Flying can be stressful at times, but American Express airport lounges make travel a little more relaxing. With access to Centurion, Aspire, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges, eligible Amex cardholders can enjoy premium perks before takeoff. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Amex Global Lounge Collection and how to access these premium airport lounges. 

What Is the American Express Global Lounge Collection?

The Global Lounge Collection from Amex is a network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide that you can access with an eligible American Express card. This collection includes Amex-owned lounges, Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium lounges, giving travellers a wide range of options wherever they fly. 

You can enjoy exclusive dining and lounge areas, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and sometimes even showers or premium workspaces. 

Here’s a closer look at the different types of lounges Amex cardholders can enter: 

Aspire and Centurion Lounges

The Centurion lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 

With the Amex Platinum card, you get complimentary access to both Aspire and Centurion lounges. 

Centurion lounges are Amex’s own premium travel network, available in 10 countries. While none are located in Canada, they’re highly sought after for their upscale experience, which includes gourmet dining, fancy bars, luxurious amenities, and a more exclusive atmosphere for Platinum and Centurion cardholders. 

Aspire lounges, on the other hand, are operated by Swissport and can be found in several Canadian airports, including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa. Aspire is part of a wider lounge network (often linked to Priority Pass), offering the essentials such as complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, and comfortable seating to a broader range of travellers. 

Priority Pass Lounges

The Priority Pass lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) | Photo Credits: Tripadvisor

Priority Pass American Express lounges provide members with access to a vast network of over 1,700 airport lounges, regardless of the airline or ticket class. You can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and charging stations at all lounges, along with free Wi-Fi. 

The Amex Platinum, Gold, and Aeroplan Reserve cards all give you a complimentary Priority Pass membership, saving you $99 USD per year. However, you will need to pay for each lounge visit, which costs about $35 USD. 

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Plaza Premium lounges are a global network of independent lounges that offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating. These lounges are accessible to anyone who purchases a day pass or uses a partner membership, like Priority Pass. 

American Express Gold cardholders get four complimentary visits per year to any Plaza Premium lounge. Once the four visits have been used, fees apply. 

Air Canada Lounges

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at St. John’s Airport (YYT)

While Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges aren’t included in the Amex Global Lounge Collection, those with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card can access them for free. You can enter select Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes with your credit card and a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight ticket. 

You can find Maple Leaf Lounges in all major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW), Calgary (YYC), and more. 

If you have an Amex Platinum, you also have complimentary access to Escape and Delta Sky Club lounges. 

American Express Airport Lounge Locations in Canada

Here’s a list of all the Amex airport lounges in the five major airports in Canada: 

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

American Express lounges in Toronto Pearson include:

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 1, Domestic)

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 1, International)

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 1, Transborder)

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 3, Domestic)

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 3, International)

• KLM Crown Lounge (Terminal 3, International)

• Plaza Premium (Terminal 3, Transborder)

Vancouver (YVR)

Amex Airport lounges in Vancouver include: 

• Plaza Premium (Domestic, gate C29)

• Plaza Premium (Domestic, gate B15)

• Plaza Premium (International)

• SkyTeam Lounge (International)

• Plaza Premium (Transborder)

Montreal (YUL)

Montreal Amex lounges include:

• Aspire Lounge (Domestic)

• Air France/KLM (International)

• National Bank (International)

• Aspire Lounge (International)

• Desjardins Odyssey Lounge (Transborder) 

Calgary (YYC)

The three Amex lounges in YYC are:

• WestJet Elevation Lounge (Domestic)

• Aspire Lounge (International)

• Aspire Lounge (Transborder) 

Ottawa (YOW)

Amex Ottawa airport lounges include: 

• Aspire Salon Lounge (Main Terminal)

See all the American Express lounges included with the Platinum card here. 

Which Credit Cards Give You Lounge Access?

Three premium American Express credit cards give you lounge access:

American Express Platinum

The American Express Platinum lounge access includes:

• A complimentary membership to Priority Pass

• Free access to any airport lounge in the Amex Global Lounge Collection

The Platinum is the most premium card, offering cardholders access to over 1,400 lounges in more than 140 countries. The Amex Platinum lounge access guest policy varies by lounge, but generally, you are allowed to bring either one or two guests at no additional cost. 

American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold airport lounge access includes:

• A free membership to Priority Pass

• Four complimentary visits to Plaza Premium lounges across Canada

Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card

Amex Aeroplan Reserve cardholders get:

• A free membership to Priority Pass 

• Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes in North America

You can bring a guest to the Air Canada lounges, but you must have a same-day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. 

Restrictions & Things To Know

While Amex lounge access is one of the most valuable perks of these premium cards, there are a few important restrictions and details to keep in mind:

• Guest Policies: Access rules vary by lounge network. With the Amex Platinum, you typically get one complimentary guest, while you may have to pay for additional guests.

• Time Limits: Most lounges allow entry up to 3 to 4 hours before your flight, and some may enforce stricter time limits during peak periods.

• Capacity: Lounges can reach capacity, especially during busy travel times. You might be denied entry if the lounge is full.

• Card Eligibility: Not all Amex cards include lounge access. For example, there is no Amex Cobalt lounge access.

• Additional Fees: Some lounge networks, such as Priority Pass, may charge a fee for visits even if a membership is included with your card.

FAQs

Does Amex Cobalt have lounge access?

The Amex Cobalt card does not offer cardholders lounge access. 

What lounges does the Amex Platinum get you into?

The Amex Platinum gets you into any lounge in the Amex Global Lounge Collection and a free membership to Priority Pass (although you need to pay for each visit). 

Does Amex Gold give you airport lounge access?

Yes, the Amex Gold gets you access to Priority Pass and four free visits to select Plaza Premium lounges in North America. 

Which airports in Canada have Amex lounges? 

The following Canadian airports have Amex lounges:

• Toronto (YYZ)

• Montreal (YUL)

• Vancouver (YVR)

• Ottawa (YOW)

• Calgary (YYC)

• Edmonton (YEG)

• Winnipeg (YWG)

What’s the best credit card for free lounge access? 

The American Express Platinum card is the best credit card for free lounge access, as it offers access to all lounges in the Amex Global Lounge Collection, along with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.