Airport lounges used to be an exclusive benefit, but they're now a standard benefit on dozens of credit cards, leading to crowds, Barry Choi writes.Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press
Airport lounges were once a coveted travel perk, a peaceful space to relax, eat and drink, and sometimes shower. But these days, they’re often crowded, and the quality is inconsistent.
That’s because what was once an exclusive privilege has become a standard benefit for dozens of credit cards in Canada. And that means more people with lounge access – a lot more.
Behind the scenes, however, airlines, credit card providers and lounge operators are trying to adjust to the higher demand.
Plaza Premium, Canada’s biggest independent airport lounge operator, is a good example. It has seen the biggest jump in traffic and has responded by offering Lounge-to-Go takeout and self-check-in to reduce wait times.
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Air Canada, which runs the Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café, sees far fewer guests entering its lounges with credit cards. However, more people are flying in business class and receiving lounge access with their tickets.
It’s not like the crowds have gone unnoticed or unaddressed. Back in June, 2023, Aeroplan members with 35K status lost complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges.
Just recently, American Express announced that as of Jan. 1, 2027, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Lounge access benefits for platinum card holders would be capped at six visits at each of the two types of lounge per calendar year. To get unlimited access, cardholders must spend $20,000 between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026, and each calendar year thereafter.
Despite these changes, lounge crowding isn’t going away any time soon. Still, a few recent tweaks hint at a possible shift.
The Air Canada Café opened in 2019 in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport domestic terminal. This alternative to the Maple Leaf Lounge was ahead of its time, encouraging those with access to grab snacks and drinks to go. Similar cafés opened in Montreal and Vancouver this year.
Scott O’Leary, vice-president of loyalty and product at Air Canada, said the “mix of lounge experiences” allows the airline to provide options for its customers.
The Air Canada Café at the Vancouver International Airport.Supplied
The cafés offer convenience. Lounges are for those who wish to stay longer. While the Signature Suite – a separate lounge available to those on a paid business-class fare and flying international – gets à la carte dining, he said.
In Montreal, American Express recently opened a co-branded lounge with Aspire in the domestic terminal. While this isn’t a Centurion Lounge the brand is famous for, YUL desperately needed more lounges.
Recognizing that the lounge would likely face crowd issues similar to those at other airports, Amex ensured its card members got special perks.
“Eligible Amex Cardmembers receive priority access ahead of other guests during busy periods, and select premium menu items are complimentary,” said Kim Kuzmak, vice-president of lifestyle benefits.
In Vancouver, Plaza Premium launched a dual-lounge concept that combines the standard Plaza Premium Lounge with the more upscale Plaza Premium First. Any traveller can pay to enter the First lounge, while those with lounge access can upgrade for $30.
That might be a steep price to pay if you already have regular lounge access, but it guarantees you better seating, food and fewer crowds before your flight.
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Even with recent adjustments, the status quo isn’t satisfying anyone.
The Maple Leaf Lounges in Halifax and Montreal are being renovated, while Quebec City and Montreal (Transborder) airports are getting new Air Canada Cafés.
Pascal Bélanger, senior vice-president of the Americas for Plaza Premium Group, said in an e-mail that their Toronto Terminal 1 international lounge will be relocated to a newly designed space.
Even though details about the new lounge haven’t been shared yet, today’s travellers will expect bigger spaces, private seating and upgraded food options. They would provide instant relief for the lounge, which is often crowded in the evenings owing to the volume of overnight departures.
While Amex has no new lounges planned for Canada, it hasn’t forgotten about locals. Select American Express cards offer perks such as airport priority security access, discounts on airport parking and travel credits.
Lounge crowding isn’t limited to North America. European and Asian hubs have similar problems. However, if you travel through smaller Canadian airports such as Ottawa, Edmonton or Toronto island, or during non-peak hours, lounges are far more tranquil.
The take-away here? Having lounge access bundled with your credit card is a nice perk, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason you sign up.
Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert. He was previously affiliated with Aeroplan and American Express but currently has no relationship with any of the brands mentioned.
Editor’s note: The caption on the second photo has been updated to correct the location of the lounge to Vancouver International Airport. (Dec. 11, 2025) A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Air Canada premium economy passengers receive lounge access with their tickets; premium economy passengers usually pay a $49 charge for lounge access. The article also incorrectly stated that American Express platinum card holders would be capped at six Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Lounge accesses per calendar year; the cap is six Plaza Premium visits and six Priority Pass Lounge visits per calendar year, for a total of 12.
