Calgary International Airport (YYC) is fairly small and is split into two terminals. The domestic terminal and the international terminal for U.S.bound and international flights. We review which lounge is best when flying in First or Business Class or have a Priority Pass or relevant credit card.
If you are stopping in Calgary, we have also reviewed the best executive club lounges in Calgary.
Free Airport Lounge Access
If you have not paid for Business Class or First Class, you can access airport lounges for free if you have an unlimited Priority Pass or an Amex Platinum card. To get extra bonus referral points and advice on the Platinum American Express and other free lounge access credit cards, have a read of our best credit cards for luxury travel.
1. International Aspire Lounge, International Terminal
There are two Aspire Lounges in Calgary’s International Terminal. One is for international flyers, and one is for trans-border passengers flying to the U.S. The International Aspire Lounge can be accessed by Priority Pass members and Business Class passengers on WestJet for free, or anyone can access this lounge for a fee at the door.
This newly renovated lounge at Calgary Airport is smart with lots of pine, and much of the seating enjoys good views out to the planes. There is a big central shared table made of a thick wedge of wood with loads of high stools and sofa seats, and cafe-style seats. Many of the seats don’t have tarmac views, instead look over a balcony and down to the busy concourse below, which is also a fun and interesting view.
Food-wise, the lounge offers a nice buffet with bagels, toast, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, veggies, fruit, and several hot chicken, pasta, and rice dishes. There are also loads of delicious cakes, including muffins and cupcakes. The lounge offers guests a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and there’s a coffee machine, soda fountains, etc.
A sleeping area features daybeds in curtained cubicles. Each has its own TV, and there are bathrooms and showers too.
2. Aspire Lounge Transborder Lounge
This lounge is for trans-border passengers flying to the U.S. Premium Air Canada passengers can also enter the trans-border Aspire Lounge, as there is no Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in this terminal.
Again, this is a great lounge, beautifully modern with high ceilings and views of the planes and balcony views down to the gates or concourse.
Food-wise, the lounge offers a nice buffet with bagels, toast, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, and several hot dishes, including rice with green beans and beef stew. There are also loads of delicious cakes, including muffins. The lounge also offers guests a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and there’s a coffee machine, plus cans of soft drinks.
A sleeping area features daybeds in curtained cubicles. Each has its own TV, and there are bathrooms and showers too.
3. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Domestic Terminal
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is open to Air Canada passengers flying in First Class or Business Class, Elite members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan, Star Alliance Gold members, and people with relevant Air Canada-branded credit cards.
The lounge feels cozy and is quite stylish, with what appears to be a fireplace in one section. Furnishings are a mix of rustic and leather seats. Food is pleasant and tasty, although not noteworthy with chicken noodle soup, a salad bar, crisps, and salsa dips, along with cookies. Hot dishes include pasta, mixed vegetables, and chicken.
While this lounge doesn’t wow, it doesn’t disappoint either and is a good solid lounge in Calgary.
4. Chinook Lounge, Domestic Terminal
The Chinook Lounge can be entered for a fee at the door, or you can get in with a Priority Pass members. It can be found after security in Concourse A. The big bonus of this lounge are the big windows with excellent views of the planes and the runway so you can watch the planes taking off and landing.
The lounge itself has a cozy if dated feel, with a fireplace in the center surrounded by lots of leather sets. The lounge has a nice selection of soft drinks and complimentary beers and spirits to help yourself to. There is a hot and cold buffet. There is hearty food in the hot buffet area with dishes like chili (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), chicken noodle soup, and split pea soup. In the cold area, there is pasta, pots of cut fruit and vegetables, coleslaw, and a plate of cheese with grapes to help yourself to. This is filling and pleasant if uninspiring airport food in a pleasant but uninspiring lounge.
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