Who has access to Maple Leaf lounge?

Customers travelling in Premium Rouge enjoy complimentary access to the Maple Leaf Lounge on flights within Canada, to the U.S and Sun destinations. Eligible Aeroplan Elite Status Members qualify for complimentary access to the Maple Leaf Lounge.



In 2026, access to Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges is primarily granted to Business Class and Signature Class passengers on Air Canada or Star Alliance partner flights. You also have access if you hold Aeroplan Elite Status (50K, 75K, or Super Elite) or Star Alliance Gold status when flying on a same-day Star Alliance flight. Certain premium "Aeroplan Credit Cards" (like the American Express Aeroplan Reserve or TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege) provide unlimited access for the cardholder. For those without status or premium cards, you can occasionally purchase a one-time pass if you are traveling on a "Latitude" or "Comfort" fare. It is a peer-to-peer "pro-tip" that some "Maple Leaf Express" lounges in domestic terminals have stricter access rules than the international "Signature Suites." Always check the specific lounge location in the Air Canada app before you go, as the 2026 rules have become more focused on preventing overcrowding during peak morning and evening travel windows.

People Also Ask

The other easy way to access a Canadian airport lounge is to hold a credit card with a Priority Pass membership. To gain access to dozens of airport lounges, simply present your Priority Pass membership card at the entrance. *American Express Platinum card do not offer Priority Pass restaurant access.

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In our airport guides, we include lounges that economy-class travellers can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or joining a lounge membership program.

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How to Get Free Airport Lounge Access
  1. Ask a First Class Flyer.
  2. The Airport Lounge Ecosystem.
  3. Private Lounges.
  4. Airline Lounges.
  5. USO Lounges.
  6. Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access.
  7. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
  8. United Explorer Card.


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How can I find out if my issuer provides me with complimentary lounge visits? If your issuer provides complimentary lounge visits, there will be a “Complimentary Visit” section under My Information on the app and under My Account on the web. If you do not have any complimentary visits, this section will not display.

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REVIEW RATING: BEN SAYS: The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is spacious and has a good selection of food & drinks. However, it lacks any special amenities, and could use a refresh.

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To enter the lounge, show the agent the pass, either on your mobile device or printed, along with a valid same-day boarding pass and your Aeroplan number – and you're in! Your pass can be used to bring along friends or colleagues, but the Primary or Secondary Cardholder must be entering the lounge as well.

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Airport lounge access requires a membership, day pass or qualifying airline ticket. Business and first-class passengers often get free access to airline lounges, as do elite members and some U.S. military personnel.

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Aeroplan Premium Credit Cards or Aeroplan Corporate card Primary and secondary cardholders of specific credit cards have complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and the United States. Before your trip, make sure your eligible credit card is linked to the correct Aeroplan membership number.

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Air Canada Senior Vice President Mark Nasr says travel behaviors have changed, and that the driver is premium leisure and work flexibility. According to Nasr, it's a new type of travel behavior, NOT premium credit cards, that are the main cause of airport lounge overcrowding. He says this is happening industry wide.

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In order to earn Aeroplan 50K status, an Aeroplan member will need to earn 50,000 status qualifying miles (SQM) or 50 status qualifying segments (SQS), as well as at least $6,000 status qualifying dollars (SQD).

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They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.

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Most Mastercard World and World Elite credit cards offer membership to the LoungeKey airport lounges network. After that, you have to pay for each entry, which costs $32 US. Only ONE of these credit cards offers LoungeKey membership AND free visits (passes), and that's the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard®*.

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Yes, it's possible to get Priority Pass for “free, but this kind of membership comes through a credit card with an annual fee.

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No, the Priority Pass membership card is not transferable. When you access a lounge, the staff will need to check that the name printed on your membership card matches your boarding pass. The member must also be present for accompanying guests to enter a Priority Pass airport lounge.

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