Your guide to DragonPass lounges

Updated Jan 17, 2025

The DragonPass lounge network is one of the largest airport lounge networks in the world. Find out everything you need to know to get those most out of DragonPass with your travel credit card.

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DragonPass is the membership that helps elevate your travel experience.

Airport lounge access is among the best perks with a premium travel credit card. The chance to take a break from the chaos in airports (and departure lounges specifically), enjoy complimentary food and beverage options and kick back in comfortable surroundings can significantly improve your travel experience. DragonPass is one such lounge network. 

What is DragonPass?

What is DragonPass?

DragonPass is a global airport lounge system that provides travellers access to a vast network of premium airport lounges worldwide. Launched in 2012, DragonPass has rapidly grown to become a leading airport lounge service provider catering to discerning travellers' needs. 

DragonPass is your gateway to a diverse range of airport lounges. From airline-operated lounges to independent lounges and even some hotel lounges, its partnerships ensure that you can find the perfect lounge to suit your needs, whether you're seeking a quiet space to work, a place to enjoy a meal or a hub for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The DragonPass network covers all major airports worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania hubs. This global reach means that you can enjoy the benefits of DragonPass no matter where your travels take you.

Pros and cons

DragonPass membership pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • Broad acceptance: Lounges in the DragonPass network enjoy wide acceptance, regardless of your credit card. DragonPass also powers the Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard TravelPass lounge programs.

  • Complimentary refreshments: DragonPass, like Amex Global Lounges or Priority Pass lounges, provides complimentary snacks, beverages and buffet options for travellers.

  • Designed for work and families: Lounges provide the right mix of family-friendly and work enabled spaces, including free Wi-Fi and charging stations, televisions and activities for kids, private escapes, spa services and more.

Cons

Cons

  • Might be crowded: Airport lounges are enjoying a surge in popularity, with many travel credit cards offering lounge access as a benefit. As a result, you might find lounges crowded at peak times or in busy airports.

  • Prices: Outside of free visits, lounge visits might be cost-prohibitive for some travellers. The average entry fee to an airport lounge with a paid DragonPass lounge is around CDN$35.

  • Time limits: Lounges may have time limits for check-in or duration of stays, usually around three hours before a scheduled flight.

Features

DragonPass features

The DragonPass network is truly global, with over 1,300 airport lounges spanning over 600 cities across 130 countries. This extensive network ensures that, no matter where your travels take you, you'll have access to a premium lounge experience.

DragonPass partners with various airport lounges, including airline-operated lounges, independent lounges, and even hotel lounges. This diversity allows travellers to find the perfect lounge to suit their needs, whether they are looking for a quiet workplace space, a place to enjoy a meal, or a hub for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The DragonPass network also includes airport lounges with a wide variety of additional amenities, such as children's play areas, family rooms, storage lockers, showers, spas and accessibility facilities for travellers with disabilities. This variety ensures that every traveller's needs are catered to, making them feel valued and important.

Other benefits of DragonPass

DragonPass offers far more than just airport lounge access. Members also enjoy a diverse range of additional benefits, including:

  • Up to 20% discounts at more than 1,000 airport restaurants worldwide
  • 5% off meet-and-greet or limo bookings
  • Discounts on premium airport transfers
How to use

How to use DragonPass to enter a lounge

Downloading and activating the DragonPass app

To access the lounge facilities, follow these steps:

  1. 1.

    Download the DragonPass app from your preferred app store

  2. 2.

    Install the app on your device

  3. 3.

    Activate your membership by entering the ID and Activation Code provided by your bank or DragonPass

Accessing the lounge

Once you have installed and activated the app, you can access the lounge by following these instructions:

  1. 1.

    Open the DragonPass app when you’re at the airport

  2. 2.

    Display your membership card on the app

  3. 3.

