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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.
In almost every international airport, airport lounges are true havens of peace. These exclusive spaces let you:
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.
Airport lounge access was traditionally reserved for an exclusive clientele:
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you travel occasionally, here are the best credit cards to get free access:
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.
Frequent travellers should consider these premium credit cards:
Visa Infinite Privilege cards offered by CIBC, Desjardins, TD, and RBC all include 6 annual DragonPass lounge visits. Our top pick is the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, as it also gives you access to numerous Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, a free checked bag, and other Air Canada travel benefits.
To access Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges, these credit cards are essential:
To make the most of your airport lounge access, consider these strategies:
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:
Have you just started with points and credit cards? Here are our strategies to save money on your travels!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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