Mastercard Travel Pass (formerly Mastercard Airport Experiences) delivers a common perk of premium credit cards: airport lounge access. Cardholders receive access to lounges located inside the airport, designed to make air travel a little less stressful with food, bar service, Wi-Fi, and areas to both work and relax.
While all World and World Elite Mastercards are eligible for the Mastercard Travel Pass, we recommend choosing one from our list of the best Mastercards in Canada. These cards are the cream of the crop, offering plenty of other perks to complement this travel program.
Mastercard Travel Pass lounge access at seven Canadian airports, but it’s powered by DragonPass, which offers more than 1,500 partner lounge locations worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Mastercard Travel Pass gives you exclusive access to airport lounges and special perks.
- Unlimited free lounge passes are not included in the Mastercard Travel Pass program.
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What is Mastercard Travel Pass?
Mastercard Travel Pass is an airport lounge program that offers exclusive access to lounges and plenty of perks while there:
- Complimentary drinks and refreshments
- Secure free Wi-Fi
- Television
- Flight status updates
- Space for you to stretch out, have some privacy, and get comfortable
- Shower access (limited availability)
- Fully stocked bars
- Conference rooms
- Spa treatments
- Dining discounts
- Limousine transport service
- Meet and greet upon lounge check-in
- Airport security fast-track
Note that not all lounges offer every amenity, so check your specific airport if you’re looking for a certain feature. Seven Canadian airports have Mastercard Travel Pass but there are over 1,500 partnering DragonPass lounges worldwide.
Remember: Mastercard Travel Pass provides membership but membership doesn't always include free passes. The number of free passes you receive is based on your credit card – and once you use your annual allotment of passes, you’ll need to pay a fee to enter the lounge.
The Mastercard Travel Pass program also gives you exclusive offers while travelling. The offers vary depending on your location and the codes may expire within a few hours – but if you’re lucky, you could score some great deals.
Credit cards that include Mastercard Travel Pass lounge passes
As mentioned, there aren't many Canadian credit cards that come with access to this exclusive lounge. The following 4 cards offer membership:
- BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
- BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
- BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
- BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard
But only two of the cards offer free passes.
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
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This card offers a fabulous welcome bonus of 90,000 100,000 points, 14 types of insurance coverage, a fuel discount, and an earn rate of up to 5 points per $1 spent.
While you’ll need to meet steep income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household, the benefits quickly add up – especially if you travel often. Plus, you’ll get 4 complimentary Airport Experience lounge passes every year.
BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard
This Mastercard comes with a generous welcome bonus of 70,000 100,000 points, plus 13 types of insurance and a fuel discount. You’ll earn up to 4 points for every $1 spent and enjoy 2 complimentary Airport Experience lounge passes per year. If you fly frequently for business, you’ll enjoy these benefits alongside low interest rates across the board. There is a modest annual fee of $149 but the rewards and perks quickly make up for it.
Pro Tip: If you're in Alberta, you can also access Mastercard Travel Pass with 4 complimentary annual passes through the ATB World Elite Mastercard.
How to access a DragonPass lounge
Before heading to the lounge, activate your DragonPass membership by downloading the DragonPass app and following the activation prompts.
When you’re ready to relax in the lounge, open the app and show your digital membership to the front desk staff. There’s no need to book a spot in advance.
Note: Different lounges have different policies. If you’re traveling with guests, children, or pets, check with your preferred lounge about the rules before you arrive.
Mastercard Travel Pass vs. Priority Pass
Priority Pass is another airport lounge membership program. You can purchase a Priority Pass membership or enjoy a free one through your credit card benefits (on eligible cards).
The programs are quite similar. To help you decide which one is right for you, consider:
- Which airports you frequently spend time in
- Whether you have access to more Priority Pass lounges or Mastercard Travel Pass lounges (keep in mind that many of the lounges are shared between the 2 programs)
- What type of access your credit card offers
If you hold a World Elite Mastercard, you’ll typically have access to Mastercard Travel Pass lounges. On the other hand, American Express is the only bank in Canada that includes Priority Pass in its list of premium credit card perks.
FAQ
How does Mastercard Travel Pass work?
This airport lounge program is operated by DragonPass. The lounges are simply comfortable, relaxing places to work or unwind between flights. You’ll be treated to refreshments, secure WiFi, dining discounts, and more.
Does Mastercard offer free airport lounge access?
Mastercard offers free membership to the Travel Pass program – but you must have a card that comes with free passes or you’ll need to pay for entry. You can get free passes with the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and the BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard.
How do I know if my credit card has airport lounge access?
Since cards vary and issuers frequently change benefits, read your card’s terms and conditions to learn about the airport lounge access it might include.
How much is the DragonPass fee?
If membership isn’t included with your credit card, you can purchase an annual DragonPass membership for $99 USD. Keep in mind that this doesn’t get you into a lounge for free; you’ll need to pay the entry fee upon arrival. The fee is $31 USD per visit for memberships purchased before May 18, 2023 and $35 USD per visit for memberships purchased after that.
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