15 Easy Ways to Gain Airport Lounge Access

Have you ever had a long layover at the airport or your flight is delayed, and you found there were limited options for lounging or comfort? Some ways to pass the time would be to sit and fume, or you can visit the duty-free shop for the 10th time. Alternatively, you can relax in the airport lounge, provided you’re one of the people travelling in the front part of the plane, right? Wrong. Anyone can make it through those hallowed doors… if you know the tricks!

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Buy a day pass online

Some airlines offer day passes that you can book online once you've booked your ticket. For example, Air Canada says you can get a day pass for their Maple Leaf Lounges if you have a Latitude or Flex ticket.

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Buy a day pass at the airport

If you travel with WestJet, you can buy a day pass to the Plaza Premium Lounges at Toronto Pearson, Edmonton or Vancouver simply by arriving and showing your valid boarding pass. WestJet says that you can even get a 20 per cent discount on the walk-in fee.

Plaza Premium Lounge

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Head for another independent lounge

In Canada, your best bet for independent airport lounges are the Plaza Premium Lounges. However, the New York Times says that independent airport lounges are now popping up around the world. Depending on the lounge, rates can be hourly or a flat rate for all-day access.

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Buy an annual lounge membership with an airline or alliance

Annual airport lounge membership fees are quite hefty, so are only a good option if you frequently travel with the same airline or airline alliance. Independent Traveler suggests that before you buy, you check that the airline actually has lounges at the airports you visit most often.

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Be on the lookout for lounge membership special offers

Lifehacker suggests that you buy your annual lounge membership when the airline has a special offer on it.

Plaza Premium Lounge

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Add ‘lounge membership gift card’ to your birthday wish list

Hint to your friends and family that what you'd really like for your birthday is a lounge membership gift card. The Plaza Premium Lounges have a gift card that's available online and offers special discounts.

Join an Independent Lounge Access Program

Priority Pass

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Join an independent lounge access program

You don't have to join a specific airline's lounge access program. With Priority Pass, for instance, you can use any of 700 airport lounges around the world, including several in Canada, regardless of which airline you're flying with.

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Get a credit card that allows you access to airport lounges

Many credit cards offer lounge access as one of their perks. Annual fees differ, so shop around. According to Credit Walk, some Canadian credit cards offer unlimited lounge access, some offer limited access and some give you a discount on the membership fee.

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Get elite status

Most airlines and airline alliances offer you lounge access when you've become an elite flyer. For Maple Leaf Lounge access, you need Star Alliance Gold status while for WestJet, you need Silver or Gold Status.

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Buy a first-class or business-class ticket for lounge access

A first-class or business-class ticket can give you automatic access to the airport lounge but, as Lifehacker points out, there's a catch: sometimes you'll only get lounge access if you travel internationally. A business-class ticket on any Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge or Star Alliance flight will get you access to the Maple Leaf Lounges.

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Buy a fully refundable business ticket and cancel it

The Credit Card Fly suggests that along with your regular ticket, you buy a business-class or first-class ticket for the same day. However, make sure the ticket is fully refundable. Then, when you've entered the airport lounge, cancel that ticket before the flight's departure time and get your money back.

Buy a lounge pass from another traveller

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Buy a lounge pass from another traveller

According to Lifehacker, travellers sometimes sell lounge passes. Check sites such as Craigslist, eBay or the FlyerTalk forums, but remember to check if there are any restrictions on using these passes.

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Buy a guest pass

Independent Traveler suggests that you also check the FlyerTalk forums, Craigslist or eBay for people selling guest passes.

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Ask a stranger to add you as their guest

The Credit Card Fly explains that since guest passes don't cost lounge members anything, you may get lucky if you dress nicely and ask strangers who are about to enter the lounge if they would be willing to add you as their guest. Sooner or later someone is bound to say yes.

app that helps you find an airport lounge that will allow you access

LoungeBuddy

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Use an app to help you find lounge access

LoungeBuddy is an app that helps you find an airport lounge that will allow you access. You can even take a virtual tour or read reviews of the lounge before you part with your money.