Mastercard Travel Pass (formerly Mastercard Airport Experiences) delivers a common perk of premium credit cards: airport lounge access.
Cardholders receive access to lounges 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 provides lounge access at 7 Canadian airports, but it's powered by DragonPass, which offers more than 1,400 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.
- Airport lounge amenities vary by location, so check which features are available before you travel.
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What is Mastercard Travel Pass?
Mastercard Travel Pass, provided by DragonPass, 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
- Gym and fitness centres (limited availability)
- 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 1,400 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 cards offer membership:
- BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
- BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
- BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard
But only 2 of the cards offer free passes.
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
$150 GeniusCash + Up to 100,000 bonus points + 4 complimentary lounge passes.*
GC: $150
This card offers a fabulous welcome bonus of 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
What is the Mastercard Travel Pass?
The Mastercard Travel Pass is a benefit that some premium Mastercards give cardholders. The pass gives airport lounge access to specific lounges operated by DragonPass (although you may need to pay a lounge entrance fee). The pass might also give you priority security benefits at certain airports.
What is Mastercard Airport Experiences?
Mastercard Airport Experiences operated by Lounge Key used to be the primary airport lounge benefit for Canadian Mastercards. However, Mastercard shifted to DragonPass and the Mastercard Travel Pass in 2022. Lounge Key still operates Mastercard's airport lounge access in England and Wales.
What are the benefits of Travel Pass?
Airport lounge access is probably the biggest benefit of Travel Pass, but you might also get the airport security fast track along with personalized travel updates, restaurant offers at participating airlines, and airport transfer services if your flight is delayed.
How do I check if my Mastercard has lounge access?
There are a few ways to see if your credit card has airport lounge access. You can see if it's one of the cards we mentioned, read your Mastercard's terms and conditions, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Be sure to find out if you have free passes or are required to pay for entrance.
Can you tell me how to apply for a Mastercard Travel Pass?
Although you can buy a membership directly through DragonPass, you can't apply specifically for a Mastercard Travel Pass. Instead, the Mastercard Travel Pass, operated by DragonPass, is a benefit of select Mastercards. So, you'll automatically get lounge membership through your credit card.
How much does Mastercard Travel Pass charge for guests?
If you're bringing a guest to a DragonPass lounge or you've used up all of your free passes for the year, you'll have to pay $32 USD for your guest or yourself. Just be aware that you'll have to register in advance, either online or using the mobile app.
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