The once-elite airport lounge is now just another crowded space. Airport lounges were once a coveted travel perk, a peaceful space to relax, eat and drink, and sometimes shower. But these days, they’re often crowded, and the quality is inconsistent.

That’s because what was once an exclusive privilege has become a standard benefit for dozens of credit cards in Canada. And that means more people with lounge access – a lot more. Behind the scenes, however, airlines, credit card providers, and lounge operators are trying to adjust to the higher demand.

Plaza Premium’s Response to Increased Traffic

Plaza Premium, Canada’s biggest independent airport lounge operator, has seen the biggest jump in traffic and has responded by offering Lounge-to-Go takeout and self-check-in to reduce wait times.

Changes in Lounge Access Benefits

Recent changes include Aeroplan members with 35K status losing complimentary access to Maple Leaf Lounges, and American Express capping Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Lounge access benefits for platinum cardholders at six visits per calendar year.

Innovative Lounge Concepts

Air Canada introduced the Air Canada Café as an alternative to the Maple Leaf Lounge, and American Express opened a co-branded lounge with Aspire in Montreal. Plaza Premium launched a dual-lounge concept in Vancouver, offering travelers an upgrade option for a more upscale experience.

Future Improvements and Expectations

Renovations are underway for Maple Leaf Lounges in Halifax and Montreal, with new Air Canada Cafés planned for Quebec City and Montreal airports. Plaza Premium Group is relocating its Toronto Terminal 1 international lounge to a newly designed space to provide a more comfortable experience for travelers.

Final Thoughts

While lounge crowding remains a challenge, efforts are being made to improve the overall experience for travelers. Travelers should consider lounge access as a nice perk but not the sole reason for choosing a credit card. European and Asian hubs also face similar challenges, but smaller Canadian airports and non-peak hours offer a more tranquil lounge experience.

Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert with no current affiliations with the brands mentioned.

Editor’s note: The caption on the second photo has been updated to correct the location of the lounge to Vancouver International Airport.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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