In an exclusive email for those with premium-level Aeroplan credit cards, Air Canada has announced some significant changes to their Maple Leaf Lounges. The biggest change with this announcement is the limitation of free passes for those with 35K Elite Status – what used to be unlimited has been pared back to 2 per year.
Those with a premium credit card (an Amex Reserve or Visa Infinite Privilege that earns Aeroplan points) got an email reassuring them that lounge access would be better for them at the expense of people who only had 35K Elite Status.
In this article, we’ll go over all the changes in the email, as well as give you some insight on what the affected credit cards will look like (in terms of perks) after the changes.
Key Takeaways
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Air Canada limits free Maple Leaf Lounge Access to 2 visits per year
Previously, Aeroplan 35K members would be given complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges across Canada and the United States. As of June 1, 2023, this has been cut down to just 2 visits per year.
This was done as too many lineups were forming at the entrances and long waits for a seat inside.
That’s Air Canada’s rationale. And while partly true, it likely boils down to “too many people taking advantage of lounge access through our credit cards” as much as the long wait times.
Customers will also be limited to entering no earlier than 3 hours before departure time (excluding connected flights or delays). This helps discourage staying there all day and getting 3 meals out of it (not like I’ve ever done that myself!).
Other improvements coming to Maple Leaf Lounges
To help solve the overcrowding issue, Air Canada is pledging to improve seating capacity and implement eGates that will work with the Air Canada app for faster entry.
Air Canada is also committing to building out more lounges across North America, so you’re more likely to have a relaxing rest area rather than sitting on the uncomfortable public benches next to screaming toddlers.
Credit cards with unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge Access
Some credit cards come with free Maple Leaf Lounge access. We’ll go over the rundown of these cards for those curious about their benefits.
The difference here is that even though normal 35K Elite Status members will be reduced to 2 Maple Leaf Lounge visits per year, holders of these cards will still enjoy unlimited access.
We have full rundowns of each of these cards, but we’ll focus more on the perks in these sections so you can see whether they’re worth it.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Probably the best-known of the gang, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has a barrel full of benefits, mostly centred around Air Canada and other flight-related goodies.
Aside from the best earn rates on Air Canada flights, you’ll also get:
- a welcome bonus of up to 85,000 Aeroplan points,
- NEXUS rebates every 4 years (up to $100),
- Air Canada benefits, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling,
- the chance to earn a worldwide companion pass every year,
- first free checked bag for up to 9 people on your reservation,
- Amex Experience access,
- a whole load of benefits at Toronto-Pearson (priority security, free valet, and various discounts), and
- 11 types of insurance.
The sticky point for most is the high annual fee of $599. If you travel a lot on Air Canada then it’s an excellent card. One of our staff has this card (he’s the one who tipped us off on the news), and he’s committed to keeping the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card beyond the first year.
And just as a final note, there is also a business version of this card with very similar benefits, the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The next one we’ll talk about is TD’s version of the Visa Infinite Privilege card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card.
- up to 85,000 Aeroplan points as a signup bonus,
- NEXUS rebates every 4 years (up to $100),
- first checked bag free for you and up to 2 guests,
- priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling,
- the same benefit of a worldwide companion pass every year as the other 2 cards,
- 6 complimentary visits to lounges through the Visa Airport Companion program,
- other Visa Infinite Privilege benefits,
- complimentary upgrade to the Avis President’s Club,
- earn 50% more Aeroplan points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores, and
- 12 types of insurance.
Again, none of these come for free. This card also has a $599 annual fee every year.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The last on our list is a Visa Infinite Privilege card. The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card doesn’t earn as many Aeroplan points as the Amex we mentioned above and doesn’t have as many perks, but has wider acceptance as a Visa card.
- up to 90,000 Aeroplan points as a signup bonus,
- NEXUS rebates every 4 years (up to $50),
- first checked bag free for you and up to 8 guests,
- priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling,
- a chance to get a worldwide companion pass every year,
- 6 complimentary visits to lounges under the Visa Airport Companion program,
- other Visa Infinite Privilege benefits,
- complimentary upgrade to the Avis President’s Club, and
- 12 types of insurance (the most of these 3).
Similar to the Amex card, it has a high annual fee of $599 per year.
What are your thoughts on the Maple Leaf Lounge downgrade?
The benefits are top-notch compared to some of the normal Visa Infinite cards or those cheapo no fee cards (peasants!). But with the downgrade of Maple Leaf Lounge access, will that make you swing towards getting one of those cards for unlimited access?
If you do travel a lot, you may miss this benefit. I personally don’t have one of these (or any card with free lounge access), and having been to a lounge for the first time through my girlfriend’s credit card, it’s much better than sitting on a steel bench with the rest of the public.
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