annual pass
American Express Platinum Card® Flights
international
Unlimited access
for the cardholder
& a guest
& 2 children under 2 years old
Business Platinum Card® from American Express Flights
international
Unlimited access
for the cardholder
& a guest
& 2 children under 2 years old
American Express® Gold Rewards Card Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the Plaza Premium Lounge network
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card Flights
international
6 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card Flights
international
10 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* Flights
international
4 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Mastercard Travel Pass network
Visa Infinite Privilege card
(CIBC, BMO, Desjardins, RBC, TD…)
Flights
international
6 free annual visits
with the DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion network
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card Flights
international
10 free annual visits
with the Priority Pass network

When you exceed the number of free annual accesses, you can still enter the lounge, but at a cost of USD 32 per person.

What’s more, the DragonPass network will give you access to lounge with a World or World Elite Mastercard. Please verify your eligibility on the Mastercard Travel Pass website before departing; you may have the free membership, but you might need to pay for your entry at a cost of USD 32. The only Mastercard in Canada to offer both a DragonPass subscription AND 4 free accesses is the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard.

Airport Lounges - Access for Children at the Air France KLM Lounge

A 0- or 1-year-old child enters free of charge.

If the child has a Business class ticket on Air France/KLM, they may enter the lounge free of charge.

For children aged 2 and up, entry with an American Express Platinum Card is allowed if the child is a guest. If there are more than two guests, a reduced fee will apply for each additional child.

For DragonPass and Priority Pass networks, a child aged 2 and up counts as one lounge access.

Stay Connected Easily with an eSIM

Before settling into an airport lounge, it’s convenient to know your connectivity options. Good news: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply select the “YUL Wi-Fi” network on your device and accept the terms of use. The connection is generally stable and fast enough to browse the web, answer your emails, or stream light videos.

In airport lounges, Wi-Fi is also included, often with better speed and a more reliable connection than in public areas, which is convenient if you need to work or make a video call before your flight.

If you’re travelling abroad, also consider the eSIM option to stay connected as soon as you land. We recommend Holafly, which offers unlimited data plans in over 250 destinations. You can buy and install your eSIM before departure, then activate it in seconds upon landing, without having to look for a local SIM card or pay roaming fees.

Discover Holafly eSIMs here and enjoy instant connection abroad.

Bottom Line

Remember: one access = one person entering lounge. So for a family of four, this will count as four accesses.

It is also important to note that a minor child entering an airport lounge must be accompanied by an adult. If they are alone, the underage child will not be allowed to enter by law, as alcohol is served.

To ensure lounge access no matter your destination, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card will be your best allies.

In fact, they’re the only ones to offer access to the Maple Leaf lounges in all 3 sections of the airport (provided you travel with Air Canada or one of its Star Alliance partners).

How do I access the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge? Where is the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport?

To access the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge near gate 63 and the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge in the transborder area near gate 76, you must have your same-day boarding pass and be a holder of a valid Desjardins credit card.

    • Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege (12 free accesses per year)
    • Odyssey World Elite MasterCard (8 free accesses per year)
    • Odyssey Visa Gold (50% discount)
    • Platinum Rserve and Platinum (50% discount)

To see all the amenities, schedules and photos, read our article on the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge.

How can I access a VIP lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport?

You need a specific credit card or a subscription to an airport network. See all the ways to access it for free above.

Which bank card or credit card such as Visa, CIBC, or Mastercard World Elite gives me access to an airport lounge at YUL?

Only a handful of the 200 credit cards in Canada provide access to this service. Please see the article above for all the easy ways to get there, as it all depends on your boarding area.

How to access an Air Canada Lounge?

Read the instructions above to find out how to access a Maple Leaf Lounge or check our article on how to gain access.

What is the best VIP airport lounge at Montreal-Trudeau airport?

One of the most frequently asked questions in our Facebook group is: what is the best airport lounge at Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)? Many travellers really enjoy the Air France KLM Lounge and the National Bank Lounge.

What is the cost to access a VIP airport lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport?

If you have a credit card associated with the lounge, it can be free!

Please see our article below to learn the terms and conditions.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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