Exploring DragonPass: The Ultimate Guide for Canadian Travelers
By Meagen Seatter | Published on 16 Aug 2023
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SendIf you travel frequently, you might be interested in learning about DragonPass, the world’s first digital platform that helps users find airport lounges all around the world. Keep reading to learn all about DragonPass memberships and how you can score one for free by signing up with one of several Canadian credit cards.
What Is DragonPass?
The DragonPass program’s goal is to make travelling more comfortable for its members. One of the ways it manages this is by granting access to over 1300 airport lounges all around the world. Members of DragonPass aren’t limited to a single airline loyalty program, so they can access multiple lounges within the DragonPass network regardless of the airline, class, or loyalty program they belong to.
Facilities and amenities vary by location, but you can expect to find meals, beverages, wi-fi, up-to-date flight information, showers, and more in a DragonPass lounge. In some cases, spa treatments and/or special meals might be available in the absence of a lounge.
There are 4 levels of DragonPass membership available. The Classic level costs $99 USD and grants you one free lounge visit per year. Members will also get 25% off at select restaurants, exclusive rates on premium airport transfers and meet & greet services. Additional visits for members and guests cost $31 USD.
The Standard Plus level is $219 USD and grants 8 free visits per year. The same dining and transfer discounts apply and additional visits are also $31 for members and their guests.
The highest level is called Prestige and costs $399 USD per year. Prestige members have unlimited access to all the lounges in the network but bringing a guest costs $31.
DragonPass lounge access in Canadian airports
DragonPass provides access to a selection of airport lounges across Canada, allowing members to enjoy comfort and convenience while waiting for their flights. For the most current and detailed information, it’s best to check the DragonPass website or app, as lounge availability can change over time. At the time of writing, these are the Canadian airport lounges you can access with your DragonPass:
| Airport | City | Lounge | Type of Flight | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Bishop City Airport (YTZ) | Toronto | Aspire Lounge | Domestic & International Departures | Main Terminal Near Gate A |
| Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) | Toronto | Plaza Premium Lounge (International) | International Departure | Terminal 1, Level 3 Near Boarding Gate E77 |
| Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder) | International Departure | Terminal 1, US Transborder Near Gates F53 & F55 | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic) | Domestic Departure | Terminal 1, Level 3 In The Departure Area | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge (International) | International Departure | Terminal 3, Departure Level Near Boarding Gate C32 | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge (International) – Temporarily Closed | Domestic & International Departures | Terminal 3, US Transborder Near Gate A10 | ||
| Air France – KLM Lounge | International Departure | Terminal 3, AT Level Near Boarding Gate C32 | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic) | Domestic Departure | Terminal 3, Near Boarding Gates B22 & B24 | ||
| Calgary International Airport (YYC) | Calgary | Aspire Lounge Transborder | International Departure | International Terminal, Concourse E / US Transborder |
| Aspire Lounge International | International Departure | Main Terminal | ||
| Elevation Lounge | Domestic Departure | Domestic Terminal, Level 2 Concourse B | ||
| Edmonton International Airport (YEG) | Edmonton | Plaza Premium Lounge (US Departures) | International Departure | Main Terminal, Departure Level Near Boarding Gate 88 |
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-US Departures) | Domestic Departure & Arrival | Main Terminal, Level 2 Near Boarding Gate 52 | ||
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) | Montreal | Air France and KLM Lounge Managed by Plaza Premium Group | International Departure | Main Terminal, International Concourse Near Boarding Gate 57 |
| National Bank Lounge | International Departure | Main Terminal, International Near Boarding Gate 53 | ||
| Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) | Ottawa | Aspire Lounge | International & Domestic Departure | Main Terminal, Main Concourse Near Gate 18 |
| Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) | Quebec | V.I.P Lounge by Club Med | Domestic & International Departure | Main Terminal, Level 2 |
| Vancouver International Airport (YVR) | Vancouver | Plaza Premium Lounge | International Departure | Level 3, Near Boarding Gate Pier D |
| Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder) | International Departure | International Terminal, US Transborder Near Boarding Gate E87 | ||
| Skyteam VIP Lounge | International Departure & Arrival | International Terminal, Departure Level Near Boarding Gate 53 | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge | Domestic Departure | Domestic Terminal, Level 3 Near Boarding Gates A & B | ||
| Plaza Premium Lounge (Pier C) | Domestic Departure | Domestic Terminal, Level 3 Near Boarding Gate C29 | ||
| Root 98-Set meal | Domestic Departure | US Terminal, Level 3 Transborder Departures Near Gate E88 | ||
| James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) | Winnipeg | Plaza Premium Lounge | Domestic Departure & Arrival | Main Terminal, Near Boarding Gates 5 & 6 |
| Root 98-Set meal | International Departure & Arrival<br>Domestic Departure & Arrival | Main Terminal, Level 1 Before Security Checks |
DragonPass and Credit Cards
One way to gain access to all the goodies provided by DragonPass is by opening an account with a credit card that offers complimentary DragonPass membership. Mastercard’s World and World Elite credit cards and Visa’s Infinite level credit cards all offer DragonPass membership, but not all come with the same benefits. Be sure to compare credit cards to find one that will include lounge visits.