    The lounge staff will scan the code on your membership card and boarding pass to grant you access

Payment and eligibility

Please note the following regarding payment and eligibility:

  • If you need to pay for your visit, the credit card linked to your DragonPass membership will be automatically charged. The lounge staff will inform you of the fee or you can inquire proactively
  • You must also present an eligible same-day boarding pass 
  • You can redeem an additional visit for a companion at the lounge entrance. Make sure to display your membership card through the DragonPass app and use the additional visit option for your companion if necessary
Membership tiers

DragonPass membership tiers

DragonPass currently offers three membership tiers to cater to a diverse range of travellers. The pricing for DragonPass memberships varies based on the region but breaks down as follows for Canadians:

Feature Classic Preferential Prestige
Annual fee USD$99 USD$219 USD$399
Free lounge visits included 1 8 Unlimited
Lounge visit fee USD$35 USD$31 USD$31 (for guests)

Each DragonPass tier provides at least one complimentary pass per year with additional visit charges at a discounted rate based on your membership level. One lounge visit equals one entry for either you or a guest, meaning you’ll need to redeem additional free visits or pay $35 for each guest when entering an eligible lounge.

CA airports w/ lounges

Which Canadian airports accept DragonPass?

While DragonPass works at more than 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide, the Canadian lounge locations are likely to be of most interest to Canadian travellers. Fortunately, DragonPass enjoys extensive acceptance across the country, with the following eligible partners, accurate as of July 1, 2024:

DragonPass locations by Canadian airport

  • Calgary International (YYC)

    +

    The Aspire Transborder Lounge

    Elevation Lounge

    2 dining partners

  • Edmonton Airport (YEG)

    +

    2 Plaza Premium Lounges

    3 dining partners

  • Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL)

    +

    The Air France/KLM Lounge

    National Bank Lounge

    Desjardins Odyssey Lounge

    10 dining partners

  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier (YOW)

    +

    The Aspire Lounge

    4 dining partners

  • Quebec Jean-Lesage Airport (YQB)

    +

    The VIP Lounge by Club Med

  • Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ)

    +

    The Aspire Lounge

    2 dining partners

  • Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

    +

    8 Plaza Premium Lounges

    The Air France/KLM Lounge

    17 dining partners

  • Vancouver International (YVR)

    +

    6 Plaza Premium Lounges

    The SkyTeam VIP Lounge

    The Root 98 Lounge

    13 dining partners

DragonPass credit cards

Canadian credit cards with DragonPass access

While there are several credit cards that provide airport lounge access, not all use the DragonPass network. Here are some of the leading Canadian credit cards that offer you a complimentary DragonPass membership:

up to 120,000 pts*

Welcome Bonus

$1,297.72

First Year Value

$497.72

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 120,000 Points*

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

*Terms and conditions apply.

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

up to $3000 in value

Welcome Bonus

$3,067

First Year Value

$67

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

†Terms and conditions apply.

up to 80K pts

Welcome Bonus

$2,181

First Year Value

$581

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year.

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

†Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available in Quebec.

The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

up to 70k pts

Welcome Bonus

$1,953

First Year Value

$753

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 70,000 Aeroplan® points (up to $1,400 in travel value†)

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

†Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.

The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

$196

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Learn More Apply Now On Desjardins' Secure Site

up to 70k pts

Welcome Bonus

$9

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 70,000 Avion points* (a travel value of up to $1,500†).

Learn More Apply Now On RBC's Secure Site

 Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

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Program comparison

How does DragonPass compare with other airport lounge programs?

Priority Pass

DragonPass competes with another popular airport lounge service - Priority Pass. Priority Pass is another popular airport lounge network that offers access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. It’s available to individuals through various membership options, including annual subscriptions and credit card partnerships. With Priority Pass, travellers can enjoy amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi access and even shower facilities in some lounges. 

