How to Access Air Canada Lounges

Airport lounges provide a higher level of service and comfort to start your flight experience. Air Canada passengers will find complimentary drinks, snacks, showers, Wi-Fi and more at the airline's Maple Leaf Lounges. The airline also has two other types of lounges.

There are many ways to get Air Canada lounge access, including elite status, ticket type, credit card benefits and paying cash.

Read on to learn more about Air Canada Lounge access, where the lounges are located and how to get lounge access for free.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

About Air Canada lounges

Maple Leaf Lounges

There are nearly 20 Air Canada lounges that are accessible to Maple Leaf Club members. Of these, only the one in Quebec requires an upgrade to a Worldwide membership to gain admission.

Which airports have Maple Leaf Lounges?

Maple Leaf Lounges are the most commonly found kind of Air Canada airport lounge and as such, the majority of our guide will focus on accessing these spaces.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Air Canada Aeroplan

Other Air Canada lounges

Air Canada Signature Suites

The Air Canada Signature Suites are exclusive lounges available for passengers flying nonstop to Europe and South America in an eligible ticket class (J, C, D, Z and P).

There are currently two Signature Suites locations — Toronto and Vancouver. Inside this Air Canada premium lounge, you'll receive a complimentary sit-down meal, signature cocktails, upgraded seating and peaceful areas to relax or get work done.

Eligible award tickets for access include Business Class Flexible Rewards and First Class Flexible Rewards.

Aspire | Air Canada Cafe

Air Canada introduced a new lounge at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (a regional airport) to complement the initial Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Both cafes offer complimentary beverages, a range of coffees, hot and cold food prepared by local chefs, and more. Premium alcohol and specialty drinks are available for purchase.

What is available at a Maple Leaf Lounge?

The size of the lounge and available amenities vary based on the location. However, Air Canada seeks to provide a basic level of benefits at every Maple Leaf lounge that includes the following:

• Cell-free quiet zone.

• Complimentary light snacks and beverages.

• News and entertainment.

• High-speed Wi-Fi.

• Showers to freshen up before or after your flight.

• Business centers with desktop PCs and printers.

Opening hours and availability vary by location.

7 ways to access Air Canada lounges

Travelers have seven methods of gaining Air Canada lounge access. Some flyers will get free entry to the lounge, while others have to purchase a day pass.

1. Fly Air Canada business class

Traveling on an Air Canada business class flight includes a number of benefits to make your trip more enjoyable, including Maple Leaf lounge access when flying within North America.

On international flights beyond North America, you'll gain access to the Air Canada Signature Suites, which offer a higher level of service and amenities.

2. Business class flights with Star Alliance partners

Air Canada is a member of the Star Alliance, which means you'll receive access to the Maple Leaf Lounge when flying business class with any Star Alliance partner. Present your boarding pass for a same-day qualifying flight to gain free entry.

3. Get the United Club℠ Infinite Card

While Air Canada offers several versions of its credit card in Canada, there is only one Aeroplan card in the U.S. However, the Aeroplan® Credit Card doesn't include Air Canada lounge access.

If you want Maple Leaf lounge access, you'll need to apply for the United Club℠ Infinite Card instead. This card includes complimentary access to United Club lounges, Maple Leaf Lounges and other lounges when flying on an eligible Star Alliance airline.

4. Earn Aeroplan 50K status or higher

Elite status perks with Aeroplan include access to the Maple Leaf Lounge at no charge for you, your immediate family members and one guest when flying Air Canada, a Star Alliance partner or Emirates. Your immediate family members include your spouse and up to five children ages 24 and under.

To earn Aeroplan 50K status, you must spend $6,000 Status Qualifying Dollars (SQDs) and earn 50,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) or fly 50 Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) within a calendar year. Your status is good for the remainder of the year you qualify, plus the following year.

» Learn more: What is the value of Air Canada points?

5. Use a Maple Leaf Lounge one-time pass

Once you've earned Aeroplan elite status (starting with 25K), you'll receive two or more one-time guest passes that provide Air Canada lounge access. You can use them yourself or give them to others.

Here's how many one-time passes are available at each level of Aeroplan elite status:

• 25K – Two passes (when redeeming Select Benefit).

• 35K – Two passes.

• 50K – Three passes.

• 75K –Three passes.

• Super Elite – Four passes.

These passes offer Maple Leaf lounge access for travelers on confirmed same-day tickets on Air Canada flights departing in Canada and several locations within the U.S.

6. Get Star Alliance Gold status

Frequent travelers can get Star Alliance Gold status by matching their eligible airline elite status to another Star Alliance airline. For example, United Airlines MileagePlus members with Premier Gold or higher status qualify.

As a Star Alliance Gold member, you'll receive complimentary lounge access to Air Canada Maple Leaf locations at your departure airport when flying in any class of ticket on a member airline. Star Alliance Gold members can also bring one guest into the lounge with them for free when traveling on the same flight.

7. Purchase a day pass

Air Canada also sells day passes when traveling with the airline. The cost of an Air Canada lounge day pass varies based on the type of ticket you have. You can purchase Air Canada lounge access when booking your flight.

• Premium economy: $35.92 ($49 Canadian). 

• Latitude: $35.92 ($49 Canadian). 

• Comfort: $43.25 ($59 Canadian). 

• Flex: $57.91 ($79 Canadian).

Air Canada lounges recapped

When you travel on Air Canada, there are several ways you can get Air Canada lounge access. Many provide complimentary access based on elite status, credit card benefits or the ticket class purchased.

You can also get Maple Leaf Lounge access by purchasing a day pass. Once inside the lounge, you'll enjoy benefits, like complimentary drinks and light snacks, access to showers and more comfortable seating than you would find in the terminal.