The WestJet Elevation Lounge at Calgary International Airport is a contender for the best domestic airport lounge in Canada. In fact, it’s so good and offers so many opportunities for access that it’s often overrun with guests and passengers who want to access it.
On a recent itinerary, I had a very long layover in Calgary so I had more than enough time to visit the Elevation Lounge to take some pictures for a review. While my goal this visit was to do a review for Frugal Flyer, I always try to access the lounge whenever flying through on a domestic ticket because it is just that good.
The WestJet Elevation Lounge is easily the best lounge at Calgary International Airport. Let me show you why.
Where is the WestJet Elevation Lounge at Calgary International Airport (YYC)?
The WestJet Elevation Lounge is located directly beside Security Checkpoint B. If you’re connecting, look for signs pointing towards the B gates and head that way.
It’s pretty hard to miss as you get close, as you’ll notice the striking signage outside the lounge.
Accessing the WestJet Elevation Lounge at Calgary International Airport (YYC)
As I mentioned in my preamble, there are more ways to access the WestJet Elevation Lounge than any other I know of, and I don’t think there’s a better lounge in Canada that offers this level of access. WestJet lists the entry requirements as:
- WestJet Rewards Platinum and Gold members are eligible for complimentary lounge access based on their tier benefits, as well as Silver and Teal members with valid lounge vouchers.
- Guests travelling in the Business cabin of our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (including connections when a Business fare has been purchased) also enjoy complimentary access to the lounge.
- Delta SkyMiles members with Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion® status traveling on an itinerary that includes a segment between Canada and the US, operated by Delta and/or WestJet, also enjoy complimentary access. Those holding a Delta One ticket also have access when Calgary (YYC) is part of the same-day international itinerary.
- Priority Pass, DragonPass via Mastercard Travel Pass, LOUNGE CLUB, and Diners Club members may access the lounge using their membership benefits.
- All other guests, including those travelling on different airlines, are welcome to access the lounge for a fee, payable on lounge entry.
While it may seem complex at first, Delta SkyMiles and WestJet Rewards elite members have access most of the time, and essentially every bank-branded credit card that includes lounge passes can grant you access (so many of the best credit cards for airport lounge access will work). You can even convert a WestJet Companion Voucher to four lounge passes to use for entry.
One missing link in WestJet’s terms and conditions is that the Visa Airport Companion program also grants access to the lounge and that’s how I accessed the WestJet Elevation Lounge. I registered my TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card in the Visa Airport Companion app and used 1 of the 4 airport lounge pass entitlements included in that annual fee.
The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card earns 8x TD Rewards on purchases at Expedia for TD, plus a $100 Expedia for TD credit and TD Rewards birthday bonus.
Check out our TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card review for more information.
165,000 TD Rewards points
$7,500
$825+
$139 (FYF)
Yes
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It’s worth noting that you can only access this lounge 3 hours before your flight departs, even if you’re on a connection. This differs from the Maple Leaf Lounge access rules, which permit lounge access regardless of the duration of your connection
If you want to access the lounge, but don’t have any means to access through status or credit cards, you can pay $59 CAD +GST when flying WestJet or $65 CAD +GST when flying with any other airline. If you can maximize the amenities and plan to have a couple of adult beverages, I think this is the only lounge where I can see that price matching the value you receive.
Upon arrival at the Elevation lounge, there are two lines: one for WestJet/Delta Elites & Business Class passengers, and one for everyone else.
When I arrived at the lounge three hours before departure, there was a pretty huge line, and I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to get in at all. However, it only took waiting 20 minutes, and there was even some extra seating available when I got in.
Seating
The lounge seating is well-designed with no space being left vacant. There are four distinct seating areas around the lounge, the largest of which is dining-style in nature and visible as soon as you enter the lounge. Around the edges of the long communal table are long benches that work great for solo travelers.
Behind this large seating area is the bar, which, of course, is designed in a more bar or pub style. There’s even a second bar top just behind the first one, and some large lounging chairs. My favorite amenity in this area is the faux fireplace.
Venturing further into the lounge, you’ll find more solo traveler seating that reminded me quite a lot of the American Express Centurion lounges.
You can also see the QR codes at each seat in these pictures, which allow you to order food and alcoholic drinks directly to your table. Also in this area, you’ll find some enclosed phone rooms with dimmable lights.
Next to these, there is a meeting room that can be reserved at the front desk, as well as a business area equipped with a printer.
The final seating area is the most popular, featuring some loungers that make an excellent spot to relax. You can find them at the very back of the lounge, away from all the hustle and bustle.
It’s worth noting that there is a station for customer assistance in the lounge, but I never saw an agent there. You also have a wide range of digital media options.
Food & Beverage
The food and beverage offerings at this lounge are uniquely set up, with all food delivered via table service. This is undoubtedly a larger expense than having a buffet setup, but it clears a significant amount of space for extra seating. Considering WestJet is attempting to cram as many passengers as they can into the lounge, it’s a good setup!
Non-alcoholic drinks are available for self-service and are conveniently located near the large communal table. All of the food is running out from this area as well, so you need to keep your head on a swivel when grabbing a coffee!
I’ve visited this lounge a handful of times and have enjoyed the food every time. Some of the items I’ve sampled here are the beef taco, key lime pie, poutine, pancakes and bacon, and sourdough toast.
Upon scanning the QR code on your table, you’re met with a welcome screen to start your order. After selecting all your items, you’ll be met with the screen below to place your order.
There’s a nice selection of food, both small plates and large, that rotates along with some dessert.
There are many drinks available as well! I particularly enjoy the custom cocktails, very Centurion lounge-esque!
There are also many classic cocktails to choose from.
Shower Facilities
The regular bathrooms are pretty small considering the number of passengers this lounge accommodates. However, the shower facilities are excellent and even include a heated towel bar! Showers in domestic Canadian lounges are extremely rare, and the fact that this one is included for no cost is a treat!
Family Area
The family area is a welcome addition to this busy lounge, and more substantial than some other family areas I’ve seen. The addition of a “block” or “peg” wall is a fun addition, and in WestJet colours!
Conclusion
I love the WestJet Elevation Lounge for its unique setup for food and beverage, and fantastic array of amenities. I will always try to visit this lounge when connecting, but waiting 20 minutes to access when I have access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at C gates is a big ask. Overall, I hope this lounge inspires Air Canada to raise its game, as this lounge is truly first class!
Daniel Burkett
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It’s still better than other domestic lounges but it’s declined from how great it was when it opened. Food quality, service and cleanliness are all significantly worse than they were at first. I guess without competition there was no need for them to be that good.