Airport lounges may appear to be a frivolous expenditure for the frugal traveler. For years, we overlooked airport lounges as a perk for first-class passengers, until we realized two things:
Airport lounges can be an excellent value, mainly when they include food, drinks, showers, and a bed. Airport lounges can be obtained for a low cost, and in some cases for free, even without frequent flyer status or flying first class.
So you’re ready to say goodbye to airport bench naps and overpriced food court fare? Here are the top 5 airport lounges for cheap, if not free to check out before your last minute flight:
Westjet Elevation Lounge
Designed with your journey in mind, you can rest, recharge, and stay connected. The lounge combines modern design with refined mountain living, which is inspired by Canada’s diverse landscape. The menu combines classic global flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Pass the time while our mixologists create a signature drink or try our locally brewed Elevation beer under the natural light of airside views. Access to the lounge is free for WestJet 787 business class passengers who have booked business class seats and WestJet Rewards Gold and Platinum members, who have unlimited access regardless of service class or fare class paid. Members of WestJet Silver, on the other hand, receive four lounge passes per status year. To use your WestJet status to gain access to the lounge, you must be flying on a WestJet ticket.
Plaza Premium Lounge, Toronto
Make a grand entrance into a vast oasis. A wall of windows overlooking the magnificent airfield is waiting for you. Escape the hustle and bustle of the airport – this is the ideal spot for rest and relaxation before your last minute flight. In a stress-free environment, you can sample free wine and cocktails or catch up on business projects.
Relax in a Plaza Premium lounge before your flight and relish extra comfort, fresh fruit and veg, and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
The Plaza Premium Lounge is located fairly deep within Toronto Pearson, above a number of luxury duty-free shops.
The lounge is actually located next to Air Canada’s recently reopened swanky Signature Suite. However, if you purchase an Air Canada boarding pass in business class seats (Lowest) with Aeroplane points rather than cash, you’ll be ineligible for entry.
1. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
Access to an airport lounge is always preferable to waiting at the gate. It provides a quiet space for you to relax, work, and enjoy a complimentary bite to eat before your international flight such as Canada to India flights — or even upon arrival in some cases. Depending on how the lounge is configured, it can also be a great place to socially distance yourself from others.
Accessing lounges is simpler than you might think. Today, we’ll go over everything you need to know about using Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounge network. As you’ll see, there are still plenty of ways to gain access to these lounges without purchasing a premium cabin ticket.
Regardless of elite status or membership, those flying in business class or Signature Class on Air Canada are always granted lounge access. Premium Rouge members can only fly for free within Canada, to the United States, and to Sun destinations (Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean). When flying to Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, you must pay for access.
2. Air France KLM Lounge
The Air France lounge at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has been completely renovated (YUL). The 490 square meters (5,300 square foot) lounge seats 149 guests and has plenty of natural light thanks to windows overlooking the runways.
The stunning design incorporates Air France’s branding into the lounge. It features a lot of blue, grey, and white, with a few touches of red. The entrance proudly displays Air France’s winged seahorse symbol, among other locations.
The lounge divides into several zones based on whether guests want to relax, work, or dine. It even reserves a private area for Flying Blue Ultimate passengers.
The primary focus of the lounge is on catering. There is a self-service buffet with hot and cold dishes, as well as a special emphasis on French cuisine, wines, and champagne.
Perhaps most excitingly, Air France will launch a new dedicated catering service for its late-night flight from Montreal this fall. The idea is to be able to enjoy pre-flight dining so that you can get the most out of your time onboard. If you choose the pre-flight dining option, we will serve you exactly what is available in business class, including starters, hot dishes, cheese, and desserts, as well as the same wine and champagne list.
3. Air Canada Signature Class Suite
The Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport is an elevated airport experience designed exclusively for our Air Canada Signature Class customers traveling internationally with last minute flights.
As an Air Canada Signature Class customer, you will also have access to a number of priority services, including Business Class check-in (when departing from Toronto), Concierge service, priority security for accelerated screening, priority boarding in Zone 1, and priority baggage delivery upon arrival.
Simply show an eligible boarding pass to the Concierge upon entering to gain access to the Air Canada Signature Suite. We invite you to indulge and unwind with the best that Canada has to offer in food, design, and comfort, for a lavish experience.
These are some of the amazing lounges, one can spend to relax during their flights. So relax & spend some quality time experiencing the sweet spot of comfort & convenience.
Read more: Pearson International Airport Delays – Here’s Everything You Need To Know