Here’s how DragonPass and Priority Pass compare:

Lounge program Priority Pass DragonPass
Cost Between $99-$469 annually; complimentary with some credit cards From $89 annually; complimentary with some credit cards
Benefits ● Access to more than 1,500 lounges in 145 countries
● You can easily increase the amount of passes you get by upgrading your membership
● Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges in 140 countries
● May come with additional credit card travel perks like priority boarding, free checked baggage
Drawbacks ● Membership may seem costly for some
● Some lounges may not be a part of Priority Pass, like Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges
● The amount of passes you get annually depend on your card issuer’s perks
● May not be able to access as many lounges as Priority Pass

Amex Global Lounge Collection

The American Express Global Lounge membership is available to select premium Amex cardholders, such as Platinum cardholders, and provides access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. These lounges include the Amex Centurion, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club and Plaza Premium lounges. 

The Centurion lounges are the most exclusive in the program, offering a lavish experience with signature cocktails, gourmet food and premium amenities like spa services, wine tastings and dedicated family areas. In certain locations, some DragonPass lounges also offer these features. 

Accessing the Amex Global Lounge collection can be worthwhile for high-earning, frequent travellers despite the high annual credit card fee. Budget-conscious individuals may prefer DragonPass.

Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass

Both Visa and Mastercard credit cards provide an in-house airport lounge programme. Visa Airport Companion and Mastercard Travel Pass are two alternative airport lounge networks. These programmes offer digital-first access to over 1,300 global lounges, along with discounts at select airport eateries, exclusive Wi-Fi for members, airport transportation services and more.

While these programmes may appear to be alternatives to DragonPass, they are actually the same service. Both Mastercard Travel Pass and Visa Airport Companion are provided through the DragonPass network. This means that you can expect the same services, value and access from all three networks.

Can it help you?

How can DragonPass membership improve your travels?

The DragonPass Airport Lounge Network offers many benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. 1.

    Comfortable and relaxing environments: DragonPass lounges provide a serene and comfortable oasis within the bustling airport environment. You can enjoy plush seating, complimentary refreshments and a peaceful atmosphere to unwind or catch up on work.

  2. 2.

    Complimentary amenities: DragonPass lounges typically offer a range of complimentary amenities, including food and beverages, Wi-Fi, showers and even spa services in some locations. These amenities help you recharge and rejuvenate during your travels.

  3. 3.

    Increased productivity: DragonPass lounges' quiet and distraction-free environment can be a boon for business travellers, allowing them to work efficiently and stay productive during layovers or downtime.

  4. 4.

    Premium services: Many DragonPass lounges offer premium services, such as private workspaces, meeting rooms and concierge assistance, catering to the needs of discerning travellers.

  5. 5.

    Reduced stress: DragonPass can help alleviate the stress and anxiety often associated with air travel by providing a comfortable and hassle-free airport experience.

Tips

How to get the most out of DragonPass

To get the most out of DragonPass, follow these tips:

  • Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the locations of the lounges in the airports you'll be traveling through
  • Download the app: The DragonPass app will be your ultimate travel companion. It offers real-time updates on lounge availability and other perks
Is it worth it?

Is DragonPass worth it?

DragonPass may not be the first thing you look for in a travel credit card but it’s a versatile benefit that can save you significant money and make travelling just that little bit easier. If you’re planning an international trip with several layovers, or if you travel frequently domestically and want a little more luxury (and food discounts) while waiting for your flight, DragonPass provides something for everyone.

FAQs

FAQs

  • Can I purchase an individual lounge visit if I run out of free visits?

    +

    Yes. You can purchase additional lounge visits for yourself or guests at the discounted rate of your DragonPass tier. These passes range in price from USD$31to USD$35.

  • Is Mastercard Travel Pass different from DragonPass?

    +

    No. DragonPass powers the airport lounge programmes of Visa and Mastercard, meaning if your credit card provides access to Visa Airport Companion or Mastercard Travel Pass, you can expect the same great features of the DragonPass network.

Cory Santos Finance editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.

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