After opening up your credit card account you will need to register it before you can start using your membership. Mastercard holders will need to register with Priceless Travel, while Visa cardholders can enroll with Visa Airport Companion. You can download the apps to find airport lounges )and what services they offer) in your location.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card users will get 6 free annual passes to DragonPass lounges with their complimentary membership, plus luxury accommodations, gourmet dining benefits and exclusive access to experiences available through the Avion Collection program. In addition, for every dollar spent you’ll earn 1.25 Avion points. The annual fee for this card is $399.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
For $150 per year, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card gives you complimentary membership to the DragonPass program, plus 6 free lounge visits. You’ll also enjoy other perks like complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership and travel benefits with the Visa Infinite Program. Plus, Scene+ points can be redeemed for airline tickets and upgrades and foreign transaction fees are waived, making it the perfect Canadian travel card. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business also offers DragonPass lounge access during business-related trips.
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes free DragonPass program membership, 6 free lounge visits per year, a $200 annual lifestyle credit to spend on whatever you want, Troon Rewards Golf benefits, and all the perks included in the Visa Infinite Privilege program. You’ll get 5x more points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases and you can add users to your account, making it easier to accumulate points. Right now, you can get rewarded with up to 90,000 points just for signing up. At $500 per year, this card certainly isn’t cheap, but the travel rewards are worth the cost if you fly frequently.
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is much more affordable than the Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege card at only $150 per year. It’s also the only Mastercard to offer free lounge access with its DragonPass membership. Lounge visits can be used for the cardholder and a guest. Users will also get travel and medical insurance coverage, concierge services and up to 25% car rentals at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-A-Car.
The business version of this card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard, also comes with a DragonPass membership and will get you 2 free DragonPass lounge visits every year.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card comes with Air Canada and DragonPass travel benefits, including 6 free lounge visits, and unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. Plus, cardholders will receive priority airport upgrades for them and up to 8 travel companions travelling on the same Air Canada reservation, Visa Infinite Privilege airport benefits at select airports, Troon Rewards Platinum Status, and a free upgrade to Avis’ President’s Club. As a final benefit, the primary cardholder will receive a round-trip companion pass for just $99 if over $25,000 in charges has been made to the card in a calendar year. Apply before May 28, 2023, and earn up to 115,000 additional Aeroplan points by spending $7500 within the first 3 months and an additional $12,000 in the first year.
Vancity Enviro Visa Infinite Card
The Vancity Enviro Visa Infinite Card is available for $245 for Vancity members or $395 for non-members. With the card, you’ll enjoy 6 complimentary lounge visits through the DragonPass program.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is definitely one of the best Canadian travel cards out there. With it, you get the best of Aeroplan and Visa Infinite’s reward program, plus free DragonPass membership and 6 lounge visits. Cardholders will also gain access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges. Plus, eligible purchases will help you reach Aeroplan Elite status which rewards you with even more travel perks. The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also lets your authorized users take advantage of your travel benefits even when you’re not around. All they have to do is link their Aeroplan number. This card is available for $139 per year, but new users will get a fee rebate for the first year.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card, your DragonPass membership grants you 6 free lounge visits. Cardholders will also get 2 Nexus application fee rebates, exclusive access to travel deals through the CIBC Rewards Centre and Visa Infinite travel perks. Plus, their partnership with Journie Rewards saves cardholders up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations. Their special welcome offer gives new users the chance to earn up to 80,000 Aventura points.
CIBC Aventura Gold Card
The CIBC Aventura Gold Card offers similar travel perks as the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Cardholders will get 4 free DragonPass lounge visits per year with their program membership. Collect 2 Aventura points on travel purchases made through the CIBC Reward Centre, 1.5 points at eligible gas, grocery and drug stores and eclectic vehicle charging stations, and 1 point on all other purchases. Sign up for the chance to earn up to 35000 Aventura points and a $139 annual fee rebate as part of their special welcome offer.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
As a CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card holder, you’ll enjoy 4 complimentary DragonPass lounge visits, upgrades and tickets through the Visa Infinite Program powered by DragonPass and hassle-free border crossings thanks to one Nexus application fee rebate every 4 years. Their current welcome offer gives new users the chance to earn 15,000 Aventura points after making their first purchase, plus an additional 20,000 Aventura points for spending $1000 or more in the first 4 months.
Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege Card, you’ll enjoy access to all the perks of the Visa Infinite program, including 6 complimentary DragonPass lounge passes. You’ll also get 12 free passes to Montreal’s Desjardins Odyssey Lounge, an exclusive airport lounge just for Desjardin Odyssey Visa cardholders. Additionally, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers DragonPass membership, but no free entry into DragonPass lounges. Holders get free access to the National Bank VIP Lounge in Montreal.
DragonPass vs Priority Pass
DragonPass and Priority Pass are both global airport lounge access programs, offering members access to a network of lounges worldwide. So what’s the difference between the two?
DragonPass offers some distinct features like restaurant discounts in addition to select airport lounge access. It also includes a digital membership card within its app, which can be convenient for travellers. While the DragonPass lounge network is extensive, boasting over 1,200 lounges worldwide, it’s not the only airport lounge program available to Canadians.
Priority Pass is recognized for having one of the largest lounge networks globally. It provides access to over 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities around the world, which may include more lounges in certain locations compared to DragonPass. Priority Pass memberships often come as a benefit with credit cards.
The choice between DragonPass vs Priority Pass typically depends on factors like your travel patterns, the specific lounges or airports you frequent, the additional benefits provided, and the costs of the memberships. It’s advisable to check each provider’s current lounge directory and compare it with your usual airports of departure to make the best choice.
